Bathroom Archives - Brett King Builder-Contractor Inc.

12 May

Home Renovations That Will Pay You Back

When it’s time to remodel, many homeowners head to home improvement stores like Lowe’s to buy the supplies they need to complete their home projects. It’s a smart idea, especially since the right projects can put more money back into your pocket.

However, home renovation costs can be substantial: The average bathroom remodel alone costs between $6,000 and $35,000, according to HomeAdvisor. Meanwhile, a kitchen remodel ranges from $4,500 to $50,000.

If you want to choose the best home renovations, here are several that will give you the biggest bang for your buck when the time comes to sell.

Remodel the Kitchen

“If it’s more than 15 years old, upgrading the kitchen floor, cabinetry and appliances to modern standards will net you more money during [the] time of sale,” said Joe Polyak, founder and realtor of Rise Homes in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Many families view the kitchen as the center of the home. So, minor kitchen renovations can drastically increase your property’s value — the Remodeling report showed a 65 percent national recoup on average. This renovation can also increase home enjoyment for the entire family.

If you have an outdoor kitchen that needs to be renovated, consider updating the appliances. For example, Lowe’s offers savings on high-quality appliances.

“Outdoor entertaining and grilling go hand in hand,” said Jule Eller, director of trend and style at Lowe’s. “So bring the heat, and fire up that backyard flavor with a modular grill. You can choose add-ons like a sink, side burners or refrigerator to create a complete outdoor kitchen.”

Still, renovators should take care not to go overboard with kitchen remodel costs. “Upgrading the appliances to a certain level of luxury — KitchenAid versus Bosch, for example — can significantly increase value,” said Polyak. “Be careful, though. You don’t need to put Wolf appliances in a condo in a blue-collar condo complex. That won’t add value.”

Build an Outdoor Deck

“This can be a fairly inexpensive project that can add a lot of value in the eyes of potential homebuyers,” said Polyak. Specific features tend to vary in popularity by geographic location, and the national average cost for this upgrade is about $10,000 for wood and $17,000 for composite materials, according to Remodeling’s report. Of that amount, a homebuyer can hope to recoup about 71% and 65%, respectively.

“In Arizona, people like a nice fire pit with a beautiful outdoor area. In the San Francisco Bay Area, they like a nice deck with landscaping,” he said. “You can hire someone to do the work, but depending on how handy the homeowner, this can definitely be a fairly inexpensive do-it-yourself project.”

Create a Paver Patio

You might also consider adding a paver patio to your home. “Building a paver patio or walkway is a simple way to make your landscape more inviting and define an outdoor living space,” said Eller. “Best of all, you can install the paving stones yourself. You can also integrate landscape lighting to add ambiance and dimension.”

Eller recommends purchasing 10 percent more blocks, pavers or stones than you anticipated. “The excess should account for breakage, the material you need to cut and replacements for future repairs,” she said.

Upgrade Lighting Fixtures

Most fixtures can be purchased for a few hundred dollars or less, but when you’re working with electrical wires, you’ll also want to make sure to bring in a professional. Most homeowners spend about $318 to bring in an electrician, which will increase overall remodeling bills, according to HomeAdvisor. Still, prospective buyers are likely to appreciate the enhanced lighting, making it one of the best home renovations on a budget.

You might also want to upgrade your outdoor patio lighting with string lights, lanterns, candles, outdoor table lamps or floor lamps to bring your patio to life. Or, perhaps you have a deck? You’ll probably want to upgrade those lights as well. The good news: It won’t cost you a lot of money at stores like Lowe’s.

“From setting a festive mood to offering a soft glow after dark, outdoor lighting is a great way to make your outdoors warm and inviting,” said Eller. “Check out these battery-operated LED step lights or these bronze solar LED post lights.”

Replace the Entry Door

Installing a new steel entry door has the largest cost versus resale value, according to Remodeling’s report. It’s about a $1,400 project that’s likely to boost your home’s value by the same amount.

