Archive for the ‘Bathrooms’ Category
Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012
Recently, the Design Build Pros have engaged in discussions with both remodeling professionals and homeowners regarding pricing projects by the “square foot.” Over the years many have asked “How much do you charge per square foot?” In remodeling, this is typically asked about home additions. Homeowners believe that the answer creates a platform to compare remodelers and their estimates. However, this general question would be like asking a automobile dealership, “How much is a car per pound?”
When estimating the cost of a room addition the first level of distinction is what type of room is it? One should not expect a family room addition to have the same square footage cost as a kitchen addition. These two additions may be the exact same size, but the components and work involved in each is vastly different, therefore a square foot price comparison cannot be made. (more…)
Tags:bathroom, Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, family room addition, Jason Parsons, Kitchen, Neil Parsons, remodeling estimate, square foot remodeling price
Posted in Bathrooms, Jason Parsons, Kitchens, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Tips for Selecting a Remodeler | 2 Comments »
Sunday, September 16th, 2012
The planning and budgeting phase of any remodeling project is over loaded with decisions to be made. These decisions are mostly the design elements and product selections. However, remodeling, unlike building a new home, almost always involves patching and renovating to an existing area. Ideally, the remodeled and unaltered areas will meet at the transition from one room to another at a door or doorway.
More often than one might guess, planned projects require a stop and start demolition point that is not clearly defined by a room change, door, or doorway. Continued ceilings are a situation to watch for. Halls, foyers, and adjoining rooms where the doorway has a flush header and goes completely to the ceiling are examples. The decision of where to stop will potentially affect many individual work tasks. These tasks may include flooring, drywall, molding, and painting. (more…)
Tags:AK Complete Home Renovations, Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, drywall, electrial work, extreme remodel, Georgia kitchen design build remodeling, hgtv, Mark of Excellence Remodeling, Middletown design build remodeling, molding, Monmouth County, painting, plaster, sheetrock, wiring
Posted in Bathrooms, Jason Parsons, Kitchens, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, September 12th, 2012
The Design Build Pros design and develop many master bedrooms for both new space and remodels. One of the development steps involved is the client filling out the DBP Project Profile Checklist. This form helps with the customization of the project for the preferences, styles, and needs of the individual person or family. Wish list desires are addressed. “Must have” and “do not want” items are noted. Very common on the must have side for today’s master bathroom is more storage and better organization. Typically this request is addressed through the effective use of vanities, wall cabinets, shower niches, towel cubbies, hooks, and racks.
Another request, especially for bathrooms to be used by more than one person, is a private or semi-private area for the toilet. This is achieved with a partition wall or a wall and door, also known as a water closet. A water closet is technically defined as a room with a toilet and possibly a sink. Therefore, what many refer to as a powder room would be a water closet. Add a tub or shower and now it is considered a bathroom. Within a bathroom, a water closet creates a private room for a toilet. (more…)
Tags:Cosmo Kramer, Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, Jason Parsons, master bathroom, Neil Parsons, powder room, project profile checklist, Seinfeld TV show, water closet
Posted in Architecture, Bathrooms, Home and Family Lifestyle, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Remodeling Project Design | No Comments »
Monday, August 27th, 2012
For years now, Europeans have found the key to unlocking a bathroom’s potential is the comfort provided by towel radiators. Towel radiators offer comfortable radiant heat in the bathroom while at the same time providing the luxury of warm, dry towels and bathrobes.
Click the image to view a video catalog of towel warmers available from our friends at Warmly Yours.
In America, towel warmers first appeared in the early 1900s in upper class homes. These early units were typically hydronic, as many homes at the time were heated by hot water systems. During the depression and war eras, towel warmers were too extravagant for most common homes to have, but they have started to become popular again in recent years. (more…)
Tags:bathroom design ideas, bathroom remodeling ideas, Design Build Remodeling, heated towel rack, Jason Parsons, Monmouth county remodeling, Neil Parsons, towel warmer, Warmly Yours
Posted in Bathrooms, Home and Family Lifestyle, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information | 3 Comments »
Saturday, August 11th, 2012
When planning and researching a bathroom remodeling project there is always much to consider. Most of the decisions and information are obvious. What layout and type of fixtures should we choose? What color and style for the tile will look best? And of course, how much will it cost? When after thoughts pop up they tend to hinder the construction progress of the remodeler and annoy the homeowner with the added cost and oversight. Here are six common items, task and/or decisions that tend to come up after the order, during the construction, or after the completion. (more…)
Tags:AK Renovations, bathroom remodeling, Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, gap sealing, heated floor, heated towel bar, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, QuietRock, shower, spray foam insulation
Posted in Bathrooms, Home and Family Lifestyle, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Remodeling Project Photos | 3 Comments »
Wednesday, August 8th, 2012
Who hasn’t banged their head or elbow on a shower soap dish or corner shelf? If you haven’t, consider yourself very fortunate. Hair care products, soaps, gels and more need all a place in the shower. Factor in that target marketing is effective in prompting most family members to want their own particular brand making the number of shower items multiply. As the number of household shower items grew, so did the popularity of ceramic soap dishes and corner shelves that protrude from the wall tile. Then came the shower caddy. The plastic or metal shelves with a loop or hook above to attach to the shower head.
