Of course, you want your remodeling projects to pay off when you sell. But some luxuries just make your home life sweeter and easier — and there’s big value in that, too.

Here are some remodeling splurges that are great for your life now and someday may pique a buyer’s interest.

1. Steam Shower

What: A sealed shower attached to a steam generator that turns the stall into a steam room. You can build a steam shower from scratch or buy a prefab fiberglass unit.

Why: Steam relaxes, opens sinuses, soothes muscles, and cleans pores. Installing a steam shower is a major project that includes wiring for the generator; vapor-proofing walls, floors, and ceiling; installing a tightly-fitting door; and having a bathroom fan outside the shower to suck up the extra humidity.

Tip: A sloped ceiling in the shower room ensures that condensation runs off.

How much: Starting around $2,600

2. Heated Bathroom Floors

What:

Thin, thermostatically-controlled electric radiant mats that install under tile.

Why:

No more cold feet when stepping out of the shower in the morning. Many systems come with timers so warm bathroom floors await you each morning.

Tip:

Heated floors help stem mold growth in humid places.

How much:

$6-$16/sq. ft. for materials or at least $870 installed (not counting cost of tile or adding 20-amp GFCI dedicated circuit starting at about $125)

3. Skylights

What:

Upscale models feature insulated glass, solar-powered shades, and rain sensors that’ll automatically close an open skylight in bad weather.

Why:

Avoid dark, dreary room syndrome in areas you can’t brighten with windows — hallways, interior rooms, even closets Skylights save you money on heating, cooling, and lighting bills.

Tip:

If you plan to open and close skylights, order screens to keep out bugs and roof debris.

How much:

$500-$3,500 (depending on size, glazing, and complexity) installed

4. Towel-Warming Drawer

What:

A stainless steel, heated drawer that slips into cabinetry, plugs into an outlet, and warms towels.

Why:

Because there’s nothing more snuggly than wrapping a warm towel around you after a bath or shower.

Tip:

Towels take time to heat up — some people say as much as 45 minutes — so you’ll have to plan ahead to have a toasty one ready when you are.

How much:

$1,250-$2,600

5. Central Vac (aka Whole-House Vacuum)

What:

A super-suction, built-in vacuum system that features convenient inlet ports throughout the house where you plug in 25-to-50-foot lightweight vacuum hoses. The collection bin is usually located in a basement or garage.

Why:

No more dragging heavy vacuum cleaners up and down stairs and throughout the house. With central vacs all you need to schlepp is a lightweight hose fitted with a power brush.

Central vacs have up to five times the suction power of portable vacuums, and they store dust far away from where it’s collected — great for allergy sufferers. Some high-tech systems have retractable hoses that disappear into the wall.

Tip:

Make sure you have enough ports — at least one for every 500 sq. ft.

How much:

$1,200-$3,000 to retrofit a house; add about $150 for retractable hose.

Lisa Kaplan Gordon is an avid gardener, a member of the Fairfax County Master Gardeners Association, and a builder of luxury homes in McLean, Va. She’s been a Homes editor for Gannett News Service and has reviewed home improvement products for AOL.

This content is provided by HouseLogic for members of the National Association of REALTORS®

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