Tuesday, 9 October 2012

Common Issues Arising In Bathroom Remodels


Bathroom remodels are more work than just some paint and a little bit of tile. If considering a bathroom remodel put the extra time and money into doing a thorough job and completely gutting the bathroom back to square one. This will allow you to uncover issues that have been hidden and deal with them head on. The stuff that has been hidden surprises most homeowners. Thankfully professional bathroom remodeling companies are familiar with what can be uncovered. A complete, flawless bathroom that functions with zero problems will add not only ascetic value to your home but monetary value as well.

Many common issues with bathroom remodeling are due to two causes; one being incompetent workers and two being moisture. If a homeowner is choosing to move forth with bathroom remodeling on their own there are some things to watch for and correct before a project should be continued. Some issues are obvious while others are inconspicuous.

The first issue that can happen is with the framing of the floor. Unfortunately it is common to find floor joists in bathrooms that have been notched by plumbers. This will leave the floor weak. If the subfloor is not strong eventually the new floor will crack under the pressure.

Another issue that can occur is plumbing becomes old and corroded. If this is seen it should be taken care of immediately during the renovation. This will make it easier in the long run. Updating cast iron, galvanized drain lines and copper supply lines can easily be updated when the walls and flooring are torn up.

It seems that those tub surround and bathroom tiles only recently became required to have a waterproof installation. What many bathroom remodeling companies find when tearing apart older bathrooms is that regular dry wall has been put in place behind tub surrounds. If proper waterproofing techniques are not used in bathroom remodeling water vapors will occur causing leaks and deterioration.

With any type of moisture build up comes the nuisance mold. Very few bathrooms are remodeled without the presences of mold. Many reasons can cause this from lack of waterproof material used behind tub surrounds to inefficient ventilation. Daily moisture build up makes bathroom a likely place for mold issue to develop. It is pertinent that proper ventilation is installed in the bathroom remodel.

Another common issue is vents that are hooked up and running yet not properly vented. Vents that are run without proper duct work leading to the outside cause's huge issues involving mold in attics and/or basement areas. When an inspection is done on a new home or a home that is being purchased this is something all inspectors know to look for. When the bathroom remodel is under way this is usually simple to fix with proper duct work.

The same applies to plumbing fixtures. It is important that homeowners to take the time to determine where the plumbing is all vented and to make sure that it is up to code and properly working. Doing a major bathroom renovation will help homeowner's spot issues to be resolved and will stop small issues from accumulating into something larger down the road.

Tuesday, 1 May 2012

Bathroom Remodeling Is a True Pleasure

Are you considering remodeling your bathroom? A modern bathroom is a true pleasure. It is one of the home improvements that will hold its value better than other home improvements when it comes time to sell your property.

If you are a do it yourselfer, a
bathroom remodel can be a major project but can be done. Home improvement centers offer a wide variety of bathroom decors to choose from. If you do a total renovation, you will have to rip everything down to the studs. Removing the bathtub is a tough job; you may want to consider hiring some help to do this. The tub will have to be broken up with a sledgehammer or removed in one piece.

If your house is very old, you may have to replace the plumbing. This is another project that you may want to consider hiring a plumber. A professional plumber may cost more, but any job worth doing is worth doing right.

Modern bathrooms can have so many different styles. Tile floors and walls are extremely popular now. A snail shower with beveled glass looks magnificent in a modern bathroom. Your design is going to depend on your budget, size of the bathroom, personal preference and geographic location. It is possible to put a South Western design in a North Eastern home, but it may not work with the rest of the house. If your house is decorated in Colonial or Early American, stick with that theme. There are several types of sinks, fixtures, and showers that blend in nicely with this decor.

Here's a tip for small
bathrooms. Consider taking out the bathtub and replacing it with a tiled shower. This saves space and opens up the room. Small vanities also open up the room. Nicely placed mirrors and towel racks give the illusion of more space.

Large bathrooms are very versatile and can be a really fun project. Try a raised Jacuzzi bathtub with tile. You may never leave the bathtub! Double sinks are very popular, no waiting in line to use the sink! Mirrors add design and visual space by making the room even bigger than it is. The possibilities are endless.You can do a small upgrade or a total remodel. Counter tops can be granite, tile or Corian. Sinks, tubs and toilets are usually porcelain.


This may not be a job you want to do yourself. Check out local area contractors for designs and styles that suit your taste and budget. Check out websites, home magazines, model home centers, design centers, large home stores for great ideas for your bathroom space. Once you really have a good idea of how you want your bathroom to look, it's time to get a bathroom contractor out to see your house. The contractor may have even more cost effective ideas that will work for you.

