Getting a Timeless Bath Remodel

Deciding to have a bath remodel accomplished is an exciting experience. You will have the opportunity to create your own perfect space that will serve you well for years to come. Moving into a home or building your own presents an opportunity to completely renovate every room in the house. However, even if you have lived in your current house for a few decades, it is never too late to consider remodeling. Out of all the rooms in a home, the bathrooms and kitchen are typically the most trafficked, yet somehow the bathrooms always get put on the back burner when it comes to updates.

When you decide to have a bath remodel performed by a professional, you will have a chance to consider how you would like every facet of your bathroom to be built. Typically, we encourage clients to focus on a few main categories: storage, color schemes, and quality materials. Details like decorations and bath rugs can always be changed in a pinch.

Storage

Many people find themselves sticking extra towels and toiletries in any nook they can find because few think about storage as they plan a building project. This leaves countertops cluttered and dirty. Having proper storage in a bathroom is essential. We can help you design custom cabinets to create an attractive and functional vanity large enough to house all the necessities, plus extra cleaners, toilet paper, and towels. If you do not have enough floor space, high, wall-mounted cabinets are another option. If you have a bathroom that is already hard for only one person to navigate, you may need to consider space-saver storage options like built-in shelving that recesses into the wall. No matter what option you choose for storage, we can help you plan your bath remodel in a way that attractively accentuates what space you have.

Color Scheme

Many people choose whatever color comes to mind first for the walls in a bathroom, thinking that it will be easy to repaint whenever they change their mind. Then the fast pace of life quickly catches up with them, resulting in persistent annoyance with their current color scheme. While thinking about repainting is easy, few people actually ever get around to it. It may seem like a minor detail, but it is important to put adequate thought into choosing a color scheme for your bath remodel so you can fully enjoy it for years to come.

Quality Materials

Custom cabinets, sophisticated countertops, and attractive plumbing are a must for any bath remodel. If you do not plan to remodel for another 30 years, high-quality materials will provide you with a timeless bathroom that may not ever need another remodeling. When you invest in quality materials, you invest in the value of your home. If you ever decide to sell, small details like mosaic back splashes and luxuriously simple wainscoting or beadboard features tend to be attractive additions for home buyers.

When you consider storage, color scheme, and quality materials as you plan your bath remodel, you can’t go wrong. We can help you think of all the minor details and create a quality bath space that you will thoroughly enjoy for years.

When you consider storage, color scheme, and quality materials as you plan your bath remodel, you can’t go wrong. We can help you think of all the minor details and create a quality bath space that you will thoroughly enjoy for years.

If you are getting ready to complete your bath remodel, there is a good chance you have been on Pinterest looking for ideas or browsing your favorite issues of Better Homes and Gardens. We have pictures we can show you as well, and enjoy being part of the creative process. When it comes to remodeling your home, the bathroom can be a great deal of fun, for while it is a small room, it also provides you with an incredible amount of flexibility. With your bathroom, you don’t have to worry about it matching or blending in with the other rooms in your home. You can go in any direction you like, and we can take you there.

Beyond the aesthetics of your bathroom, it needs to have a high level of functionality. These five lifestyle hacks can make your bathroom more efficient and organized.

#1 - Built-in wall storage.

Every bathroom needs this. If you are tired of having towels flooding out of the linen closet or need more storage for toilet paper and extra bottles of shampoo, built-in wall storage can tuck it all away neatly out of sight. This is ideal for both large and small spaces.

#2 - Hidden hamper.

If you are like most families, dirty clothes tend to pile up quickly, sometimes on the bathroom floor. When completing your bath remodel, we can install a hidden hamper under the kitchen sink. Just like your garbage can be hidden in the kitchen, so can your dirty clothes. With a removable and washable clothes bag, you can simply pull it out and throw everything in the wash before replacing it again. Tell the kids to throw their clothes in after a shower, and you will spend less time picking up.

#3 - Custom tile shower.

Your shower can be neat, organized, and even give you a place to sit down and shave your legs. We can give you a beautiful and functional custom tile shower when completing your bath remodel. While a high-end feature, this is also an incredibly convenient way to get clean.

#4 - Built-in television.

If you need to catch up on your morning news while getting ready, we can install a television. You can stay up-to-date without sacrificing your morning routine.

#5 - Heated floors.

Gone are the days of feeling cold after your shower when you have heated floors. They are comfortable, producing steady and consistent heat while making your routine more luxurious. If you are a family who turns the heat up to give the kids a bath, this is a simple solution to keep that room of your home warm and toasty.

There are so many ways to improve the functionality of your bathroom. We can provide you with suggestions and solutions after viewing your space and discussing what your family’s unique needs are. Our goal is to create a truly stunning, beautiful, and ideal space for your family to use on a daily basis.

