THE BLADE:TOLEDO, OHIO ■ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2014 SECTION H, PAGE 15ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT toledoBlade .com

(BPT) - It’s time to remodel your bathroom. Whether you’re excited at the idea of creating a new look that will add value to your home, or simply relieved that you’ll no longer have to look at dated fixtures and cracked tile, you’ll be facing a lot of decisions about materials, colors, fixtures, flooring and more. The options are vast, and you may wonder: What is the best way to get started?

“Whether you’re creating a new master suite, refreshing a powder room, or building a new home, it’s an exciting time to contemplate a beautiful new space,” says Gray Uhl, director of brand education for American Standard. “Shopping for fabulous new bathroom products is a highlight of the experience, but it can get a little overwhelming.”

Bathrooms continue to be a remodeling priority for many homeowners. The average mid-range bathroom remodel costs $15,782 and returns more than 65 percent of that investment at the time of resale, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report. An upscale project costs about $50,000 and returns more than 58 percent when you sell. Doing some or all of the work yourself can save thousands in labor charges — money you can put into choosing the best materials — as long as you know how to do it correctly.

Homeowners should begin by considering five key points:1. Consider how you will use the space and allow it to guide your renovation plans. Do you

want your bathroom to be a spa-like retreat for the masters of the house? Or is it more important that the room be able to handle more intense use from the whole family? Gather input from every-one who will use the room, and evaluate what’s already present that works and what doesn’t.

2. Will you hire a professional or attempt to do the job yourself? While DIYers may save on labor costs, professional designers and licensed contractors may be better able to help you maximize your space and stay on budget. Ultimately, hiring professionals may save you time and money.

3. Measure everything! Nothing’s worse than falling in love with a vanity or jetted tub only to find neither fits in the space you have for it. Before you begin shopping, determine how much space your bathroom has for key fixtures such as the sink, toilet, shower and furniture. Be sure the tub you choose will fit through the bathroom door before you buy it.

4. Get educated before heading to the store or showroom. Compare products and prices and check out product reviews. Decide what materials to look for and identify how you want installations to be done.

5. Set a budget and establish priorities. A professional can help you best determine how to achieve your objectives within the framework of your budget. Remember to allow yourself a budget cushion in case surprises crop up during the process. They almost always do.

Bathroom Remodeling: The First Five Things You Must Do

Popular for creating a clean, modern look in today’s bath-room remodels are this freestanding tub, sleek concealed trapway toilet and striking pedestal sink, all accented with a contemporary single handle faucet and matching shower system.

This vanity provides both style and function to a bathroom remodel, with its slide-out step stool that makes personal grooming easier for children. The toilet is a convenient 16 1/2-inch chair height for easier on and off.

List your Open House here for as low as $25 per listing Contact The Blade Classi�ed Advertising Department by Wednesday noon at 419-724-6500 or submit online at: http://toledoblade.com/openhouse

Whitehouse $115,500 Sun 1:00-3:00 10930 Waterville St. 3 brm, 1 full bath, zoned comm/residential, newer siding & windows, furnace, a/c Welles Bowen Realtors Shelby Myerholtz 567-952-2215

West Toledo $121,500 Sun 2:00-4:00 4138 Stannard Custom built 1 owner home, 3 brm, 2 bath, 3-season porch Welles Bowen Realtors Iris "Charlie" Lassiter 804-384-6203

Toledo $89,900 Sunday 2-4 pm 4520 Copland Updated Garrison Colonial, Close to Park, 3 Brm, 1.5 Baths Effler Schmitt Daniel Effler 419-537-1113

Southwest $197,500 Sunday 2-4 pm 1527 Eaglebrook Fabulous Villa, ravine setting, 3 brm, 3 bath, off Airport Hwy. The Danberry Co., Realtors Rob Ludeman 419-290-0201

Rossford $149,900 Sun 1:00-3:00 161 Rosedale Pl. 3 brm, 2 bath ranch, Lg master w/walk-in closet, updates Welles Bowen Realtors Becky Williamson 419-376-9380

Perrysburg $259,900 Sun 1:00-4:00 14851 Thistledown 4 brm, 2.5 bath, 2 story entry, hardwood floors in entry & kitchen, open flr plan Welles Bowen Realtors Connie Gill 419-490-0330

Perrysburg $389,900 Sun 1:00-3:00 9843 Sheffield 4 brm, 2 full & 2 half baths, 1st floor master, beautiful yard, updated kitchen Welles Bowen Realtors Jill Perry 419-283-4300

Perrysburg $119,500 Sun 12:00-2:00 730 Pine St. Brick home, move-in ready! Fenced tree-shaded backyard Welles Bowen Realtors George Smith 419-356-7350

Perrysburg $164,900 Sunday 1-3 pm 515 Nora Drive Brick ranch connected to town on over half an acre lot, so much character RE/MAX Preferred Associates Vicki Sedlak 419-346-4081

Perrysburg $164,000 Sunday 12-2 pm 1079 Eastbrook Great 4 brm home on quiet cul-de-sac in town Perrysburg, walk to school, park RE/MAX Preferred Associates Vicki Sedlak 419-346-4081

Oregon $254,900 Sunday 2 to 4 49 Pineview Drive Gorgeous almost new ranch! 3 brm, 2 baths, bsmt Welles Bowen Realtors Carrie Yarger 419-309-4624

Oregon $169,900 Sunday 2 to 4 1110 Merry Dell 3 brm ranch, full basement, lovely kitchen! Welles Bowen Realtors Mary Ann Coleman 419-343-5348

Old Orchard $174,900 Sunday 1-3 pm 2837 Cheltenham Rd. New Price! Classic brick home built in '03, 1875 sf open flr plan, hardwood flrs RE/MAX Masters Michelle Hudson 419-276-9029

Maumee $97,500 Sunday 1-3 pm 1138 Cady Completely remodeled! New quartz countertops, new carpet, paint & much more RE/MAX Masters DJ Martin 419-290-6676

Lambertville, MI $189,000 Sunday 2-4 pm 3038 Pebble Creek Ln. Carefree Country Club Villas, 2 brms, 2 full baths, built in 2003 RE/MAX Central Group Brad Crown 419-324-6677

HOLLAND $199,900 Sun. 2-4 705 S. Meilke Seductive retreat on 5 secluded acres, 4-5 bedroom, bath, gorgeous home Property 1 Solutions Ted 419-360-2330

Historic Old West End $143,777 Sunday 12/14, 1-3 pm 2439 Scottwood Awesome Arts & Crafts, 2 master baths, circular floor plan The Danberry Co., Realtors Judy Stone, ePro, SHS 419-241-1717

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A listing of open homes in the area. We have what you are looking for...

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