Get matched with top kitchen and bathroom remodelers in Clinton, IL

Adding a bedroom or a second bathroom typically has the biggest positive effect on a home's value. These additions can increase your home's square footage and move it into a new category (e.g., from a two-bedroom to a three-bedroom), which is highly attractive to many families looking to upsize. On a larger scale, adding a second floor can also significantly increase a home's value by creating new possibilities for living and storage space. However, there is an upper limit where adding more bedrooms, such as in a nine-bedroom home, may not proportionally increase value.

Kitchen remodels are one of the most popular home renovations and for good reason. Many homeowners view the kitchen as the heart of the home and it’s where they welcome and entertain guests. Refreshing a bedroom requires a little paint and perhaps some fresh flooring, but kitchens often require a major renovation to be both functional and modern. From new appliances to updated countertops and backsplashes, or fresh floors and cabinets, there is no shortage of ways to refresh a kitchen to meet your needs and style preferences.

Yes, you can put wallpaper in a bathroom, but whether it's a good idea depends on several factors. Because bathrooms are high-humidity areas, it's crucial to choose a water-resistant wallpaper, such as one made of vinyl. Proper wall preparation is also critical to ensure the paper adheres well, even after many steamy showers. The wallpaper's placement also affects its longevity; it will hold up better on an accent wall or away from direct water contact, rather than immediately next to a shower. A well-ventilated bathroom will yield the best results.

There are several ways to save money on a bathroom remodel through proper planning and savvy design strategies. To reduce costs, consider the following:

• Purchase your own materials: Buy your own bathroom fixtures, hardware, and other materials to avoid contractor upcharges and delivery fees.

• Shop smart for big-ticket items: Save on pricey items like tiles and tubs by shopping sales and at discount stores.

• Avoid major layout changes: Keep plumbing in its current location. Opt to replace fixtures rather than moving them to avoid significant renovation work.

• Focus on high-impact, low-cost updates: Make affordable but impactful smaller changes, such as upgrading hardware, installing new lighting, and adding stylish but economical accessories.

• DIY where possible: Handle easier parts of the remodel yourself, like painting or installing light fixtures, to save on labor costs.

• Time your remodel strategically: Consider remodeling in the spring, which tends to be a lower-demand time of year and may result in lower costs.