Start with a design, and a realistic budget. Cost vs Value Most people don't spend enough time utilizing expert planning and it shows. Nor do they save enough to do the project that they've dreamed about. It costs far more than you think, and will take very advanced skills to accomplish. Unless you have those skills, it's best to hire a pro.

What does your husband feel comfortable doing? Is he a big DIY kind of guy who wants to renovate the bathroom himself?

Sophie is right that it's going to cost more than you think, even if you do it yourself as you just don't know what you're going to find. It also takes a lot longer than you think it should so prepare yourself for your house to be in disarray.

Have you thought about a steam unit? A personal spa would be great in an existing/new bathroom! Check out www.thermasol.com

Good advice above. I'm using the contractor who did my kitchen without a hitch, came in on budget and a day early. The master bath has encountered issues not related to the original bathroom. We are into the third month and I'm over budget and I won't blame him, me or anything else. It's a bathroom and I suspect par for the course.

You need to decide exactly what needs doing. Any pictures? Any tearing out of walls and floors, etc.?

Look for pictures of baths and kitchens to see what you like. On-line or in magazines. This can be really physical stuff and it's best to have all the components picked out and tile ordered before starting. This is one of the hardest things I've ever tried to do. So many choices and so many decisions to be made.

Keep it simple in design and patterns. The less fussy the longer it will be in style.