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Master bathrooms need to be just that; Masterful! It’s pretty common knowledge that the way your day starts set the pace for the rest of the day.

How are you kick starting your day? Perhaps you are crammed into a small moldy corner shower with little to no light. Perhaps your shower valve has expired its best days and now produces a meager stream leaving you rinsing forever. Maybe even you are in a position where you must shave in the tub then take a shower wasting valuable time while juggling your busy schedule and gathering the troops for school. No matter which of these situations is yours, we have solutions which can be tailored to alleviate your pain.

With your new master bathroom gone will be the days of despair and a new chapter of happiness will enter your life. Master bathrooms should be the nicest bathroom in your home according to the board of realtors. The following are a few features you may want to include to make it that way;

Steam Shower: Steam showers are both fun to use but also very good for your lung health especially in the winter when congestion and sickness attacks. Steam generators have come along way recently and now are for the most part affordable and simple to include into almost any floor plan. Keep in mind that a space for the generator must be allotted. We usually conceal these in a custom cabinet in an adjoin closet. Our favorite generator is made by ThermaSol. It comes in various lines based on your specific requirements.

Double Sink Vanities: Nothing extends the length of a marriage like not sharing a sink! Having your own sink is a great way to boost the functionality of your master bathroom. Double vanity sinks are typically between the sizes of 4-6 feet wide. Any smaller than 4 foot wide makes for a cramped situation which negates the advantage attained with the additional sink. If the space doesn’t exist in your current bathroom for a double vanity consider removing a wall to make space.

Frameless Glass: Frameless glass shower doors add beauty at an unbelievable level. Recently the cost of this custom option has gone down considerably. Now a standard 5 foot wide frameless glass door can be purchased for as low as $ 600. The functional advantage to frameless glass is the ease at which they are cleaned. On conventional framed glass doors the scum always collects at the seal on the frame. With frameless a simple pass with the squeegee and all is well.

Additional Recessed Can Lighting: This may be a no brainer but you wouldn’t believe how may bathrooms we do which don’t have a light in the shower. Being in the dark while trying to shower can damper even the best mood. Not only is it depressing but it can also be a safety hazard. Getting into the shower in poor lighting, after your spouse just finished moisturizing with almond baby oil is an accident waiting to happen, trust me.

These are only a few of the options we can incorporate into your design while planning you master bathroom remodel. Contact us today and schedule a time to look at your space and discuss what can be done. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Getting Started With Your Basement Bathroom!

Being a basement finishing contractor we get tons of questions from our clients and potential clients each week. A large portion of the basement questions concern installing a bathroom in the basement of a home. While the task may seem daunting to the untrained eye, getting a fully functional half or full bath into your basement design plan is an attainable goal.

The Plumbing:

First the existing conditions must be assessed. In most homes built after 1990 during original construction the builder will “rough in” the drains to accept a future bathroom. If this is your situation than Congratulations, adding the bath will be a simple and affordable task.

 Even if the “roughed” layout isn’t just perfect for your plan we can remove the surrounding concrete, and modify the drains to comply with your desired floor plan. The average cost for adding a bathroom to a basement finish which has all the roughs in place is $ 4-5,000 dollars.  We have a comprehensive description of what’s included at this price point here.

Now if during your initial exploration of the unfinished space does not yield existing plumbing hook ups the next step will be to determine if an ejector pump will be needed or not. This can be determined by discovering the height at which the drains leave your home. If you can see the large 4 inch drain line leaving the exterior wall mid way up from the floor, then a pit will be needed. If you see existing floor drains or a drain stack which dives straight into the basement floor then the drain height is such that a bathroom may be added without needing an ejector pump.

An ejector pump will cost $ 500-1500 dollars depending on the model and output necessities. Installation is typically 2-3X the purchase price including, concrete removal, digging, plumbing, and inspections. From the picture you can see that the ejector pump is essential a waste catch basin and a pump. Once the collected waste reaches a pre determined level the pump pumps it up following the newly installed drain lines to the closest approved drain location. As a rule of thumb the farther the away the closest drain is the more powerful of a pump will be required and the higher up the price scale you will be footing the bill for.

