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

WOBURN, MA--(Marketwire -05/29/12)- With summer just around the corner, thoughts of remodeling that old bathroom, adding a splash of color to outdated paint and replacing drafty windows are top of mind for many homeowners. With May being National Home Improvement Month, there is no better time than the present to start planning!

But, as ambitious homeowners begin to assess their homes and immediate needs, the list of repairs and desired renovations can become daunting; from paint and fixtures to floors and bedrooms, giving your home a "makeover" can become a tiresome and costly endeavor.

College Pro Painters, the largest student-run painting company in the US and Canada, has been simplifying home beautification for over 40 years now... and they have learned a few things along the way. Here are some tips College Pro offers for planning your next home renovation:

Know the WHY. What's driving the home renovation bug in you? Are you contemplating selling your home and looking to increase value or curb appeal? Do you need to accommodate a growing family or perhaps looking to downsize after your children have "left the nest?" Or maybe your home just needs a little "push" into the modern world (time to get rid of that '70s inspired wallpaper)? If you are aware of and prioritize your home goals ahead of time, planning the "next steps" will be much easier.

Research Products and Service Providers. Once you've decided on what you're going to do, you now have to research the how. More and more, home owners are opting for a "DIY" strategy. This can be a great option for the enthusiastic homeowner, but be sure you're aware of the skill and time needed to accomplish your task; many homeowners underestimate these basic constraints and end up frustrated or exhausted.

For larger projects, such as exterior home painting, consider employing the assistance of a local, trusted contractor, such as College Pro Painters. Painting experts such as College Pro will assess the condition of your home, offer color scheme recommendations, prep all exterior surfaces and complete the job to your satisfaction. Choosing a professional home renovation company can save you time and money, but if you choose to paint your home on your own, be sure to thoroughly research paint types, equipment needed and safety.

Keep Budget in Mind. Avoid renovation "money pits" by carefully assessing your budget ahead of time. Take into account all possible additional costs, such as extra paint, tools and fixtures. If you are going to use a profession service, such as College Pro Painters, be sure to get detailed estimates on all related expenses. If you stick to your budget you will achieve your home improvement goals without "breaking the bank."

With some careful planning and a little imagination you will be sure to meet your home improvement needs. But remember, you're not alone! Professionals such as College Pro Painters and College Pro Window Cleaning are here to help; College Pro offers professional solutions for exterior home painting, deck and patio painting, shutter and door repainting, fence painting, and window cleaning, and gutters and eaves cleaning. Call today for your free estimate, 1-800-327-2468, or schedule your free estimate online at collegepro.com.

About College Pro Painters:

College Pro Painters, the premier student run exterior painting company in the United States and Canada, has been providing students and non-students alike with jobs inside the company as well as outside since they opened over 40 years ago. College Pro offers part time work while giving you the opportunity to develop skills that will prepare you for success in the long run.

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Making the Most of Home Improvement Month

Scott and Julie Brooks are busier than ever before. When they opened the doors of their new bathroom remodeling business last month, they were caught off guard by the amount of customers looking to remodel their home.

Like many in the construction business, when the housing market collapsed in 2007, Scott, who worked as a licensed contractor for more than 20 years, wasnt sure what he was going to do.

Home sales plummeted. Construction jobs werent coming in.

When the homes werent selling, I needed to find something to do, he said.

Thats when he stumbled across Bath Planet, a bathroom remodeling company based in Palatine, Ill. The company is backed by BCI Acrylic Bath Systems, a privately held manufacturer of tub and shower-liner systems.

The business extensive line of products includes walk-in tubs, therapeutic tubs, tub-to-shower conversions and a number of other bathroom products.

We cater to the people who want to remodel their bathroom but also the aging-in-place population. We get a lot of interest from people who are getting older and having a harder time getting in and out of their shower, Scott said.

After looking at all Bath Planet had to offer, and discovering it was a company that earned the Good Housekeeping Seal, Julie said it just seemed like a good fit with Scotts years of experience as a contractor.

The reason we liked the idea was because it was something we were familiar with, and weve flipped a lot of houses. Its always exciting to fix it up and see what you can do, so we knew it was the kind of thing that would attract business, she said.

The Johnson City Bath Planet is the first location of its kind in Tennessee. Its also the first of four locations Scott plans to open with his development plan for the growing remodeling business. The other locations will be in Knoxville, Chattanooga and Asheville, N.C.

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Soaking in sales: Bathroom remodeling company seeing plenty of business

Bathroom remodeling is hot right now. Homeowners in Fairfax County are opting for high-end finishes. (Courtesy of Oak Hill Building & Remodeling)

Colleen Kelleher, wtop.com

FALLS CHURCH, Va. - Four of the five top areas for estimated annual remodeling spending in the South are in the D.C. metro region, with Falls Church and Arlington County ranking No. 1 and No. 2 respectively, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

At the same time, Fairfax County ranked among the top four counties in the South in total county remodeling expenditures per year.

