Kitchen and bathroom renovations top the list of improvements for increasing the value of a home. But this labor-intensive remodeling can get expensive. Even without changing room layouts, the simple job of replacing finishes and fixtures can cost more than the price of a new car.

What builders call pull and replace remodeling can run about $12,000 to $22,000 for the average 5-by-7-foot bathroom and $29,000 to $52,000 for a 12-by-12-foot kitchen, estimates Rick Matus of Bethesda-based Case Design/Remodeling Inc. As soon as you start moving plumbing, electrical wiring and walls, the costs go up substantially from there, he says.

Budget-minded homeowners are finding cheaper solutions in the $10,000 to $20,000 range by making do with existing appliances and fixtures, refinishing kitchen cabinets and shopping for bargains. Suppliers and builders, in turn, are responding to the recession-driven demand for cost-conscious kitchen and bath remodeling with package deals aimed at guaranteeing the costs of materials and labor.

At first, there was no way I was going to spend $18,000 to $25,000 to remodel a bathroom, says Vienna homeowner Hannah Laufe, an attorney. But to get what we wanted, my research showed that was the amount we needed to spend.

Laufe and husband Richard Miller, a teacher, decided to renovate the outdated and worn master bathroom in their 1960s rambler. Everything was pink, the medicine cabinet was rusty and the faucets didnt work as well as they should, Laufe says.

The couple tapped Case to remodel the space based on the firms new renovation program, called the 2012 Bath Collection, launched in January. For $13,000 to $25,000, the company will demolish an existing space, remove lead paint if necessary, and install backer board and tile. New plumbing fixtures, vanity, towel bars, lighting and painting are included in the price. It saves the headache of shopping different sources, Matus says. He says Case is now considering similar package deals for kitchens.

Laufe and Miller had a choice of designs in contemporary, traditional and transitional styles, but within a narrow range of products. They chose a stained maple vanity with a granite countertop, a glass door for the shower, and marble-look-alike porcelain tile on the floor and shower stall, spending about $20,000 on the project. It took less than two weeks to complete, Laufe says.

Finding ways to save

Management consultant Cope Willis and wife Sophie, who works for an educational software company, spent about $9,000 to partially remodel their pink bathroom. They kept the existing toilet and pedestal sink, and hired a local handyman to install a new bathtub and finishes. We worked within the existing constraints of the bathroom to keep costs down, Cope Willis says.

New subway-style tile around the tub, marble tiles on the floor and beadboard wainscoting create what Willis calls a clean, traditional look in keeping with the architectural character of the couples 1938 Colonial in upper Northwest Washington.

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For kitchen and bathroom remodeling, finding ways to cut costs

Just the other day I was listening to the radio and I heard a commercial for a bathroom remodeling service that says they are passionate about bathroom remodeling. We live and breathe this stuff, the fervent voice proclaimed.

For a fleeting moment, I had a vision of bathroom remodelers joyously breathing in plaster dust as they replaced old rotting drywall with fresh new green board. And I asked myself, Who, for crying out loud, is passionate about bathroom remodeling? A person might be passionate about playing Rachmaninoff on the violin, or about windsurfing, or about collecting 19-century pre-Raphaelite prints but bathroom remodeling?

Then I thought again. In fact, I think there are many people who are deeply committed, even passionate, about the simple and ordinary work they do in the world. Teaching students how to use punctuation correctly so their writing makes more sense. Fixing broken cars so people can get where they need to go. Maintaining lawns and gardens so people get more enjoyment from their home landscaping. Repairing computers so people can do all the things people do on computers. Taking care of kids ones own or other peoples so they grow up to be decent and responsible human beings.

We all love to read stories about people whose work is glamorous, exciting, challenging or unusual, and many of us feel envious of them. But in reality, most of the work of the world is rather humdrum and unglamorous but still important. Having had a bathroom remodeled in my house, I know how much more pleasant life is without the moldy, old caulking, the rusty fixtures, the crumbling plaster, the rotting woodwork.

So thanks to that bathroom remodeling company for being passionate about its work, and thanks to everyone else who is passionate about theirs.

Savage Community Association meeting

Because of the Labor Day holiday, the Savage Community Association will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 4, instead of Monday. The usual meeting day is the first Monday of the month. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Carroll Baldwin Hall, 9035 Baltimore St., in Savage. All residents of Savage and nearby areas are welcome to attend. The group will be planning its upcoming fall food drive and other community activities.

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Gazette.Net: Celebrate all workers during Labor Day

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Home renovations can be expensive, but you might not need to put off those upgrades. There's been a 17 percent increase in kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects over the past two years, according to a recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders.