Drains are always the primary concern when laying out a potential basement bathroom but it’s most definitely not the only consideration. Water lines must be run to feed the new fixtures. Most frequently there are plenty of acceptable lines to attach to for this in your existing basement. You must be careful however not to attach to a line which will not provide the proper amount of flow for the new fixtures. Best case approach is always tying onto a ¾ or 1 inch run to assure that both you will have enough pressure in the new fixture but also to guarantee that existing upstairs fixtures and or appliance aren’t being robbed by the new addition. It’s always best to have a licensed plumber run your new lines. Not only is it the law in most state including Ohio but it is generally just a good idea to have a professional tackle such an important task.

The Framing:

After the rough in plumbing is complete the next step is the get the wall framing started. Be sure to always use pressure treated material any time a framing member i.e. stud touches the cement wall or floor. It’s also a good idea when framing basement bathrooms to install proper blocking for; the shower wall board, any towel/t.p. bars, and vanity/pedestal sink installation. Taking an hour to install blocking before the drywall goes on will save countless hassle and work in the future. Anyone who has attempted to hang something without blocking can testify to how frustrating it can be.

Also be sure to comply with modern fire blocking codes when installing your framing. Failure to do so can result in numerous re-inspection fees and construction delays.

The Ventilation:

Not only is including a ventilation fan which vents to the exterior required by code but it is imperative to the proper function and longevity of your project. A fan must be installed and be pipe vented to the exterior. In a basement this typically means running a vent pipe in the joist cavity and exiting it through the exterior rim joist. It is a good idea to run the vent to the rear of the home as to not affect curb appeal in any way. When considering what fan to install consider whether a fan light combo makes sense for your situation. Fans are measured in two factors; how many cfms the fans pulls, and the quietness of the fan motor. The more you spend the better each of these values will be.

The Drywall:

It is a good idea to use moisture resistant drywall in all wet areas however it is especially important in a basement bathroom. For years moisture resistant drywall was green, now most of it is purple in color. Regardless of the color make sure your board complies with these standards. There are also products such as Denshield which has a fiberglass face instead of the traditional paper facing which can work well in these situations.  

The Shower:

Shower options for basement bathroom mirror those for every other area of the home. Be sure that proper waterproofing techniques are utilized while construction your shower. Failure to do so will result in premature failure and considerable loss in investment.

The Paint:

When selecting paint for your bathroom, consider sheen more so than any other factor. A higher sheen paint such as eggshell, satin, or even semi-gloss is ideal since these higher sheen paints better guard against moisture intrusion into the wall board substrate. Some companies such as Sherwin Williams even have special paint especially formulated for the unique demands of a bathroom. A few extra dollars up front can save a lot of money down the road.

When preparing to install a basement bathroom these are all important and helpful considerations. If you have a question not covered here please let us know bellow. We always enjoy hearing from potential clients, DIYers, and other contractors alike. Hopefully this article gets you started off in the right direction to maximizing the impact your newly finished basement bathroom will have on you and your family. Thanks for reading!

Want more info on basement finishing? Check this out!

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Vanities: Installing a new vanity cabinet during a bathroom remodel always provides that visual impact you are looking for. There are thousands of choices and finding the one which is perfect for you will increase both the storage space and usability of your newly re constructed Bathroom retreat. Ohio Home Doctor can save you money on J&K vanities as well as custom built units. Whether it is a 6 ft. double sink unit or just a custom 24 inch cabinet to fit a small unique space we are happy to help you find the perfect piece for the perfect space.

Pedestal Sinks: For Small Bathrooms and bathrooms with pre existing attached or detached storage pedestal sinks are a great option. Their sleek clean design pleases many different decors. Wall mounted sinks can be installed to meet ADA code compliance where applicable. Feel free to shop Carr supply who has a large stock of in stock models. A good tip is to find a toilet and pedestal from the same company so that the finishes match. Let us know and we can schedule a time for you to check out the showroom. We are happy to pass on our savings to you!

Showers: New showers come in many forms. From custom tiled styles to 5 ft standard Kohler Sterling Units the options are almost limitless. Read More About Showers Here.

Custom Tile Work: Often times the difference between a good bathroom remodel and a Great bathroom remodel is the quality of the tile work. While searching for your bathroom remodeling contractor be sure to check to make sure they have the attention to detail and experience to complete the demands of your job. Read More about Custom Tile Installations Here.