The home builders association analyzed data collected from the U.S. Census Bureau between 2006 and 2010 to estimate how much homeowners in each region of the nation spent on remodeling. The organization then applied the statistical data to the county level to come up with its rankings.

In Falls Church, homeowners spent an average of $6,099 per year on remodeling over those five years, the association says. Nantucket County, Mass., and Marin County, Calif., led the rankings for the Northeast and West, with yearly spending averages of $8,520 and $7,782. Cook County, Ill., ranked as the top spot in the Midwest, with average remodeling expenditures of $3,466.

In addition to Falls Church and Arlington, D.C. and Alexandria are in the top five for home-owner spending in the South.

Here are the estimated remodeling figures for the top counties and cities in the South:

The NAHB breaks the owner-occupied remodeling data down for every state and county on its website.

"Residential remodeling is one of the housing industry's bright spots, and in some parts of the country this is more true now than ever," said NAHB Remodelers Chairman George "Geep" Moore Jr., in a news release.

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Falls Church homeowners top remodeling spenders in South

Does your bathroom have an orange sink, gold-veined mirrored walls, purple paint and a toilet that requires a plunger to operate? Then you need to enter the Ugly Bathroom Contest.

Several local remodeling contractors and suppliers have teamed up to sponsor a $9,500 bathroom makeover for a lucky Pierce County homeowner.

The contest was created by Duke York, owner of remodeling contracting company York Enterprises, and Harvey Rosen, owner of Rosen Plumbing Supply. The contest will be judged by the 65 members of the Design Professional Council of the Master Builders Association.

All thats needed to enter is to email up to three photos of your porcelain-filled abomination to the contest site. And theres more than one way to win.

A bathroom that is completely disintegrated and falling apart is one way (to win). But maybe a 50s bathroom that has turquoise fixtures and pink tile would be another, York said.

The bathroom makeover is based on a 6-by-10-foot bathroom and will include Sheetrock, all the typical fixtures including a tub/shower, lighting, flooring, cabinetry, countertop and more.

If they want rough plumbing moved or the walls kicked out, its on them, York said. The contest is for only owner-occupied homes.

The winner will be announced at the Rex Awards (the MBA awards for the best remodels in Pierce County) at the Fircrest Golf Club on May 15. The winner does not need to be present.

Craig Sailor: 253-597-8541 craig.sailor@thenewstribune.com

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Wanted for contest: The Ugliest Bathroom in Pierce County

Consumer Reports' Bathroom Remodeling Guide helps maximize your budget including ways to makeover your bathroom for $1000 or less

YONKERS, N.Y., March 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --When it comes to remodeling, bathrooms are only second to kitchens on people's wish list of rooms to revamp. On a cost-per-square-foot basis, bathrooms are one of the most expensive spaces to remodel, but that doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune. Consumer Reports' Bathroom Remodeling Guide, available at http://www.ConsumerReports.org, is a comprehensive device that will help you decide when to splurge and when to save while creating the bathroom of your dreams.

"Consumer Reports' product testers spent months evaluating the latest toilets, sinks, countertops, and other bathroom essentials to help consumers easily determine the best items to choose for their bathroom remodel,"said Daniel DiClerico, senior editor for Consumer Reports. "If a full remodel is out of reach, but you have some cash to spend, we've also developed some easy ways to give your bathroom a facelift for $1,000 or less."

Six do's and don'ts of bathroom remodeling that will effect your budget

The $1,000 Makeover

A thousand dollars may not go as far as certain remodeling shows on TV would have you believe, but if your space functions wellno leaks or loose parts there's a lot that can be done with $1000 to give it a facelift. Here are some ideas Consumer Reports thinks are worth considering:

For more information, check out Consumer Reports' Bathroom Remodeling Guide which features the complete list of bathroom remodeling do's and don'ts; five small touches that will make a big difference when remodeling; and the latest Ratings of toilets and showerheads.

Consumer Reports is the world's largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit annually rates thousands of products and services. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

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Consumer Reports: Six Do's and Don'ts That Can Save You Money on a Bathroom Remodel

Conventional wisdom, as it relates to houses, is often too much convention and not enough wisdom.

Every year, somebody publishes a list of whichconventional home improvementswill give you the best (or theworst) return on your remodeling investment.

Remodel abathroom. Replace your siding. Dont build a swimming pool.Paint everything neutral colors.

Sit up straight. Get a haircut. Call your mother.

If return on investment (ROI) is why you bought a home, or why youre remodeling one, you can stop reading now. Because the rest of this article isnt for you.

Three, two, onestill here?

You invest in your home to improve livability first, not value. If you get more value in the process, consider it a bonus, but dont make ROI your prime directive.

Otherwise youll end up like the potential client that came into my office a few years ago with a three-page single-spaced typewritten (as in made with a typewriter) list of things he wanted in his house.

His list included this line: A large dining room, near the kitchen. Although we dont need or want a dining room. Why would he want to build a room he didnt need?

Because hes thinking of things to make the house valuable, instead of things to make it livable.

