| It is no surprise that the current economy has | | | | for the masters of the abode. It might be time to |
| affected virtually every aspect of our daily lives. | | | | add a few kid-friendly options, even if you're only |
| Whether it's eliminating our daily coffee break or | | | | planning to renovate in order to re-sell. Chances are |
| altogether skipping this year's family vacation, we are | | | | your children might have a few unique ideas that |
| all pinching pennies here and there to provide for our | | | | would appeal to another family as well. Take the time |
| family and remain financially stable. While the real | | | | to listen to them! Their vantage point is (typically) |
| estate market, too, has been plummeting, there are | | | | lower and they might spot something you'd |
| still ways to increase your home's value without | | | | otherwise miss- like what bathroom cabinet knobs |
| breaking your budget or dipping into savings. By | | | | need to be replaced and which cabinets need locks. |
| renovating your bathroom (whether master | | | | Pamper Yourself |
| bathroom or even your guest bathroom), you can | | | | We love instant gratification. Redesigning your |
| improve your home but functionally and financially | | | | bathroom is the perfect opportunity to include a few |
| almost overnight. | | | | luxuries that you'd otherwise skip. While heated tile |
| Get Organized | | | | flooring and a steam shower may be a bit over your |
| In order to properly begin any do it yourself home | | | | budget, there are still soothing solutions for every |
| renovation project, you need to be organized. Be | | | | need. If you've always wanted a Jacuzzi, opt instead |
| prepared for any inconveniences that may arise at | | | | for a moveable shower head and stronger water |
| any step of this process. No matter how large or | | | | pressure will work similarly. For music lovers, purchase |
| small your projects may be (even if you are only | | | | a cd player that's waterproof. Finally, for those that |
| planning on replacing cabinet door knobs), it is better | | | | dislike cold, enjoy wrapping yourself in a pre-heated |
| to be ready. Create an area of space that you and | | | | towel by installing heated towel racks with |
| your family members will utilize while your bathroom | | | | easy-to-reach knobs and pulls. |
| is undergoing this makeover. Typically, using the | | | | Consider that by adding a few elegant, creature |
| kitchen sink to brush teeth or wash hands works | | | | comfort upgrades to your bathroom, you are making |
| well. However, if you are going to be replacing a | | | | a long term investment for your home. You certainly |
| shower stall or toilet, be sure there is a "back up" for | | | | are not alone in the fact that people love to be |
| the family to use. Does your home lack a back up | | | | pampered; in the future, by having a state-of-the-art |
| option? Ask a neighbor. | | | | master bathroom, you'll probably up the asking price |
| While you are already forced to deal with space | | | | for your home. |
| issues, evaluate the space currently available in your | | | | Sweat the Small Stuff |
| bathroom. Oftentimes, sinks and shower stalls are | | | | When redesigning your bathroom, it is easy to |
| crowded with extraneous almost-empty bottles that | | | | overlook the smaller aspects of your bathroom. So |
| look unsightly and unpleasant (especially if they are | | | | you may have already purchased new cabinets and |
| growing mold). An easy solution it to by inexpensive | | | | storage space, but you might have forgotten to |
| plastic or wire metal containers or free standing | | | | replace the door handles. When you think you have |
| organizers that keep each member of your family's | | | | finished your renovations, be sure to do a last run |
| individual products neatly arranged and out of the | | | | through check list of what you wanted to accomplish. |
| way. | | | | Including ornate items, such as French country |
| Get the Kids Involved | | | | cabinet knobs or an antique soap dish, you will |
| Most home or apartment master bathrooms are well, | | | | enhance the overall charm of your bathroom. |