We live in a Cape Cod-style home built in 1949. A few months ago, it became evident that a bathroom remodel was imminent. I knew this could be a glass half-full situation –

A bathroom remodel can be well-invested money; various sources put it as one of the most profitable home investments, earning back anywhere from 50-110 percent of remodel costs. The National Association for the Remodel Industry reports that if a bathroom remodel is handled properly (work done well, costs kept in check), homeowners should recoup at least 50 percent of the project cost.

Here are five tips to avoid flushing money down the commode during your own project:

– Be brutally honest about your DIY skills. We are not handy; this knowledge solidified years ago when we tackled the tiniest bathroom in a beach condo. It was ugly. I've shown many homes locally where it's painfully obvious the homeowner did the work him/herself. It's not a flattering look. And it doesn't sell your home. In fact, it's a deterrent. If your work is "workman quality," go for it. If not, punt and let the experts do it. Ekrem Abdic of Ekrem Abdic, Inc., a homebuilder and design expert from Derry Township, knows that bathrooms and kitchens, when they are well done, sell homes.

"Sometime homeowners don't know what the project will ultimately entail," says Abdic, known for his innovative design and detailed craftsmanship. "Pipes may need to be replaced and you need to be absolutely certain that a proper moisture barrier is intact or the project could ultimately spell disaster. If the job is professionally done—even if it's a smaller job – it will speak volumes for your home as a whole."

-Don't move the plumbing. The average cost of a bathroom remodel, according to the National Association of Home Builders, is just over $10,500. This figure includes replacing the tub, tile, floor, toilet, sink, vanity and fixtures. When you get into moving commodes or sinks, that can be an additional $2,500 each. Knocking out closets or increasing/ decreasing vanity size will be much less of a fiscal drain.

– Start with a budget, whether you're DIYing or using a professional.

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?" Wisdom straight from Luke.

For our project, we are paying north of the $10,500 average. Expensive? Maybe. But we know the price, we have it in writing, we've budgeted for it, and we know the outcome will be gorgeous.

Andrea, homeowner in Conewago Township, recently saw her remodel project go temporarily sideways.

"We had ideas of what we wanted for the outcome and our contractor gave us options," Andrea stated. "We made choices based on price. We picked a tile that still needed to be treated for moisture. This treatment almost doubled the price of the tile but we didn't know this until after he started laying it. Our contractor covered the price discrepancy, but it was quite stressful. When you're new to the remodeling process, you almost need to over communicate with the contractor."

– Pick a great contractor. I met our contractor on a real estate errand and the homeowner raved about his work. When it came time to hire someone, we stood in line for months, knowing in the end it would be worth the wait. Talk to friends and neighbors and get quotes from several sources. Pick someone you trust and easily communicate with; you'll be working intimately with him/her for weeks, maybe months, and the relationship will affect the project.

– Do what you can, when you can. If $10,000-$20,000 now is not an option, consider a minor renovation. If tiles aren't falling off the wall or major structural repairs aren't needed, minor renovations — like a new vanity or countertop — may give your bathroom the needed "pop" to impress buyers and make it more pleasing to you. Changing out the hardware and paint or refinishing the tub and sink can make a big impact. Check the comps in your price range and municipality and see what work you need to do to compete in the market. It may be less than you think.

– In "Sun Country," we do reno right. Some of the best makeovers on the East Coast are done right in our backyards. With proper planning and quality workmanship, your bathroom re-do could bring you years of pleasure and increase the value of your home. For appointments to see my new bathroom, give me a call!

Eileen S. Voyles is a REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty. She can be reached at 717-533-8181, 717-508-4610, or evoyles@homesale.com.

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