To tub, or not to tub. That is the bathroom remodel question.
Is a bathtub the right option for your bathroom remodel?
When remodeling a hall or master bathroom, some homeowners have elected to remove bathtubs in favor of enclosed shower stalls. A variety of factors from lifestyle preference, to resale value, to safety concerns have contributed to this trend. But a growing number of homeowners are adopting a hybrid approach that allows them to keep their bathtubs, while also incorporating a low or zero threshold shower. The bathroom featured here is a good example of this hybrid approach.
While there is no right or wrong answer, whether or not to maintain a bathtub in the space is an important question to consider when planning a bathroom renovation. If your family members enjoy a regular, or even an occasional soak in the bathtub, then the answer is most likely “Yes”.
At Custom Craft, when we meet with clients to plan a bathroom remodel, we ask numerous lifestyle questions like this to learn how you currently use your existing space, any frustrations you are experiencing, as well as your goals for the new space. By taking the time to fully understand your needs, we can better deliver a renovated space that will provide long-term satisfaction.
As always, if you have any questions on a planned bathroom or other home renovation project, feel free to reach out to us at 610-584-0665.
Considerations for your bathroom remodel
When discussing bathroom design with our clients, storage needs are inevitably brought into the conversation. Most clients have concerns about the lack of storage space in their current bathrooms which leads to messy, cluttered counters among other challenges. Not surprisingly, in nearly every bathroom we design, additional storage space is a major design objective. Here are a few storage options to consider for your next bathroom:
- Cabinetry above vanity
- Custom drawers and cabinets with electric receptacles
- Tall storage units
- Open storage spaces
Features for the Shower
An often overlooked, but critical area for storage is around the shower and tub. Corner shelves are commonly used, but a better option is a storage niche if budget allows. A niche is more costly since it involves additional labor and materials. With that said, the cost is offset by the ample benefits they offer including more convenient access to bottles of cleansers, space efficiency, and aesthetics. From a designer’s perspective, a niche also allows for more creativity within the tile design.
Benches for larger shower areas, or foot ledges in smaller showers, are also on the must have list. A few other must haves are grab bars for current needs or planning for the future. Fortunately, the grab bar style, size and finish options are not as limited as they were at one time. It is very likely that you can find a style that compliments the plumbing fixtures that will be used.
For plumbing fixtures, more than one shower head is often desired. If more than one person uses the shower, preferences may differ. One family member may want a rain shower mounted to the ceiling or wall to provide a spa-like experience, while another may prefer a hand shower on a slide-bar which gives more flexibility. The latter also comes in handy for cleaning the shower.
As for shower doors, there are numerous options. Depending on budget, there are standard sizes with finish options or there are custom sizes using framed or frameless doors and panels.
Another consideration is a curbless shower. The advantage of this style is that it reduces the risk of tripping and falling while entering or exiting the shower. Regardless of age, many homeowners are selecting this style of shower because of its clean, streamlined look.
More Bathroom Ideas
For more bathroom design ideas, please view our Houzz Bathroom Shower Organization Ideabook. This should inspire you for your upcoming project. As always, if you have any questions about your bathroom remodel, please do not hesitate to contact us at (610) 584-0665, or via email at: info@customcraftcontractors.com.
Custom Craft Contractors Honored with Local and Regional Awards
Lansdale, PA—Custom Craft Contractors was recently honored with both local and regional Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards for a bathroom renovation in the Under $30,000 category. The local awards were presented by the Bucks-Mont Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) at a ceremony held at the Joseph Ambler Inn in Montgomery Township, PA on Friday, January 27, 2012.
CotY Award winners were selected in a blind judging process by an impartial panel of industry experts. Judging focused on problem solving, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, degree of difficulty and entry presentation. As a regional winner for this project, Custom Craft is in the running for the National Contractor of the Year Award. The National CotY award winners will be announced in April at the NARI Evening of Excellence.
The CotY Award winning bathroom was a collaborative effort between Custom Craft Contractors and Interior Decorator, Pat Nunan, owner of Lifestyles Design. For this project, the two companies teamed to create a barrier free, wheelchair-accessible bathroom for a homeowner diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” By designing and building a beautiful, yet accessible bathroom, they enabled this husband and father of two young sons to live independently and comfortably in his own home for as long as possible.
In addition to the Contractor of the Year Awards, Custom Craft received a Meritorious Award for a kitchen renovation in the $80,000 to $120,000 category. Michael Foering, Vice President of Custom Craft Contractors was also recognized as Committee Chairman of the Year for his role as the Chairman of the Education Committee for the Bucks-Mont NARI chapter.
NARI Chapters are not-for-profit trade associations committed exclusively to the service of the professional remodeling industry. The NARI remodeling contractor is pledged to uphold the Association’s Code of Ethics and is dedicated to the professionalism and integrity of the remodeling industry.
For more information on Custom Craft Contractors, visit www.customcraftcontractors.com or contact Mike Foering at (610) 584-0665.