Kelli and Steve Friese have owned their home for 14 years and, over time, have customized it into their dream home. Only one thing is missing: their newly finished basement lacks a bathroom. Though they felt that they might be at risk for over-remodeling, they decided to turn the last remaining unfinished space in their basement into a bathroom. To do so, they framed the walls, added electrical and hired a plumber to run the supply and drain lines. After that, the fun really starts as they add a shower with modern metallic tile for the walls and install a vanity with custom countertop and cabinets.
As the project progressed, Kelli and Steve splurged a bit on their remodeling choices. The extra money and effort paid off however. Because of the high quality materials they used and the overall success of the project, their improvement added a modest value to their home, which was already priced at the top of the market for their neighborhood.
Here's the dollar breakdown in terms of equity elevation vs. project cost:
Final Tally:
cabinets and countertop $1,754
tile and heated flooring $2,398
bath fixtures and shower door $4,458
lighting $565
labor, permits and supplies $5,313
TOTAL = $14,488
realtor's estimated value increase = $15,000
total cost of material = $14,488
net return on investment = $512
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2008/05/01/dseq305_1ca_BEFORE_wideshot04_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2008/05/01/dseq305_1cb_AFTER_showerfixtures_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2008/05/01/dseq305_1ce_AFTER_vanity03_e.jpg",350,450))
