The difference between a nice bathroom and a “Wow!” bathroom is often in the little things – especially for homeowners on a tight budget. Even if you can’t afford a luxurious home spa, you can still find money in your remodel budget for classy, sophisticated accessories.
Just as a designer watch or necklace can add pizzazz to a department store suit, Valsan brass can do the same for your bathroom.
Nobody wants to go over budget on their bathroom renovation – but trimming expenses in the wrong places can quickly backfire. Here are 5 corners you should never cut when looking for ways to save money on your bathroom makeover.
Planning a major kitchen overhaul is the ultimate juggling act. With only so much to spend, homeowners shuffle funds from one side of the budget to the other. The key to a successful home renovation is putting the just enough money in the right place.
A surefire bet to yield positive returns is investing in quality Bertch cabinets. As one element of the kitchen that’s difficult to upgrade on the fly, installing cabinetry built for the life of your home is a smart move.
Shopping for bathroom fixtures, installations and furnishings can be a head-spinning experience. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which products are right for your renovation.
Whether you’re simply swapping out the toilet or planning a full-on gut-and-replace remodel, Kohler’s useful Bathroom Buyer’s Guide can direct you every step of the way.
Prominent design blogs always tout the importance of measuring your space before heading to the supply warehouse – but what exactly do we need to measure?
Kohler breaks down all the details you need to start shopping with confidence, from rough-in measurement for your toilet, average bathtub dimensions and more.
For each element of your bathroom remodel, Kohler asks just the right questions to help guide you to a smart decision.
Be sure to answer honestly before browsing product lines. Questions are specifically geared towards helping you determine the best way to utilize your space.
Bathroom design begins by looking at each of the 4 major elements of the room:
It’s important that your finished product integrates all four spaces. Since each space requires unique considerations, it’s helpful to analyze each one separately. The Bathroom Buyer’s Guide makes it easy to do just that.
One of the beautiful advantages of going through the Bathroom Buyer’s Guide is the likelihood that you’ll run across products and designs you never knew existed.
From integrated music to wall sprays, alcove air baths and unique bathroom accessories, there’s always something new making waves in the Kohler catalog.
Some homeowners prefer a truly congruent bathroom design, where every element fits together. When shopping with Kohler, matching apples to apples is a breeze.
Boutique suppliers may offer more one-of-a-kind styles, but Kohler is one of the few bathroom supply manufacturers that is truly a one-stop shop. Find a collection you like and voila, all you’ve got to do is purchase the set.
The Bathroom Buyer’s Guide is a great way to get to know the ins and outs of bathroom fixtures. Learn about finishes, configurations, WaterSense technology and design coordination.
In the shower, get up to speed with spray functionality, shower components, kits, fittings and sensory experience.
Enjoy stress-free planning and dive head first into your bathroom makeover with confidence! We can’t wait to see what you create.
A home renovation is a smart investment, especially if it involves sprucing up your kitchen. When it comes to projects that increase the value of your home, kitchen remodels top the list.
When you’re ready to go for it, be sure to weigh financing options and determine which route works best for you.
Let’s break down the pros & cons of the most popular financing strategies.
(Please note that this post is for basic information purposes only. Consolidated Plumbing Supply is not a financial institution; Speak with your bank about specific loan details as they pertain to your situation.)
There are two scenarios where a cash-out refinance could be the right move:
Bear in mind that you will be trading short-term costs for long-term obligation. Reworking your mortgage will often add more years to fully paying off your home.
The good news? Remodeling will add significant resale value to your home, helping to offset the costs of interest & fees.
Tapping into home equity with a line of credit is a great strategy when you don’t wish to change terms of a primary mortgage.
HELOC rates are generally a bit higher a full refinance rate, but fees are lower and you’ll have flexibility to pay off your renovation loan quickly.
Use a HELOC when you plan to pay down the loan quickly, or if you prefer the flexibility of a line of credit that can be borrowed against in increments.
Similar to a HELOC, a home equity loan does not affect the terms of your mortgage. The difference is that a home equity loan is paid out in one lump sum as opposed to running an adjustable ledger with the bank.
2nd mortgage rates are non-flexible and you’ll have to cash out the full loan amount all at once. However, rates are often lower than a HELOC, and the interest is tax deductible.
Homeowners with excellent credit can apply for a personal loan without putting their home up as collateral.
Personal loan interest isn’t tax deductible, and rates will be higher compared to home loans. The upside is that shorter payoff terms limit the amount of interest paid over the life of the loan.
Personal loans are a popular choice for homeowners who are short on equity.
Higher-income households could reap major cash back or travel point benefits by financing their home renovation with a credit card.
Just be sure to never charge more in a month than you’ll be able to pay off at the end of a billing cycle.
