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Design Ideas to Make the Bathroom Work for Everyone

Design Ideas to Make the Bathroom Work for Everyone

Posted by on Nov 29, 2018 in Bathroom remodeling |

As families change, so do our bathroom needs. Because the bathroom is one of the most-used rooms in the house, it needs to be functional for whomever is using it. With current trends calling for people to want to “live in place”, or have extended family join them in their home, planning a bathroom remodel takes on another level of details.  A professional designer knows what questions to ask to help you make decisions that ensure the finish project will not only meet your current needs, but will also work well for your future needs. If you are getting ready to start a bathroom remodel, here are some design ideas that may make your bathroom work better for everyone.   Start With Sinks If you have multiple family members in the bathroom at the same time, especially kids, consider how the existing sink or sinks could be improved. You may have more options than you think. The most common change is to add a second sink when there is ample space in the bathroom for a double vanity. If there isn’t quite enough room for a double vanity with two sinks, look at the popular trough sinks and add a second faucet. Another rarely-considered option works when a bedroom is connected to the bathroom. Consider adding a sink to the adjoining bedroom by creating a space for it that serves as a hallway to the bathroom. If the bedroom and bathroom already share a wall with plumbing, adding an extra sink may be quite cost-effective. That extra sink could dramatically decrease traffic in the bathroom, both morning and night. Storage An ongoing issue in many homes is storage. This can be especially true with teenage girls and all their accessories. Consider switching out cabinets for drawers. Drawers can help organize necessities better than a large open cabinet.  Other options would be to have a cabinet on top of the countertop extending to the ceiling, a cabinet above the toilet, or a well designed medicine cabinet recessed into the wall above the vanity. Linen closets are another storage issue in many homes. You need a place for linens, but is a closet with shelving the best way to utilize the space? Linen closets tend to have small openings which render a lot of the space inside virtually unusable. Many cabinet lines have tall cabinets perfect for bathrooms and can include pull-out shelving or drawers. This helps you better use and access the entire space. The Shower A standard shower and tub measures nearly 3 feet by 5 feet, which can be a large percentage of the square footage you have to work with. Consider how often the tub is used for bathing. If it’s not very often or never, think about taking some of that space to address another need, like a second sink or storage space. Standalone showers can take up...

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Putting Your Bathroom Remodeling Budget in Perspective

Putting Your Bathroom Remodeling Budget in Perspective

Posted by on Nov 9, 2018 in Bathroom remodeling |

Bathroom remodeling and kitchen remodeling have a lot of similar elements. With either of these projects, you need new cabinetry, flooring and countertops, all of which make up part of your budget. What most people don’t realize about bathroom remodeling is how labor intensive it is.  Even though its a smaller space than your kitchen, you can’t necessarily assume it will be a fraction of the expense of a kitchen remodel.  If you’re in the beginning stages of a bathroom remodel, here are some things you should know about the budget so you can start planning appropriately. Budget Basics Depending upon which bathroom you’re remodeling and if you’re rearranging or adding elements, your budget can vary widely. A secondary bathroom might cost significantly less for a basic remodel as compared to a master bath with all the bells and whistles.   Remodeling magazine’s Cost Vs. Value Report shares some information regarding averages for remodeling projects, but even that report can’t give you any indication what might be involved with electrical and plumbing upgrades necessary just to get started on the project.  For instance, if you are replacing a tub/shower combo with a shower, you are likely going to have to upgrade the drain from 1 1/2″ to 2″ to meet current code for a shower.  Considering this would impact the floor framing, you can imagine how this would dramatically impact the budget for a bathroom remodel. Because of the labor-intensive nature of tile, the more tile you have in your bathroom, the costlier your remodel. Between labor and materials, tile can be the most expensive element of a bathroom remodel. The vanity is the next major element, followed by the countertop and sink. If you’re moving plumbing or adding or moving electrical, your budget will be higher than if you’re simply refreshing an outdated look. As you set your budget, use the 70/30 rule: keep 30% of your budget in reserve if you’re moving water and electric. Use the 80/20 rule if you’re simply duplicating the current floor plan. This will give you funds for the unexpected costs that invariably arise in home remodeling.  The other option would be to work with a qualified design build remodeling company, who would take the time to evaluate the necessary code upgrades in advance instead of just planning on hitting you with a bunch of change orders after the project starts. Tile As you begin to look at the tile you’d like in your bathroom, keep a few things in mind. First, there are two classifications of tile: porcelain and ceramic. Porcelain tile is less porous than ceramic and therefore more water-resistant, making it a great choice for bathroom flooring and shower walls. If you’re looking to save money on labor costs, the more variety of tile and the more intricate the pattern you want on the walls or floor, the more...

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Incorporating Furniture Elements in Your Kitchen and Bath Cabinetry

