connie; fix it advice?

ok so i am really serious about redoing the bathroom floor in my lil bathroom- the tub is an almond surround and the sink is similar (also needs replacing!) so i am thinking of something almondlike in a tile-will be vinyl cuz i can't afford real! so the bathroom is a plain jane -it's roughly 5' X 6' area- i don't want to overwhelm it- how do i go about putting in tiles? on a diagonal or straight? any hints??? our value city has peel n stick for 7.99 a box- i'll need a bit more than one box..i know i will get what i pay for but am hoping to add to the room-clean it up a bit- the old gray carpet is ucka!!!!!!! michael argues that it won't make any diff- he is looking at dollars spent-i am looking at the upgrade helping to sell! advice?

Margo, Couple of things... Peel n stick is a good option. If you want to jazz up the bathroom a little, but leave it neutral, go on a diagonal. Diagonal will require more tile and more cuts to the tile, but I think you'll be happier with the results. Peel n stick won't necessarily add to the value, but it will be more appealing than a yucky floor to a buyer. If you're going to replace the vanity, wait to tile until after that is done. Also factor in the cost of the caulk around the tub and toilet. Ceramic tile will do more to add value to the house, and you can get nice tile for a buck a foot, but if you haven't done this before, I probably wouldn't try it now if you are still planning to sell the house. The cost of ceramic tile would run you about 30 - 35 for the bathroom if you went this route, plus the cost of thinset and grout so all in all, about 50.00. One thing to consider is that if you have a Home Depot or Lowes nearby, they will do the tile cuts for 50 cents each. If you do ceramic tile, don't lay it diagonally because this will increase the cost quite a bit. According to every appraiser I've ever had come through my house, hard tile and wood flooring add to the value of a house and carpet and vinyl do not. Also, the best return on house upgrades come in the bathroom and kitchen areas. If you're going to spend money, do it in those rooms. I'm in the middle of remodeling pain myself. For the first time in my life, I hired someone else to come in and do the work. I'm about to fire them and wish I had done it myself. They are four weeks past their due date on a two day job and I could have done a better job by now. If they're not done with the drywalling by tomorrow, they're fired and I'll do it myself. Anyway... I hope this helps and if you have more questions, just ask. I always think everyone is entitled to my opinion. Ha! Hugs, Connie

Connie, Thanks for the advice to Margo. I am hoping we are close to redoing 2 1/2 baths in this house and of course I'm torn between tile, vinyl, etc. There is already ceramic tile on the floors, so I am thinking to replace with ceramic tile. Chances are we will be having someone else do the work for us, but who knows! Hugs, Mo

Margo, Found this link that might have some info for you. I'm constantly surfing the net for home improvement stuff. http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/rm_kitchen_bath_remodeling/article/0,1797,HGTV_3749_4969978_02,00 .html Connie

thanks for the info! my "shows" have become house hunters/ designed to sell and buy me- all on hgtv!!!!i don't have time for soaps!!!! i am thinking that i will pick up the tiles tomorrow when we are in town and hopefully it will happen this weekend! i just think that the rug is dingy looking and doesn't give that clean bathroom look no matter what i do to it!