Tag: home renovation

Home Improvement

How to Prepare for Bathroom Remodeling

Norma Mathews

Bathroom remodeling involves cosmetic changes like installing new cabinets, vanity, mirrors, or flooring. Before you start the process, it’s a good idea to prepare by shutting off water and removing existing fixtures.

Bathroom Remodeling

A full remodel can also include expanding the space or removing/relocating walls. It’s important to create a budget before starting any project and stick to it. A 10% cushion for unforeseen expenses is a good rule of thumb.

The layout of a bathroom plays a key role in how well the space functions. For example, if fixtures are positioned too close together or the room feels cramped and awkward, it’s worth considering how simple changes like moving around pipes can boost functionality and ease of use. Similarly, if storage is an issue, incorporating smart solutions for towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies can make all the difference. 

Surface Level Remodels

Surface level remodeling is less intensive than a full remodel but still offers a huge impact on the look and feel of your bathroom. This type of remodel involves replacing existing elements like countertops, sinks, and cabinets but leaves the overall layout intact. This can be done in one to two weeks by a small team of contractors and usually doesn’t require major plumbing changes.

Full Remodel

A full remodel is a more involved renovation that removes everything from the wall studs down, including fixtures, flooring, and paint. This is a much more substantial project than a surface level remodel and generally requires the expertise of professional plumbers and electricians. It’s also the most expensive type of remodel but offers the greatest opportunity to create a completely new layout and design that better suits your needs.

When starting a bathroom remodel, it’s essential to prioritize quality and expert work over cost-cutting shortcuts. Bathrooms involve complex plumbing and electrical systems, and any mistakes can cause long-term damage and costly repairs. Working with a design-build firm that can handle both the plumbing and construction ensures that your bathroom remodel will be done right the first time.

Once the demolition and construction process is complete, it’s time to start installing the new components of your remodel. This includes the new layout of the shower, tub, toilet, and vanity. It’s also important to include adequate ventilation to reduce humidity, mold, and mildew. Finally, a fresh coat of paint goes a long way toward making your bathroom feel brand new again.

Fixtures

The bathroom fixtures you choose will determine the final look and feel of your new space. From contemporary to traditional, there are plenty of options available. The key is to pick fixtures that fit your personal style and budget. For large renovations, this includes things like toilets, showers, tubs, sinks, and faucets. It also includes accessories such as mirrors, towel racks, and lights.

Fixtures are generally considered to be permanent elements that require plumbing or electrical connections and are not easily swapped out or removed. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with fittings, but the distinction is important to understand. The latter refers to movable items that are easier to change, such as towel bars or shelves.

When choosing bathroom fixtures, it’s worth reviewing the priority list you created during your layout process. Revisit the list as you select each item, considering both aesthetics and functionality. For example, do you want a vanity light that creates ambient lighting or one that is more decorative? Is it more important to have a tub-shower combination or do you prefer a standalone tub?

Once you’ve selected the fixtures that will go in your remodel, it’s time to order them. This is the phase when it’s important to work with a professional who can help ensure that all of the pieces fit together correctly. For instance, if you are installing a new shower enclosure you’ll need to ensure that the corresponding valves are also replaced. Likewise, if you’re going with a new faucet you may need to purchase a set of matching handles that fit your design style.

You’ll also want to keep in mind the overall cost of your remodel and how much you can afford to spend on the new fixtures. A good rule of thumb is to allocate about 5-10% of the total budget for unforeseen expenses and changes that may arise during the project.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative with your bathroom design! It’s a great place to experiment with unique upgrades that add visual appeal and increase the value of your home. Some examples include shiplap walls, board and batten, beadboard, or other distinctive finishes.

Lighting

The lighting is key to creating a bathroom that feels inviting and luxurious. Natural light is preferred but that’s not always possible, so adding recessed or surface mount fixtures to your remodel is a great way to bring in more light. Having the right amount of ambient, task and accent lighting is essential to create a well-designed bathroom. Ambient light softens the atmosphere, task lighting helps with grooming tasks, and accent lights can highlight decorative elements or tie a room’s style together.

A professional contractor can help you design and plan your project, set a budget and timeline, and offer opinions and advice on any big changes you may want to make. They can also ensure that all electrical and plumbing work complies with safety regulations and codes.

Depending on the scope of your bathroom remodel, it might be necessary to upgrade the plumbing and electrical. This can include replacing old or corroded pipes, upgrading the GFCI, and installing new fixtures and wiring. This can be a complicated and messy job, so it’s best to leave this to a professional.

Another area where a remodeling professional can come in handy is to check for unforeseen problems that might not be evident to you. A good bathroom remodeling company will know what to look for, and can catch problems before they get out of hand. This can save you a lot of money and hassle down the line.

