A Homeowners Guide: Where to Splurge and Where to Save

With Spring renovation season around the corner, now is the time to plan your projects and that starts with a budget. Two of the top spaces to update in the home are the kitchen and the bathroom, which also happen to be the most expensive. These two spaces bring incredible value to the home, in both resale value and everyday function, so it is essential to build your renovation budget with intention. If you aren’t sure where to start, then look no further, because we at American Standard have compiled our list of where to save and splurge when it comes to kitchen and bathroom remodels.

 

 

1. Splurge: Faucets

Opting for a high quality faucet for both the bathroom and the kitchen is worth the investment to ensure longevity in terms of both style and function. Faucets that are well-built, have durable finishes, and include essential features is something you can find from American Standard’s Bathroom and Kitchen faucet collections. 

2. Save: Lighting

Lighting is an important element for any renovation, but you can achieve incredible results without breaking the bank. When it comes to kitchen and bathroom lighting you want to ensure you include options that will be useful from both a function and decorative perspective. 

Opt for direct task lighting to your designated workspaces. For instance the bathroom vanity and kitchen island are workstations that should include overhead lighting to ensure safety and functionality. Overhead, ambient lighting is also essential in the bathroom and kitchen, whether that be with a decorative pendant, flushmount fixture, or built-in pot-lights. 

Having the correct types of lighting and ensuring the necessary areas are well-lit are the key concepts in effectively lighting a space. This can be done within even the tightest of budgets by selecting budget friendly fixtures and utilizing the existing electrical that your space has to offer.  

3. Splurge or Save: Toilet 

When selecting a toilet for a bathroom renovation there are options spanning a range of price points, but no matter what end of the spectrum, you want a well-designed toilet with a powerful flush. You can always depend on that consistent quality and performance from every single American Standard toilet on the market, no matter the price point. 

5. Save: Tiles/Backsplash

Tile is a great way to infuse personalized style to your remodel projects, and it can be done using cost effective materials that still offer a “wow” factor. Whether you are looking to include a tiled feature in your bathroom or to amp up your kitchen backsplash, you can save by choosing ceramic options versus more costly stones such as marble. Choosing a budget-friendly subway tile can still add impact by pairing with a high-contrast grout or laying the tile using an eye-catching pattern, such as a herringbone. 

Pro-tip: If you have sourced a tile you love that is a little out of your budget, consider tiling a single wall or using it as an accent for a more cost-effective option. 

6. Splurge: Cabinetry/Vanities

Building in ample storage that makes the best use of space is something that will always provide a return of your investment. Whether you are dealing with a spacious bathroom or a smaller footprint, the vanity is something that you want to spend the money on to ensure it works best for you and your family. At American Standard, we have a number of Bathroom Vanity and Console options that offer an array of styles and different sizes to best fit your bathroom space and needs.  

For Kitchen design, investing in kitchen cabinetry is highly encouraged as they are often the most impactful element of the space.  Not only does well planned cabinetry offer a practical use of space, but it can elevate the overall aesthetic of your remodel as well. 

7. Save: Flooring 

When choosing your flooring for both the bathroom and kitchen, tile and hardwood are of the top choices, but those can often come with larger price tags. If going with tile, you can find stylish options that are made from porcelain that will give you the best bang for your buck. Porcelain tiles resist chipping and cracks, and come in so many styles, including ones comparable to natural stone. If you desire hardwood, vinyl and laminate options offer durability for high traffic areas and often closely resemble real wood. 

Another way to reduce budget with flooring is to opt for larger format tiles to limit the cost of installation labour. Large, rectangular tiles can bring natural stone appeal, without needing excessive grout and are easy to install. Mid-sized decorative tiles bring flair through pattern and design without the need for difficult layouts.