Bathroom Remodeling on a Budget

Remodeling a bathroom does not have to be as expensive many homeowners may think. For many people, the idea of remodeling a bathroom brings to mind images of gut jobs costing thousands of dollars; however, it is possible make dramatic changes to a bathroom without spending a lot of money. Bathrooms are usually not very large, which means that even small changes can have a major effect on their look and feel. Below are a few bathroom makeover tips that can help homeowners to transform their space on a small budget:

Hire a Professional
While there are some home improvement projects that an experienced DIYer may be able to handle successfully, others do require professional expertise. Taking on a major bathroom remodel without the help of professionals may seem like the cheaper way to go in the short term, but may turn out to be far more expensive in the long run. For example, consider the fact that small tub or toilet leaks can cause serious damage that may go unnoticed until discovered during a remodel. When this happens, it is important to repair the damage immediately. Repairs will have to be performed before continuing with the rest of the project.

Cut Down on the Use of Tile
Tile can be expensive. To cut down on the cost, homeowners can tile only the high-impact areas and ask their contractor to use paint everywhere else. Other options include looking for clearance lots at their local tile shop and going with cheaper white tile instead of more expensive artistic tiles. If they absolutely have to use artistic tiles, they can use it to accent their cheaper tile. When used as an accent, the more expensive tile will stand out more while taking less out of the budget.

Paint
A good paint job can help a bathroom to feel larger and brighter. Homeowners should note that while painting a bathroom may seem like a simple DIY project, it is a good idea to hire a professional. Aside from the painstaking and time-consuming work of painting around fixtures, it is important to choose the right type of paint. It will be necessary to use paint that can handle a humid environment and regular temperature changes.

Update Fixtures
New fixtures can make a big difference. Homeowners should consider updating their light fixtures, towel racks and drawer pulls. These require relatively little money and are easy to install. When it comes to major fixtures like bathtubs and sinks, they can save money by having a professional reglaze them instead of replacing them. Reglazing can cost less than half of what a new tub and sink would cost.

Choose Used Instead of New
For a cheap bathroom remodel, homeowners should shop for less expensive used items instead of buying new. They can search for used showers, toilets and other fixtures on eBay and Craigslist or they can check out the inventory at local thrift stores.

Tile Countertops
Granite is the popular choice for countertops and while the small slabs used for bathroom counter tops may be less expensive, it is possible to save even more by going with tile instead. Tile is just as water resistant and is far less expensive.

How To Get Your Dream Bathroom Or Spa

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.

You will make numerous financial investments in life, but one of the most significant will be the one you make in your home. Unlike assets such as vehicles, your home is capable of increasing in value over time, and there are things you can do to maximize its value. Of all of its rooms, the bathroom is one of the most trafficked, and putting some time and money into remodeling it can pay off significantly. If you are preparing for a remodel, there are a few valuable bathroom makeover tips to keep in mind in order to get a dream bathroom or spa you will love.

Getting Started on Your Dream Bathroom or Spa Makeover

Before you get into the nuts and bolts of a bathroom remodel, there are some preparatory steps you need to take care of. First and foremost, take the time months in advance to budget accordingly. You get what you pay for, and it’s worth the wait to ensure you can pay for quality products and services. Also ensure that you:

  • Create a working sequence starting from the top to the bottom.
  • Prepare for hidden problems such as water damage. A professional with experience can help you minimize bumps in the road.
  • Take proper measurements.
  • Decide on the cabinets, shelving, tiling, and plumbing fixtures and features you wish to implement.

Getting Quotes

Performing a professional bathroom remodel requires a little how-to knowledge, and it’s well worth the investment to bring in a professional contractor to help the job go smoothly. With so many to choose from, it’s a good idea to call around and get a number of quotes. This both gives you a working knowledge of what to expect as well as the power of negotiation as you narrow down your prospects. Keep in mind, if a particular company quotes you well below the competition, you may be compromising on quality, so go online and seek reviews from their prior customers. Talk with the professionals first so that you can get a dream bathroom remodel or something very close to it within your budget

Consider Lighting

Proper lighting is vital in the bathroom setting, and you should consider the type you wish to implement. One viable solution is to install sconce lighting at the vanity to decrease shadowing. Your contractor can help you come up with other ideas to make the most of your lighting techniques.

Making the Most of Your Investment

Making a home improvement investment can prove satisfying, and remodeling your bathroom can increase its value by thousands of dollars. Here at Craftsmen Home Improvement, we have the experience to help make the most of this wise decision. We are your one-stop-shop for contracting and home improvement, and, when you work with our experienced staff, you can take advantage of our free, in-home consultations and financing options. Call us today to get started on a project that will pay off.

