It is often easy to forget the pure luxury of a modern bathroom. Hot and cold running water and a flushing toilet are things we take for granted, but not so long ago they were considered a dream for the future. Well the future is here, and if anything speaks to the cultural phenomenon of bathroom luxury, it is the run on toilet paper we have in the time of Corona. Another thing that we have been made aware of in this unprecedented time – is the need for privacy especially when quarantined at home. My wager is that many Zoom meetings take place in the privacy of a bathroom behind a locked door.
So if the kitchen is the center of activity, the bathroom is the private escape. Every effort in your bathroom remodel should reflect what you want in your private sanctuary. So – let’s talk about how the bathroom remodeling process begins.
Each and every client has a very personal opinion of their dream bathroom remodel. And that is what we do – help you make your bathroom remodel the perfect one for you.
After we survey your thoughts on your bathroom remodel, we can begin to come up with a plan for how we enter the design phase. But before we begin the design phase, we will make sure that your budget is in line with your vision. We have the experience to give you an idea of the range of bathroom remodeling costs you need to consider.
Now the fun part of the bathroom remodel begins. We will work with you to select all of the finishes that will make your bathroom uniquely your own! Our designers will work with you on colors, materials, style of cabinetry and all of the many decisions that need to be made before the building begins. We often ask you to find pictures of things you love on Houzz or Pinterest. We can usually get a feel for your personal design sense and help you with as little, or as much as you need, to walk you through your final selection process. Here is an example of our shopping list:
Tile Bathroom Flooring must be water resistant and safe. There are many options for tile that is functional and beautiful. Natural looks have been mastered in the design technology of porcelain tiles – so tiles can look like wood and natural stone, but offer strength and wearability.
During the selection process of your bathroom remodel, we will coordinate all of the tile selections. So shower walls, backsplash tile, tile accents and tile niches will also be considered in this phase of the selection process, so everything is beautifully coordinated for your newly remodeled bathroom.
Cabinetry for vanities and storage is one of the most important selection that you need to make in any bathroom remodel. We generally try to narrow down the options for the cabinetry earlier in the process, but at this point we need to choose a path on the bathroom remodel journey – stock or custom.
Stock cabinetry is the perfect choice for many bathrooms in terms of affordability and can work with careful planning in most bathrooms. There are set sizes, finishes, styles and options, which can be manipulated to achieve the best functionality for storage and function. The options available in style and color are limited, but they are generally very popular options and look beautiful when the bathroom remodel is well planned.
With custom cabinetry – there are no limits. Cabinets can be built specifically for function and storage. You can choose any color, any wood, any finish, any size and any style or combination. Custom trims, such as coffered ceilings, shelving, decorative moldings and trim can all be detailed in our selection process. The sky is the limit to personalize your dream bathroom remodel when you choose to work with custom cabinetry and millwork.
Whichever you choose – stock or custom, you will get very specific drawings and 3D designs of your final cabinetry selection. We will work to make sure that you understand how your bathroom will look and function. If you need built in electrical outlets to hide your electric toothbrush, razor or hairdryer, we can offer solutions to that. Extra storage for shoes or purses, linens and laundry? These are the quandaries we discuss during every bathroom remodel.
What is a bathroom without counter space?! Countertops in bathrooms get some heavy daily use. Toothpaste, makeup, creams and lotions, soaps and cleansers – all are used every day. We also have hairdryers, curling irons and other devices that need a space to rest on a surface that can take a beating.
Our personal preference for a countertop in a new bathroom remodel is a Quartz manufactured product. It can take a beating and does not need the care and attention of natural stone. Some granites are definitely a good option, but natural stone, like marble, can easily stain and etch. Quartz is durable and with so many manufactures and color options, you can find the perfect countertop to coordinate with your tile.
If you have a question about countertop materials, we can answer them. We are always on the lookout for new products and innovative ways to use tried and true options. Countertops are the crowning jewel of any bathroom remodel.
Fixtures are the nuts and bolts of any bathroom remodel. Do you want a double bowl vanity or a single bowl to give you more counter space? What style faucet would you like for your bathroom remodel and what finish? There are such a beautiful array of styles and finishes available for faucets as well as features like touch technology.
Then you have the toilets and the shower fixtures and the medicine cabinets or mirrors. Also there’s the tub – if you like to soak, it’s wonderful to check out the new technology for heat and air. And speaking of technology during your bathroom remodel – music, lighting, sound, tvs, are all a part of that luxury experience – and – you can control a lot these with a touch of your phone.
We are happy to help you choose a paint color that coordinates perfectly with your selections. We have artisans who can show you an amazing array of decorative options using specialized techniques to totally customize your walls – no need for wall paper!
We have a wide selection of finishes, designs and sizes. Whether your bathroom is modern, traditional, or somewhere in between, we can find the look that adds a stylized bit of glam to your bathroom remodel.
As part of our design process, we will include an electrical plan. Lighting is so important in a bathroom remodel. Light fixtures such as chandeliers and vanity lights add another element to your personal style. Task lighting is important, but so is dimmable light for relaxation. Make sure you have both!
Next we will build a project schedule for the bathroom remodel. We will notify our trade partners of our anticipated schedule. All of the information for your personal bathroom remodel is accessible through an on-line tool to clients, staff and trade partners. All the materials will be ordered to be on site at the appropriate time.
There will be a production manager and lead carpenter assigned to your job who will guide you through the day to day progress with daily and weekly updates and answer any questions or concerns you may have throughout the bathroom remodel. We will work with you to make the bathroom remodel process as easy as possible. We use protection on floors, and zip walls to limit the dust as much as possible. Keeping everything as clean as possible and following proper safety protocol is now more important than ever.
The lead carpenter, production manager and sales designer will meet and go over the contract line by line, walk the site, review the schedule, and agree on site management; for example, the location of a dumpster and the storage of delivered materials. They will also discuss starting times and individual family situations, such as escaping cats.
Now we are off and running! Be prepared for life without a bathroom for approximately 6-8 weeks.
Every item has been checked off the punch list – our bathroom remodel journey has ended. It is time to begin to enjoy. As one of our customers exclaimed, “It’s like being on vacation, when I wake up every morning and step into my newly remodeled bathroom!”
We offer a five year warranty on labor and materials provided by Creative Contracting. But we will miss you – how do you feel about adding a sunroom?
