Bathroom Remodel Archives - Page 26 of 30

Tips for Picking the Right Bathtub from Expert Bathroom Remodeler

By Inspired Remodels / Bathroom Remodel / Comments Off

Do your dreams of a new bathroom include a new bathtub? Or are you just looking to put a new tub in an existing space. Whether you dream of soaking after a long day or giving the kids a quick bath before bed, the Orange County’s expert bathroom remodeler shares some things to consider.

Installation

How will your tub be installed? This is determined by the amount of space you have and the type of tub you want. Often, it is the amount of space that will determine the type of tub. In addition, will you need new plumbing or can the existing plumbing be used? Adding or moving plumbing will add to the cost of the install. You should discuss installation options with your bathroom remodeler early in the design process. A bathroom remodel is only as good as the original design.

Tub Styles

Freestanding. As the name implies, these tubs stand alone. Freestanding tubs the old-style claw-foot tubs or the new-style Japanese soaking tubs. This style tub doe not attach to the walls. Freestanding tubs are finished on all sides. They are generally plumbed from underneath. The old cast iron tubs are heavy and when you add in the weight of water (a little over 8 lbs per gallon) make sure the floor and subfloor can hold the weight. This is particularly true for 2^nd floor bathrooms.

Soaker tubs are deeper than conventional tubs. You want one that is insulated enough to hold the heat of the water on a chilly night. This style tub is great for soaking, but difficult to bend over for giving the kids a bath. This style is best reserved for the master bath.

Recessed Tubs. Recessed Tubs can take different forms. A recessed tub has three sides mounted to the walls. This is the common tub/shower combination. A recessed tub will have one skirted (or finished) side. Tile the surrounding walls in almost any configuration and give your bathroom a personal touch.

Corner Tub. A corner tub attaches to two walls in the corner of the bathroom. These large tubs occupy valuable real estate in the bathroom but if you have the space they are stunning. Corner tubs are commonly jetted, but non-jetted corner tubs are available.

Drop In Tub. These tubs look like mini spas. The tub itself has no finished sides. When installed, it is surrounded by a platform that is finished in stone or tile. Make sure to use non-slick surfaces for the steps. But you won’t need to remind an expert bathroom remodeler to do this, they already know. That’s why they are experts.

Occupants

Want to accommodate multiple bathers or soakers? Make sure your soaking tub will fit the number and size of your bathers. For two bathers, you will want to consider a corner tub, a whirlpool tub, or a custom drop in tub.

Size of Hot Water Heater

That fabulous soaker tub won’t be so fabulous if you can’t fill it with hot water. Many homeowners shop for more tub than they have hot water heater. This is another one of those times when working with an expert bathroom remodeler pays off. They will always make sure that your hot water heater has the capacity to serve your tub.

The Right Bathroom Starts with the Right Bathroom Remodeler

Pick your bathroom remodeler with care. A new bathtub can require new plumbing. You want a remodeler that can handle all trades, plumbing, electrical, flooring and drywall. Working with a contractor that provides design services will remove some of the stress and improve communication and workflow during construction.

Inspired Remodels can take your ideas and turn them into the bathroom of your dreams. Call (949) 716-1938 or Contact Us to schedule a free consultation today. That dream tub may only be

Tips for Hiring Kitchen and Bath Contractors

Thinking of a kitchen or bath remodel or renovation but aren’t sure where to start? The internet is filled with stories of contractors from hell. You don’t want to make the mistake of hiring the wrong contractor. Follow these tips for hiring kitchen and bath contractors and your project will be off to a great start.

Start with The Designer

There are architects, designers, and contractors. Make sure you hire a person that can transform your dream into an actionable plan and stay within your budget. A designer that works with a contractor or a design-build contractor is the best arrangement possible.

Experienced kitchen and bath contractors and designers can tell you whether the layout you want requires extensive changes to plumbing, electrical, or structural components. These are the big ticket, costly items. A good designer can translate what you want into a design that meets your needs and your budget.

Be sure you look at designs and pictures together. You need to make sure that you and your designer have the same ideas when it comes to “contemporary” and “traditional”. Your designer needs to understand your needs and wants for lighting, storage, fixtures and appliances. Poor communication is a recipe for a bad project. If you can’t discuss the project cost and time frame comfortably, pick another professional.

Review their recent work history and see if their style meets yours or if they have the ability to adapt their style to the desires of their client. Beware of a designer that repeats the same design over and over with new finishes. They may lack the imagination you need.

