Six Steps to a Modern Kitchen

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Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.If you have an old kitchen that features outdated décor, there are ways to achieve a modern update. By following a few simple steps, you can make your dull kitchen much more appealing and inviting.

Step One: Place Modern Alternative Metals In The Kitchen

Many older kitchens contain materials that were popular several decades ago. Manufacturers now offer better, more innovative materials. Copper, aluminum, chrome, brushed aluminum, and stainless steel are popular kitchen design trends. These metals are commonly used on stoves, pendant lighting, and cabinetry.

Step Two: Install Efficient Flooring

Wood, stone, and tile are resilient materials that last a long time. Ceramic tile is also a good flooring option because thanks to technological advancements, the ceramic tiles now also look like hardwood.

Step Three: Tear Down The Upper Cabinets

By removing your upper cabinets, your kitchen will have much more space. Storage won’t be an issue because lower cabinets will provide plenty of storage space. The additional wall space you obtain, from tearing down those cabinets, can be used for decorative dishware or other modern kitchen accessories.

Step Four: Install Countertops That Feature Innovative Material

In recent years, designers have used odd materials that are not typically used to make kitchen countertops. To give your traditional kitchen an innovative look, consider installing brick, concrete or tile counters throughout the space. These materials are not exclusively used on counters. You can also consider incorporating them on the interior kitchen walls.

Step Five: Place Modern Seating In The Kitchen

If you bring your dining room seats into your kitchen, the space will appear more modern. At the breakfast bar, slide countertop stools under the counter. If your home has a window side table, a bench should be used for seating.

Step Six: Use Modern Paint Colors On The Cabinetry

Painting or staining the cabinets is a simple task that can be done on a budget. You can buy various faux finishes and paint glazes at any home improvement store.

Overall, updates in your countertops, cabinets and ceilings can turn your traditional kitchen into a modern kitchen.

Three Kitchen Flooring Ideas

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Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.When considering what type of flooring to use during a kitchen remodel, three options to consider are linoleum flooring, cork flooring, and tile flooring. Each of these kitchen floorings has advantages and disadvantages and should be considered carefully against a few factors. Some important factors are the amount of traffic on the kitchen flooring, how long you plan to spend on the kitchen flooring and the budget.

1: Linoleum

Linoleum flooring is the best kitchen flooring to install if your kitchen is the heart of your home. This is another ecofriendly kitchen flooring with a lot of desirable qualities for a busy kitchen. Compared to cork and tile flooring, linoleum is the most durable and easy to maintain, considering it is moisture and stain resistant. If your floor gets scratched or damaged, it is nearly unnoticeable. Because linoleum flooring is the same color throughout its layers, you can simply seal the damaged area. It’s composed of all-natural materials like linseed oil, cork dust, limestone, and recycled wood flour which makes it completely biodegradable. The downside to this flooring is that it is not ideal if you have a concrete subfloor. It tends to traps moisture, which can be damaging to concrete subflooring. Overall, linoleum flooring is ecofriendly, durable, comfortable, economical and ideal for the busy, high-traffic kitchen.

2: Cork

The second best option for kitchen flooring is cork flooring. This economical option is ideal if you are ecofriendly and want a soft floor for constant standing. A main advantage is that cork flooring is very soft and springy so it is difficult to tear. The softness and springiness of cork flooring makes it very comfortable to stand on for long periods of time. As an ecofriendly selection, cork flooring is made from recycled cork. However, there are a couple of disadvantages to cork flooring. This kind of kitchen flooring is not ideal for high traffic areas and it needs to be sealed in order to be more durable. Cork flooring should be your selection if you spend a lot of time baking and cooking for company not for families with pets or active kids who may wear down the cork.

3: Tile 

If you are looking for the most cost effective, durable and customizable kitchen flooring, consider tile flooring. Tile flooring is great for its variety of colors, designs, and shapes to choose from. If you don’t want to worry about making a “mess” in the kitchen, the water and stain resistance makes tile flooring very easy to clean. Unfortunately, it is difficult to repair if it cracks or chips and it can also be expensive to install. Tile flooring is not comfortable to stand on for long periods of time, which is why it isn’t a great fit if you spend a lot of time standing in the kitchen. Tile flooring is also slippery when wet, so it may not be ideal if you constantly have kids running around or many people in the kitchen at once. If you don’t entertain or cook often for long periods of time, tile flooring is perfect.

