Janet Cook
October is national kitchen and bathroom remodeling month. Since my last column was on the latest trends in kitchen remodeling, let’s look at what is growing in popularity in bathroom remodeling: adding a second full bathroom and walk in closet to create a second master bedroom! Couples who choose to remodel to have a second master bedroom do so for many sound reasons, and it’s not because they are growing apart! More people as they get older have difficulty sleeping, and to have a spouse that snores, or tosses and turns, or gets up during the night, or one that reads in bed until they can fall asleep when you want It dark…well, that’s an easy fix. Surprisingly, more younger couples are opting to have their own master bedrooms, too, because of their work and sleep schedules. They find when they are well rested, and, absence makes the heart grow fonder.
According to a national survey, 33 percent of home buyers want two master bedrooms in their next home. Over seventy percent of homeowners want to live independently in their home as long as possible, but most homes do not have a universally designed bathroom which can become a must have. Remodeling to have a second master bedroom with a beautifully designed universal bathroom could increase your home’s marketability and adding quality square feet can increase its value. More people are entering into the retirement years, and most houses do not offer aging-in-place design. You can differentiate your home from the neighborhood by offering those amenities.
There are many other benefits to having a second master bedroom. It is a great place to offer family and guests for greater privacy and comfort. It can cost about 25 percent less to add on to a bedroom to convert it into a master bedroom than adding a guest house. In the future, you or your spouse could need support to keep living at home, and want to offer room and board in exchange for house and yard care, shopping, cooking, or maybe personal caretaker services. If you are widowed, you may want to rent a room for companionship and income. Having a second master bedroom gives options. You could check out the guide on cash on cash return via Roofstock to find out if renting your room or home makes financial sense for you.
There is a fun side to having your own bedroom. No more: it’s too hot, or too cold, or the bed is too hard, or too soft. You can plan ventilation and the furnishings to make the room to be just right! Design a sitting area for how you like to lounge to read. Choose the configuration to have the views you want and you get to choose the décor and colors for your room. And if there is the space on your lot, add more storage with a walk-in closet. Instead of having a double sink which is typical in a master bathroom, you can have one sink and a makeup vanity. A no threshold walk-in shower is a must. Some states call this an accessory dwelling unit, so accessorize your home with more luxury!
Happy Home Remodeling!
Janet Cook, CAPS, President of Cook Remodeling (celebrating their 38th year), invites you to visit their blog on cookremodeling.com for photos and more articles of interest.