(ARA) - Makeovers are the rage today. Dozens of home improvement television shows, magazines, and even cable networks are devoted to redecorating and remodeling. Experts tell us what we should have, what color to make it and how to do it. Unfortunately for many, the money for makeovers doesn't come as easily, especially for a bathroom remodel.

The cost of removing and replacing the avocado green bathtub and pink tile surround can cost several thousand dollars, not to mention the time it takes.

If you're on a limited budget like most homeowners, you can have your dated or worn out tub, tile, sink and even your vanity surfaces professionally refinished in any color with the look and feel of new. It can be done in just one day, not weeks, and at a fraction of the cost of removal and replacement.

Miracle Method, with more than 100 locations, has refined the surface restoration process making porcelain, ceramic tile, fiberglass, acrylic, cultured marble and laminate surfaces look and feel like new again.

"People not only want a new look, they also want the surface of their tub and tile to feel like new again," says Chuck Pistor, President of Miracle Method. About half of Miracle Method's customers are some of the world's most recognized hotel chains, including Marriott, Hilton, Holiday Inn and Sheraton. "When people hear that we have done work for hotels like Bally's in Las Vegas or the Sir Francis Drake in San Francisco, they understand the quality and durability of our product," he adds.

The key to a durable surface-refinishing job is the process of cleaning, preparation and bonding. "What separates Miracle Method from other refinishers is not only our attention to detail but also our proprietary bonding agent. It both makes the new finish stick to the old surface, and eliminates the need for dangerous, toxic acids often used by other refinishers," says Pistor.

Mike and Sue Porter of Portland, Ore., thought they had no choice, but to tear out their tub and tile. "Gutting the bathroom was simply not in the budget. When we found Miracle Method, we loved the samples we saw. They turned the clock back on our bathroom from 1965 to 2004 in just one day. It's amazing how bright and smooth the finish is."

Is Refinishing Right For You?

Do You Need to Save Money?

If you want a new look for your bathroom, but don't want to spend thousands of dollars remodeling, then refinishing is your best value. Removing and replacing a bathtub can cost as much as $3,000. With refinishing, you only pay about 15 percent of the cost of replacement. And anyone who has ever replaced the tiles or sink in their bathroom knows the mess and hassle of demolition, as well as the hole it can put in their wallet.

Do You Need to Save Time?

Refinishing a tub can take as little as four hours. You can shower or bathe the very next day. Replacing a tub, however, can take weeks, when you factor in the time to rip out your old tub, tear out walls and plumbing, and install the new tub, plumbing and fixtures.

Is a Refinished Tub Durable?

Refinished tubs or ceramic tiles can easily last 10 to 15 years or more when the right process and bonding is used. A new porcelain bathtub may last a few years longer, but the cost of a new tub alone can be nearly triple the cost of refinishing. Not only is it more cost-effective, but refinishers like Miracle Method are also able to provide extras, like slip-resistant surfaces and custom colors.

Judith from Easthampton, Mass., is still satisfied with the look and feel of her refinished tub after 14 years, "My tub still looks good and is easy to clean. Before refinishing it was pitted, porous and impossible to clean." Refinishing is also great for repairing small chips and cracks, making it ideal for fixtures that are otherwise in good condition. Professional restoration companies like Miracle Method guarantee their work, so be sure to ask about warranties when shopping for a refinisher.

Do You Need a Special Color?

Miracle Method can match nearly any color, allowing you to change that 50s or 60s color to what fits your current décor. Changing colors is especially important for previously owned homes that were decorated by someone else. The tub may be fine, but the color is horrid. Custom colors add to making refinishing a great redecorating value.

When choosing the right refinisher for your bathroom-remodeling project, remember to do a little research. "Refinishing is a great process if it is done with the right materials and techniques, but all refinishing is not the same so be sure to ask the right questions. Ask how long the company has been in business, if they use corrosive acids in your home, do they ventilate the room, and do they offer a guarantee. And definitely ask for references," says Pistor.

Courtesy of ARA Content