Bathroom Remodel Plan

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.

Cincinnati Bathroom Remodeling Designs & Plans

Individuals can enjoy coming up with a bathroom remodel plan that will make their life easier and their dreams comes true. An aesthetically pleasing bathroom that functions well, will add value to a home and help homeowners enjoy themselves. There are many fun bathroom additions that can be great investments.

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.

What to do first when remodeling your bathroom

The first thing to do is to come up with a design idea. Individuals should consider their needs and how much space they are working with. A quality company like Craftsman Home Improvement can easily give customers more space if they need it or can move tubs and sinks around in the space that is already allotted for the bathroom. The customer must decide how big they want their bathroom to be and where they want their bathroom fixtures located.

What to think about for your bathroom remodel

Homeowners should think about their daily needs to come up with the perfect bathroom remodel plan. If they share a bathroom, dual sinks could be a good investment. If they store a lot of items in their bathroom, a large vanity with many drawers may be a smart choice. If the homeowner enjoys taking long baths, a Jacuzzi tub could be a wonderful upgrade. There are many options that the homeowner must think about to come up with the perfect bathroom plan. Homeowners should start off by picking out their new bathroom sink, tub, and toilet and figuring out exactly where they want it to go.

A quality home improvement company will be able to:

  • Move items around in your bathroom
  • Do all of the plumbing work necessary to please their clients
  • Be able to add electrical outlets
  • Bathroom lighting options that will enhance any decor

Once homeowners have decided what they need and planned out their perfect look, a company like Craftsmen Home Improvement can easily make their clients goals come true. Homeowners should consider using high end brands that will last but not cost a fortune to install. Quality products will last longer than sub-par items. Customers can enjoy the bathroom remodeling experience when they have a plan and a reliable company to create the bathroom that they have always wanted. For a reliable bathroom remodeling company, Contact Craftsmen Home Improvements or schedule an in-home consultation.

Increase the Size of a Small Bathroom

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.Everyone wants that perfect bathroom, that spa-like place where one can go to be alone, relax and pamper themselves. Unfortunately, the reality for most people is a cramped little room with just enough room for a toilet, sink and shower, if you’re lucky. However, there are certain techniques you can do to make a small space look larger, almost like an optical illusion.

The first thing you should do is empty out the space, and get rid of any clutter. If there is makeup or toiletries that need to stay, add a sleek drawer or container to put them in. This storage can go under the sink or if it is stylish enough, it can become the room’s centerpiece or main decoration.  You can also go ahead and get rid of any big decor in the room, these things only take up space and make the room look smaller. Instead, opt for one main decoration that is cohesive with the colors and atmosphere of the room.

One of the best ways to increase your space is with paint. The right color can create an openness which can impact a small bathroom, dramatically. Now you have to decide which color to use. Stay away from darker colors. Light does not reflect off these colors well and it will darken the room and make a small space look even smaller. Light shades are your friend! These colors brighten up a room and feel more free. If you have windows in your bathroom that is great! Avoid large curtain that might cover up the windows and the natural light coming through. Natural light will make the space seem wider and light up the bright colors.

The next thing you can do to expand the look of your room is by adding mirrors, or getting one big mirror. Mirrors give the impression of a larger space by reflecting the room. Adding a mirror that is the length of an entire wall will make the room look a lot bigger and this is a cheap option compared to an actual addition.

It’s hard to find enjoyment and relaxation in a tiny bathroom, but before you pull out that check book and start smashing down walls, try a few of these tricks. The tips listed above will make your bathroom look bigger and you won’t have to make any expensive additions. Instead, go spend the extra money on that pool you’ve always wanted!

4 Ways to Upgrade Your Bathroom

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.You might think of your bathroom as a room in your house where function outshines form, but this doesn’t have to be the case. A bathroom renovation might be just what your home needs to come into the 21st century, and no bathroom is too small for an update. Switch from your tired design to some of these modern touches!

Spruce up Lighting: Basic bathroom lighting can make your home seem as though it’s a cookie cutter apartment, and who wants that? Your current lightning might also be too dim for you to properly apply makeup or shave. There are plenty of options when it comes to brightening up your bathroom, too. Consider recessed lighting, sconces on either side of your mirror or lights that hang from the ceiling to give your space a retro ambiance.