Whirlpool Tubs: Like most other bathroom fixtures whirlpool tubs have become more high tech than ever. Most units are between 5 and 6 feet in width and between 3 and 4 foot in depth. These tubs can be purchased from box stores or online. They can also be ordered using our account at Carr Supply. Make sure that the pump and motor are included in the purchase when buying them. Also make sure that the proper electrical is supplied for your selected unit. In most cases this includes running a new 12 amp dedicated circuit.

Steam Generators: There are several steam generator delivery systems available today. There is a huge divide when gauging quality of these units. The cheaper ones make a massive amount of noise and are often times large and cumbersome. We prefer to install the ThermaSol Pro 240. This unit is in the middle of the road as far as cost and provides a great deal of steam with very little vibration and noise. Installing steam generators requires a unique skill set and is not something a rookie or diy project should involve. Building a steam shower usually includes running a new dedicated 40-60 amp circuit.

Mirrors: Bathroom Mirrors come in all shapes and sizes. From wall hung units to free standing furniture style displays. Often times the mirror is matched to the vanity but this is not a rule. Custom sized and shaped mirrors can also be installed and purchased through a glass company. We are happy to refer someone to you if a custom mirror is within the scope of your upcoming project.

Medicine Cabinets: Medicine cabinets usually double as an above sink mirror and additional storage. They can be match to the vanity or matched to the color and finish of the hardware and fixtures. It is popular to install medicine cabinets in small bathrooms and spaces with limited or no organic storage.

Closet Organizers: In bathrooms which contain closets it is a good idea to have an organization system installed. These can be as simple as wire racks and clothes hangers to automated concealed cabinets. In most cases it is best to have a closet company come in and handle the installation of these items. They buy these materials in bulk and can beat even the big box pricing. We are happy to include this in our estimate or connect you directly to a company which fits your needs.

Lighting: Concealed and fixture mounted LED lighting is becoming the go to choice for designers and architects while they do lighting plans for new bathroom remodels. Often a combination of traditional recessed can, sconces/vanity lights, and accent LED fixtures are used to create a lighting scheme which is flexible and dynamic. Morning lighting requirements and mid day visual enhancement lighting are very different and both need to be considered when laying out the new spaces.

Quite Exhaust Fans: It is standard national code to include a fan vented directly to the exterior either through an adjacent wall or the roof in any renovated bathroom. These fans come in various shapes and sizes. Fans are rated in sones, which gauges the amount of noise created and CFM’s which gauges the amount of air expelled per minute. The right fan is selected by calculating potential moisture and cubic feet of the closed space. It is best to lay out fans next to showers then toilets but often times the fan location is determined by access to a vent chase. Fans are one of those items in life where you really get what you pay for. Opt for a quality fan, you will be glad you did!

Heated Floors: In floor heating can be obtained through two different methods using any one of two basic techniques. Both work on the same basic principle but one uses pre fabricated mats, and the other uses individual wires strung together onsite. Both are comparable in price. The nicer ones are the pre fab mats because the installation is quicker thus making the cost to you cheaper. It is a good idea to install a back up second thermastat wire in case something ever happens to the original. These can be purchased from the supplier and are a life saver in the future if you ever need it. It’s cheap insurance.

Double Shower Heads: Adding additional sources of water supply in the shower has become more and more popular. This is achieved using what is called a transfer valve. Transfer valves provide the option to use one of two or both available outputs at the same time. The second “shower head” can be in the form of 4 body sprayers, an adjustable bar mounted hand held unit (which is popular for shaving assistance), or a rain head. Adding a transfer valve adds about $750 to the cost of a shower build but adds a high end feel and function.