Other popular projects are replacing windows and doors, repairing property damage, and adding rooms.

Mortgage rates dropped to record lows this week, despite recent efforts to ease the euro crisis and boost investors' confidence.

30-year fixed-rate: Fell 2 basis points to 3.87 percent. A basis point is one-hundredth of 1 percentage point.

15-year fixed-rate: Fell 3 basis points to 3.13 percent. The average rate for 30-year jumbo mortgages, or generally for those of more than $417,000, fell 1 basis point to 4.47 percent.

5/1 adjustable-rate: Fell 6 basis points to 2.96 percent. With a 5/1 ARM, the rate is fixed for five years and adjusted annually thereafter.

If you want to start your dream renovation, start by finding creative ways to work within your budget. One of the best ways to save is being flexible. It's not hard to find stores carrying discontinued, overstock or unneeded special-ordered items, and that can mean big savings for you.

Leah Ingram, founder of SuddenlyFrugal.com, saved 50 percent on her patio pavers by shopping at a store that was closing.

Here are five other ways to save when renovating your home:

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Creative ways to save on home renovations

Ready to remodel?

Let's face it: Home renovations can be expensive. It's tough nowadays to find the kind of money it requires, but you may not need to put off those upgrades. Other Americans aren't. There's been a 17 percent increase in kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects over the past two years, according to a recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders. Other popular projects, according to the survey, are replacing windows and doors, repairing property damage, and adding rooms.

If you want to start your dream renovation project, you can do so by finding creative ways to work within your budget. One of the best ways to save is being flexible in your design. It's not hard to find stores carrying discontinued, overstock or unneeded special-ordered items, and that can mean big savings for you. Leah Ingram, founder of SuddenlyFrugal.com, saved 50 percent on her patio pavers by shopping at a store that was closing. "It may limit your color or what you're able to do with design," she says, "but for us, price was more important."

Here are five other ways to save when renovating your home.

Buying lights, tile, faucets and even appliances online can make sense, but know what you're getting and don't let delivery costs eat up the savings.

The pros: You can save hundreds of dollars on an item by searching online for the best price using the model number, says Dan Fritschen, author of "Remodel or Move? Make the Right Decision." Make sure to include shipping costs, he adds.

The cons: If you haven't seen the item in person, it may look different than its online photo. And if it's not what you want or is damaged, returns can be a hassle. "My issue with buying stuff online for home renovation is if you have a problem," says Ingram. "I'd feel much more comfortable buying that stuff in person."

Keep in mind: If you want to buy online, do it far in advance, says Fritschen. It could arrive damaged or delayed. "Delaying your remodel to save $100 is typically not a savings," he says. Also make sure you know the store's return policy and customer service availability before buying.

Are you buying a lot of tile for your bathroom? Ask for a volume discount. Think outside the box: Get more customers for the vendor, and use that to wrangle a lower price. When Ingram installed a new fence, she contacted interested neighbors. "By getting more business for the fence company, we were all able to get a discount," she says.

The pros: "If you are friendly and considerate, oftentimes you can get a small discount of up to 10 percent," says Fritschen. If you're not comfortable with being nice and asking for a discount when hiring a contractor, just be upfront and say, "This is what I want to get done, and this is my budget. How can you work with me?" says Ingram. An interested contractor will offer creative ways to save money, such as sourcing closeout products or leaving easier jobs for you to do.

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5 tips to save money on home renovations

Space-saving tips for bathroom remodeling

Space-saving expert Gale Steves suggests ways to renew your bathroom in her book, "Right-Sizing Your Home: How to Make Your House Fit Your Lifestyle" (Northwest Arm Press):

1. Enhance space and storage by swinging the door outward. Use hooks or pegs to hang towels, put a storage cabinet or shelves above the toilet and use below-sink cabinetry and mirrored medicine cabinets.

2. In smaller bathrooms, create a larger, spa-like shower by getting rid of the shower/tub combo. If a dedicated bather, go with a space-saving built-in soaking tub.

3. Install lighting that can dim as well as go off (along with exhaust fans) automatically after a period of time.

4. Separate the toilet from the sink area with a frosted glass wall, or if there's more space, with a toilet room (add venting for noise and odor control).

5. To enhance counter space, use a single-bowl rather than a double-bowl vanity. If there's enough room, use two sinks and add privacy by separating them with built-in wall storage.

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Bath renovations: Practicality wins out over luxury

(NAPSI)While the real estate market remains a challenge for those looking to sell, some simple staging and remodeling tips can help make your home more attractive to prospective buyers.

