Bathroom Remodeling Archives - Brett King Builder-Contractor Inc.

07 Apr

The Best Materials for Your Bathroom Remodel: A Comprehensive Guide.

When considering a remodel for your bathroom, the choice of material is paramount. Sure, the layout and design are important, but unless you choose quality material that is durable and water-resistant, you may end up having to redo the bathroom again.

Hot water, steam, and strong cleaning products—not to mention dirt and grime—are par for the course for bathrooms. In choosing the material, you should keep three things in mind: durability, affordability, and of course, aesthetic appeal. Let’s take a look at several aspects of your bathroom remodel and the types of materials that work best in each.

Bathroom Floors

There are several different materials to choose from for bathroom flooring, like cork, wood, porcelain tiles, natural stone, and vinyl. But when it comes to durability and a great ROI, natural stone and porcelain tiles are your best options.

Both stone and tiles are water-resistant and easy to clean. Stone is more expensive and can limit the possibilities in terms of colors and design, but it is easy to install and is long-lasting.

Tiles, on the other hand, offer endless possibilities in terms of design and color and are more affordable than stone. Your contractor can help you decide which material would be best suited to the kind of look you are going for with your bathroom floors.

Bathroom Countertops

For bathroom countertops, the most durable and affordable materials are quartz, granite, or marble. All three fall under a similar price point and offer a wide range of colors and patterns to choose from.

A lot of home remodelers opt for laminate as well, but it doesn’t have the touch of class that marble, quartz, or granite bring to the table (or countertop)!

Bathroom Fixtures

When choosing fixtures for your bathroom, you may be tempted to opt for something budget-friendly—higher-end faucets, showerheads, and knobs can feel like a luxury you can’t afford—but you won’t believe how much that affects the value of your home when it’s time to sell the house. Beautiful, expensive-looking bathroom and kitchen fixtures make a great first impression.

Bathroom Storage

Bathroom storage consists of closets and cabinets. In an attempt to save money, you may be tempted to get particle board cabinets and closet doors. While particleboard is a bad idea anywhere, it’s especially terrible for a bathroom. It’s not water-resistant, and being constantly exposed to water and steam will warp and damage it quickly, leading to doors that won’t shut all the way. Invest in plywood cabinets and closet doors that are resistant to water damage and are also durable.

The Bottom Line

If you are redoing your bathroom, invest in materials that promise longevity, look sleek and stylish, and are also affordable.

If you are looking for professional contractors with decades of experience and a solid track record of exemplary work, Brett King Builder is here to help. We’ve been in the business for 35 years, working with a wide range of residential clients in Pennsylvania. We have the expertise and the experience to handle your bathroom remodeling project, whether big or small.

20 May

Complete Guide to Bathroom Remodeling

For many homeowners, bathroom remodeling is a project that can be intimidating. The sheer scope of the project can make it seem like an overwhelming task to take on. However, there are some steps you can take to ensure your bathroom remodel goes smoothly and successfully! In this article, we will go over these steps so you have all the information necessary for starting your own bathroom renovation.

What you need to know before Remodeling?

Before you start remodeling your bathroom, there are a few things you need to know. First of all, what kind of shape is your bathroom in currently? If it’s outdated and worn down, then you’ll want to consider remodeling the entire room. However, if the existing space isn’t so bad off and just needs some updating here or there, this project will be much easier on you!

Finally, how long do you plan on staying at this home? If it looks like you’re going to sell your house in a year or two anyway, then now might not be the time to start with major renovations that could cost thousands. Keep these factors about yourself in mind before starting any projects.

How to pick the perfect contractor?

Picking the perfect contractor is maybe the most important part of a bathroom remodel. The following are some tips to help you find the right one for your project:

-Ask friends and family members if they know any good contractors in the area (this is always step number one!).

-Look at reviews online, on sites like Yelp or Angie’s List. Research what kind of licenses they have so that it ensures that coverage and experience levels meet your needs

-Check out their portfolio to see past work before hiring them for your job. Ask questions about how long ago these jobs were completed if there isn’t an exact date listed. You should be able to tell by looking at photos whether this contractor will produce quality results based on previous projects!

Selecting the right bathroom remodeling contractor is key to a successful project. With the right company, you can be sure your bathroom will look amazing and function better than it ever has before!

