Now is the time to renovate. The pandemic remodeling frenzy is over, which means your project will likely come cheaper and easier than in the past few years. With less competition for contractors now, the odds of successfully negotiating lower labor costs are better, according to construction-costs data company RSMeans. Materials prices have also decreased from their 2021 peak.

Mind the tile. From the floor to the walls, your tile selection may have the biggest impact on the look and feel of your renovated bathroom. It can also be a good area to think differently. Large-format porcelain tile can smooth and simplify the room's aesthetic, while a smaller custom penny-tile can add a unique flair.

Be purposeful in your selections. Your vanity, bathtub and lighting decisions will also contribute to your bathroom's character. Consider choices like a smooth concrete countertop with sunken sinks, sconce-style lighting fixtures, or — if you really want to make a statement — even a cast-iron bathtub. Your creativity is the only limit.

Turn to the experts at National Iron Bank to tap your home equity today and finance the remodel of your dreams.

Excerpt from Wall Street Journal