A New Vanity: There are many options when it comes to replacing your old vanity. Add counter and storage space beneath the sink when you swap out your pedestal sink. A vanity also helps to hide unsightly pipes beneath the sink. You can make a bold statement with a sink basin that’s raised from the surface of your vanity. Of course, the popular “His and Hers” style sinks are great whether you’re sharing with your spouse, children or roommate. No one has to wait during the morning to brush their teeth or do their makeup!

Create a Spa Experience in Your Shower: Who doesn’t feel relaxed after visiting the spa? You can create the same atmosphere in your home shower. Splurge on a shower head that has multiple settings and incorporates mood lighting via LED. Rain-fall shower heads have recently become popular. Body sprayers and steamers can also turn your shower time from necessity into the best part of your day. You might find that you don’t even need a tub in your bathroom, and you can expand your shower with gorgeous glass doors and plenty of seating and storage.

Forget Your Old Floor: Replace chipped tile or laminate that’s outlived its usefulness. There are plenty of ways to redo your bathroom floor that are functional and beautifully formed. For example, a checkered pattern is an easy way to make your bathroom floor pop while you can add diamond accents to your floor where the corners of tiles meet. Continue the tile pattern into your shower stall to pull the whole look together. Finally, consider paying a bathroom remodel Cincinnati contractor to install a self-heating floor. You’ll never have to step from a warm shower onto an ice-cold floor in the winter time again!

A custom bathroom not only expresses your personality, it can add renewed functionality to a space that was poorly designed or no longer fits your lifestyle. Even a few small improvements to your bathroom can make a big difference. There are plenty of other ways to complete a successful bathroom remodel Cincinnati. Forget about traditional decor and design for the commode, and you might come up with something that’s absolutely unforgettable!

Bathroom Remodeling: How to Make it Great

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.If you’ve ever installed tile, you know the satisfying feeling that comes with putting that last piece in place and seeing a finished floor. And you may know that feeling of horror when the tile shifts because you didn’t use the right grout. At Craftsmen, we want to help you with bathroom remodeling in Cincinnati – with the little details like installing durable and self-sealing grout and choosing easy to clean glazed tiles. Some other important areas to keep in mind for bathroom remodeling in Cincinnati include plumbing, cabinets, and walls.

Plumbing fixtures like sinks and faucets are important to consider for aesthetics as well as function, for your bathroom remodeling in Cincinnati. Coordinating the bath, shower, toilet, and sink with the new overall style of the room is something you need to consider as you pick out individual pieces. Something as simple as installing a beautiful new showerhead and shower handle can create the finishing touch that pulls your bathroom remodeling together. Bathroom faucets can become as much an artistic expression as a functional necessity.

In any room, new shelving and storage space is often difficult to configure and install. Cabinets are often installed below or above appliances or permanent fixtures to save space.  For bathroom remodeling in Cincinnati, the medicine cabinet recessed behind the mirror is a common storage technique. But some solutions that many people may not consider are storage towers, storage ladders, and wall shelving in the bathroom. Tall, thin storage spaces or freestanding, mobile racks of shelving help homeowners like you make better use of a small bathroom space, something we focus on when we do bathroom remodeling in Cincinnati.

Bathroom walls and floors receive the most attention during planning, as improper building materials could sustain water damage and encourage growth of mildew. Tile floors are most commonly chosen for bathroom remodeling in Cincinnati due to their waterproof and easy to clean characteristics. However, natural stone flooring is a popular choice as an alternative with a modern and chic style. For all questions or concerns about bathroom remodeling in Cincinnati, call us at 513-924-6300513-924-6300.

Tiles – Always in Good Taste

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.Tiles have been used in building and interior decoration since ancient times. In Lisbon, tiles called azulejos decorate walls throughout Portugal. Especially prevalent in Lisbon, these glazed tiles are found in churches, on palace walls and on the walls of old buildings. Highly decorated, these 17th and 18th century azulejos are highly figured, with animals, and sometimes historical scenes. Earlier azulejos have characteristic blue and white tones, while later tiles were made in many colors. They grace city walls to this day, showing us that tiles have been used in décor for many centuries, with stunning results.

Today, tiles are versatile, durable and come in a range of materials and sizes, making tile a popular material for a variety of home remodeling applications. Tiles are used in kitchen backsplashes, showers, floors, and even countertops. For floors, especially those with heavy traffic patterns, durability is key. Also for floors, the coefficient of friction (COF) makes a difference – if the COF is too low, the tile will be too slippery for the floor, but could be used successfully on a wall. For other areas where things get wet, like a kitchen backsplash, low porosity is important. Here are some of the important factors to consider when choosing tile materials for your home remodeling.