Also, make sure to get an estimate from at least three contractors before deciding which one to hire.

Budgeting for your project

There are a number of things to consider when planning a bathroom remodel. It’s important that you have realistic expectations and a budget for your project, especially if it is part of the mortgage process. Here we will cover how much square footage costs as well as other factors you may not be aware of!

Square Footage: The cost per square foot can vary wildly depending on where in the country or what city you live in. The average starting price ranges from $70-$150/sq ft, but some experts estimate prices up to 300$. Keep these numbers in mind when looking at quotes from contractors.

Budgeting For Materials: You need to calculate approximately 25% more than the usual materials allowance because they won’t be discounted the same way as when you buy in bulk.

Budgeting For Labor: A contractor will charge by the hour, and usually starts at $35-$40 per hour. This can tally up quickly depending on how many people are needed for your remodel project!

Planning Ahead: Getting a quote from a contractor ahead of time is important so that you have an idea of what it might cost to get started with planning. Once they know more about your space, then they’ll be able to give you accurate numbers and make sure there’s enough money set aside for materials or labor costs.

Planning out the design of your new bathroom

Planning out the design of your new bathroom is the best first step to take when you want to start renovating. It’s also one of the most important steps because it will inform all other decisions going forward.

The planning stage can be both exciting and daunting at the same time but if you stay organized, have a timeline in mind for how long you want everything from demolition to drywall installation to last, and are realistic about what needs to be done (and what doesn’t), then this process should go smoothly!

At first glance, bathrooms seem simple enough – just pick out some tile or carpeting and get started with construction. But there are so many factors that come into play before choosing a style or material that it helps decide on options early on. For example, you want to make sure the materials are durable and resist mold or mildew. You also have to decide on whether you want hardwood floors that will be sealed with an appropriate sealant or carpets that should be steam-cleaned regularly.

The first thing is figuring out what kind of bathroom remodel would work best for your space and needs – which can take a little bit of time but it’s extremely important not only in this stage but going forward as well! If you’re considering adding tile flooring, there’s the initial factoring when choosing between porcelain tiles (which range from $20-$50 per square foot) versus ceramic ($15-$35 per square foot). There’s a size too: Porcelain tiles come in a variety of thicknesses, from thin (about 20mm) to thick (around 30mm).

Once you’ve sorted out what kind of bathroom remodel is best for your space and needs, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty. If you’re looking at replacing the toilet or sink, there are some other important considerations – like whether you want an elongated model versus a round bowl. The next step would be how much storage do I need? One thing that can make bathrooms feel cramped is if they don’t have enough room for towels or items during use. In terms of tile options, there’s a lot more than just subway tiles these days! You could go with something sleek and modern by choosing a glass or porcelain tile to create an elegant, yet minimalist bathroom.

We hope this article has given you some helpful information and tips for your bathroom remodeling project. If it’s still too intimidating or confusing, don’t hesitate to ask us anything in the comment.

05 May

Planning to remodel your bathroom? Keep these 7 things in mind

A bathroom remodel can be a serious undertaking.

On average, HomeAdvisor says it can cost $10,768 with most homeowners spending between $6,144 and $15,411.

In addition to the cost, a bathroom renovation isn’t the easiest to manage.

“It’s a less efficient room to renovate than others in the house because it’s so tight,” Cameron Snyder, president of Roomscapes Luxury Design Center in Boston, and former president of the National Kitchen & Bath Association told HGTV. “You can normally get one trade in there at a time.”

Remodeling a bathroom can involve juggling electrical, plumbing, cabinetry and tile among other things. There are a few steps we recommend you take before making over the powder room. Here are seven of them.

Think about the space

Along with considering local codes, you need to make sure you have ample space to move around in your bathroom. When replacing a vanity or installing a new tub, make sure you know the correct measurements. Houzz has a list of standard dimensions of fixtures and key measurements.

Recessed spaces for toiletries

Rather than taking up valuable bathroom real estate on shelves, installing a shower niche can provide an easy, semi-hidden space for your toiletries. HomedIt says ideally the niche is installed at eye level, which is 48-60 inches on average.

Proper accessory height

Knowing where to place towel hooks and a medicine cabinet is important. This Old House suggests mapping out where you’d typically reach for these items before installing them.

