bathroom remodel | Kitchen Cabinet Value

Bathroom makeovers can produce exciting results.

There are many reasons for remodeling bathrooms. Whether the room is inadequate in some way, in need of updating or it is just time for a change, bathroom makeovers solve problems of many kinds. The place to start is with a list of goals and priorities.

With a clear set of goals, you can begin your design and shopping for fixtures and materials for the bathroom makeovers. Some homeowners plan an update of all bathrooms in the house at one time. This can simplify the process of selecting and purchasing materials for the project and occasionally saving some money.

The recent shift to very large bathrooms has caused many homeowners to consider bathroom makeovers. Some people who remodel baths will enlarge the spaces by reallocating some space in the house or by extending the walls with a bump out or an addition. Other homeowners will try to remodel in ways that adds important types of space and creates the impression of spaciousness.

Because changing the location of major plumbing fixtures (tub, toilet, sink) can be the most expensive element in bathroom makeovers, the focus is often on finding new fixtures that are designed on a smaller scale or that use space differently. For example, exchanging a sink set in a large vanity cabinet for a wall-mounted sink opens a large amount of floor space. This creates the impression of a larger room.

The choice to remove a vanity during a remodel creates a different set of challenges. In many bathrooms, the only storage space is the vanity. Removing the cabinet leaves no storage space for towels, washcloths, soap, shampoo, makeup, grooming appliances, etc.

Replacing a vanity with wall-mounted cabinetry will not create the illusion of more space. In fact, adding wall mounted cabinets (typically at eye level) actually makes the room seem even smaller than the vanity did. Bathroom makeovers of this kind require a completely different approach to storage.

Some homeowners also object to removing a vanity by pointing out that there will be no place to display decorative items. This is true – removing the vanity also removes counter area. Once again, these bathroom makeovers require creativity.

Most families need storage space in each bathroom, even a guest bath. There are, however, several simple (yet often overlooked) ways to accomplish this goal in bathroom makeovers. Some options include:

Claiming space for a linen closet from the adjoining bedroom.
Using open shelving, particularly above a tub or toilet.
Opening wall areas to build recessed shelves with trim (only the trim extends past the wall).
Customizing cabinetry by making it six inches deep (rather than the standard 12 inches).
Using cabinetry with glass doors.
Using mirrors as doors (typically done with medicine cabinets).

Other approaches might include re-sizing a vanity to provide storage but use minimal space. Changing the doors on the vanity to glass (or textured or frosted glass) can create a sense of spaciousness. Different sizes in cabinets can be accommodated in bathroom makeovers by learning to adjust to different amounts of space.

Most physicians and pharmacists recommend moving all medications out of bathrooms because the heat and steam in the bath and kitchen can alter the chemicals. Move extra soaps, shampoos, etc. to another storage area. Make the most of all available storage space.

Finally, use other decorating and design ideas to make the room look larger than it is. Look at ideas from bathroom makeovers that work with small bathrooms. Bring in additional light, use light colors or vertical stripes to add height, bring in more mirrors and glass to make the room appear larger.

Working with an experienced cabinetmaker on bathroom renovations will provide valuable insight and creativity. It can also help you keep your bathroom makeovers more affordable if your cabinetmaker can customize stock cabinets and vanities for your project. With a little creativity and a good cabinetmaker, even the most challenging renovation can be easy and affordable.

Give us a call and talk to our designer about your bathroom makeover plans.

Bathroom Renovations

Bathroom renovations increase the value of your home.

Bathroom renovations nearly always include a new vanity or other storage options. Bathroom cabinets are a critical choice when planning and designing bathroom renovations. Storage tends to be very limited in any bathroom, regardless of size.

In terms of total budget for your bathroom renovations, cabinetry is a relatively small item. The cost of the vanity or other storage cabinet of your choice is not likely to break the budget. Your choices about storage, however, have very important implications for space.

Whether you are renovating a bathroom built for two, a shared bath for the kids or a second bathroom, the size of the fixtures and the cabinetry makes a big difference. The smaller the room, the more important the size of fixtures and cabinets will be. All bathroom renovations involve choices between need for storage and available space.

If you have an older home and you want to bring it up to today’s standards, you will likely need to do some very creative thinking and planning. Unless you have a much older home that was designed with big bathrooms, you are probably dealing with bathroom spaces much smaller than most buyers want today. You might be adding on to enlarge the bathroom or you might be making choices that enable you to maximize every inch of existing space.

If you are planning to sell your home soon, you might be concerned about meeting the requirements of Universal Design. These requirements include limitations of switch and outlet placement, floor finish, room to turn a wheelchair and accessible shower and tub areas. Choosing cabinets and vanities for these bathroom renovations may require custom cabinets.

Maximizing space in a small bathroom and creating the appearance of spaciousness might demand great creativity. For example, these bathroom renovations might require either a pedestal sink or a wall-mounted sink so you can leave more floor area open. This solves one problem, but where will you store towels and other items?

Deciding to make bathroom renovations without a vanity has serious ramifications. First, you eliminate your primary storage area. Second you remove the countertop area for decorative and toiletry items.

One solution is to approach bathroom renovations without traditional cabinets. In this case, you might set shallow cabinet into the existing wall. Only the cabinet door is not recessed.

Open shelving, cabinets with glass panel doors and creative placement of small shelves for needed items is one solution. For example, you might set glass door cabinets into the wall above the bathtub for towels and washcloths. A decorative niche could be used or soaps and sponges.

Because stock cabinets are twelve inches deep, you will not be able to take this more affordable approach. On the other hand, your budget might not permit custom cabinetry. These bathroom renovations can be affordable, however, if you find the right cabinetmaker.

A good cabinetmaker can customize stock cabinets to meet your needs in bathroom renovations. Whether you are trying to make a small space look larger or you want to create something special and unique, your cabinetmaker can do the job and do it affordably by starting with stock cabinets and customizing them. Your cabinetmaker will customize stock cabinets to meet your specific needs.

Whether the need is to make twelve-inch cabinets only three inches deep or to make a twelve inch wide cabinet six or eight inches wide, your cabinetmaker can customize affordable stock cabinets for every storage and decorative need in your remodeled bathroom. You will likely discover that your cabinetmaker can help you open an array of new options and possibilities for your bathroom renovations.

The fact that you have only seen bathrooms designed with a vanity should not limit your creativity. Your bathroom renovations can produce a small bathroom that is fully functional, beautiful, interesting, creative and affordable. You can have both spaciousness and storage by exercising a little ingenuity.

Bathroom Makeovers

Bathroom Renovations