1. Low-flow toilets do not have to mean low-performance toilets. To alleviate low-flow woes, select a toilet with a glazed trapway that measures 2 1/4 inches or larger. Keep in mind that a good toilet may cost $150 or more.

2. Soaking tubs -- often sized to accommodate two people -- are the focal point of many rejuvenated baths. To ensure plenty of hot water, the National Kitchen & Bath Association recommends a water heater with at least two-thirds your tub's capacity.

3. Locating a dressing room and short hallway between the master bath and bedroom lets an early riser shower and get dressed without disturbing a later sleeper.

4. Instead of tearing out an old tub, you can reface it in a day with an acrylic liner. At $850-$1,000 for an average tub, refacing costs less than full-blown remodeling jobs that disturb plumbing, tile, and flooring. To see what facades in faux granite, faux marble, and other looks can do, visit www.re-bath.com , www.bathmaster.com , www.homefinishers.net , or www.bathcrest.com .

5. Shower benches and shelves don't have to be elaborate or require a large shower. A piece of tile cut into a triangle and mounted a few feet off the floor in a corner can store shower supplies or give you a leg up when shaving.

6. Faucet choice is more than simply a function of styling. Finish quality, valve quality, and warranty length should factor into your purchase decision. Solid-brass fixtures, such as the chrome-plated Soho Manor faucet, cost more but last the longest. Zinc is durable and less expensive but will corrode when the plating wears off and water reaches the zinc. Plastic-bodied faucets are the cheapest and least-durable option. Lifetime finishes, such as Delta's Brilliance, Moen's LifeShine, and Jado's Diamond, that rebuff oxidation are most likely to stay shiny over time. Kohler has a handful of Vibrant finishes designed to fend off scratches, corrosion, and tarnishing.

7. If you dream of a makeup area in your remodeled bath but can't find the space, sacrificing a double vanity in favor of a single sink with a separate makeup area is a trade-off many people have no trouble living with.

8. Artificial lighting from above often casts shadows that make shaving and applying makeup a challenge. If your light fixture must dangle over the mirror, choose a small track system that diffuses light uniformly across the mirror and throughout the space. Mirror-flanking swing-arm lamps also cast light conducive to grooming.

9. Wall-mount faucets are gaining popularity both as a stylistic complement to minimalist design and above-counter basins and as a way to free countertop space for personal items.

10. Even in showers shared by multiple users, everyone can enjoy a customized spray. Many high-end shower systems offer a single-control, programmable, push-button module for selecting water temperature and specifying the operation of showerheads, body sprays, and pulsation intervals. For more affordable customization, try handheld showers and slide bars that make shower height optimal for every user.

11. Partial walls offer a way to create seat seclusion in baths too small to allow a dedicated water closet.

12. Many homeowners are choosing luxury showers over whirlpool tubs because the showers take up less space, don't waste time filling up, and provide multiple types of water massage.

13. When choosing paint for a bath, remember that latex paints are easy to use, quick-drying, and durable. However, oil paints are sometimes preferred because of their superior adhesion and stain resistance.