Tag Archives: bathroom remodeling

Bathroom Remodeling Can Yield Major Benefits

 

 

SmithL4WEB Bathroom Remodeling Can Yield Major Benefits
No matter your individual needs, AAB can help you.

A lot of homeowners face the prospect of a bathroom remodeling project with a great deal of trepidation. They’ve heard horror stories of shady contractors, there is the fear of huge costs being incurred, and then there’s the hassle of having one of most important and functional rooms in the house being out of commission. These impressions are often reinforced by movies and TV shows, usually for comedic effect. All About Kitchens and Baths goes to great lengths to prove to homeowners that such a nightmare situation is far from the norm. In fact, they will sit down with their client and show the many possible bathroom remodel benefits that can occur from such a project.

The first of the possible bathroom remodel benefits is the most obvious one in that it can improve the value of one’s home. One of the most important features that prospective home buyers are looking for is the state of the bathrooms, particularly the master bathroom. It’s no surprise that many bathrooms become tired and faded over time. Fixtures and furniture are dated, and the tiles and textures are often decades old. A bathroom remodeling project can transform an eyesore of a bathroom into a modern wonder. Just like the kitchen, having up-to-date fixtures and a modern style can greatly enhance the selling price and help move the house that much quicker.

Another of the potential bathroom remodel benefits that an individual can enjoy is greater energy efficiency. Older toilets typically use a lot more water than their modern counterparts. The same is true for the humble shower head as the latest models feature stellar water pressure while using less water. The design experts at All About Kitchens and Baths can show you a wide range of water-saving shower heads as well as low-flow faucets. Installing energy efficient fixtures can reduce water consumption in the bathroom by anywhere from 25% to 60%, which means lower water bills. Light fixtures and heaters can be replaced with energy efficient versions that can lower your electricity bill as well.

Next on our list of possible bathroom remodel benefits is transforming the bathroom into the relaxing oasis of your dreams. In the past, most people viewed the bathroom in purely utilitarian terms. The goal of the bathroom was to do your business (shower, brush the teeth, etc.) as quickly as possible and get out. Now a lot of homeowners look at the bathroom as a source of relaxation where they can escape the hassles and drudgery of the real world. This can be as simple as changing the colors and textures used in the bathroom to create a more soothing environment, or it can entail the installation of luxury items such as a remote-controlled shower, heated tile floors, or a hot tub. A bathroom remodeling project can totally change the way you look at the bathroom. Instead of the bathroom being just a room where showering and other necessities are handled, it could become your very own personal spa where you can pamper yourself.

One of the most important potential bathroom remodel benefits is the correction of something wrong. This is the case when a homeowner has issues with their bathroom, such as a cracked tub that is leaking, mold in the walls, broken floor tiles, soft spots in the floor, or electrical wiring that desperately needs to be brought up to code. As time goes on, the possibility of something breaking or becoming worn out increases. Some issues, such as mold and exposed wiring, can be very dangerous to those using the bathroom. Another casualty of a bathroom with problems is that comfort is greatly reduced. Who wants to use a shower where tiles are falling off the wall? A bathroom remodeling project can fix all the problem areas and once again make the throne room a comfortable and safe place.

Freeing up more space is another of the bathroom remodel benefits that can be enjoyed by homeowners. The design experts at All About Kitchens and Baths can show you a myriad of ways that space can be utilized to a greater extent. This can be done in a number of ways. The first is actually expanding the bathroom itself. This is a great option for those who have had their children leave the nest. Now that spare bedroom can be joined to the master bathroom in order to place a luxurious hot tub with an attached TV or a walk-in shower with seating. Another method of freeing up space in the bathroom is to use innovative fixtures and furniture. The addition of storage racks, open shelving, medicine cabinets, and wall storage can get rid of all the clutter that can plague a bathroom. Instead of fumbling through all the junk that used to be crammed on your countertop, you can open up a drawer or cabinet and instantly grab exactly what you need. A bathroom remodeling project can bring blessed organization and structure to the chaos of your old bathroom.

As one can see, there are some great benefits for remodeling a bathroom, ranging from increasing the value of your home to freeing up more space to becoming more energy efficient. The possible benefits depend upon what you want from your bathroom, and the design experts at All About Kitchens and Baths can help you achieve your goal. Everything from just updating the tired decor to a modern sensibility to a total bathroom makeover is possible. The end result is that you’ll have the bathroom that you want and whose benefits you can enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Choose a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor in Denver

For many, choosing a great bathroom remodeling contractor in Denver (or anywhere else) is a daunting task. We hope the following tips will help you navigate the process and distinguish between trustworthy, reliable, quality contractors and those who might rip you off or perform shoddy work.

1 – Research Potential Contractors

In Denver, the best places to research contractors are the Better Business Bureau, TeamDaveLogan.com, and ReferralList.com. These resources are great because they have strict, quality guidelines for businesses to be listed. Other public listing sites with reviews, such as Google, Yahoo, Yelp, etc., are also useful.

2 – Contact References

Ask potential contractors for a list of references – prior customers who you can actually speak with to gauge what a typical experience would be like with that contractor. Questions to ask these references include:

  • Did they show up everyday?
  • Were the same people there everyday?
  • Did they clean up every night?
  • Did any issues arise? If so, were they dealt with swiftly and to your satisfaction?
  • What was the schedule of payments – divided up or lump sum?
  • Were you satisfied with the quality?

3 – Understand that Quality and Speed Comes with a Price

As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. If you are looking for high quality work that is completed quickly, you should expect to pay a premium. A low bid undoubtedly means that quality and/or speed will be compromised for your project. The average labor costs for remodeling a 5 x 7 bathroom are between $12-15K, so if your bid is lower than that, beware of poor quality or a remodeling project that may drag on endlessly.