Surprises You Don’t Want to Find in a Bath Remodel

We work with homeowners on their bath remodel and can create spa-like, storage-filled, glamorous spaces.  At times, we run into a homeowner that is interested in completing their bathroom remodel themselves.  It is normal to get the DIY bug from time to time, but we do want to point out that when remodeling something that is used as much as a bathroom, and involves plumbing, working with a professional is ideal for ensuring that your important space is not out of commission for a prolonged period of time.  Unfortunately, the bathroom is one of those spaces that you can’t live without but is often full of surprises during a remodel, surprises that can cause delays.

Here is what you don’t want to find in the middle of your project.

The missing leak.  This is a big one.  Bathrooms are notorious for developing leaks in unidentified places.  Given the number of pipes and features in the bathroom this is easy to do.  For example, a five piece bathroom may have a leak in the plumbing leading to the tub but because of the location the leak may appear to be by the shower.  This can lead to many frustrated homeowners making holes and searching unsuccessfully for the missing leak.  As a contractor, we know where to look and can get to the bottom of leaks much faster. 

Mold.  Yikes!  Mold can be a major issue, and as the existing cabinetry or tub surround is removed during a bath remodel, it is fairly common to find mold behind these spaces.  Since there is so much moisture in the bathroom, there must be clear ventilation options.  Unfortunately, many older homes weren’t built with a fan or a window, and while this may seem crazy today, this common practice makes for a moldy situation.  When mold is identified, it may be possible to clean the area with bleach and treat it with a special type of paint.  In many cases, however, we recommend replacing the drywall in order to be safe.  Since mold can make your family sick, this is not something that you want to mess around with.  We also install proper ventilation to ensure that the problem won’t develop again. 

Electrical issues.  Many of the homeowners we work with have challenges with their existing electrical. When older homes were built there simply weren’t the same amount of appliances, televisions, hair dryers, machines and electronics needing constant electricity.  Our world runs on the electrical grid, and if the wiring in your home has not been updated in some time, it may not be able to support the demands that you are placing on it.  This can lead to outages at the most inconvenient of times, for example, when trying to curl your hair.  With that in mind, we recommend having a contractor complete your bath remodel so that we can update your electrical as needed.  If, however, you have started a project and see fraying or damaged wires when you open the wall up – call us immediately so that you can stay safe. 

How to Make Your Bath Remodel ADA Friendly

There are many reasons to make your bath remodel ADA friendly.  If you, or your parents, are getting older, having an ADA compliant bathroom can make it easier in the event that someone becomes less mobile than they used to be. You never know if or when this is likely to happen so incorporating these features into at least one bathroom is a good idea.  

For those with family members in a wheelchair, an ADA friendly remodel is not an option.  Fortunately, there are many ways for this to happen while still keeping the bathroom functional and beautiful.  In fact, manufacturers like Kohler make a variety of products that can be incorporated with relative ease. 

Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your bath remodel.

• Countertops and mirrors need to be at a certain height.  This way someone in a wheelchair can easily wash their hands and look into a mirror without straining.  This height is shorter than normal but still functional for everyone.  Mirrors, for example, should be no more than 40 inches from the ground. 
• Install grab bars.  You can place a grab bar around the toilet and entrance to the tub. The one near the toilet should be 42 inches long and located 12 inches from the rear wall.  The size and location of the grab bar for the shower depends on the type of shower that you have installed, and we can discuss the specifics with you in more detail. 
• Roll-in shower.  This can be an easy way to make a shower ADA friendly.  We can build a custom tile shower that looks gorgeous with a glass wall and opening large enough for someone to wheel themselves in and turn around inside.  This is an excellent solution because it looks modern and glamorous while being completely practical.  We can also install a seat that folds down and make sure that there are two shower heads. The lower one can be handheld so that it can be easily accessed from the shower seat. 
• Turning radius.  It is important to increase the size of the bathroom to accommodate a wheelchair turning around in a complete circle without hitting anything.  That way they don’t have to back out of the bathroom.  
• Storage.  There are additional things to think about that go beyond staying in compliance.  Storage, for example, is important.  With a roll-in custom tile shower, we can build in storage cubbies for shampoo and other supplies that are within easy reach of the shower chair. This can eliminate any frustration during shower time.  Additionally, with a shower this large, we can build in cubbies for clean towels that are out of the spray range but still easy to access.  The same is true for toiletries.  By building in storage that can easily be reached from a wheelchair, we can make it easier to brush teeth and get ready in the morning.

We are experts at completing a bath remodel and can meet with you to discuss the needs of your family and come up with creative ways to make it happen. 