Hopefully you have an extra bathroom to use during this process. The process will be messy for a few days will everything is being ripped up and put back together. Try to keep your sense of humor, and keep in mind the wonderful bathroom that will be in your life is a few days. Once your new bathroom is completed, it's time to decorate with new towels, fresh accessories and area rugs.


Your new bathroom may be the best looking room in your house! You may even want to have a bathroom party to celebrate. Your guests will be amazed by your efforts, and you will be so proud of your bathroom that you won't be able to stop showing it off!

Saturday, 3 March 2012

Luxury Bathroom Remodeling on a Budget

Bathroom remodeling is expensive plain and simple. Depending on the size and style of the bathroom a typical remodel can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Luxury bathrooms are typically the most expensive but this article will share a few secrets on how you can save countless thousands and still have the luxury home spa you have always wanted.

The first key to success on your luxury bathroom renovation is properly planning, timing and research. Due diligence is the key! Make sure you thoroughly research everything you can and leave nothing to chance. By properly researching and planning your remodel you will be able to purchase the materials you need for your project online and locally ensuring you get the best deal. Just make sure you have adequate room to store the supplies. Also make sure you inspect all your deliveries carefully. There is nothing worse than going to install a fixture you purchased online only to find out its damaged the day it's supposed to be installed.


Shopping online is the best way to ensure you are getting the best price on a particular product but more importantly you are not limited to the selection at your local showroom or big box stores. Having a wider selection will make your
bathroom more unique. Shopping online also allows you to purchase OEM brands of products that you would not be able to find in local stores. OEM products are typically made by the same manufacturers of popular brand names but cost a fraction of the price and are usually the exact same product. OEM Faucets and Vanities have become very popular in recent years. You can typically find OEM products on sites like eBay or Lightinthebox.com.

New innovative products have also made
luxury bathroom remodeling easier and more affordable than ever. Modular steam showers are one of these wonder products. They are prefabricated shower enclosures with a built in steam generator. They come in a wide variety of styles from traditional to ultramodern. Fitted with all the features one would expect from a luxury shower including body jets, large overhead showers, FM radios and entertainment systems just to name a few. These steam shower kits have become very popular for their inexpensive price and ease of installation. The average home owner can assemble and install them in just a few hours.

If a modular steam shower seems too much for your budget you might want to consider a
luxury shower panel. Shower panels are pre-plumbed shower systems that offer all the same features you would expect in a high end luxury shower including body jets, a large overhead shower, and hand held shower wands and ever tub spouts. These panels come in a wide variety of finished to match any bathroom design scheme.

By following these tips you can guarantee that you will be saving thousands on your next
bathroom remodel. Remember the key to a stress free remodeling project is to properly plan everything and not rush time frame.

Wednesday, 1 February 2012

20 Design Ideas For a Small Bathroom Remodel

Remodeling a small bathroom can be a huge challenge. There are so many elements that must be included. And even more on the wish list. But with careful planning, creative design, and attention to detail, a functional small bathroom that looks and feels larger than it actually is can be created.

Here are 20 design ideas to make a small bathroom appear larger:

1. Install a glass shower enclosure.


2. Create recessed niches in shower and tub area for soap and shampoos.


3. Add a floating counter top.


4. Create storage under sinks and in closets.


5. Choose wall-mounted and recessed cabinets.


6. Utilize open shelving.


7. Install glass shelves on open cabinets.


8. Remove all clutter.


9. Install the toilet in an alcove.


10. Install pocket doors to gain space otherwise needed to open doors.


11. Change out an existing window to a glass block window to protect privacy and eliminate the need for shades or blinds.


12. Mount a large mirror to reflect space.


13. Install contrasting color tile in a diagonal pattern to add a sense of depth to the room.


14. Choose larger (rather than smaller) tiles to create a sense of space.


15. Match the grout color to the tile color to minimize any color contrast.


16. Limit the number of towel bars and racks.


17. Extend the tile to the ceiling.


18. Install good lighting to eliminate shadows.


19. Choose smaller fixtures such as toilets, sinks and tubs.


20. Eliminate the bathtub and choose a shower instead.

These 20 design ideas maximize the existing space of the small bathroom while creating the illusion of more space in a small room.

Thursday, 12 January 2012

Bathroom Remodeling - Best Designs and Colors

Bathroom remodeling is among the most commonly undertaken home improvement project by many homeowners who either want to make everyday simply better or to boost home value for a faster and more profitable sale. Whatever your reasons are to spruce up your New York home, knowing the best bathroom remodeling designs and colors is essential in the success of your project. So whether you are in Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, or Long Island; this article lays out ideas to inspire you in your quest to achieving your dream bath.