Posted by on Jun 26, 2017 in Blog, Home Remodeling |

If you’re looking to create some visual interest in your kitchen or bathroom remodel, consider adding some furniture elements to your cabinets. Adding subtle decorative elements can also influence the feel of the space. There are several ways to make your cabinetry appear more like furniture. Decorative Legs Adding legs or feet to the front of the cabinets can give them a more formal look. It can also extend the décor of your bedroom into your bathroom. Legs on cabinets can either be attached to the front or support a smaller cabinet or drawers. Some bathroom vanities with legs also include open shelving below the sink area. Decorative legs can also make a kitchen bar area on an island look more like a table. Consider adding legs to the overhang rather than support brackets underneath for a different look. A good cabinet designer can incorporate this look without creating an opportunity for dust to gather under the cabinet, like it would do with a piece of furnature. Creative Islands As you begin to develop your kitchen remodeling plans, think about your island. If your island is between your eating area and kitchen, you might want to dress it up like a buffet on the side facing the dining area. Add decorative inlays, drawers, and cabinets to create storage in the dining area without an additional piece of furniture. If the island is located in your kitchen, filling an island with drawers not only provides great storage but gives a different look. Storage for cookbooks and knick-knacks can go on bookshelves on the ends of the island. Adding furniture elements while kitchen remodeling brings a warm feeling to the room. Hide Your Range Hood A kitchen range hood doesn’t always fit with the style of the kitchen but is a necessity. One solution is to hide it by covering it with the same material as your cabinets and adding a mantle or shelves. This can create a unique look and beautifully decorated focal point. With today’s cooktop options growing more powerful, a good designer will know to incorporate “make up air”, to offset the air that is being taken out for the room by hoods that are 400CFM or higher. If this detail is missed (as it often is) it can be a real set back after your kitchen remodeling project has started (and you are out of a working kitchen). The options for adding furniture elements during your kitchen or bathroom remodel are limited only by your cabinet company and designer. Let your designer know what you’re looking for so they can guide you to the right cabinet manufacturer early in the process. G.M. Roth works with many cabinet manufacturers on custom cabinets with a variety of options. Call us today to get started designing your new kitchen or bath at (603)...

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Beautiful Flooring Patterns for your Home Remodeling Project

Posted by on May 12, 2017 in Blog, Home Remodeling |

Whether you’re installing hardwood flooring throughout your entire home or just installing tile in your bathroom remodel, you have to choose a flooring pattern. You might be surprised by just how many different options you have, no matter what type of material you choose. When your home remodeling project includes new wood floors, you will need to decide how you want them installed. If you are adding wood to a room, you’ll need to decide which direction the flooring will lay, if you are going to include any medallions or inlays in the corners or center of the room, or if you want a contrasting border. Flooring Direction A good rule of thumb is to layout the flooring so that the eye follows the length of the boards into the room. If you walk into a home and the wood floors start at the door, the vast majority of the time the boards will run perpendicular to the front door. This makes the space seem larger. The Design Team at G.M. Roth can present options for different flooring layouts for each situation, and explain the positive and negative aspects of each choice. Medallions or Inlays Some flooring manufacturers sell complimentary medallions that are intended to draw the eye to a focal point. Some places to install these special touches are below a chandelier, in an entryway, or in front of a fireplace. Other homeowners combine inlays with a border around the room, accentuating the corners with an inlay detail. The size of the room may dictate if any of these selections make sense, in a smaller room to much detail could make the room seem cluttered or smaller than it really is. Borders A border is generally one or two strips of wood in either a contrasting finish or a contrasting wood species. Some borders go around the perimeter of the room, while others highlight a focal point, like a fireplace. Tile Flooring There are five typical flooring patterns, although several have what we’ll call sub-patterns. These can either highlight the tile, make the room seem larger, or add to the style of the room. Keep in mind, that different tile selections may not work with specific patterns due to the way they are designed, for instance a longer rectangular tile requires an certain offset to eliminate “high spots” due to the fact it is actually curved. Straight lay – This is the most common and the least expensive because it’s easiest on the installer and creates the least amount of wasted tile. Because the grout lines are straight, it can draw your eye into a room. Diagonal – An increasingly popular choice with square tiles, as it enlarges the appearance of the room while creating visual interest. This is one popular option in a bathroom remodel. Checkerboard – If you’re using two contrasting tiles, you’ll likely choose this...

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Your Bathroom Remodel: Solving the Tub and Shower Dilemma

Your Bathroom Remodel: Solving the Tub and Shower Dilemma

Posted by on Apr 21, 2017 in Home Improvement |

You’re ready to get started with a bathroom remodel and want it to look great and work well for years to come. You have the space available for a separate tub and shower – but should you go with that or opt for a shower/tub combination unit? If you have this dilemma, here are some thoughts to help you make the right choice for your bathroom remodeling project.   Think Long-Term Depending upon the stage of life you’re in, long-term can mean different things to you. If you’re starting a family, a tub/shower combo might be the right solution. It’s one less thing to keep clean and freed-up space can be used for storage. If you are a senior, a walk-in shower might be a benefit for you since not having to step over the high edge of a bathtub is safer. You can also choose a larger soaking tub with jets to melt away those aches and pains. Few homeowners want to undergo a bathroom remodel more than one time, so careful design is critical before undetaking a bathroom remodeling project. Think Resale Consider your home and neighborhood. Do other homes in the community have separate tubs in the bathroom? Is this a master bathroom you’re remodeling? A separate tub is a sign of luxury. If your home and neighborhood fall into that category, you should consider offering what comparable homes offer, even if you’re not planning on selling soon. On the other hand, if your home lacks storage, you may want to consider a tub/shower combo to add the storage homebuyers look for. Think Design Style Separate tubs come in many different styles. If you’re trying to create a specific look or feel with bathroom remodeling, you may want the separate tub option. Freestanding tubs, corner soakers and jetted spas all come in different styles and sizes to create a different look in your space. Another benefit of a separate tub is the ability to add a window above it or a decorative tile surround. Most of all, do what works best for you and your family. Your bathroom remodel should reflect your needs and taste. The G.M. Roth team has the experience to help you make the best choices for your bathroom remodeling project. We’ve worked with hundreds of homeowners and offer many options to turn your vision into reality. Call us today at (603) 880-3761 to get started on your bathroom remodel....

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