A Homeowners Guide: Where to Splurge and Where to Save

homeowners guide

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.

 

aspirations faucet

The Aspirations Widespread Pull-Down Faucet is the perfect choice for a high traffic bathroom with its dual spray, swivel spout that pulls down for full sink coverage to quickly rinse away toothpaste or grime. The contemporary design is beautifully proportioned, minimalist, and comes in three premium finishes to suit any style - Matte Black, Polished Chrome, and Brushed Nickel. 

For the kitchen, the Studio S Semi-Pro Kitchen Faucet offers a flexible pull-down spring spout and dual spray functionality, making washing dishes a breeze. Use the stream function for quickly filling pots or the spray function for rinsing and washing. Our Studio S Kitchen Faucets are now available in the on-trend Brushed Cool Sunrise finish, made to last with its ultra scratch-resistance.  
studio s

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. 
champion

Our Champion Toilet Collection offers virtually clog-free, superior flushing with water-saving efficiency, all at an affordable price. Its Everclean surface inhibits the growth of bacteria and the Powerwash rim scrubs the bowl clean with every flush. Now that’s money well spent!

If you are looking for added luxury from your toilet, invest in the Advanced Clean 100 SpaLet Bidet Toilet. This innovative toilet combines the cleansing of a bidet with the sleek lines of a modern, auto-flush toilet. Features include heated seat, dual nozzles for a complete cleansing experience, and a warm air drier.

advanced clean 100
studio s

4. Splurge: Shower

A space for daily renewal and tranquility, the shower is not an area that you want to skimp on. Choosing quality fittings for the shower to fit your lifestyle and family routines is essential to ensuring you get the best ROI from your bathroom renovation. 


American Standard’s Studio S Tub Shower Trim Kit  has everything you need to create a stylish, high-quality shower space that you will love for life. The kit comes complete with a full coverage rain showerhead, trim, cartridge and diverter tub spout. It also boasts 30% water saving while still delivering water pressure you can count on. Pair with the Contemporary Hand Shower for added functionality and convenience. 
 

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 labor. 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.  

 
saybrook

8. Splurge: Countertops

An important element of the kitchen space to splurge on is quality, stone countertops for those high-use areas. It is imperative to select a counter surface that is a durable material, sure to last generations and reduce risk of damage, as well as one that stylistically is timeless. 


Keep in mind that natural stones, such as marble and soapstone, have their drawbacks, with marble being porous and susceptible to staining, and soapstone being soft and open to scratches and chipping. Engineered options, such as quartz, can still offer that natural stone look while providing long-lasting durability and stain-resistance. A great option if you are looking to save in the long-run. 
 

As seen in image Saybrook Pull-Down Dual Spray Kitchen Faucet in Stainless Steel

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