Bathrooms can sell houses but not if they are lackluster and out of date. While it can be easy to spend five figures on a complete remodel, there are less expensive ways to give your bathroom a fresh new look. For example, a little paint, some fresh flowers and new shower fixtures can take your bathroom from outdated to outstanding. Here are a few tips to help:

If you cant afford to replace outdated wallpaper, work with the colors you already have. Buy some matching towels or a new shower curtain to coordinate the look.

If you can paint, its an easy weekend project that will brighten the space. Go for lighter colors; white is a classic.

Clear off the counters. This is especially important in a smaller bathroom to create the illusion of more space.

Clean the bathroom thoroughly. Make sure everything sparkles.

Styles change, so if possible, update your shower fixtures. Finding fixtures in styles that fit your decor doesnt have to break your budget.

The Neo Collection adds bold style for a modern look, while the graceful curvature of the hardware in the Alexandria Collection helps create a luxurious feel.

The distinctive details of the Caspian Collection offer an unconventional, modern touch and the Rainier Collection delivers a unique square design so bold it can update any traditionally styled bathroom.

Stylish and innovative valves, designer faucets and accessories can be obtained to effectively coordinate your remodeling efforts.

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Nice-looking bathrooms can help make for faster sale of your home

A former bathroom remodeling salesman pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years in state prison in connection with defrauding multiple homeowners, including some in Needham, of thousands of dollars, Attorney General Martha Coakley's office announced Thursday, June 21.

Joel Salvatore, 42, of Stoneham, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in Norfolk Superior Court to charges of larceny over $250 (one count), and larceny over $250 from a person over 60 years old (three counts). After the plea was entered, Norfolk Superior Court Judge Kenneth Fishman sentenced Salvatore to two years and one day in state prison, with six years of probation to serve concurrent with that sentence.

Fishman imposed a condition prohibiting Salvatore from having contact with the victims of the scheme. The judge also ordered that Salvatore be required to take vocational training while incarcerated in a field that he can seek and maintain employment in upon release and barred him from self-employment or promotional or sales work.

This defendant used his position to manipulate and steal from consumers, including seniors, by soliciting for services he did not provide, Coakley said. He is being held accountable for this fraud that harmed consumers and undermined trust in our communities.

According to authorities, Salvatore worked as a salesperson for Bay State Re-Bath (Re-Bath), a bathroom remodeling company, from February 2011 until his termination in June 2011. As a salesperson, Salvatore met with potential customers in their homes, examined their bathrooms, and gave sales presentations about Re-Bath's remodeling products and services. He also prepared contracts for proposed projects on approved company letterhead.

In a scheme to defraud homeowners beginning in April 2011, Salvatore solicited consumers by offering the company's remodeling services at a cut rate. Based on his proposal, Salvatore would draft a generic contractor's invoice and request a down payment for services to be rendered at a later date.

As a result of this scheme, Salvatore collected payments ranging from $1,700 to $3,000 without ever beginning renovations despite repeated attempts by customers to contact him. In addition to customers in Needham, Salvatore victimized customers in Wakefield, Medford, and Walpole.

In addition to working for Re-Bath, Salvatore previously operated a Luxury Bath Systems franchise in Massachusetts that also performed bathroom remodeling. According to the Massachusetts Secretary of State's Office, Salvatore is also connected with the following businesses registered in Massachusetts: JS & Company of Salem, N.H.; Home Improvements of New England, Inc., in Stoneham, and Salvatore, Inc., in Quincy.

The Attorney General's Office and the Massachusetts State Police urge any individuals who feel that they have been the victim of a larceny to contact the Attorney General's complaint line at 617-963-2223. For information and consumer tips on choosing home improvement contractors, please visit the Attorney General's website at http://www.mass.gov/ago/consumer-resources/consumer-information/home-and-housing/home-improvement/> .

Middlesex and Norfolk County grand juries returned indictments against Salvatore on Dec. 20 and Dec. 21, respectively. Salvatore was arraigned in Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn on Jan. 9 and was arraigned in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham on Jan. 17. In April, the Middlesex indictment was consolidated with the indictment in Norfolk County. In Norfolk Superior Court on Tuesday, Salvatore pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced.

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Bathroom remodeling salesman stole thousands, including from Needham homeowners, sentenced

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) June 20, 2012

Fine Designs by Roger Perron, Inc. General Contractors is currently offering a $500 coupon on whole home design and home remodeling in Los Angeles, making it easier than ever for residents to spruce up their living space and get the added touches theyve been looking for. The company has over twenty-seven years of experience and is a pioneer in the home design and remodeling industry. By offering the discounted service on whole house remodeling, Roger Perron is hoping to make the city a more attractive environment to live in.