Give wiring a boost

This is particularly important in an older home. The National Electric Code requires that homeowners’ bathrooms have at least one 20-amp ground fault interrupter (GFCI) protected branch circuit for power receptacles, according to SFGate. This is required of newer homes, according to DenGarden. Also, make sure a 20 amp circuit has a 20 amp outlet.

Lighting the vanity properly

Part of lighting your bathroom right is placing fixtures in the correct spot.

“It’s important that there is some light between your face and the mirror,” Anne Sneed, owner of the Del Mar, California-based Anne Sneed Architectural Interiors told Architectural Digest. “If you’re just backlit, you wind up with your face in shadow.”

This Old House notes that fixtures should flank the mirror at around 66 inches. Ideally, space them 36 to 40 inches apart.

Ditch wallpaper

You may not want to try installing wallpaper in the bathroom. Moisture and humidity may cause it to peel off, which could cause problems, The Spruce said.

Insulate the pipes

Not only does pipe insulation help protect them from freezing during the colder months, but it also can help keep your home safer and increases its efficiency. Bob Villa has some tips on how to insulate them.

05 May

Oklahoma couple uncover hidden shower during bathroom renovation

A couple who finally bought their first house together were shocked to find a secret bathroom hidden behind a wall.

A mother, named Mia Bug, has been sharing her first-time buyer journey on TikTok after she and her partner snapped up a home in Oklahoma, with an exposed stone fireplace and sliding doors.

In a video Mia explained they were told the house, which comes with a half-acre plot, had a boarded up drain—but they weren’t prepared for what they actually found.

In a now-viral video the pair filmed the moment they took down the flimsy wooden covering, only to discover a fully tiled walk-in shower, which even has the caddy and soap dish still attached to the wall.

Mia captioned the video, which has since been viewed more than a million times: “Renovation finds… why.”

The parents explained more about the hidden bathroom in

a follow-up clip, revealing they’d been made aware the seller had boarded up a drain.

They said: “We were in search of our first home, we had a budget of under $150,000 if possible, which is really hard in this market. And we knew there was some work which was going to have to be done, naturally.

“The seller told us that it was closed off because it was a leaking drain pan and that it was a small fix, wasn’t going to cost much to fix but they just didn’t have the time and energy to do it, so they covered it up.

“And so we were like, yeah no problem that’s fine, we get it, you’re older, it’s whatever. So you boarded it up that way, you know, you didn’t want to use it I guess. So we took the wall down and obviously found what you just saw. And we were not expecting that at all, we were expecting just a leaking drain pan.”

The clip shows the dad standing on a toilet seat to rip down the wall, indicating the space had once been a full bath.

Ever since the video went viral the pair have been responding to numerous comments about the sale, explaining why they weren’t aware of the size of the bathroom.

When asked why they didn’t get a floorplan, or a blueprint, Mia said: “You have to purchase it if you want it here. But it didn’t matter because nothing is original. There is so many changes to this house from original blueprints. They also converted the garage into a liveable space.” [sic]

She went on to say both the appraiser and house inspector were told about the cavity, but they had no idea of the condition.

“We knew it was a shower, just not the condition. We had an inspection. Everyone knew it was there, but with the wall the seller had to decide to remove. It isn’t worth fighting for,” she added.

Despite the pair being shocked at the find, and potential costs to fix it, numerous people pointed out their house—which has another full bath—will likely go up in value if they’re able to turn the space into a functioning bathroom.

Thesassycynic said: “But your half bath is now a full bath. Why are we upset about that? Makes the house worth more.”

Agreeing, Tim Howe pointed out: “Just added value to the home once you fix it up!”

Rhonda howled: “They left the little rack up.”

Kchill joked: “Someone’s trying to hide a crime scene.”

And Juliet P. admitted: “I was waiting for acorns in the wall not a bathroom!”

15 Apr

9 things to consider before remodeling your bathroom

Bathroom renovation tasks can be time-consuming and costly, so it’s best to be sure of every decision you make. Here are a few things to keep in mind before remodeling your bathroom into your dream space.

1. Budget

It’s a good idea to know how much you want to spend on your bathroom renovations before undertaking the project. A set budget will help you decide what you want to include in your remodel. With a clear idea of what you have to spend, you can start to deduct from the money allotted to labor.