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If your situation is similar, and you can’t remove the closet or the breaking down of a wall for adding space, then finding a toilet, a sink, or even a tub that’s slightly smaller could mean success or it could mean failure for your small bathroom remodel.   Ohio Home Doctor knows that while small bathrooms and half baths can be a challenge when it comes to space and design, they are just as fun to remodel and decorate as large bathrooms.   Just by replacing your bathtub with a shower, adding a wall-hung sink, or adding a huge mirror will create a sense of spaciousness. With a little electrical, plumbing, tiling, and drywalling, you can turn a cramped bathroom into a roomy functional haven!   Maybe the biggest home remodeling mistakes homeowners make when remodeling  small bathrooms is trying to cram in everything they’d like to put in a big bathroom. The second mistake is choosing fixtures, decorative items, and the like that are too bulky or too ornate. Choosing clean simple lines, and minimal decoration, will make the space look larger.   One  approach  to small bathroom remodeling, then, is to keep it simple. Sometimes less is more and this is true of small bathrooms. If you are trying to create an elegant and luxurious bathroom don’t forget about understated elegance.

Here are some tips to help make your small, cramped bathroom more convenient, elegant and easy to clean.

Sinks:

Standard sizes or shapes for bathroom sinks are fairly standard but a  wall-hung sink, corner sink, and pedestals sinks can be a good choice if you do not have the rom for standard size fixtures. And they are also widely available.   A wall-hung sink works well with small baths due to the free space created below which helps to make the small room seem not quite as crowded however , there are smaller vanities for storage for those who need it.

Most vanity widths are 24 inches, and some are even 18 inches and are usually 16″ and 3/8″ from the front to the back.

Tubs and Showers:  

Most standard bathtubs are  5 ft. long and either 30″ or  32″  wide.  Anything much smaller can be hard to find but, you can find corner tubs shorter than 5ft. .   For bathtubs, an important consideration is the bathtub rim height. For people who are taller, they may have more  trouble using  a tub with a lower rim. The taller the tub is, the better the coverage of water that will be created for the bathers using it.   A custom-made shower can be built to fit just about any dimension.  Showers 36 inches or smaller are considered small.  Most codes will require minimum width’s of 32″.  An alternative solution might be the neo-angle type shower that will fit well in a corner if only minimal space is available.

Toilets:  

Today,  the elongated bowl seems  to be considered more in demand and more comfortable, however the rounded bowl will take less space.  Because the toilet sits opposite from the door, for most smaller bathrooms, the regular elongated toilets can restrict what door size that is needed, and even the door swing.

The use of smaller fixtures doesn’t have to compromise overall design although, you will have to use fixtures to fit that space.   Everything  should visually fit together, and the materials need to be coordinated.  Single-color floors or walls that will blend with fixtures will be the best choice for making your  small bathroom appear easiest on the eyes.

The following are some tips you may find helpful to make your small bathroom more elegant and create and give the illusion of space:  

Glass Illusion:

Glass shower enclosures give the illusion of space in small baths by allowing you to see from one end of a  room to the other.  Also, another popular technique is adding mirrors in the room, especially wall-length mirrors. These give the illusion of space without changing the amount of space at all.

Bring On the Charm:  

Wood paneling and a chair rail can add formality to a powder room. Often seen in east coast or cottage decors the use of wood can ground a design and create the illusion of height and size. Lowering the level of the chair rail can also add to this illusion.

Spice It Up:

Spice up your small space with the use of vivid color. If you don’t like it, it’s easy and inexpensive to repaint. Warm colors make a small bath feel larger. You can also use Sherwin Williams color visualizor through our site. Learn more about Painting.

Open and Spacious:

Open shelving makes the room appear bigger by allowing you to see all the way to another wall. The use of recessed cabinetry can also be used to maximize otherwise unusable space contained within your existing wall cavities. Open shelving can be custom built or purchased and installed onsite. Talented Carpenters have creative ideas for attaining additional storage space in cramped positions.

Choose a Light-Colored Flooring:

Just like with the walls, the bathroom flooring will appear to open up if it’s done with a light color. If you cannot replace the bathroom flooring, choose a large, light-colored rug over your existing bathroom flooring. The use of rugs cozy up a space and add the ability to change designs and decors with the season.

Conclusion:  

With small bathroom remodeling and small bathroom renovations, simplicity is generally best if you want to create a feeling of spaciousness and elegance.  Clean simple lines, lots of light, no clutter, and an eye to the necessary will help you create a very comfortable and luxurious small bathroom. These small bathroom remodeling and design recommendations will help make any small bathroom appear larger, more modern and updated as well as provide you with a sense of luxury to can be enjoyed everyday. Small doesn’t have to mean bland!

