Remodeling a bathroom can increase the value of your home, but shortsighted planning can wash projects down the drain. Some do-it-yourself experts recommend a fresh coat of paint, new tile, a shiny new sink and great cabinets to transform an ordinary bathroom into an extraordinary spa — but that’s just what the eye can see.

That’s why it’s so important to think beyond the paint and tile, and consider how to protect it from the greatest threat in a bathroom: moisture, mold and mildew. Upgrading your walls, ceilings and subfloors before you paint or install tile can ensure your new bathroom will stand up to everyday splashes, showers and relaxing tub soaks, as well as dreaded mold and mildew that can come from these steamy, wet environments.

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Anitra Mecadon of DIY Network’s “Mega Dens,” offers this advice:

Look for ideas

Popular upgrades include decorative tile or stone in the tub and shower areas. You can also consider multiple showerheads or steam enclosures to give your bathroom “spa appeal” without the worry.

Budget and plan

Create a budget so you know how much you can comfortably spend. Shop on your own, with a contractor or interior designer to select building materials, fixtures and appliances. Remember that bathrooms require two kinds of materials to help protect walls and floors: moldand moisture-resistant drywall for areas behind mirrors or sinks, and cement board for the critically wet areas, such as tubs and showers.

Be careful

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Prepare for a demolition phase to tear out the tub, sink, tile, walls and flooring. Be careful of pipes, air ducts and electrical wires behind the walls, ceilings and under the floors. Measure twice, cut once. And remember to use appropriate safety gear.

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Add value with walls and floors

After adding insulation, install mold- and moisture-resistant PURPLE XP drywall in your bathroom. The PURPLE color is easy to spot in the drywall aisle of your local home improvement stores, and provides value and peace of mind that lasts.

Other notes to consider

Ask a friend to help for easier installation, and forget traditional green board because it’s no longer approved by most building codes. Instead, ask for PURPLE XP drywall to ensure yours is moisture-, mold- and mildew-resistant. Seal areas around the tub and sink with mildew-resistant caulk and grout to discourage discoloration. Paint walls with mildew-resistant primer and paint, which can cut down on future maintenance. Also, add an exhaust fan for additional moisture control.

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For more information on bathroom remodeling, visit AskForPurple.com.

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.