Discuss Costs and Time

Kitchen and bath contractors all give an estimate before work starts. Be sure you understand what is covered and what is not. Are the finishes contractor grade? Are appliances and fixtures included or extra? What happens when problems arise? Which party is responsible for additional costs?

It’s best to discuss budget up-front. You may want a soaking tub and a steam shower in your bathroom remodel, but lack the budget for both. By discussing budget in the beginning you can prioritize your wants and needs. The way you won’t be presented with a layout, finishes, and fixtures you can’t afford.

Understanding the time frame is crucial as well. It’s not enough to ask how long it will take. You need to ask when the job can start. If the project requires permits, this can add considerably to the time to completion.

Identifying Reputable Kitchen and Bath Contractors

Some companies may draw pretty designs and talk a good game but fail on execution. One of the best ways to vet any contractor is to check their reputation on-line.

Simply Google the contractor’s name or the company name. Read reviews from Yelp, Houzz, and Angie’s List.

Put on your detective hat and check the company’s license. Almost every state has an on-line source for checking the status of a contractor’s license. For example, a check of the license for Inspired Remodels at CA.gov shows the company has an active license, is bonded, and has current worker’s compensation insurance. If a company is doing work at your house you must make sure they have worker’s compensation insurance for your own protection.

Check with the local Better Business Bureau. Ideally, you won’t find complaints. But if you do, see how the company responds. Great customer service is determined by how a contractor handles problems and you want to do business with kitchen and bath contractors that know how to handle problems or complaints if they arise.

Inspired Remodels for Inspired Kitchens and Baths

Inspired Remodels is the Orange County kitchen and bath contractor that provides design and build services. This means Inspired Remodels will be with you from the initial design until the last trace of construction dust is swept away. You get the kitchen or bath of your dreams within your budget.

Call (949) 716-1938 to schedule your consultation.

House Remodeling That Pays Off for 2017

By Inspired Remodels / Bathroom Remodel, Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off

One of the biggest questions people have about house remodeling is “Will it pay off?”. When you spend money on a house remodel, be it a kitchen or bath remodel or addition you want to know you are increasing the value of your property. Remodeling has released the 2017 Pacific regional cost versus value for remodeling and the news is good; very good.

Kitchen Remodeling

The average cost of a major kitchen remodel in the Pacific region is $69,723 with a recoup estimate of $52,377. That means you realize of a gain of 75% of the amount of the remodel. That is higher than 2016. It means 2017 is a great time for house remodeling if you want to maximize your return on investment.

Inspired Remodels can turn your current kitchen into your dream kitchen with custom cabinets, new finishes, and improved lighting. If you plan on staying in your home, you’ll have years of enjoyable cooking and entertaining and know you’ve added 75% value of the cost.

If you plan on selling your home or aren’t ready for a major remodel, the news is even better. A minor remodel is $23,695 and returns $22,711 in value. That means you recoup almost 96% of the cost. Buyers look for fresh kitchens and a minor kitchen remodel just might be what gets your home noticed and sold quickly.

Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom remodeling is also estimated to add 75 cents of value for each dollar spent. A bathroom remodel in the Pacific region is estimated at $21,635 and adds $16,206 in value. While that is down from 2016, it is still a great return on the investment.

Don’t overlook the bathroom when remodeling the house. A good bathroom is functional. A great bathroom is comfortable. An awesome bathroom is functional, comfortable, and your own personal in-home spa.

Maximum Return from House Remodeling

The 2017 house remodeling projects with the greatest return for the Pacific region are entry door replacements and the addition of attic insulation. Attic insulation only run $1,406 but returns $1,726 in value. That’s a 122.8% return and while it is down from 2016 it is still great. In addition, both attic insulation and new entry doors can make your home more energy efficient.

Speaking of entry doors, the house remodeling project with the 2^nd greatest return in value is replacing your entry doors. The cost is $1,516 and the value added is $1,535. It is a quick remodeling job and not only increases your home’s value it increases curb appeal. It might be just the ticket if you plan on selling in 2017.

Home Remodeling Experts

If you’re thinking of home remodeling in 2017, contact the experts at Inspired Remodels. Inspired Remodels is a complete house remodeling contracting company. They will work with you to create a design that incorporates your dreams and stays in your budget. Whether you want new entry doors or a major kitchen remodel, call Inspired Remodels at (949) 716-1938.

custom cabinets add value