Nothing spoils a dinner party or a morningrush like a clogged toilet. It’s not exactly a problem you can put on the back burner!
Enter DenaliTM Power Flush toilets by Mansfield.
Built to exacting standards in the United States of America, owning a Power Flush toilet truly means fewer clogs.
Engineered to exceed industry efficiency standards by 150%, Denali is top of the line when it comes to flushing power.
Superior performance means the Denali can move 1,200 grams of waste with just 1.6 gallons of water. A sixty-foot drain-line carry works to further prevent blockages once waste has left the commode.
According to Adriana Miller, product manager for Mansfield Plumbing, additional force begins by moving the water higher up in the tank.
As the water transfers through a 3” flush valve, it reaches peak velocity earlier than other toilets. Additional dual side jets strengthen the removal process for single-flush reliability.
The benefits of owning a true one-flush toilet extend well beyond water savings and nasty discomfort.
Fewer clogs translates to fewer calls to the plumber. Over the long haul, fewer service calls will easily cover the cost of upgrading.
Offering smooth lines and feel, Denali Power Flush toilets offer an ideal combination of form and function at an affordable price.
Aesthetics are versatile enough to match bathrooms of any style, from traditional to modern.
Denali toilets are SmartHeightTM ADA-compliant, feature a comfortable elongated front and a bright, smooth PuraCleanTM glaze. The finish resists bacteria and is easier to clean than competitors. The tank features a pilot operated anti-siphon fill valve.
Included with the installation kit, a unique two-bolt tank-to-bowl SmartFastenTM system creates a leak-free connection through accurate alignment.
Mansfield Plumbing offers a limited lifetime warranty on their Denali line. Mansfield has been a producer of top-quality, high-design, performance plumbing fixtures and fittings for more than 80 years.
Wood adds a unique spirit and character to a space. It’s beautiful, versatile and timeless.
However, utilizing wood in wet spaces isn’t without challenges. Many homeowners are unsure and shy away from integrating wood into their designs.
With a little foresight, wood needn’t be a “no go” for your kitchen & bath!
Wood countertops are making a kitchen comeback. Gentle on dishes and much quieter than stone or laminate countertops, wood is soft, handsome and natural.
Pros:
Cons:
Bear in mind that you cannot set scorching hot pans directly onto wood as you can stone, concrete or stainless steel. Use trivets to avoid burn marks.
Pro Tip: High-end wood countertop manufacturers feature 10-step varnishing processes to permanently seal surfaces.
Wood looks great in a bathroom vanity, but opt for more water-resistant species. Redwood, yellow cedar, mahogany, white oak and teak are well-known for their ability to repel moisture. Cherry or other hardwoods also make great choices.
Consider installing a thick wood platform to house one or more vessel sink.
Homeowners looking for a fresh approach can lay cork flooring, or install wood inlays in place of ceramic tile.
The direction wood is laid prior to gluing determines how durable and warp-free a wood surface will be.
Face grain showcases more of the wood’s natural patterns. It is sufficient for dining islands, tables or bar tops. Heavily used surfaces such as kitchen counters, however, fare best with end grain.
Wood pairs well with different colors and textures of timber, as well as totally different materials.
Use wood’s versatility your advantage by mixing and matching species, stains and finishes.
If you’re not ready to use wood as a construction material, think about providing contrast with wood furnishings or accessories.
Simple additions such as classic wooden chairs and broad picture frames can bring cozy, chic cabin details into your home.
Not sure if you need a professional designer for your kitchen or bath renovation?
In this post, we’ll cover all the advantages and disadvantages that will help you make an informed decision.
Keeping track of your renovation is a full-time job. Problem? You’ve already got a full-time job.
There’s finding vendors, negotiating with contractors and suppliers, scheduling tradespeople and keeping track of punch lists: Delegating these duties to someone who’s been around the block takes an enormous weight off your shoulders.
Creating a truly show-stopping space requires dozens of different elements. Knowing where to begin and which materials match is a real challenge.
There’s a reason why a professional-looking kitchen or bath is almost always designed by a professional.
Letting someone else take care of the little details can lead to a designer making choices you don’t like.
A good designer will work hard to understand your vision, but part of having a professional run the show is trusting that they know best. They usually get it right, but there’s always a chance that some of your wants get lost in translation.
A designer will recommend a world of ideas that you’ve never thought of. Browsing a stack of design magazines can’t compete with ample design education and experience.
Aesthetics matter, but so does functionality. A professional will help you avoid practical design oversight: Something may look great on paper, but will only get in your way when you’re rushing around the kitchen plating your dish.