A remodel or renovation is a significant investment, but it’s one that can add value to your home and improve functionality and comfort. A professional bathroom remodeling company can help you plan your project, choose colors and products that match your style, and make sure that the final results are up to code and meet all safety requirements. They can also help you find ways to make your bathroom more energy efficient, resulting in long-term savings on utility bills. A professional remodeler will also be able to offer suggestions on other ways to increase your home’s value, such as upgrades to the kitchen or a swimming pool.

Accessories

When it comes to bathroom design, accessories are the perfect opportunity to introduce color and texture. They can also add a touch of personalization and make a space feel like home.

From rugs and towels to lighted vanity mirrors, bath storage, toilet paper holders, and more, there are many different ways to take your bath remodel from functional to luxurious with the right bathroom accessories. Creating a cohesive, personalized bathroom design is easy when working with the right professionals to help you find the best fixtures and accessories for your space.

The right showerhead, faucet, and other hardware will set your bathroom design apart with a unique style that matches your aesthetic preferences. To complement these fixtures, choose a mirror shape and frame material to suit your bathroom remodeling aesthetic. Light fixtures like sconces and chandeliers add accent lighting in a complementary or contrasting color to other design features. Towel racks, robe hooks, and other storage solutions can add to your bathroom’s function by providing additional storage space for towels and other linens.

Once you’ve determined the layout of your bathroom and selected your main surfaces like tile, countertops, and cabinetry, it’s time to add the finishing touches that will transform your bathroom into a luxury spa-like space. Keep in mind, however, that too many accessories can overwhelm a bathroom design. An overabundance of textures and colors can make a bathroom look crowded, while choosing too many items that match a specific theme can detract from the overall design.

Infuse your bathroom with a refreshing scent using candles, oil diffusers, or other air fresheners that use natural ingredients like lavender, eucalyptus, and citrus. You can even add a small plant to your bathroom for an added pop of greenery that’ll make the room look more inviting.

Invest in quality bathroom hardware like towel bars, robe hooks, and toilet paper holders for durable pieces that can stand up to daily wear and tear. When shopping for these accessories, look for products that are made from durable materials and have a sleek finish. Consider brands that are known for their quality and style, but don’t be afraid to try something off-brand if it fits your needs and budget.

General Contractors

Kitchen Remodeling Layout and Space Planning

Monica Potts
Kitchen Remodeling Lexington KY

Getting kitchen remodeling layout and space planning right is the key to creating an efficient, functional kitchen that fits your lifestyle. We’ll walk through nine common kitchen floor plans to identify cabinet placement options that can maximize the functionality of your new home cooking area.

The classic work triangle design principle organizes your sink, stove and refrigerator in a triangular pattern to minimize walking distances. This kitchen layout is adaptable and works well in large or small kitchens. Visit Kitchen Remodeling Lexington KY to learn more.

U-Shaped Layout

The U-shaped layout, also known as a horseshoe kitchen, offers ample counter space and storage solutions that make it a great choice for larger homes. With cabinets and counters arranged along three walls, this layout allows multiple cooks to work at the same time without getting in each other’s way. It’s easy to maximize the available space by installing a peninsula or island in a U-shaped kitchen, which can help with seating and food prep. The open layout is perfect for creating a kitchen-living space, making it ideal for entertaining or family gatherings.

Ample Counter Space

The u-shaped design provides plenty of counter space for prepping and cooking, which helps keep the area clean and organized. It’s also easy to customize the layout with different areas for specific tasks, such as a dedicated baking zone or a second sink for cleaning.

Enhanced Storage Options

A U-shaped kitchen can offer up to a quarter of the total floor space for cabinets and counters, which is more than enough room for most families’ needs. It’s also easy to add more storage space by incorporating built-in cabinets, a pantry, or recessed shelving into the wall.

Streamlined Workflow with the Kitchen Work Triangle

The layout of U-shaped kitchens is ideal for applying the kitchen work triangle, which makes it easy to move between cooking and cleaning zones. This can improve efficiency and minimize unnecessary steps while working.

Cramped Feelings

In smaller U-shaped kitchens, the three-walled design can create a closed-in feeling, particularly if the cabinets are deep. Narrow walkways can also lead to traffic jams if multiple people are using the space at the same time.

To combat a cramped feeling, opt for light colors and minimal clutter to help the space feel open and airy. Add a floating shelves to display decorative accents, or incorporate pull-out drawers and lazy Susans into the cabinetry to optimize corner storage. If you have an open-concept space, break up the cabinetry with area rugs and designated zones to provide visual separation from the living and dining areas.

