Yes, although I also looked at the Trinsic, but thought the Ara might work better. If faced with a two-handle faucet, my child will very quickly destroy it by twisting it too hard and too far to make sure that the water is actually off. Not sure why so concerned about getting the water off. One would think it would be obvious that the water is off, but my child is hearing impaired (so can't hear if it is running) and a few years ago was constantly leaving the bathroom with the water running full force. I think seeing my alarm when I realized the water was still running and also having to answer me when I would ask whether the water had been completely turned off prompted my child to go to extreme measures to make sure the water is totally off---to the point of breaking faucets. My child also has some vision difficulties, as well as dementia---thus forgetting to do things like turn off the water. So we need sturdy faucets and, definitely, one-handle faucets. I do like the look of the Hansgrohe, but pretty certain it's more expensive than the Delta faucets I've been considering.

It isn't whether the buyer will pay more for the new shower, it is whether it will APPRIASE for more. (buyers really hate to come up with more money because it will not appraise.) Around here, this is how baths and their fixtures are counted on appraisals. * Full bath (toilet, sink, shower/tub or shower and tub or tub since a shower can be added easily) = $3000 * 1/2 bath (sink and toilet) = $1500 * 3/4 bath (sink and toilet and shower) = $2250 Unless it has a tub, it is NOT a "full" bath with just a shower. It is a 3/4 bath. So in terms of the appraised value, that shower is only worth another $750 above the value of a 1/2 bath. And it does NOT matter whether it was $300 fiberglass thing with a shower curtain or a $5000 thing with a custom built base and high-end frameless door. $750 on appraisal around here. (And the median priced home in this county is $435,000. Less than 10% are under $200K High end area 40 mile round trip from a large grocery store) It is a nice-that-it-is-there thing on a sale but not make or break if it is obvious there is enough space to put in a shower. Minor plus if the buyer does not have to put it in. HUGE minus if you go with freaky colors and have a black tile shower or other 'out there' thing that is not widely popular (and I do not mean popular with designers but popular with the masses.) Keep it neutral if you tile - creams, almond etc. You will NOT however, get the cost back on sale. Plan accordingly.

We generally prefer historical cost basis over any time of assessment, so what you paid for an item. However, one problem with the historical cost basis for ad valorem taxes is it adjusts for realized gains and losses while not adjusting for holding gains and losses. This means that two identical houses would pay two different taxes based on the last time they were sold. This isn't quite fair so to remedy this, ad valorem taxes are occasionally adjusted to compensate somewhat for holding gains and losses. In other words, we don't want people who bought 3 acres next to Central Park 65 years ago, to be paying property taxes on $100,000 when an identical property next door pays taxes on $15,000,000. That is the entire purpose of adjusting property values. Improvements aren't simply holding gains, it is putting money into the structure so that it is nicer. If you want to fairly tax improvements you would need a tax on the increased value less a tax credit the amount paid over the marginal assessment value. So, the premise that you have some moral obligation to pay marginally higher taxes because you spent $50,000 for a nicer kitchen that adds only $20,000 to the property value, is one I find questionable. In other words, if you paid more for the remodel than it added in property value you should get a tax credit against the increase. However, that is far too complicated and thus taxing jurisdictions who are acting efficiently and attempting to be fair, avoid increasing valuation for improvements and replacements, but do increase valuation for additions. Now this is completely different than rules that allow select groups to avoid assessment for holding gains and losses.

I can only speak from my experience remodeling. My remodel included a kitchen and two baths (among other things). I hired the designer who drew up plans which were the basis for submitting to the City for permits as well as to the GC's in order to get bids that were apples to apples. You can't get a meaningful bid unless the GC's are bidding on the same specifications. Even the design of the tile (for example) will be relevant as certain tiles, materials and designs are more costly. My designer who was very knowledgable about construction also acted as my Project Manager and so was a very experienced eye and advocate in terms of determining the quality of the work. She could let me know what was normal in terms of stuff and what needed to be corrected. She also had a relationship with the contractor and although I got along great with the guy he obviously had history with the designer and also would be motivated to make sure the job including all of the punch up stuff was right since if things went well he would be more likely to do future projects with her than with me - thus more clout. Clout is also a great thing in terms of having stuff ordered through a designer. They might not care about one customer but they are very likely to make sure a designer is satisfied 100%.