Ceramic: Ceramic tiles, like all ceramics, are made up of a pressed clay base which may be glazed or not, but is then fired at high heat. Unglazed tiles have colors which go all the way through. This means these tiles will maintain their pattern even if placed on the floor in a high traffic area – the tile will become worn down, but the pattern will remain. Today’s glazed ceramic tiles are coated with a liquid glass formulation, which gives a high shine. The glazing can help in stain and scratch resistance and provide easy clean up.

Porcelain: Porcelain tiles are a ceramic tile made from a mix of minerals and fine clays, which are fired at extremely high temperatures. Porcelain tiles are hard and dense, which enables them to tolerate heavy use either indoors or outdoors. With through-bodied porcelain tiles, the design goes all the way to the bottom of the tile, which helps hide any chips or scratches. This type of porcelain tile is typically not glazed. Glazed porcelain tiles are covered in a hard, colored finish that results in an extensive array of designs and colors. These tiles are easy to clean, but are very cool to the touch, so unless radiant heat is installed beneath them, they can be cold on bare feet and not very comfortable to stand on for extensive periods of time. The grout for these tiles can stain, and the tiles themselves can crack.

Stone: Stone tiles are a luxurious choice for natural elegance. They last for decades but are cold, which necessitates radiant heat for bathroom applications. The type of finish depends upon design requirements, but matte or honed finishes can provide more traction. To reduce their slippery characteristics, slip-minimizing type finishes are used on some stone tiles. Protective sealing, and with age, resealing, is needed for most stone tiles.

Here are a few types of stone tiles:

  • Granite: comes in a wide range of colors and patterns; extremely hard
  • Slate: extremely durable and comes in an array of shades
  • Limestone: available in light beiges, white and neutrals, this is a very smooth sedimentary stone.
  • Marble: a rich, luxury surface with veining and crystals that make it prized as a design feature

It’s very important to have a rigid subfloor which is smooth and flat to create a good installation surface for stone tile. This type of installation can be tricky; it may not be for the do-it-yourself handyman.

Vinyl: Vinyl is the lower cost option for flooring. These are used extensively in baths and kitchens. They can be purchased as easy-to-install tiles that imitate more expensive stone tiles but at a much lower cost. Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) contains proportionately larger amounts of limestone and is less expensive than Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT). LVT is manufactured with more vinyl, which gives it better performance characteristics as well as a more realistic effect. Available in all colors and sizes, these tiles can be installed in patterns to enhance the design effect. Sheet vinyl is the seamless alternative found in wet areas like bathrooms. Vinyl planks, made to look like hardwood, are designed to include a look of real wood in the bath area, while maintaining a water resistant surface.

No matter what type of tile is best for your remodeling needs, be sure to visit our visit us online at Craftsmen Home Improvements, or call us for a consultation on your remodeling project. Cincinnati: 513-942-6300513-942-6300; Dayton: 937-299-5201937-299-5201.

Planning a Bathroom Remodel?

When thinking about remodeling your bathroom a few things should be at the top of your list. We can help you get the style you want at a price you can afford. The trick is to pay attention to a few details while you’re in the planning phase. To stretch your budget, you can look for less expensive alternatives for some items so you can include the luxury details you really want.

Cultured marble vanities can also be less expensive than actual stone. Sold as an integrated unit with the sink and counter top together, these vanities can cut down on installation costs. And be sure to think about the practicalities of who will use your bath. It is more economical to install a double sink during your remodel now, so you won’t have to think of adding an additional bath later on. Thinking ahead to accommodate the future needs of your growing family can make your bathroom remodel practical for years to come. And avoiding a future remodel is certainly the most cost-effective choice.

For instance, many of our customers who are doing a bathroom remodel ask for ceramic tiles. But did you know that fiberglass tub surrounds are often a less expensive alternative? Choosing them can free up your budget to splurge on other details. On the other hand, there are ways we can make tile showers more affordable for you: be sure to ask us for details. And today’s tile showers are easier to take care of than they used to be. The advanced grouts of today need not be sealed and we use actual sheets of concrete behind the tile (instead of drywall) so if water ever gets behind the tile, the wall will stay intact.
 Remember – the important thing about planning your remodel is to consider all the alternatives – and we know how to help you do it! 
Call for a free in-home consultation for your bathroom remodel in Cincinnati or Dayton. We will come to your home and evaluate your needs and make a plan so you can have the bathroom of your dreams. Cincinnati: 513-942-6300513-942-6300; Dayton: 937-299-5201937-299-5201.

