More people spending big bucks on bathrooms

When Keiko Tsunemotos children left the nest, she and her husband found the perfect use for two unused bedrooms in their Center City apartment a 770-square-foot master bathroom suite that includes a holographic fireplace, 55-inch flat-screen TV, state-of-the-art sound system, treadmill, and aromatherapy shower.

Really, its more like a spa than a bathroom, Tsunemoto said.

After years of stalled home renovations, contractors are noticing that homeowners are dedicating time and money to the bathroom and the economy is the main driving force. Water conservation is a big reason for installing those low-flow shower heads and dual-flush toilets. But in a breakneck-pace world with a depressing financial outlook, bathrooms provide sanctuary.

Its the "one place where people dont bother you," said Luis Hoz de Vila, general manager of LA Signature in Philadelphia.

Hoz de Vila is so bullish on the bathroom trend that he opened a brand new 1,300-square-foot showroom in Center City. "New construction began sagging in 2008 and remodeling started picking up steadily around the middle of last year," he explained. "In the past, it was cheaper to have a new home instead of buying an old home and fixing it. Now, with lower prices, it is better to have an older home fixed up the way you want."

The housing market is particularly competitive as a glut of available houses means buyers can demand whatever they want, and more people want to age in place. A comfortable and safe bathroom is key.

Bathroom renovations with all the bells and whistles can range from $60,000 to $100,000 (Carl Cox, owner of ReDesign Contractors in Deptford, said people are "spending double, if not two-thirds more" than was typical about five years ago), but the trend isnt limited to the wealthy.

"Ive seen people spend from $5,000 to $7,000 on bathrooms they are not going crazy," said Bette McTamney, president-elect of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors.

The usual must-haves include double steam showers with seats, multiple multidirectional shower heads, his-and-hers sinks, faucet upgrades, heated floors, and granite or marble vanities.

Barbara and Charlie Beirao downsized to a two-bedroom rancher in Berlin, Camden County, once they hit retirement age. Though neither plans to actually retire anytime soon, they adopted the less-is-more theory in size, but not luxury.

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More people spending big bucks on bathrooms