How to Design Your Bath Remodel

Summer is the perfect time for a bath remodel.  Since the weather hot and beautiful, you can be outdoors enjoying the sunshine while the experts transform your bathroom.  Before you get started it is important to think about the type of bathroom that you want and what features you need to make the space work perfectly for you. 

Here are some questions to ask before a bath remodel:

1. How many people will use the bathroom?  A common problem with a bathroom is that they can become crowded. This isn’t an issue if you live alone but if you share a bathroom with a spouse or have several kids using a hallway bath it is important to incorporate enough space for everyone.  Let your contractor know how many people will be using the space and how old they are. 
2. Does the bathroom need to be ADA friendly?  If anyone uses the bathroom in a wheelchair, the space will need to be wide enough for the chair to turn around in. This is an important factor to tell your contractor about before the project begins. 
3. Do any children need to use the restroom?  As a contractor, we can incorporate kid-friendly features into your bath remodel. Simple solutions like installing two levels of sinks make it easy for a little one to wash their hands.  Additionally, a shorter toilet can be installed. This makes it easy for kids to use the restroom without help. 
4. What do you want to store inside of the space?  If you don’t have a nearby linen closet, there needs to be space to hold all of your typical toiletries along with extra towels, toilet paper, and more.  This can easily be built into the bathroom and fit seamlessly with the design. 

These are some of the basics that need to be discussed when designing your bathroom.  Once they are resolved it is time to focus on more design elements.  This is where you can be as creative as you like with things like color, fixtures, lighting, and more can completely transform the space.  For example, a spa-like bathroom can be created for the master that offers a serene getaway.  The powder room can be more fun and whimsical since it won’t be used as often. Simultaneously, a hallway bathroom shared by kids should be colorful and full of storage solutions.  All of these can be incorporated into the design by Quality Kitchen and Bath. 

We can also include some practical yet luxurious features like heated tile floors that can make your feet warm and toasty during the winter.  Heated towel bars can help your towels to dry quickly and give you something warm to wrap yourself up in.  Built in televisions can deliver the news while you curl your hair and brush your teeth in the morning while touchless faucets can keep germs off of your hands.  The sky is the limit with modern home technology.  To get started on your dream bath remodel, call Quality Kitchen and Bath today.

Five Tips for Making Your Bath Remodel a Success

Before you start a bath remodel there are things you can do to make the process more successful.  In any remodel, there are bound to be surprises.  By preparing and creating a plan, you can stay on schedule and on budget.  Our team of experts can help you to do just that. 

Here are tips for making your project a successful one.

1. Plan for your remodel and buy the supplies.  Before you start demolition, know what paint colors you are using, the vanity you want to install, lighting fixtures that you need, tub, tile etc.  Consider each item that you want within your bathroom and buy it ahead of time.  Some items will take time to arrive or may be temporarily out of stock so wait to start your project until you have everything.  As a contractor, we will help with this process.
2. Apply for permits.  If you are doing more than a simple bath remodel, like extending out the space, you may need a permit.  We will help to facilitate this process by completing and submitting a permit application.  If one is required, the job can’t start until the permit is received.  The time of year and the county will determine how long this process will take.
3. Plan for storage.  A bathroom needs storage.  When considering your design options it is important to decide if your storage will use built in cabinets or if you want to buy storage that takes up floor space.  This should be incorporated into the design, and built-in storage needs to be created during the initial build out.
4. Ventilation.  Bathrooms without proper ventilation can suffer from mold issues.  When doing a bath remodel you can have a fan installed, window, or both.  Whenever possible we recommend incorporating both options because it gives you the maximum amount of air flow.  We can use windows with opaque glass so that no one can see inside when the window is closed.
5. Install good lighting.  The proper amount of lighting is essential for ladies that want to have their hair and make-up turn out perfectly.  A bathroom should include multiple lighting options so that it can be dim when you want to soak in the tub or bright when putting on eyeliner.  Consider recessed lighting that is installed in the ceiling along with lights over the bathroom mirror and an extendable makeup mirror that is lit.
6. Heated flooring.  If you want to keep your toes nice and toasty all year long, have heated floors installed.  This is a delightful way to heat the space and is an environmentally friendly solution.
7. Color.  Don’t be afraid to experiment with color.  The bathroom is the perfect place to have fun and try out a new color or texture on the walls.  Since the space is small and confined, it doesn’t have to match the rest of the house.  Get creative and have fun with your bath remodel.

For more ideas or to schedule a consultation give us a call today.

Design Ideas for a Summertime Bath Remodel

If you want to do a bath remodel this summer, we have fantastic ideas for you.  Remodeling your bathroom can be fun and increase your enjoyment of the space.  Since bathrooms are so small, it is easy to make a large impact fairly quickly.  Even with kids home from school it is easy to tackle this remodeling project and it can be completed in only a couple of weeks.  As an added benefit, the bathroom is contained so the rest of your house won’t be impacted by dirt or clutter.

