According to Remodeling Magazine's 2008-2009 Cost vs. Value Report the average investment recouped at resale for a Mid-Range and Upscale Bathroom Remodeling in the DC Metro Area is 64% and in the Baltimore Metro Area 71%.

For many, the bathroom is a sanctuary, a place where one can feel peaceful and relax. In a lot of homes, it seems as though the architects decided the bathroom was just a utilitarian space the same as a closet, and usually designed as such. Very often the bathroom can be the coldest and bleakest room in the home, especially in the depths of winter. This is not the case, and with a good professional, any bathroom can be transformed into the comfortable room it should be.

When remodeling an existing bathroom and you are restricted to the physical size of the room, you may be able to work wonders. If you are replacing the bathroom suite, you do not need to install the new suite in the same position as the original. You do not even need to use the same room and you can always add or remove walls, doors and windows. You can design the grand bathroom you dream about - but its actual installation will depend upon how much money you are willing to invest and how much inconvenience you are willing to tolerate.

Things to Consider Before Getting Your Contractor.

Determine what your new bathroom needs.

Do you want to enlarge your bathroom? Do you need another sink? Would you like to add windows? Does the bathroom tile need to be replaced? Think about what your ideal bathroom will look like and then prioritize your needs before your wants.

Gather bathroom design ideas.

A set of architectural plans will really help you and your remodeling professionals visualize the finished project, but any design preparations can be helpful.

Check out websites and magazines and cut out ideas, designs or photos that approximate what you want. It can also be helpful to a designer if you can make a sketch on graph paper of what your plans are. Any of these things will be help you to express to your bathroom remodeling professionals

Establish a realistic bathroom remodeling budget.

At this time you will also need to determine how you will finance your bathroom remodel. Do you have a savings that you can dip into or will you need get a loan? The answer to this will be a factor in determining your budget.

Will this be a larger remodel or are you making minor changes? When establishing your budget keep in mind the design ideas you would like and whether they fall on the pricier side. Also, it will always be less expensive if you don't need to relocate plumbing fixtures, such as toilets or sinks, so if you are on a smaller budget it is more economical to incorporate your current bathroom layout into the new design.

Consider popular bathroom design trends.

Second sinks have become very popular in bathroom remodels as they allow two people to use the bathroom at the same time.

Another popular trend in bathroom design is separating the toilet from the rest of the bathroom.

If you only have a shower, consider replacing this with a bathtub which can serve double duty as both a bath and a shower. Whirlpool bathtubs have also become very popular in today's bathrooms.

Nearly everyone elects to include a bathroom exhaust fan, often incorporating a heater on a timer, as well.