Get matched with top kitchen and bathroom remodelers in Ruston, LA

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.

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.

Before any physical work begins on a bathroom remodel, the first and most crucial step is planning. Start by developing your design ideas and deciding which fixtures and features you want to replace versus what you'd like to keep. Once you have a clear vision, you can begin sourcing and purchasing your new materials. For any project, it is also highly recommended to consult with a contractor to finalize the details and plan before starting the demolition phase.

Most codes require 15 inches on either side of the toilet's centerline (from the wall or vanity) and at least 21 to 24 inches between the toilet and the wall in front of it. These codes ensure that your toilet is easy to use and access, even in small bathrooms. Check your local building codes for the exact measurements required.