Prepare for Spring with a New Bathroom

Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.As lives become more hectic, a relaxing retreat holds tremendous appeal for our customers. One of the biggest trends for 2014 is remodeling the bathroom to create an in-home spa experience. Designs open out the bathroom space and feature clean, streamlined contemporary elements. Large walk in showers with multiple shower heads and frameless enclosures create the look of an upscale resort. Glass tiles sparkle and make your bath appear larger. Custom storage is used to maintain a clutter-free look and enhance the overall design. Radiant heated floors can provide additional warmth and add a touch of luxury. Throughout, rich textures and neutral earth tones help create an experience of serenity and peace in your own home. The following are great tips for remodeling your bathroom.

Planning for your spa

To help you get the beauty of a spa-style bathroom, Cincinnati and Dayton consultants can help you plan your remodeling project from start to finish. You can look through a wide array of fixtures and materials. We have years of experience and will help you think through the process of what you want so your fixtures and finishes will work together to create a good functional flow as well as a beautiful environment. We can work with you to create a spa bathroom in Cincinnati or Dayton that will be an oasis of tranquility for you and your family.

Showers – elegant and open

Walk in showers are a big trend for the spa bathroom, and many of our customers have eliminated tubs from at least one bathroom in Cincinnati or Dayton homes. These newer walk in showers are spacious and often feature sparkling glass tiles. With frameless enclosures and curbless walk in features, even a larger shower can continue the streamlined, clean look of your bathroom design. Imagine enjoying multiple shower heads in your spacious walk-in shower then stepping out and picking up a towel off your heated towel rack. Designs often use the same natural stone for walls and floors as well as countertops, which adds to the feel that the bathroom is one continuous space. Using this feature, even smaller bathrooms will feel larger and more open.

Standalone tubs

As the popularity of walk in showers increases, so does the use of standalone tubs. You might think a standalone tub would be less expensive, but many of our customers find that these high end tubs do not substantially lower remodel costs for a bathroom in Cincinnati or Dayton. But standalones can use less space than a tiled in tub deck. And if you choose a large jetted tub, which can hold 75 gallons or more, you may also want to consider a dedicated hot water heater. A dedicated hot heater will ensure you don’t overextend your main water heater.

At Craftsmen, we love helping you create the spa bath you want in your home. To see all that we offer, you can visit us online at Craftsmen Home Improvement Inc. Or, for your free in-home consultation to remodel your bathroom in Cincinnati or Dayton, call us at 513-942-6300513-942-6300.

4 Easy Ways to Update your Bathroom

At Craftsmen, we can do a major bathroom remodel which will completely overhaul the entire room. But you may want to plan your bathroom remodel so you can do a few easy things right now and do more extensive updating down the road. The key is to do things that will create dramatic impact, but not interfere with your later remodeling. Feel free to call Craftsmen for advice. In the meantime, here are a few suggestions.

Change your Color Palette

For a quick bathroom remodel, we find that changing the wall color can have an immediate impact. You need to be careful with your color palette, though. Newer palettes are trending towards whites, grays and charcoal greens with a pop of accent color. Overall, neutrals help enlarge a space, while your accent color, if carefully applied, can be changed later. Using too much or too bold of an accent color may overwhelm your bathroom.

Cabinets and Vanities

When we design a bathroom remodel, a quick fix can be to add freestanding and hovering cabinets and vanities. Since they are space-saving, they are often preferred for smaller bathrooms and can make the space seem larger. With their rise in popularity, there is a wider range of styles available, and some of the new stand-alone vanities have excellent storage capacities.

High Quality Faucets

Another quick fix is to update your faucets. Faucets come in an amazing variety of finishes including stainless, chrome, and bronze. Although faucets may seem a small detail, they can add a design accent that will update your look. Touch-less faucets continue to be popular in any bathroom remodel, since they are convenient for young and old alike and are eco-friendly. Since they conserve water, our customers say they notice savings in their water bills.

Light Fixtures and Mirrors

Improving your lighting can brighten your bathroom right away. The important thing to remember is to choose quality fixtures that will add a design focus while still harmonizing with other elements in your space. Above all, lighting has to be functional, so make sure the areas around your mirror are well lit. And if you want to make a temporary change on the way to your major bathroom remodel, we are seeing a wide variety of mirrors being used as accent pieces in bathroom décor, so come in and look at what we have to offer. At Craftsmen, we are happy to help you plan your bathroom remodel in Cincinnati or Dayton. To see all that we offer, you can visit us online at Craftsmen Home Improvement Inc. Or, for your free in-home consultation to remodel your bathroom in Cincinnati or Dayton, call us at 513-942-6300513-942-6300.