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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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Expert Tips to Maximize Natural Light in Any Room

Posted by on May 30, 2017 in Blog, Home Remodeling |

Unless you’re in the basement or a small interior room, chances are the room you’re in has at least one window. Natural light improves mood, brightens a room and makes the space feel larger – but how do you capitalize on this element? Here are a few decorator tips used by home remodeling experts to help maximize natural light in your home.  Curtains and Blinds Although we want the option of natural light in a room, sometimes we need privacy. Therefore most windows have some sort of covering. The color and type of window treatment you select greatly affects the amount of natural light that reaches the room. If you’re using curtains and want to maximize light, try a light-colored, flowing material. Sheer and linen curtains let in some light even when closed. If you prefer blinds or shades, look for semi-translucent options – a solar shade with a 5% translucency lets you see out but blocks direct sunlight. Color Wall paint color and the color of your furnishings both absorb light, and can make a room feel darker than it actually is. Although a current trend is to paint the ceiling the same color as the wall, but if maximizing natural light is important consider painting the ceiling a shade or two lighter than the walls, or just go with traditional white for the ceiling. If your home remodeling budget includes new furnishings, look for lighter colored fabrics on large pieces like couches or bedspreads. Keep dark or contrasting tones to smaller, accent pieces in the room. Mirrors Mirrors are a great way to maximize natural light and aren’t limited to bathroom remodeling projects. Any wall is perfect for a decorative mirror. If a mirror isn’t to your taste, look for artwork that is made of metal, as any reflective surface will enhance the natural light in the room. Window Maintenance Clean windows let in more light than dirty ones. If you have little hands or noses that smudge the windows regularly, try to keep them clean. Don’t forget to wash them from the outside to remove pollen and dirt that builds up seasonally. If your home remodeling budget includes new windows, consider double-hung windows for easy, tilt-in cleaning. Trimming back hedges or trees that directly impact the light coming into the room will also allow more light. Skylights If you have a vaulted ceiling or are in a single-story home, skylights are a great way to increase light and add ventilation. Careful selection and proper installation of a skylight is critical to avoid potential maintenance issues down the road, so be sure to consult with the right window/roofing expert before deciding on this option. These tips and tricks should help your room feel brighter when planned properly for your remodeling project. If you are looking for home remodeling or bathroom remodeling that includes more than a new...

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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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Choosing Faucets and Fixtures for a Bathroom Remodel

Choosing Faucets and Fixtures for a Bathroom Remodel

Posted by on Feb 17, 2017 in Bathroom remodeling, Blog |

Many design elements go into your bathroom remodeling project. Although the faucets may be among the last selections you make, they will be noticed. It’s important that everything coordinates and works with the other elements you’ve selected. Although some homeowners try to put off choosing fixtures, selection needs to happen at the time of design due to mounting variations. There are two ways to go about choosing your bathroom accessories. You can either start by picking a style you love and then choose the finish from those available in that line, or pick a finish and then select the style. There is no right or wrong way – just make sure the finish and style you pick work with the rest of the elements in the space, and include all the different fixtures you need for your bathroom remodel. Faucet & Fixture Styles Today’s bathroom fixtures come in a variety of styles ranging from ultra-modern to retro. Some modern bathroom faucets offer features like touchless and fixed temperature settings. These are often among the more expensive lines with limited finish options. As you choose the right sink faucet, make sure that the line offers the tub faucet, showerhead and any other coordinating options you need. It can be disappointing to find just the right sink fixture only to find there is no option for your tub in the same line. Another consideration is the mounting option. Most faucets and handles are mounted in the sink or tub. However, if you like a wall mount option for the faucet, first ask your designer if the wall mount is possible in your home. In some cases, there isn’t space for the plumbing or it will take a great deal of expense to move it. This is just another reason that faucets need to be chosen during the design phase. Choosing Your Finish Although finishes today are varied, there are four main categories: chrome, nickel, bronze and decorative. The most common finishes by far are chrome and nickel, which are often confused with each other. Both appear silver, but nickel is generally darker. Another commonality of the two is they are available in both polished and brushed finishes. Nickel may also be available in a hammered finish. Bronze finishes have grown in popularity in the past half-decade. This darker option comes in a standard, brushed and oil-rubbed finish. It works well in bathroom designs that are old world or cottage settings. Decorative fixtures refer to those that have designs on them, patterned finishes, or are gold, black, or ceramic. Many retro-style faucets are ceramic and mimic those found in historic homes. There’s no right or wrong in making the right fixture and faucet choice for your bathroom remodel project. The G.M. Roth team will guide you to the best options for the styles and vision you have for the space. When you’re ready...

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