5 Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen

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Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.The kitchen is often called the most important room in a house. This is where people often cook, eat and socialize. Upgrading your kitchen Cincinnati is one of the best ways to add value to your home. Whether you’re planning to sell your home or you just want to make a better impression, let’s look at some of the most effective ways to improve the appearance of your kitchen.

1. Upgrade Your Kitchen Cabinets The cabinetry in your kitchen is probably the first thing people notice when they walk into the room. If your kitchen cabinets are outdated, have peeling paint or are simply lackluster, this is a good place to start when it comes to making improvements. You don’t necessarily have to replace the cabinets, which can be costly. Painting or re-staining them is a more economical way to give them a fresh new look. You should also consider replacing the hardware. On the other hand, if you really want to make an impression, you can consider getting a whole new set of cabinets.

2. Improve the Lighting Lighting has a huge impact on the appearance and atmosphere of any room. This includes both natural and artificial lighting. When it comes to natural light, you should consider changing your curtains or other window coverings. This can allow more sunlight to enter the room during the day. You may also want to upgrade your lighting fixtures. For example, many kitchens have a dreary look from being lit by a fluorescent fixture. You could replace this with more contemporary fixtures or recessed can lights.

3. Get Modern, Energy Efficient Appliances If your refrigerator, stove and oven are outdated, you should consider replacing them with more modern, high tech, energy efficient models. There are now, for instance, many appliances that can be controlled via the internet or your smartphone. Newer appliances will not only give your kitchen a contemporary look, they will use less energy.

4. Consider Installing an Island A kitchen island can help make the room look more spacious and elegant. This is a popular modern look that gives you additional counter space or maybe a place to install a sink or stovetop. Islands should not be too large, though, as this can defeat the purpose of creating more space.

5. Upgrade Your Sink and Fixtures The sink is the center of the kitchen and a new one will make a big difference in the room’s overall look. If you don’t want to replace the sink, you can at least consider getting some new fixtures. A new faucet and sprayer will make the sink look shinier and more modern.

The holiday season is always a good time to think about making improvements. Making some kitchen Cincinnati upgrades before Thanksgiving will make your holiday gathering even more special. Even if you only make a few small improvements, this can help you remember all of the things you have to be thankful for!

4 Ways to Upgrade Your Bathroom

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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!

Seven Things to Consider for a Home Theater

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Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.With no wait times or obnoxious audience members, having a home theater can be a dream come true for movie lovers. To do the job right, lots of space is needed and that means basement room. With all the diverse components that go into such a project, a professional is called for, but the decisions about what goes into the theater is up to the homeowner. There’s a lot of room for variety, but it all can be boiled down to seven basic considerations.

The Big Screen: Large-screen TVs and projectors are the two main choices for viewing. Between the two, front projectors offer the largest images that easily exceed 100 diagonal inches, making them perfect for big get-togethers. The downside with projectors is that everyone needs a clear view of a large, open wall that’ll either serve as the screen or provide its backdrop. This approach is also much more sensitive to light in the room.

Big Audio: While most big-screen TVs and even some projector units come with their own speakers, additional units allow for clearer, more realistic sound. The inclusion of a subwoofer adds even greater realism by generating the low, sonorous tones expected of big-screen movies. All of this requires a quality stereo receiver to make it work.

Source Material: The prime sources of content for viewing include cable, satellite, Blu-ray players, Internet streaming, gaming consoles, and even over-air signals. As this list might indicate, not only do these devices need to be installed, they also require extra controllers and wiring to coordinate them into a manageable system.

Lights Out: One consideration that involves a change to the designated room’s electrical wiring is the possible addition of a dimmer switch. It’s practically a necessity for a projector, but LCD, LED, and plasma TVs can still benefit from this. This is one thing that makes it obvious why a basement remodeling Cincinnati professional is needed.

Keep Quiet: Another beneficial component that only a basement remodeling Cincinnati professional can handle is soundproofing. Outdoor noises like traffic or lawnmowers are usually impossible to prevent. While some appliances can be turned off during TV viewing, things like heating and cooling equipment are unavoidable and often loud.

Sitting Down: Installing real theater seats can make the experience all the more authentic. Home furnishings like couches and overstuffed chairs, though, provide a more casual, relaxed setting for friends and family.

Feeding Time: Running to the kitchen for a snack can be a hassle, especially if it’s upstairs. When guests are involved, this can be even worse since pausing the action becomes less of an option. A snack bar or similar arrangement can be a solution that gives the home theater a more realistic feel.

Master Plan: What these considerations show is that a home theater utilizes a diverse array of elements. Bringing them together requires expertise that professional companies like Craftsmen Home Improvements possess. Once the plan is in place and the theater is installed, though, the rewards make it all worth it.

