1 Whirlpool Tub
Bathtubs that provide a massage aren’t just for million-dollar homes anymore. Smaller tubs that fit into a standard 5-ft.-long tub space, with smaller price tags (starting at about $500), have made whirlpool tubs affordable. When you look at prices, remember to add at least $200 for the faucet, plumbing and electrical supplies. You may want to replace your water heater too. Your water heater capacity should be about 75 percent of the tub’s capacity.
There are two types of whirlpool tubs. Traditional “water-jet” tubs provide a more powerful water stream. The other type of whirlpool, an “air-jet” tub,massages by blasting air through tiny holes. Some people prefer the tingle of air massage; others find it too gentle. Air-jet tubs are often louder and incoming air cools the water faster. Expect to spend at least $1,200 for an air-jet tub.
2 A Soap Dispenser
Many hotels no longer provide tiny bars of soap and miniature shampoo bottles. They’ve discovered that push-button dispensers mean less clutter, more convenience and quicker cleaning. The version shown here dispenses three liquids (such as soap, shampoo and conditioner). Either screw it to the wall or fasten it with adhesive and two-sided tape. You might find a dispenser at a home center or discount store, but you can check out a variety of models online; just type “soap dispenser” into any search engine. The Aviva III model shown is available from comforthouse.com for about $40.
3 A Towel Warmer
Any bathroom feels luxurious when there’s a warm towel waiting as you step out of the shower. But towel warmers have practical benefits too. Towels dry faster, so they’re less likely to develop a musty odor. A towel warmer can also take the chill out of a cool bathroom. Small versions produce only as much heat as a 100-watt light bulb, but larger models can noticeably raise the temperature in an average-size bathroom. All versions have switches, so they don’t waste power when you don’t want the extra heat. Some even have timers. Prices range from $40 to $250.
Adding a heated towel rack isn’t any more difficult than installing a new towel bar—just fasten it to the wall and plug it in. There are even a few freestanding versions that don’t require any installation at all. If you’re doing an extensive bathroom remodel, consider a hard-wired model,which provides a neater look by eliminating the power cord. If your home is heated with water, consider a “hydronic” towel warmer, which works like a radiator. Hydronic versions generally produce more heat more economically. You might find a few towel warmers at a kitchen and bath showroom or other retailer, but to browse a wide variety of models, visit www.comfortchannel.com or just type “towel warmer” into any search engine.
4 A Big Mirror
If you’re looking for dramatic results on a limited budget, you can’t do better than to install a big mirror. It will provide a larger view, of course, but the real wow effect of a big mirror is that it makes a dim, cramped bathroom feel bright and spacious. Home centers and kitchen and bath showrooms carry or can special-order large framed or unframed mirrors. For a wide online selection, go to www.simplymirrors.com. If you want a large, unframed mirror cut to the size and shape you like, call a business that specializes in mirrors (in the Yellow Pages under “Mirrors”). That way you can even get a huge mirror (typically up to 6 ft. x 10 ft.) with polished or beveled edges. You can also have holes cut so the mirror fits neatly over switches, outlets or light fixtures ($20 to $30 per hole). Either build your own mirror frame or leave the edges exposed and hang the mirror with clips or adhesive. A 4-ft. x 5-ft. mirror with polished edges costs about $160.
5 A Dimmer Switch
If your bathroom is a quiet refuge where you escape from the world, let the lighting match your mood. 
A simple dimmer switch ($8 to $20) lets you choose bright light for shaving or applying makeup and gentle light to accompany that soothing shower or bath. You can install one in just a few minutes, but to do it safely you have to check the grounding and the size of the junction box. (See “Install a Dimmer Switch,” March ’02.)
6 A Recessed Medicine Cabinet (or two)
Every bathroom can use more storage space. And most bathrooms have a spot—usually next to the door—that’s perfect for an extra medicine cabinet. If you install a “recessed” cabinet that fits inside the wall between the studs, you won’t lose an inch of space in the bathroom. If wall space allows, you can even install two cabinets this way, side-by-side or over-under. Another good spot for a medicine cabinet is above the toilet. But in that case, you’ll most likely need a surface-mount cabinet, since there’s usually a large vertical vent pipe in the wall behind the toilet. Medicine cabinets are available at home centers and kitchen and bath showrooms starting at about $30. Here are some Web sites to check out: www.broan.com, www.nutone.com, www.robern.com and www.kitchensource.com.
