From Bathroom to At-Home Spa
Years ago, bathrooms were just another room in the house, lacking any unique
design elements or pizazz. Now, baths are becoming an at home spa for most people
where they can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Consider the marble
countertops, sunken tubs, steam baths and chandeliers in place of vanity lighting.
After a long day of work or endless activities, who wouldn’t want to relax in their
dream bathroom?
Aside from the cosmetic side of things, remodeling a bathroom can truly add to the
value of the home. According to an article on HGTV.com, luxury bathroom upgrades
can return close to 100% of the investment. “In Baltimore, for instance, a $9,400
bathroom remodel recouped 182 percent of its cost at resale,” the article says.
However, even if your family isn’t looking for resale value, adding a new bathroom
removes all the tensions and fights that circulate around morning preparation. If
anyone has ever lived in a house with multiple people and 1 bath, you understand
this annoyance quite well. Whatever the reason may be, giving bathrooms some love
is one of the smartest ideas a homeowner can have. But before taking on this
project, here are some pointers for consideration.
Adding personal touches
If you’re bathroom seems stuck in the 70’s or 80’s, you’re most likely thinking of
various ways to make it your own. Before taking on the project, sit down and make a
list of what you really like and a list of what you hate. Is it the paint that needs
changing? Do you want new countertops or double sinks? Do the plumbing fixtures
and lighting need to be changed? Or perhaps it’s a total tear down? Once you have
the list, start looking at pictures of bathrooms you love and come up with your own
ideas. Create a folder and give it to the contractors so they understand your tastes
and needs. Whatever you come up with, Hewitt and Danese Contractors and
Builders are ready to turn your ideas into a reality. And keep in mind, the more time
you take selecting what you like and dislike, the happier you’ll be with the end
result.
Choosing colors, texture and space
You decided what you want changed, now comes the fun part- picking the colors,
tiles, and other important details. Together, these details will give you the spa-like
bathroom seen in magazines. Take color for example. Color is the most compelling
element because it sets the stage for the entire feel of the room. As a general rule,
light colors make a room feel brighter and larger, whereas darker colors transmit a
more cozy feeling.
To maximize a sense of spaciousness and tranquility in the bathroom,
howstuffworks.com suggests opting “for a scheme of light colors accented by cool
colors in pastel strengths to keep the contrasts low.” Also, because bathrooms
require frequent cleaning, choose smooth textures like tile and marble that are easy
to wipe. Another factor to take into account is lines and shapes because these effect
how the room appears. According to the same article from How Stuff Works, “The
vertical lines of wall cabinets, windows, the shower stall, and doors can make a
room look taller; horizontal lines in the edges of the vanity and tub can make it look
broader.” Whether you want open and airy, or dark and cozy, we’re anxious to see
what you come up with!
Designing on a budget
Neck in neck with kitchens, bathrooms are one of the most expensive rooms to fix or
build in a house. This is because they require a variety of skilled labor to properly
install the plumbing, electricity, cabinets, etc. Materials alone can be quite expensive
as well. The easiest way to ease the burden on your wallet is to make a list of things
you want. Then, divide that list into two columns-- wants and needs. As the project
goes on, make sure the needs are taken care of first. Once that column is handled,
slowly dive into the wants. This ensures your not spending your entire budget on
something like heated toilet seats, leaving no money for things you actually need.
Another way to save money is to do small projects before the contractors arrive.
Examples include removing wallpaper, taking down light fixtures, or pull up old
flooring. However, proceed with caution. The last thing you want to do is try to
remove old plumbing and cause a leak. A great idea is to talk with your contractor
from Hewitt and Danese Contractors and Builders and figure out what small
projects you can do yourself first.
Never do a DIY bathroom remodel or renovation
While there certainly are some projects you can do yourself, an entire bathroom
remodel is not one of them. No matter how expensive the new luxurious shower is,
it won’t matter at all if it’s built incorrectly or not up to code. By hiring Hewitt and
Danese Contractors and Builders, we can ensure your bathroom functions safely and
properly. Messing with water and electricity is no joke and can be deadly if done
incorrectly. Also, hiring licensed professional like ourselves means we will build
everything according to code. The last thing you want is an inspector coming,
delivering the bad news that everything you did needs to be torn down and redone.
Hewitt and Danese Contractors and Builders is based out of Stockton, NJ and we
have proudly served New Jersey over 6 decades. If it’s within an hour from Stockton,
like East and West Amwell, New Hope, Princeton, etc., we’ll be there. Check out our
projects on our website, and see for yourself why we’ve become an old favorite.
-Hannah K.