Bold colors can always replace a traditional door like a bright yellow and high-gloss black. To make this change buy some inexpensive door and apply paint to it yourself. There are plenty of affordable door options you can find online.

Install or Repurpose Flooring

“Updated hardwood floors or new carpeting can help sell a home,” said John Bodrozic, co-founder of digital home management tool HomeZada. “But a lot of the determination of whether the project pays for itself depends on how much money people put into the project.”

According to HomeAdvisor, existing carpets can be cleaned for about $174, and the average hardwood refinishing cost is $1.50 to $4 per square foot. Installation of new flooring increases the cost: $1,583 for carpet and $4,397 for wood. However, you can reduce these sums.

“If you have the skill or are willing to learn, you can save labor costs if you can do some of the work yourself,” said Bodrozic. “If you do hire a contractor, make sure you get three to five bids and make it known to the contractors that they are competing for the business. Depending on the marketing conditions and timing of your project, you could save yourself some money.”

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Features

“I’m noticing a big trend toward energy-efficient appliances, LED lights and tankless water heaters,” said Diana George, a vice president at Century 21 Real Estate Alliance.

“These products save homeowners money and contribute to a smaller carbon footprint.” A tankless water heater can be installed for about $4,200 in a 2,200-square-foot home, and LED converter bulbs can be bought for about $14 per light, said George.

You don’t have to wait until you move to reap the financial benefits that accompany an energy-efficient upgrade. A tankless water heater can cut a homeowner’s water heating bill by about a fifth each year. A switch from incandescent to LED bulbs, meanwhile, can save a homeowner a surprising $300 per year. Energy-efficient upgrades might not be the most exciting of home improvement projects, but they can have an almost immediate impact on a home’s overall bottom line.

Replace Vinyl Siding

It’s not everyone’s idea of a dream renovation project, but new vinyl siding can dramatically enhance a home’s curb appeal, which can make or break a homeowner’s prospects when selling on the open market.

Newer siding can also help curb heating and cooling costs and reduce occurrences of mold, fungus and mildew. New vinyl siding generally costs around $14,000 and will increase a home’s resale value by about $11,000, according to Remodeling.

Remodel a Bathroom

“Bath renovations are always worth the money invested,” said Karen Gray-Plaisted of Design Solutions KGP in Warwick, New York. “If the home has good bones and quality finishes, the home seller will reap most, if not all, of the cost.”

A homebuyer can expect to pay about $18,000 for a mid-range bathroom renovation and recoup about 65 percent, according to Remodeling. However, making smaller changes can also bring big rewards. “The impact a new light fixture can make can take a house from being dated to feeling new,” said Gray-Plaisted. “I find upgrading light fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens to be worth every penny spent.”

In the end, a home renovation choice is about more than just the value you’ll eventually recoup. Consider projects that will keep your home properly maintained, but also that your family will enjoy. A house is more than an investment; it’s also the place where your family will build memories for years to come.

Open the Floor Plan

An open floor plan is one of the more sought-after features for homebuyers today. However, older homes typically have many walls and narrow hallways, said Polyak. The good news is that it can be surprisingly inexpensive to knock down a wall and create a more cohesive space. An interior demolition costs about $3,000 on average, according to HomeAdvisor.

Even load-bearing walls can be removed, preferably by a skilled contractor who can then place a beam in the ceiling for support. Even with the added home renovation costs, this improvement can still add significant value to a home, said Polyak.

Paint the Interior

Most homeowners spend between $996 and $2,721 on home interior paint costs, according to HomeAdvisor. At that price point, it’s easy to recoup the cost when it’s time to sell. Even so, it might be worthwhile to consult a professional before selecting a color.

Still, professional advice doesn’t have to add to the cost of the project. Many national paint retailers like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore offer free paint consultations.

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.

1 2 3 Next page

Tag Archives: Bathroom