Bathroom Renovations: Sinking in Some Money

To make a bathroom renovation worthwhile, it may be necessary to spend more for high-end products, says Kristin Bozella, showroom manager at Bathroom Showplace. For instance, a homeowner might have to spend $500 for a low-flow toilet rather than a less-efficient $200 one. But Dave Alderman, president-elect of the design and supply industry group National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), estimates that just 2 percent to 3 percent of homeowners actually go “into the high-tech stuff.” The NKBA suggests limiting spending to about 5 percent to 10 percent of a home’s value. But whatever the cost, Alderman says, “The whole idea is to make the bathroom a little nicer, less cave-like.” Those interested in high-end products can consider the VibrAcoustic bathtub priced from $7,500 to $10,000 from Kohler. The bathtub causes rhythms from music to vibrate through the water and into the body, according to Kohler designer Diana Schrage. Kohler also makes steam showers, but they must be accompanied with doors that cost $1,500, steam generators ($600), and special controls ($500). Graff manufactures high-end, floor-mounted faucet and spray plumbing ($2,265) for bathtubs, while the Stone Forest company makes stone vessel sinks ranging from $590 to $660. | Read More