In order to make Los Angeles a better place, says Perron, we need to start from the ground up with only the best materials and the best craftsmanship. His company focuses on using the highest quality materials to create new designs that are not only beautiful but long lasting. In addition to whole house design one of Perrons specialties is bathroom and kitchen remodeling. In Los Angeles its difficult to find general contractors that not only have the skill but the ingenuity and creativity to think outside the box. Roger Perrons bathroom and kitchen remodeling in Los Angeles is the standard for the profession. With his own team of expert workmen and licensed subcontractors that have been with him for years, Roger Perrons company has a reputation for exceeding his clients expectations with awe inspiring designs while staying within their budget. One needs only to look at the testimonials section on his website to see evidence of the great products he creates and how satisfied the customers are.

Anyone living in the Los Angeles area can agree that plenty of homes are in need of a complete house design makeover. With Fine Designs by Roger Perrons new coupon, this makeover is easier than ever. Kitchens, bathrooms, family rooms, master suites; Los Angeles county residents can make over selected pieces or their entire home and get that added value theyve been looking for at the most affordable price yet.

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Home Remodeling in Los Angeles Now More Affordable Than Ever

Story Created: Jun 14, 2012 at 7:40 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jun 14, 2012 at 7:40 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - Summer is a time when many of us like to catch up on projects around the house. But whether its remodeling a bathroom or refinishing a deck the cost of materials can really add up.

Fortunately Anchorage residents have some options when it comes to getting materials at low cost or even free.

The municipality operates a Re-Use store at both the Midtown Transfer Station and the Eagle River Landfill. Residents can drop off household hazardous waste at the Transfer Center and if the products are still relatively full theyll be put back on the shelves of the Re-Use store.

People can pick up everything from plant food to paint, bug dope to motor oil. Its common to find all sorts of useful products and best of all, its all free. Residents are required to sign a form that acknowledges the product has been used and there is no guarantee of the contents. They are welcome to take home up to 20 items a day.

Another place that operates on the used but still good philosophy is the Habitat For Humanity ReStore.

There you can find the parts, and pieces for remodeling projects big and small.

Contractors, individuals and even stores donate the materials. The goods are also used and they arent free, but the prices are low and all the money collected goes to support Habitat For Humanity.

Continued here:
Recycled Materials Help Lower the Cost of Projects

Q: I have a question for you about conflicting information from contractors. I have had a few contractors come out to my home to look at some remodeling.

For my bathroom, one said the whole thing needed to be gutted. The other said we could work with what was there and make improvements with paint, tile, et cetera.

Also, I had a contractor come out to check on a sunroom that looks to me to be in sad shape. I was considering tearing it down but he said it could be brought back to life with some replacement wood siding, a new roof and windows. He has great credentials with the Better Business Bureau, and he checks out with the Contractors State Licensing Board. His price blew me away - much lower than I had anticipated.

The cause for confusion is that last year, another contractor came out and gave me a figure that was 2 1/2 times the price. I end up confused, and then I do nothing because I am not sure how to proceed.

So what is your advice when the price and opinions vary and I am clueless? Is there a construction consultant that can advise homeowners on these dilemmas?

A: There are project managers, but we don't think it's necessary to hire one, and we do understand the confusion. Rehabbing an older home is as much an art as a science.

Before calling a contractor, it's critical you decide what you want in a finished product and set a budget. A journey of a thousand miles doesn't begin with the first step. It begins with the destination. Without a clearly defined end point, even a small remodel will be nothing but frustrating. Spend time with this phase. Once the work starts, change orders can be difficult and often come at great cost.

So, in the bathroom, if you're looking to move the toilet, tub and shower, a gut job is probably necessary. All of the plumbing needs to be relocated. That means tearing into the walls to move the pipes and wiring. Once the rough work is done, drywall, flooring and all the finishes are installed.

But if what you're after is a face-lift, the second contractor's right. The whole feeling of the room can be changed with paint, flooring, tile and faucets and tub trim. You might also consider replacing the toilet and vanity and adding a glass shower door or tub enclosure depending on your budget. Doing all this will give you a new bath without doing a total gut job.

Ask questions of each contractor to lessen your confusion. We'd ask the first contractor why it is necessary to totally gut the bathroom. Relay this information to the second contractor and see what he says. Questioning each bidder not only makes him justify his proposal and educates you, but it also may present another solution that you hadn't considered.

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Asking contractors questions helps avoid confusion