4 – Ask about Scheduling

How does the contractor work? Does the contractor work only on your project until done? Or does the contractor schedule multiple jobs at once and jump around from one to another? Will the contractor work during the weekdays or only on weekends? How long will the project take to complete?

All About Kitchens and Baths Inc. is proud to work exclusively on one project at a time, which we finish completely before moving on to the next job. Our remodel projects typically last between 15-20 business days, depending on the project scope.

5 – Discuss Change Orders with the Contractor

Beware of contractors that low-ball your bid, then come in after demo and require change orders due to “unforeseen” issues. These change orders mean a higher cost for you than was originally quoted. Too often we hear stories where contractors say, “Oh, Mrs. Smith. We found plumbing that we’re going to have to move – and it’s going to cost you an extra 1500 bucks.” Since the contractor has already begun the work, your options are limited and you end up paying more money.

All About Kitchens and Baths Inc. does our best to anticipate potential problems with plumbing, electrical, HVAC, subfloor, etc. when we visit your site to prepare our estimate. We are experienced with remodeling Denver homes of all ages and in all areas. We understand how these homes were constructed and what lies behind the walls. There is the rare occasion that an issue may arise that we absolutely could not have accounted for (such as prior remodel work that was done poorly), and we would promptly bring this to your attention and make a plan that satisfies everyone. The only changes we do not account for are change orders requested by the customer, such as layout changes or adding features like pocket doors, additional lighting, vent fans, etc.

Remodeling Bathrooms for Resale – Sell Your House Faster

The Spring/Summer real estate season is upon us, and many wonder if a bathroom remodel is a good idea to prepare your home for resale. It’s widely known that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes. A buyer needs to picture themselves living in the house without making major improvements, and a grubby bathroom makes it hard for them to imagine that. There is no doubt a bathroom remodel will help sell a home faster, but what type of improvements will give you the best return for your dollar?

  • remodeling-bathroom-for-resale-261x300 Remodeling Bathrooms for Resale – Sell Your House Faster
    Before
    Consider how long you will be living in the home before you put it on the market. If you will be staying for a while, consider upgrades that you can enjoy such as a steam shower, a jetted tub, or radiant floor heating. If you will be selling quickly, you will get the most bang for your buck if you stick to the basics, while giving everything a fresh, updated look.
  • Choose neutral finishes that appeal to a wide range of tastes. White, beige, brown, and gray are great color choices for bathroom tile, countertops, and wall paint. You can use decorative accents such as towels, rugs, and curtains if you must add a pop of color.
  • Consider minor layout changes but nothing that requires major plumbing changes. For example, a new trend is to remove small bathtub/shower combos and replace with large, airy walk-in showers.
  • bathroom-remodel-sell-house-fast-261x300 Remodeling Bathrooms for Resale – Sell Your House Faster
    After
    Invest in quality craftsmanship. Find a good contractor with a track record of happy customers. Buyers will notice sub-par craftsmanship such as crooked tile, cracked grout, and messy caulk, and they will wonder what other corners have been cut. If necessary, choose more modest finishes and invest in quality installation.
  • Lastly, while we usually recommend remodeling the entire bathroom at once for a seamless upgrade, if some parts of your bathroom are in decent shape, you may save money by making only minor upgrades. Tearing out existing tile is typically one of the most costly parts of a remodel once you account for demo, materials, and labor, so keep that in place if possible. Consider changing out the countertop and refreshing cabinet hardware, lighting, faucets, and towel bars. Old cabinets can be painted for a new look. Switching out your toilets (or even just toilet seats) can make a big difference. Refresh worn vinyl flooring with new, modest tile.

Decorative Tile Bathroom Ideas

Decorative Tile Bathroom Ideas for All Budgets

Tile is a very practical material for bathrooms because of its ability to repel water, durability, ability to be cleaned easily, and the variety of options available. Tile is a great choice for bathroom floors, walls, and even ceilings!

Decorative tile is a great way to add a pop of interest in your bathroom, whether on the walls, in the shower, or as a backsplash. Decorative tile tends to be more expensive than standard tile, so it is typically used sparingly, such as in a small band on the wall or a small inlay in a shower. However, if you have a healthy budget, you can really have some fun with decorative tile!

For Small Budgets: For Large Budgets:
  • Try adding a small band of decorative tile (like glass tile) as a backsplash around your sink/countertop. Depending on the scale of your bathroom, you might only need to come up a few inches.
  • You could also add a small band of decorative tile around your shower at approximately eye level.
  • Alternatively, you could pick a square or rectangular area in the shower to install decorative tile.
  • Consider decorative tile for a whole wall (or all your walls!). Installing small glass tiles on a whole wall looks great and adds texture and dimension to your bathroom.
  • Custom patterns and inlays are another consideration for large budgets.
  • Many highly specialized tiles are available in glass, porcelain, and wood-like finishes.

 Browse our “Decorative Tile” page on Pinterest for some great ideas for using tile in your bathroom.

decorative-tile-ideas-for-bathrooms Decorative Tile Bathroom Ideas

Relocating a Shower Valve: Centering vs. Offsetting

all-bathroom-off-set-shower-valve-300x200 Relocating a Shower Valve: Centering vs. Offsetting

Centering a shower valve right under the shower head is standard procedure. The shower valve is the piece with the handle where you turn the water on.

Relocating a Shower Valve

But at All About Kitchens and Baths, we sometimes like to offset the valve to one side, especially if you have a handheld shower head. That way, the hose from the shower head won’t get caught on the handles or get in your way when you’re adjusting the temperature.

This might require moving or boring through a stud to do an offset installation, but that’s a small hassle that pays off in the long run.