Nothing in a home has more "Oooh" value than a stunning bathroom or kitchen. And few areas of a home can add more to the value of the asset as a whole. This is certainly why kitchen and bathroom remodeling count as some of the most popular home improvement projects in the bigger scheme of things.
by NathanLuis


Nothing in a home has more "Oooh" value than a stunning bathroom or kitchen. And few areas of a home can add more to the value of the asset as a whole. This is certainly why kitchen and bathroom remodeling count as some of the most popular home improvement projects in the bigger scheme of things.

Due to the high cost of cabinets, surfaces, appliances and fittings and the usual necessity of re-routing plumbing, these projects also tend to be among the most expensive. The range of options in fit and finish can also be overwhelming and for these reasons it is usually a good idea to enlist the services of an interior design professional when considering this type of project. They can give invaluable advice and keep the project costs within budget.

As a home is generally seen as part of the family's asset portfolio, it is also good practice to keep the overall theme of this type of remodelling exercise as timeless and broadly acceptable as possible. Fads should be avoided as are extreme departures from general interior design standards. This means the home remains attractive to a broader buyer base.

On the subject of design longevity, when installing new tiles and fittings, it is always a good idea to purchase a box of tiles extra or a spare faucets or fittings as these ranges tend to go out of production leaving the owner with no option but to mismatch or replace entire ranges should a tile or fitting break. These spares are also generally welcomed by prospective buyers.

When remodelling try to bring the kitchen or bathroom out of the role of workhorse and include the space as more of an integral addition to the living area of your home. Improving the visual and traffic flow to these rooms, especially the kitchen, makes them more a part of the whole, something the cook in the home will surely appreciate.

Obviously the bathroom requires a high degree of privacy, but including doors or large windows that give access to shielded areas of the garden or a perfect view add exponential value to the experience and attractiveness of the design.

Special attention should be given to the lighting when considering bathroom and kitchen designs. Dimmers on bathroom lighting circuits add a great deal to the ambience and recessed, low voltage down-lights illuminate kitchen work surfaces far better than conventional surface mount lighting.

Bathrooms tend to be on the small side and the visual effect of space can be optimized by choosing fittings that mount of the floor. They also make for easier cleaning. Tiles should be light coloured and of a durable, low maintenance type for the same reason.

As with all home improvement projects, care should be taken not to over capitalize the overall value of the home when remodelling kitchens and bathrooms. Getting them done well will, however, add immeasurably to the enjoyment the family can gain from the home and to its overall value.

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