Read More About Bathroom Features!

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Not only do you get to enjoy your new amenities, but you can also reap its rewards such as improved quality of life, heightened energy efficiency, and the ability to recoup most if not all of your investment through the resale value of your home.

The economy has effected home prices, and the cost of home improvement has declined as well. There has never been a better time to dive into the home remodeling or home improvement project you and your family have been anticipating for years.

The road to a successful project begins with proper prior planning. You must first decide which area of your home is in the most need of repair.  Basement finishing yields the highest resale value, return with kitchens and baths not far behind. New flooring and paint also has a huge impact and often times is more affordable than you would think.

For exterior projects nothing adds to your home’s curb appeal and value like new windows, siding, and roofing.

Once you have decided which area of your home you will be working on, the total scope of the project must be formulated.

Lets take bathroom remodeling as an example. There are many options for updating or repairing your existing bathroom. New tubs, shower base, tile flooring, wall surround, tile walls, vanities, vessel sinks, lighting, comfort height toilets, grab bars, shower doors, towel bars, medicine cabinets, storage closets, the list goes on and on.

Ohio Home Doctor can present all your options for you along with pricing so you can decide how to get the largest home improvement impact for your budget.

For larger projects such as room additions, hiring an architect to formulate an initial drawing or blue print can save both time and money. Providing a blue print to your proposed contractors can assure you are getting apples to apples estimates, and can decrease the time from selecting a contractor to attaining a permit.

The next step is choosing the correct home improvement and remodeling company for your project.  There are lots of options, many good, but a lot of poor ones also. Make sure you select someone who sounds like they know what they are doing, and has the answers to your questions.

Typically when somebody knows what they are talking about, they are able to articulate it verbally. Its true some people may be talented carpenters and poor oral communicators but do not gamble when it comes to your money, family, and home improvement projects.

Get at least three estimates for your proposed project. Getting several estimates will allow you a chance to hear several opinions, and weed out the guys just trying to find there next rent check. It is very important to choose the right remodeling contractor not just the lowest price.

Here at Ohio Home Doctor we strive to be both, the right contractor, and the lowest price, but its not always possible since we always deliver top quality work.

Choosing the wrong contractor will be the most expensive route for you regardless of the initial estimate.

When you have narrowed the selection down to a couple, check out each at the BBB’s website.

Hiring a member of the BBB not only provides you with a qualified contractor but also acts as an insurance policy since hiring members gives you the consumer instant recourse in the event something goes wrong. It is also a good idea to check and make sure the company name on the letterhead matches registered business names with the Secretary of State. Hiring somebody who is not a LLC or INC can only end poorly.

Finally ask to see a copy of there business insurance and make sure the coverage amount covers your home. Upon receiving a copy it is a good idea to call the insurance company and verify the policy is current.

Some contractors pay for the initial few months in order to attain the certificate and then stop paying leaving you exposed to risk. Insurance is one of those things you hope you never need but when you do you really do. Its is worth 5 minutes to verify that you are protected from freak accidents and mishaps.

Upon selecting your contractor it is time to begin work.  Make sure you schedule the work to be done during a time that you will be able to break away from your schedule to make decisions or investigate unforeseen issues.

Some people like to go on vacation while work is being done to decrease the stress level. However, it is generally a better idea to be there and available to ensure you are getting what you pay for.

If you are not available and lets say there is structural rotting which wasn’t seen pre-estimate, your contractor has no choice other then to proceed without your permission charging you an additional sum without your approval.

If you are available you can inspect the additional damage yourself and verify the additional some is fair.  Often times pre-pricing is much lower than post-pricing. Also being present allows you to make minor design changes maximizing the results to your individual tastes. Sometimes small changes make huge differences and it is better if you are around to give yourself that opportunity.

Once your contractor has completed his work make sure you inspect everything thoroughly. Formulate a “punch-out list” addressing any issues you may have and give your contractor time to address them.

Finally, before making the final payment ask for a copy of the warranty pertaining to the specific project unless it exists on the signed contract. Keeping a physical copy of the warranty will make it easier on yourself in the future if you ever need to use it.