This summer take advantage of the long days and start a home improvement project.  Our professional crew can transform your space quickly and beautifully.  By the time school starts back up you and your family could be getting ready in style.

Here are some of our favorite bath remodel ideas.

• Storage.  Every bathroom should be full of built in storage solutions.  Whether you are a couple without children or a large family of five, storage is essential for keeping the bathroom clean and organized.  We can build cubbies into the wall to hold your towels so that a linen closet isn’t needed.  Custom cabinets can be made to hold the right size of makeup and toiletries.  Drawers can be divided for smaller items.  The key is to identify every member of the family that will be using the space and the items they use to get ready in the morning.  Once we know that we can create a storage plan to keep everything in its place.
• Heated towel bar.  This is lovely in the winter.  It will help your towels to dry faster and give you something warm to wrap up in on those colder days.
• Heated tile floors.  This is a fantastic solution for keeping the space warm.  Your toes will stay nice and toasty, and it is an energy efficient solution for keeping your bathroom warm.
• Install a window.  Many older homes don’t have windows in the bathroom. While a fan can be effective for removing excess moisture, it cannot provide the fresh air that a window can.  Have a window installed that can open so that you can have fresh air and let the moisture out year round.
• Custom mirrors.  Large blocks of glass mirrors look boring and have no character.  Use a large custom mirror, or two mirrors, instead.  This will improve the entire look of your bathroom and give it a custom feel.  You can also use the mirror to express your creativity.
• Double sinks.  This is a must have for anyone that isn’t single.  Brushing teeth, washing your face, and getting ready in the morning becomes much easier when you are not fighting over the sink.  Even the kids will appreciate this one.
• Lighting.  Have quality lighting installed so that you can see yourself while getting ready.

There are many other solutions for customizing your bathroom.  A bath remodel can be as simple as improving the aesthetic features or as complicated as adding more square footage.  We can handle it all and would be happy to share specific design ideas during an in-home consultation. 

Ideas for Your Bath Remodel

Spring is an excellent time for a bath remodel.  The weather is warmer, the windows can be open, and a new bathroom will make your home feel refreshed.  While bathrooms are typically one of the smaller rooms in your home, they get a lot of use, and a nice one can make your daily routine far easier.

There are several things to consider when remodeling your bathroom.  Ask yourself who will be using the space, what their storage needs are, how many people will be in there at the same time, and what the bathroom will be located next to.  Once you have narrowed down how your bathroom will be used, you can have a discussion with your contractor about what you need.

Here are our favorite bath remodel ideas.

·         Custom Tile Showers.  We can build a custom tile shower that is unique to your individual design preference and how you use the shower.  For example, if you enjoy trying ten different types of shampoos you will need several built in shower shelves.  If you like to relax in the shower, a bench can provide a place to sit.  Tiles can be selected that are stunning and simultaneously practical.  This is one high end feature you do not want to go without.

·         Ventilation.  Bathrooms have a lot of moisture.  If you have a larger family, with multiple people showering, it becomes especially important to have plenty of ventilation in your bathroom.  Older homes were often made with only a small ceiling fan or no fan at all.  Whenever we do a bathroom remodel, we identify multiple ways to add ventilation like a strong ceiling fan and installing a window that can be opened. This will also help to keep the air circulating and fresh.

·         Towel Storage.  Most families have a linen closet in the hallway.  This isn’t very practical for when you are ready to shower and need a towel.  We can install built in towel storage that looks like cubbies.  Your towels can be rolled up, stored, and grabbed exactly when you need it.

·         Laundry Hamper.  How many times have you seen dirty socks and underwear on the floor?  Installing a laundry hamper in your bathroom can solve this problem.  A removable canvas bag can help you to transport laundry when you are ready to do the wash.  Think of it like you would a built in kitchen garbage can. This has the same functionality, only for your laundry.

·         Heated Floors.  Your toes will feel nice and warm during cold winter months when you have heated tile floors to step onto.  This is a solution that can also cut down on your heating bill during the winter.  They are good for any room in your home with tile floors.

·         Double Sinks.  If you have children, even your hallway bathroom should have double sinks.  Getting kids ready for bed, when everyone is vying for the sink can be a frustrating exercise.  Installing double sinks will help with the commotion, and there are ways to do it, without taking up a lot of space.

Whether you need practical design solutions or ideas for creating a bathroom fit for a princess, we can help.  We are bath remodel experts so call us today for your in home consultation. 

Whether you need practical design solutions or ideas for creating a bathroom fit for a princess, we can help.  We are bath remodel experts so call us today for your in home consultation.