Professionally designed kitchens and bathrooms provide greater resale value compared to DIY jobs. Special relationships with tradespeople and vendors can even lead to discounts on products and services.
However, the initial cost of your project will likely be higher when hiring a designer – even if the decision pays long-term dividends and makes you money down the road.
Designers know how much different materials should cost. They can provide invaluable guidance when choosing between upgrades.
A designer can lead you in the right direction and help you spend more where it counts. Unique insights assist in avoiding expensive mistakes.
As with any relationship, it’s possible that you just won’t click with your designer. Always do your due diligence and interview several firms before signing a contract.
If you’ve got a knack for style plus the patience to commit to the planning process, there’s no reason you can’t design your own kitchen. But a professionally designed renovation project is more likely to leave the neighborhood dripping with envy.
Imagine your worries melting away to a symphony of tiny bubbles! Take your home spa experience to the next level with a jetted tub or whirlpool – but first, read this simple guide for stress-free spa tub shopping.
Whirlpools come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Not every tub in the showroom will fit in your remodel space.
Measure accurately and add an allowance for the deck: Most whirlpools are installed by being dropped into one. If you want room for candles, oils and other goodies you’ll need to account for this additional space.
Pro Tip: Also measure height/width of doorways the tub will need to pass through. Often, older homes feature narrow doors or staircases that could leave you bathing on a flatbed or sidewalk!
Installing a jetted tub in an upstairs bathroom requires special consideration.
Whirlpools are much heavier than standard tubs, particularly when filled with all that water and two people. Consult with your contractor to see if you’ll need additional stabilization or reinforcement.
There’s more to installing a whirlpool than ripping out your old tub and sliding in the new one. Consult with a professional plumber and electrician before purchasing any tub to ensure your home can make it work.
Remember that a spa tub requires a motor box for the pump, and that it needs to be accessible.
If your bathroom requires a wiring or plumbing reconfiguration, ask for an estimate prior to buying your whirlpool.
Now that you’ve determined which specs work for your situation, here comes the fun part: heading to the showroom to find your tub!
Pro Tip: Never buy a tub you’ve never sat in. Head to the showroom in comfy clothes, take off your shoes and climb in for an imaginary dip. Different tubs will be more or less comfortable for different people.
The same goes for testing out oversized tubs. Bigger isn’t always better and some homeowners prefer the support of a 5-foot tub. An extra-large whirlpool can drain a smaller water heater, so shy away from a massive tub or be willing to upsize your tank.
Be sure to talk with your designer and contractor about how installation will affect other aspects of a renovation.
For example, the added water vapor may require better ventilation, higher quality paint or wall tiles around the tub area.
Keeping a kitchen renovation on-budget is a real challenge. More often than not, homeowners wind up reaching for the checkbook to cover final touches.
Why is it that kitchen remodels are so prone to going over-budget? We asked top designers and contractors that very question.
The Devil is in the details when it comes to accurate estimates. Many homeowners forget to mention “little things” they’d like to see in the finished product, but these minor upgrades add up over time.
From fancier cabinet knobs to luxury paint and upgraded lighting, every detail ought to be listed ahead of time.
Sometimes you don’t realize which details and “little things” you want until the project is underway.
As you get deeper into your kitchen makeover, it’s normal to discover and desire extras, but adding to the scope of your project shows up on the final tally.
It’s a great idea to splash out on a few sophisticated upgrades to give your kitchen a sumptuous look. What’s not advisable is adding luxurious materials to the design plan without research and due diligence.
A survey conducted by Houzz.com found that 45% of all over-budget renovations were caused by homeowners opting for too many costly materials.
Miscommunication can lead to expensive mistakes. Wrong materials are ordered, wrong walls are knocked out and that beautiful granite slab is cut too small. Make sure you’re always on the same page as your service providers—it’s paramount to staying on-budget.
Major structural changes often wind up being more complex than you’d imagined. Ripping out walls and adding an extension may seem simple in theory but can be an incredibly involved and costly process.
Remember that the more complex your plans, the more likely it is you’ll discover and need to address underlying issues such as plumbing or wiring concerns.
Finding a reputable, reliable crew means asking around for referrals and requiring that all tradespeople provide a reference.
Get stuck with inexperienced GC or subs and you’ll be paying to correct their mistakes.
Remodeling an older home may mean forced upgrades to meet modern building codes.
It’s easy to be taken in by the allure of high-end appliances. Research options thoroughly in advance and understand which are the best fit for you.
Only pay for special features if you’re sure they’ll see regular use. Don’t install a dedicated pizza oven if you never cook pizza!
We can’t overstate: Deviating from the original plan inflates the budget of any kitchen remodel. Plan ahead and ask for a 3-D rendering before the demolition crew gets started!