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Nine Unconventional Ways to Improve Your Home

By Penny Stine Friday, March 9, 2012

We have been remodeling our master bathroom for about a month. When I say we, I should clarify: It doesnt include me. Although I did go with the tile guy to choose the tile, I havent done much beyond that. Not only am I totally unqualified to do anything remotely handy, Im having a hard time getting excited about bathroom choices.

At the home improvement store, I had to admit to my husband that I didnt care about the light fixtures. That doesnt mean Im not grateful that were doing the remodel or indifferent to the process, it just means that I have no strong preference regarding toilets, lights or cabinetry.

Our bathroom was at the point where anything would have been an improvement. Seriously. ANYTHING. There was no one feature that was terribly wrong with the room, but there wasnt anything right about it, either. Our house was built in the 1970s, and although the 70s are known for good music and weird clothing, it wasnt an era in which they were building classic homes. When we bought the house, it came with avocado fixtures in one bathroom, blue fixtures in another and off-white carpet in both.

We replaced the avocado toilet years ago, along with the carpeting in bathrooms frequented by teenage boys. Replacing the blue toilet and carpeting in the master bathroom never seemed like an urgent priority. Then we noticed the faucet in the shower had a permanent drip, the carpet had turned from off-white to grungy-gray and we realized the bathroom had outlived its useful service life.

Plus, our master bath included a 32-inch shower, which is pretty roomy if youre one of the seven dwarfs. Not so spacious if youre an average-sized adult. The room was too small for a tub-and-shower combination and the placement of the window made expanding the shower tricky. So we brought in an expert tile guy, who took one look and gave us an option that neither my husband nor I had considered.

The bathroom remodel hasnt been a major inconvenience because we have three bathrooms in the house and only three people currently live there. Were rarely home at the same time, let alone trying to shower and get ready for work at the same time.

It has, however, thrown Howie the dog for a big-time loop. As a former shelter mutt whos probably got some red heeler and dingo in his blood, Howie is a fiercely protective herding dog. Some people would say hes a maniac with issues, but he only acts that way when someone tries to invade his castle or mess with his herd.

Having the tile guy and his helper working in the house for a week was an invasion only second to Normandy. Fortunately, Howies a smart dog and eventually agreed to a truce, at least until the bathrooms finished.

Howie also likes to keep track of his herd at all times, which means he follows us around from room to room. Our house is a tri-level, and during the bathroom remodel, Ive been schlepping around with my toiletries in a basket as I alternate between using the downstairs bathroom and the upstairs bathroom. I should have just invaded one of our other bathrooms during the duration, but a bathroom invasion by me is more like an Occupy Wall Street event, and I couldnt do that to my family.

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Call off the hounds. Bathroom remodel is almost complete

PollyBro Home Remodeling shares expertise with homeowners and makes a donation to The Wounded Warriors Project in the name of all new clients.

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) March 09, 2012

Homeowners use their bathrooms as a way to relax and wind down after a hectic day, says Andrew Parrott, owner of Pollybro Home Remodeling which primarily focuses on bathroom remodels and tile work. Master bathrooms are becoming sanctuaries. People want luxury. They want to feel like theyre going to a spa.

The following are some new trends to help make a bathroom a quiet, peaceful place to unwind:

Large and luxurious walk-in showers

Larger shower stalls with rain showerheads and multiple body jets, as well as steam showers, are becoming more popular. Custom shower systems outperform other areas in the bathroom in terms of where people are spending money, Andrew says. With homeowners planning to stay in their homes longer, some clients are even opting for the European doorless showers that allow a homeowner to continue to use the fixture as they get older and lose mobility.

Bring in the light

Many homeowners are adding windows and skylights to bring in the sunshine and make a bathroom brighter. A less expensive option: adding a bit of glamorous lighting such as a small hanging crystal light feature. For the truly luxurious experience, add a fireplace or open flame fire feature.

Make a bathroom into a mini-den

Framed mirrors, remote control TVs and stereos, and in-floor heating are making bathrooms feel as comfortable as other rooms in the house.

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Top Pittsburgh Bathroom Remodeling Company PollyBro Home Remodeling Announces New Trends in Bathroom Remodeling

See how this list compares to last year'sremodeling projects with big payoffs.

Most homeowners know exactly what they would do to change their current home into their dream home: gut the kitchen, reconfigure the bathroom or repaint the entire exterior. But what if you're ideal renovations don't yield any return?

The key to investing in your home is doing it wisely, making sure you recoup at least some of the cost upon the sale of your home. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) and Remodeling Magazine recently released their 2011-2012 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, and the findings prove you don't have to spend a ton of money to add to your home's resale value.

Exterior renovations dominated the list of cost-effective projects. "This year's Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report shows the value of putting your home's best facade forward, so to speak," said NAR President Moe Veissi. "Inexpensive exterior replacement projects are not only crucial to a home's regular upkeep, but are also expected to recoup close to 70 percent of costs."

So, without further ado, here are some of the home improvement projects which will get you the most bang for your buck:

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Home improvement projects with big payoffs