7 New Faucet & Hardware
If the main elements of your bathroom—like the flooring, tub and vanity—are in good shape, a new set of matching hardware might be all you need for an updated look. Seemingly small items like a stylish faucet, light fixtures, towel bars or cabinet door hardware can have a big impact. While you’re at it, replace grimy old light switch and outlet covers. You’ll find everything you need at a home center or a kitchen and bath showroom.
8 A Quiet Bath Fan
You might be tempted to leave your noisy bath fan off. But don’t. Humidity from hot showers feeds mildew, causes condensation and can support rot inside your walls. Instead, upgrade to a quiet fan.
Fan noise is measured in “sones.” The lower the number, the quieter the fan. “Quiet” fans usually hum at 1.5 sones or less; some are as low as .3 sones (find them at www.broan.com). If a fan doesn’t carry a sone rating, it’s probably loud (3 to 5 sones). Quiet fans start at about $100.
Replacing a fan and ductwork takes one day. (See “Quiet Bath Fan Upgrade,” April ’00) But often you can connect a quiet fan to existing ductwork and save hours of work. Most quiet fans require duct that’s at least 4 in. in diameter. To determine the size of your existing duct, pull off the fan’s grille and find the manufacturer and model number. Then go online and type them into a search engine such as Google. At Web sites of manufacturers and parts retailers, you’ll find the specifications for your fan. If your fan uses 4-in. duct, you’ll have a wide range of quiet fans to choose from at home centers. If your fan is connected to 3-in. duct, check out the WhisperFit line of fans at www.panasonic.com.
To remove moisture from your home, it’s best to let a fan run for 15 to 30 minutes after you shower or bathe. 
So consider replacing the fan’s switch with a timer. Rotary timers,which work well but make a buzzing sound, cost about $20 at home centers. For silent operation, get an electronic timer (www.levitonproducts.com, item No. 6230M, $40.Another option is to install a fan that switches on when humidity levels rise (www.broan.com, item No.DH100W).
9 Heated Floor
Bare feet and bathrooms go together, so your feet will appreciate a warm floor all winter long. There are two basic types of floor heating systems: electric resistance wires, which operate like an electric blanket; and hydronic systems, which pump hot water through flexible plastic tubing. Hydronic systems churn out more heat more economically. Some upscale homes are heated entirely by hydronic “radiant” floor heat. If you just want warm toes when you step out of the tub, you may find electrical heat more practical. The system costs less and is usually easier to install.
With either type of system, there are only two ways to add heat to floor: You can install new flooring (ceramic tile is the most popular flooring for heated floors). Or—if the floor is accessible from below—you can fasten wires or tubing to the underside of the subfloor. For any type of floor heating system, expect to spend $10 or more per square foot.
For a step-by-step guide to installing the electric mat shown here, see “Warm Bathroom Floors,” Dec./Jan. ’02. This type of mat is embedded in mortar beneath ceramic tile. For more information, go to www.suntouch.net.
For a mat that’s installed on the underside of the floor between floor joists, check out www.calorique.com.
These suppliers specialize in helping do-it-yourselfers install hydronic systems: www.radiantcompany.com and www.radiantec.com.
10 Frameless Shower & Tub Doors
Frameless shower doors will save you countless hours of tedious cleaning over the years. They aren’t entirely frameless; you fasten metal channels to tub or shower walls. But the glass doors themselves have no frames and no crevices to collect soap scum. Some models, such as Sterling’s Finesse series or Kohler’s Purist line, also feature clever designs to make installation easier (www.kohler.com). The model shown here (Sterling Finesse 6305-34, about $400) has no crossbar above the door opening, so there’s no head hazard for tall folks and one less part to clean for the rest of us (www.sterlingplumbing.com).