Today, a shower niche is a design consideration in almost every new bathroom or bathroom remodel. The niche is an inset in the wall within the tile area. A great product is a one-piece plastic mold with a nailing flange. The unit recesses into the wall cavity and is fastened to the wall studs. A cement wall board is typically used to cover the walls inside the tub and shower area. Then tile is glued to the wall board and also placed inside of the shower niche mold. Because of the tight area, and as an accent, a smaller sized complimentary tile is often designated for the niche. (more…)
Tags:bathroom remodeling in New Jersey, Best Tile, cement board, Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, Jason Parsons, Middlesex County, Neil Parsons, Shower head, shower niche
Posted in Bathrooms, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Remodeling Project Design | 1 Comment »
Thursday, August 2nd, 2012
While the look and style are always a major concern, there is much more that needs to be considered when designing a steam shower. The tile, grout, and adhesive must be able to withstand more moisture and higher temperatures than a typical shower. A bench seat should be positioned for comfort and safety. The steam head should not be directly facing where a person’s legs would be placed. The glass shower door should go to the ceiling to maximize the effects and efficiency of the steam unit, but then must have an easy access vent hatch built in.
This steam shower pictured features a frameless shower door with starfire glass, green onyx tile, and French gold fixtures. The bathroom remodeling project, located in Monmouth County, New Jersey, was completed by Mark of Excellence Design Build Remodel. (more…)
Tags:bathroom designs, bathroom remodeling, Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, frameless shower door, gold bathroom fixtures, green onyx tile, Jason Parsons, Monmouth County, Neil Parsons, starfire glass, steam shower
Posted in Bathrooms, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Remodeling Project Photos | No Comments »
Sunday, July 29th, 2012
The Design Build Pros have visited thousands of homes to discuss remodeling projects. While we are not ready to write a tell-all book (yet), we have seen many interesting things over the years. Some of the hidden secrets are uncovered during bathroom remodeling estimates. Without naming names, some bathrooms are overly cluttered and disorganized at first glance. Then we need to inspect the plumbing set up below the sink. Opening the vanity doors sometimes starts an avalanche as the piled contents tumble out.
The Design Build Pros have been there also, so no first stones will be cast here. Some years back, a professional organizer (yes, that is an actual profession and certified designation) offered a simple, but very helpful tip. Each person in the household should take their toiletry items and place them in their own plastic container(s) such as Tupperware. Store the containers in the vanity cabinet as they will stack neatly. When needed, place each container needed on the countertop for access and use. When finished, return all items to the container and stash in the vanity again. You will find that not only will the area stay neat and organized; you will be able store more items in less space. Plus, as an added bonus, if you have a spill of make up or lotion, the plastic container cleans up easily keeping the inside of the vanity clean.
Contact the Design Build Pros today and schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss a possible design build remodeling project for your home anywhere in the United States. Discover how the unique DBPros project design and development process will save you time and money while providing a pleasant remodeling experience for all!
Tags:bathroom remodeling estimate, bathroom vanity, countertop, Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, professional organizer, Tupperware
Posted in Bathrooms, Home and Family Lifestyle, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons | No Comments »
Saturday, July 28th, 2012
Having turned 50 this year, I have received much mail regarding membership to the AARP (American Association of Retired Person). Even though I am far from being ready for retirement, being AARP eligible is an indicator of aging, at least for me, similar to gray hair and weaker eye sight. Getting older is a fact of life and ignoring the reality does not make it go away.
On a similar note, most homeowners do not like to discuss universal design options during the onset of a design and build remodeling project. For those unfamiliar with the term universal design, it broadly refers to construction components that allow for easier use and access for people of various ages, sizes, and physical condition. Aging in place is an associated term that refers to planning and building in components that may not be required presently but possibly will be needed or welcomed in the future.
When sensing avoidance of the subject, or as a preemptive strike, the Design Build Pros introduce some of these points and references:
- We try to use 36” for all door widths. That will allow for walker and wheelchair passage. Also, it is handy for moving and carrying items through doorways. (more…)
Tags:aarp, accessibility, ADA compliant, aging-in-place, curbless shower access, Design Build Pros, Design Build Remodeling, home elevator, kitchen countertop heights, shower bench seat, universal design
Posted in Bathrooms, Jason Parsons, Kitchens, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information, Remodeling Project Design | No Comments »
Friday, July 20th, 2012
The style of the bathroom vanities have changed, the new styles bring a touch of style and elegance to the bathrooms. Bamboo bathroom vanities improve the style and beauty of bathrooms. There are antique, traditional, and contemporary style vanities.
Many of the corner bathroom vanity come in wood; some of the popular woods are cherry, maple, oak and mahogany. Many home owners are not buying the standard vanities like our parents, they are looking for unique designs, something different that says something about their personality, and these new vanities are innovative and beautiful. All modern bathrooms have the one thing in common, sinks, toilets, vanities and mirrors.
Vanity tops have changed drastically; no more will you only have a choice of Formica you now can choose from granite, ceramic tiles, synthetic granite and marble. When remodeling your bathroom it is a good idea to replace that old pedestal sink with a nice vanity, it will not only help with storage but give the bathroom a new look and make the bathroom appear to be new again. Here are some things to consider when choosing new vanity furniture. (more…)
Tags:bamboo vanity, bathroom, bathroom design, bathroom suite, Design Build Remodeling, furniture vanity, marble vanity top, zen bathroom
Posted in Bathrooms, Jason Parsons, Neil Parsons, Remodeling Industry Information | No Comments »