L-Shaped Layout

The L-shaped layout is one of the most common options among kitchen floor plans. As the name suggests, this design consists of two perpendicular walls that meet at a right angle to form the letter “L.” While it might not work for small spaces, it is ideal for open-concept homes and can be expanded with an island or additional cabinets.

This type of layout provides a natural and efficient way to separate kitchen tasks by placing appliances along each wall, creating a space for cooking and cleanup that’s easy to navigate. For example, the sink can be placed on one leg of the L, the fridge on the other and the stove in the middle.

L-shaped kitchens are also great for open-concept floor plans as they don’t clog the living area with cabinets and equipment. They can also work well to separate public and private areas of the home without choking the entire room with nooks and niches – for example, a living room might occupy the other leg of the L, while bedrooms tuck into the other.

If you prefer the efficiency of an L-shaped layout but want to increase storage capacity, consider adding a kitchen island. This can add extra cabinet and countertop space as well as seating for quick meals or entertaining. It’s a simple solution that can completely transform how your kitchen functions.

When designing an L-shaped kitchen, it’s important to consider how your doors and walkways will affect traffic flow. If the cabinets and countertops span the entire length of both walls, it can cause traffic congestion as people move in and out of the kitchen. A better option is to create a broken L-shaped plan that works around your entry and exit points by cutting off counter space and cabinetry from adjacent walls, then adding it to the other side of the room.

Another way to maximize storage capacity in an L-shaped kitchen is with clever corner and pull-out solutions. Harvey Jones kitchens feature a variety of smart corner units that make accessing even the deepest corners easy. These clever solutions help eliminate wasted space and can transform how your kitchen looks, too.

G-Shaped Layout

The G-shaped kitchen layout takes the U-shaped kitchen one step further by adding a peninsula or partial fourth wall of cabinetry. The result is a kitchen with countertop space on four sides for cooking and dining. Like the L-shaped layout, a G-shaped kitchen is a good choice for homeowners who entertain guests or have multiple cooks in the house, as countertop space can be shared between cooks. This layout also provides more storage options than other kitchen designs, thanks to the extra cabinet and countertop space on the perimeter of the room.

While the extra countertop and storage space of a G-shaped kitchen are great benefits, this layout is not well-suited to small spaces because it requires base cabinets on all four sides of the room, plus room for entryways and walkways. If your home doesn’t have the floor space for this design, a more compact U-shaped or L-shaped kitchen layout may be better for you.

As with the other layouts, a G-shaped kitchen should be designed according to your lifestyle and kitchen goals. If you plan to use your peninsula section as a breakfast bar, for example, you’ll want to make sure it’s optimised for seating. If you don’t plan to eat in the kitchen, on the other hand, this section can be utilised for storage.

Another important consideration is the amount of workspace you need to work comfortably in your kitchen. Ideally, your countertops should be evenly distributed so that you can reach all your appliances easily. If you have a lot of appliances, you may want to consider upgrading your pantry or adding an additional pantry to accommodate all your supplies.

Having a functional and efficient kitchen can make all the difference in your day-to-day cooking and entertaining. With the help of a design expert, you can create a kitchen that suits your lifestyle and needs. To get started, schedule a free consultation. A seasoned design consultant can help you choose the right layout for your space and provide guidance on budgeting, materials and timelines.

Open-Concept Layout

Open-concept layouts have become a hallmark of modern home design, encouraging connection and multifunctional living. While they can enhance home value and provide a spacious, airy environment, they also come with unique challenges. The right layout, space planning, and furniture can help homeowners balance beauty, functionality, and long-term resale appeal.

Open kitchens can make the entire room feel connected and welcoming. Incorporating large windows and sliding glass doors further promotes natural light and creates a sense of continuity between the kitchen and dining areas. To delineate the kitchen from adjoining spaces, designers often use color and furniture to create visual distinctions. Neutral colors and a wood finish for dining tables and chairs are popular choices to create a cohesive look in an open layout. Incorporating a statement piece, such as a bold backsplash or one-of-a-kind light fixture, can also add personality and flair to the space.

Since there are no walls to delineate a kitchen from the rest of the open living area, storage is a key challenge in an open concept remodel. Creative cabinet designs and pantry solutions can help keep the kitchen clutter-free while preserving the open atmosphere. Incorporating a dining table, bar, or coffee table can define the kitchen and provide a casual spot to enjoy meals and socialize.

Keeping in mind that open spaces can be more difficult to heat and cool than smaller rooms, designers often use strategic ceiling heights and a framed threshold to create a defined boundary between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. This helps homeowners maintain an energy-efficient home while creating a more intimate space.