When it comes to bathroom remodeling layout and design, there are various options to explore and it is important that what you choose would not only showcase your personal taste but would also complement well with the lifestyle of the family. But whatever the design you have in mind, a functional layout is an essential key to success. To create such, consider who uses, when and how the bath is being used.


Bathroom remodeling that involves a move in plumbing, though more costly, makes up for flexibility where you have a wider array of design possibilities. But if the budget is limited and the current layout works fine with you, then you could make do with the existing drains and hook-ups. But however you decide to tackle the project or whatever design you pursue, stickling to state and local building codes is crucial.


Here are helpful
bathroom design ideas and color schemes to take note of to make a success out of the project:

1. Universal design-showcases curbless showers, wider doorways, more spacious floor plan, and taller toilets. Neutral colors are best used for this style. The beauty of using this idea is that it can stand the test of time. Investing on universal appeal will surely prove valuable especially if you do not plan on renovating again for a long time.


2. Vintage style-takes homeowners back to the early 1900's when what dominated the home construction and improvement industry were usability and craftsmanship. Sinks, vanities and tubs are often used to create focal point in this
bathroom remodeling design. Patterned wallpapers are trademarks. White and black are classic vintage choices with distressed look popular in wood items. Other famous color choices are period and muted shades.

3. Asian design-such style continues to be a big hit in
bathroom remodeling. Asian designs boast of a delightful combination of the classic look and luxuriously modern product features and décor. The most common materials used for such style includes wood, ornamental plants, decorative stones, mirrors, screens and frames. The color scheme involved highly depends on the motif that you are pursuing but some favorites include: black, white, red, gold, and other earth colors.

4. Contemporary Designs-for modern-day lifestyles, this design is sure to be the best-fit. Contemporary bathroom remodeling makes use of clean, simple lines and high-grade materials that are made all the more modern by the integration of the latest in technology. A trend that is commonly followed when it comes to color schemes is having neutral colors for fixtures and tiles, and combining this with bolder colors for other
bathroom items.

Monday, 2 January 2012

Small Bathroom Remodel Cost - Great Design Ideas Which Involve Low Cost

All homeowners wish to remodel his house to his interest. You should search for small bathroom remodeling ideas in internet to remodel your bathroom. This will also increase the valuation of your house. You have to analyze the bathroom remodeling costs that will be involved for the same, before starting the work.

There are several low price small bathrooms built by many construction contractors. First you have to find a contractor who has experience in such work. Then you should ask him to analyze your home to find the best way to improve your home. You should ask him to give a detailed design as well as cost estimate for the same. If you find the cost is much high, then you have to sit with him and discuss on how to reduce the cost. You can improve the small
bathroom renovations by design as well as you can suggest him small bathroom paint color ideas of your choice so that he can include it in the budget.

Some of the ideas that would be suggested:

Increasing the size of the bathroom by taking space and joining it with near by room or balcony. But this work would increase the cost of the work. So please check if this work falls in your budget.

You can add a bath tub if it is not already available.
You can improve the lighting, faucets, vanities and flooring which would give improved appearance.

These are some of the ideas that would be suggested, but the contractor will give more detailed information and cost.

Saturday, 24 December 2011

Cool Bathroom Remodel Trick Saves Precious Space in the Most Compact of Rooms

On a daily basis, design-build remodelers wrestle with an engaging challenge: how to maximize space through good design. For these artisans, each project presents a fresh opportunity to re-imagine and re-invent to transform how a house and its component parts function. And the bathroom, as the smallest room in the house, is a prime spot for such spatial transformation.

By borrowing a bit from designers' and builders' playbook, we can all benefit from a major space-creating trick for
bathroom remodels: the "hidden" shower. Below are four key principles to follow when applying this space-saver to your home or project:

Finish the bathroom so the whole room can get wet. The entire space needs to be able to get wet safely because the conventional, water-containing shower booth is missing with "hidden" showers. And because the material and aesthetic choices you make here will define the look and feel of the remodeled room, this step represents a critical design opportunity. Will your
bathroom walls and floors feature a flowing naturalistic mosaic of tile work or express modernist rectilinear precision? Functionally, either approach is fine, as long as the surfaces are impervious to water.

