Eight Great Bathroom Upgrades

They are usually the smallest rooms in the house but having stylish and comfortable bathrooms is a remodeling job with one of the biggest payoffs. Not only will you see costs recouped if you’re considering putting your house on the market, but a home with upgraded and fully functional bathrooms will make your family feel much more zen too. Here are eight ideas to give your bathrooms a boost without spending a fortune.

Health & Safety

If your bathroom doesn’t have proper ventilation, you will end up with mold and mildew growing on the walls and ceiling. A replacement fan will cost under $100 and you can install it yourself to ensure that the moisture caused by the shower is being extracted properly. Remember, you’ll need to measure the bathroom first to ensure you get the right fan for the job. 

Environmentally Friendly

If you want to do your part for the environment, you can update your bathroom with water-saving fixtures. Many of the big box stores, as well as local retailers, carry energy-efficient models that can cut water flow by upwards of 30 percent, making for a healthier planet and a happier utility bill. 

Neat & Tidy

If you can’t stand cleaning the shower, this one's for you. Today you can find shower doors that are finished with a water-resistant coating that sheds the droplets that leave unsightly little stains. If you’re constantly walking around with a squeegee in hand, this upgrade might just make your weekend cleaning routine just a little easier. 

Semi-Custom

If you’re looking to replace your cabinetry, take a look at some of the semi-custom options available from the major retailers. There are even companies that spruce up IKEA cabinets to make them look more personalized and stylish. If you can’t afford to replace the cabinets, a new lick of paint can breathe new life into old doors.

Get Organized

If your cabinets are in good shape but they are tough to reach or annoying to get into, a cabinet organizer might be for you. Most systems include sliding surfaces which make reaching items in the back a whole lot easier. No more digging in the dark. 

Lights and Mirrors

Dated mirrors or lighting fixtures can bring a bathroom down. Kick it up a notch and keep an eye on the sales flyers for accent pieces to give your bathroom a boost for very little effort. Backlit mirrors are very on trend this year as are soft metallics and mixed metals. 

Counters

Granite countertops are a pricey remodeling project, but these days you can get the look for less by getting creative. Talk to your local countertop expert about where to look for remnant slabs, or consider cheaper options like a preformed laminate finish.

Spa Touches

Make your shower more luxurious by replacing the old head. I personally love a rain shower, but a handheld sprayer can feel great after a long day and it makes cleaning a cinch. You can also replace your old shower curtain with a more modern update for less than $20. You won’t believe how a little change can make a big difference. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Five DIY Home Improvement Projects for Summer

If you’re looking for a few easy ways to give your house a facelift this summer, there are several projects that can make a big difference on a relatively small budget. Warmer weather generally makes these kinds of jobs easier so it’s a good idea to start planning now. Here are five of my favorite DIY improvements. 

1. Exterior Refresh: Refreshing the exterior of your home with a new coat of paint can make a significant difference in its appearance. Of course, painting the entire house isn’t exactly an easy job and will depend on the house's condition and the homeowner’s skill and experience. A front door spruce-up or shutter refresh can be a great place to start as well as a powerwash of the entire exterior.

2. Landscaping and Garden Improvements: Take advantage of the warm weather to spruce up your yard and garden. Trim overgrown bushes and trees, weed the flower beds, and plant new flowers or shrubs to add color and vibrancy. Installing a simple DIY pathway using gravel, stepping stones, or mulch can also enhance the overall appeal of your outdoor space.

3. Outdoor Lighting: Upgrade your outdoor lighting to create a welcoming ambiance and improve safety. Install solar-powered lights along pathways, around the porch, or in the garden. You can also consider string lights or lanterns to add a cozy and festive touch to your outdoor living areas.

4. Kitchen Backsplash: Adding or updating a backsplash in your kitchen can instantly transform the area. If you have a smaller space, visit a local tile outlet center to score a great deal on leftovers from a bigger job. This renovation can give your kitchen a fresh and updated look without breaking the bank.

5. Bathroom Updates: Refreshing your bathroom doesn't have to be expensive. Consider replacing old faucets, showerheads, or cabinet hardware to give the space a modern touch. Re-caulking the bathtub or shower, adding a new shower curtain, and installing a fresh mirror can also make a significant difference.

Remember, even though these renovations are relatively inexpensive, it's important to set a budget and plan accordingly. DIY projects can save money, but it's essential to have the necessary skills and tools for the task at hand. Also, if you’re making improvements to put a home on the market, be sure to stick with neutral colors and patterns. Bold, bright, and busy tend to turn people off if they don’t have your same tastes and preferences. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Home Upgrades To Reconsider

In my column last week, I talked about some of the renovation projects that will pay off if a homeowner decides to put their house up for sale. In other words, investing in home improvements such as new garage doors, vinyl siding, replacement windows, and stone veneer will end up coming close to paying for themselves when your house goes on the market. But what about the projects that don’t recoup their costs? According to the 2022 Remodeling Magazine Cost Versus Value Report, there are quite a few. Let’s take a look at the data. 

Upscale Master Suite Addition

If you’re thinking about upgrading your bedroom to a grand suite, make sure you’re going to enjoy it. According to the data, master bedroom additions in the greater Hartford area only recoup about 38% of their cost. Lavish bedrooms are very personal and a lot of people don’t spend much time in them, so if you’re about to go big with custom closets, extensive storage, and a grand master bath, know that the cost will be a lot more than the value.

Grand Entrance

Sure guests might be impressed with a gorgeous first impression of your home, but people are a lot more focused on useful spaces these days, so a fancy entryway might not go over so well in the real estate market. Here in the greater Hartford area, revamped entrances only recouped about 40% of their cost. 

Bathroom Additions

An extra bathroom might be a must for your family but it’s not guaranteed to pay for itself when you sell your home. In fact, a bathroom addition only recoups about 40% of its cost upon the resale of your home. Bathroom remodels do a bit better, netting about 50% of their cost in value. So if you’re thinking about how to maximize your bathroom potential, you’re better off renovating what you currently have instead of adding another.

Room Modifications

With people spending more time at home over the past few years, lots of homeowners have made modifications to make their homes more comfortable and accommodating. While I understand making adjustments such as a dining room conversion to a home office, these changes should be considered temporary. Permanent alterations of a standard room could be costly when it comes time to sell. 

We all want our homes to be a reflection of our unique style and a place that suits the way we live, but dramatic changes can be costly once you decide to move on. Keep that in mind when you’re taking on a renovation project and you’ll be sure to reap the benefits when you eventually sell. 

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.