Posted by Gerry Roth on Feb 20, 2019 in Bathroom remodeling |

Bathrooms get their fair share of wear-and-tear. After all, besides the kitchen, they are probably the most frequented room in the house. Most people start and end their days in the bathroom. Because we spend so much time in the bathroom, we should love — or at the very least tolerate — our bathroom’s appearance. But it’s hard to enjoy spending time in an outdated and unsafe bathroom. Outdated bathrooms are not only ugly to look at, but if your bathroom pipes and hardware are leaky, an outdated bathroom can also cost you a decent chunk of change via wasted water. Not sure if it’s time for a bathroom makeover? Here are some signs that your bathroom is in need of some TLC. 1) The bathroom always looks dark and gloomy. Most of us get ready for the day in the bathroom. We shave, put on makeup, and do our hair in the bathroom mirror. But if your bathroom is poorly lit, it can be difficult to look your best. A bathroom makeover can be as simple as changing out the bulbs, but if you really want to brighten up your bathroom and give it a modernized, upgraded look, you can invest in a new light fixture. Recessed lighting is the perfect way to brighten up your bathroom while simultaneously making the area look larger. 2) The faucets are always leaking. One major way to tell that you’re ready for a bathroom makeover is if you have leaky faucets. Not only are leaky faucets a nuisance but each drop adds up to gallons of water wasted each month, and no one needs an unnecessarily high water bill. You could have a plumber come out and replace any missing or damaged parts, or you could just pull the trigger and buy new, stylish faucets instead. 3) Your bathroom looks like it’s from the 50s. There’s nothing inherently wrong with having an outdated bathroom. After all, “if it ain’t broke, why fix it?” But if you plan on selling your home anytime soon, you might benefit from a bathroom makeover. Bathrooms can often be selling points in your home, and buyers tend to like clean and modern looking facilities. 4) The bathroom lacks functionality. Another sign that your bathroom may require a makeover is lack of functionality. Do you not have enough storage space? Is the bathroom’s layout totally whack? If so, it may be time for a bathroom makeover. Bathroom functionality is especially important if you have elderly individuals living in your home. Things like a seat in the shower, a walk-in bathtub, and grab handles are especially useful when sharing your home with older people. 5) The tiles in your shower look disgusting. Tiled showers and tiled tub backsplashes add visual effect to your bathroom. Unfortunately, they are a pain to clean. With time, the grout in between bathroom...

Posted by Gerry Roth 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...