Cleverly place the shower drain and the floor pitch to that drain. If your goal is to maximize the sense of spaciousness in your bathroom, you probably shouldn't plop the shower drain in the middle of the room and pitch the floor steeply to it. That would make the entire room "express itself" as a giant shower, not a bathroom with multiple functions. Instead, strive to tuck the drain in an unobtrusive spot, maybe against a wall. Then pitch the floor just enough to let water flow to it. That way the spatial integrity of the floor plane is left intact and the room feels like a living space, not a skate park.
Hide the showerhead in plain sight. Often the most elegant design solution for placement of the showerhead is to simply hang it from the ceiling, much like you would a light fixture. Above eye level, the hardware effectively vanishes from view.

Add a swinging door. While not strictly necessary, a shower door that swings out at shower time to shield the toilet, especially, can be nice functional addition to the system. And if you select a glass door, it needn't interrupt the visual flow of the wall surfaces when the door is folded away between showers.

Depending on the specific conditions of your space the details of this
bathroom remodel trick will vary. But the basic principle holds true: you can save a bunch of space by hiding that shower.

Sunday, 11 December 2011

How To Do A Bathroom Remodel Without Losing Your Shirt

The top home renovation investment you can make right now would be to redesign your bath rooms. Needless to say there is absolutely no point spending cash on bath remodels unless of course there is an realistic need for them. Very best time for you to remodel your bathroom is if you find something in fact wrong with it like it's in desperate demand for repair or is old.

Why are bath remodels are such a big investment? There may be many factors, but the first and most important one is that the
bathroom is one of the essential places in any home.

The room that will get considerable use but sometimes a small amount of decorating attention in many homes may be the bathroom. There are a lot very practical parts of that room, nevertheless there can also be design and style and flair put into that space to really make it not just a utilitarian space. When it comes to doing a bit of
bathroom remodeling, the owner of a house should be a bit more extravagant with their choice of decor, because generally that space is not as large as the some other areas in the house. The imported tiles and stones which can be way too expensive for a kitchen area could be quite affordable in the much smaller amounts that might be needed for the bath space.

Because of the tight economic climate and proliferation of the DIY home improvement movement, lots of folks considered taking on the bathroom remodels on their own. But the do-it-yourself types may want to pay attention to the practical suggestions of a local woman we shall call Linda. Her husband Don was about to smash up his bathroom with a sledgehammer, Linda frantically scoured the phone book in order to call a local Handyman Service to the rescue. Needless to say, the Handyman Service got there just in time. Don's ego was wounded, but the professionally repaired bathtub turned out beautifully. A number of do-it-yourself jobs are simple and easy, but bathroom remodels should be left to the specialists. Hiring a Plumber to address your bathroom remodel would most likely seem like the proper action to take but then you would require a electrician, a tile setter, a carpenter, if you are considering changing anything at all. And here , an experienced Handyman Service can certainly make sense as they quite simply will ensure a high-quality job that is finished in half the time that you might do it yourself.

Plumbing is definitely an intricate and important part of the normal daily functioning of a home. House owners who attempt to install their own toilets, sinks, showers, and baths may find yourself with botched jobs that create them much issues and expense down the line. Even a simple water leak or flood can cost thousands of dollars worth of damage to the home. It is much easier to avoid such calamities by having a proficient business take care of the installing of bathroom fixtures.


A property owner is probably worried about the time period that it will take in order to complete a bathroom upgrade. With a bathroom being such a fundamental piece of your home, it's not likely that the spouse and children will enjoy having the bathroom out-of-service for days or months on end. But a busy homeowner, most likely working a full-time job along with domestic obligations, will not be very likely to have a lot of time to commit to a remodeling project. Therefore, a bathroom remodeling can easily drag out for a long period of time, becoming a hassle to all occupants of the home. By far the most effective strategy to handle a bathroom remodel would be to employ a professional, who is going to get the job done in a fraction of the time.

Ultimately, a job done correctly will prove to add value to your residence. A modern, desirable bathroom is likely to set the home apart when it reaches time to place it in the marketplace. That amount of money that you chose to invest in a competent remodel is likely to come back your way when it's time to put the home on the market.


A bath remodel project can be at a grand scale or at a lower scale. Why don't we assume you aren't planning to sell your house, but your bathroom still requires maintenance and new accessories? Why not just make the necessary improvements and save on money and time and effort. Should your bathroom requires a new vanity or a new toilet, then just invest in those things and your total bath remodeling expenses could be under $1000 or less.

Whatever the main reason for bath remodels, the very prospect of that could be exciting and interesting. From the web to the magazines and catalogs and from hoardings to the television, you only need to shop around to come up with the most suitable bath remodeling ideas and get up-to-date while using most recent trends. On the other hand, when selecting the general scheme of things and products, be certain you are able to mix the old with the new in a fashionable way that helps integrates them alongside one another instead of making them stick out like a sore thumb.