2. Work Flow

It is possible to save a lot of time and effort by completing bathroom renovations in a specific order. You must begin at the top of the room when you want to sand or paint the room. Replace your ceiling first, then the walls, and finally the floor to ensure protection for your new fixtures.

3. Time

Many people assume that a small bathroom remodeling will take only a few days or, in any case, a lot less time than larger bathrooms. While that is sometimes true, it’s not always the case. If you have more than one item that needs to be altered, the process is similar to a larger-scale job. Additionally, in the planning stages, you must work out the duration of the renovation works and the order and purchase of custom cabinetry to make sure it’s possible. Additionally, taking a bath or shower while the bathroom is being dismantled presents a challenge to those who have only one bathroom.

4. Bathroom Issues

When doing a major renovation to your bathroom, it’s good to go through a complete renovation plan that includes the space’s previous problems. When hiring experts to help renovate you might minimize the risk of problems arising, but they still might be there. Your house’s most significant potential hidden problem may be due to water damage in the floor, bad plumbing, rusted fixtures, non-waterproof tub or floor/wall tiles, leaky connections or bad bathroom ventilation capabilities. If you want to ensure that your bathroom is safe from water problems, you can seek plumbing services from companies like A-1 Sewer and Septic Service to determine whether you need to change plumbing and move fixtures.

5. Functionality And Style

Think about how you want your bathroom to look before choosing what types of fixtures to put in it. There are several things to think about, such as paint color choices, tiles, showers, vanities, tubs, among other things. After some time and research, the results can become bewildering. It is possible to choose a specific feature, which you may then use to formulate the rest of the design, or you can piece together the items you like into an overall look for the room. Functionality should go hand in hand with design, and if you are thinking about the eventual resale of your house, think about how the design will work for others. Things such as water monitoring and water recycling systems can help you go green and increase buyer interests.

6. Fixtures

No remodeling project is ever done without repairing or remodeling fixtures. Additional or necessary maintenance also involves having your mirrors and shower doors cleaned. Your bathroom’s appearance can be easily changed by changing faucets, towel racks, cabinet pulls, and the hardware for your shower doors. A completely new set of doors can also alter your bathroom’s overall appearance.

Here are some other simple changes you can make:

Shower Sills: What’s critical is that the sill built into the bottom of your shower slopes into the shower slightly. Make sure you pick a rigid material, like granite or quartz. Even though the water sits on the grout lines when it’s tiled, it can get into the framing.
Drawer Storage: Consider installing a bathroom drawer instead of vanity doors if you want to store your cosmetics or toiletries in the vanity area. Drawers are more easily seen and can be more easily accessed. They can be trimmed to fit around the plumbing and accommodate more prominent items in size.
Lighting: Include recessed lighting fixtures to lighten the ceiling. Consider lighting options to have near or over your shower, to provide the best lighting. Also consider lighting near the bathroom sink; better light fixtures make it easier to see close-up work for applying makeup or shaving. Natural lighting can also help to avoid your bathroom looking too dark.
Wall-Hung Toilet: Fixtures such as these have seen a surge in popularity for genuine reasons. They are no longer breaking the bank, and they save on room space because the tank is behind the wall.

7. Floors And Walls

Generally, any non-porous material can be used for surfaces in the bathroom, as long as they are waterproof. Depending on your funds and preferences, porcelain, marble, and granite wall and shower tiles are lovely and long-lasting. You may also consider cement (painted or stained) or sheet vinyl in addition to tile flooring. No matter what you decide, it’s essential to choose flooring with durability and slip resistance.

8. Ventilation

It is essential to ventilate a bathroom when it is wet. It’s an involved process: deciding on the correct location, as well as wiring, must be taken into consideration. Damp, moldy conditions can result in ill health problems. Wood trim and insulation can be protected from deterioration and saturation with proper ventilation.

9. Contractors

Your contractor must be registered with the state. Check with your city’s building department to learn local ordinances, as the state regulates them. Get in contact with all prospective contractors and check the validity of his/her license.

Takeaway

The layout, costs, logistics, and contractor choice are all essential aspects in the re-design of a bathroom. Before starting a bathroom remodeling project, it is essential to think about these things. Create a checklist of the crucial things you need to accomplish and to help avoid making mistakes on your dream bathroom remodeling project.

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Tag Archives: Bathroom Remodeling