The Kitchen or the Bermuda Triangle?

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Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.If your kitchen is like the Bermuda triangle and you keep getting lost, with no luck finding what you need, maybe you need to rethink the design of your kitchen. The kitchen triangle and zone system can help make your kitchen remodeling as convenient as possible.

While the kitchen triangle may be a simple concept, for many homeowners it’s completely foreign. However, it’s not as complicated as it seems.  The kitchen triangle is a fairly old and effective model first used in the 1940’s to help homeowners like you make your kitchen more efficient. This idea for kitchen remodeling in Cincinnati refers to the placement of the three most important stations in your kitchen: The prep station (sink), the food storage station (refrigerator), and the cooking station (stove). Improving the relationships of these three areas can save you steps and make your kitchen easier to use.

The kitchen triangle was especially helpful at the time of its conception, when kitchens were smaller and appliances larger. Positioning the appliances in optimal places relative to one another helped to make cooking more productive. To make your kitchen remodeling in Cincinnati more efficient and user friendly, determine what frustrates you most about how you use your space. Call us for a free in-home consultation, and we will measure the kitchen and appliances to determine space limitations, and plan how placement of each appliance would be most beneficial.

If you find the triangle system is for not you, think about incorporating the zone system for your kitchen remodeling in Cincinnati. This system has gained popularity as kitchens have become places for more than just cooking. Once again, the system is not difficult to implement in your Cincinnati kitchen remodeling. Talk with our consultants. We will help you determine what activities your kitchen is used for, where in the kitchen those activities are performed, and aim to keep each activity in its own zone, with as little overlap between zones as possible.

What is most important about your Cincinnati kitchen remodeling is to know what your family’s needs are – whether you love gourmet cooking or just hanging out. From there, we can help create a design using the kitchen triangle, the zone system, or something else entirely. We are the experts for kitchen remodeling in Cincinnati and can help you with your kitchen triangle, and answer all your questions. Call us at 513-942-6300513-942-6300 to get a free in home Craftsmen consultation for kitchen remodeling in Cincinnati.

How to Finance Your Dream Kitchen

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Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.We all have a dream kitchen in our minds, don’t we? The one with appliances placed just so and décor perfectly suited to our tastes? More than a few of you have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to your favorite kitchen designs. If you had envelopes full of money instead of boards full of pictures, those dreams might be possible. That’s where Craftsmen comes in to help: We put in the work to help you finance your beautiful new kitchen.

At Craftsmen, we don’t want money to be the barrier keeping you from your dream kitchen in Cincinnati. We offer several different payment options to meet your needs. Pay in 90 days, 6 months or one year same as cash, no interest if paid in full by the due date. Optional extended financing plans with interest are also available. Please call our helpful staff for full details on the many financial options available to help you have the kitchen of your dreams. The option you choose completely depends on your preference and personal budget for remodeling your kitchen in Cincinnati.

Despite the effectiveness of these payment plans, it is still very important to spend your money wisely for your Cincinnati kitchen. We can help. To do that, we help make a budget for renovations and break down each of the individual costs by category to see how we can cut costs. Often, the most expensive part of a renovated kitchen in Cincinnati is the cabinets, with appliances and labor typically coming in second and third on prices. Knowing this, we help develop your budget accordingly, estimating the final cost for your kitchen in Cincinnati with an eye to saving you money.

Of course, everyone knows it is important to tailor kitchen remodeling to your family’s need. That is why we at Craftsmen are happy to take a look at your home and do a free in-home consultation for your kitchen remodeling in Cincinnati. We take pride in our in home consultations, as they are comprehensive and complete. If you are a homeowner with questions regarding your kitchen in Cincinnati, and are looking to maximize kitchen efficiency or to make the kitchen a family gathering spot, call us at 513-942-6300513-942-6300 to talk to our Craftsmen team.

Countertop materials – What’s your best choice?

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Craftsmen Home Improvements, Inc.It used to be true that there were only a few materials available for kitchen countertops and everyone had some variation of them in their home. Now there is a dizzying array of materials and designs at the ready for every taste and budget. Here are few of the top countertop materials and the pros and cons of using them in the home.

Granite: For years, granite has been the top-shelf choice for kitchen countertops. It is a natural stone distinguished by veining and variations which enhance its attractiveness. Much beloved for its beauty and design impact, granite can be expensive. It is a porous material and must be sealed to keep from being stained from fluids. Granite is durable and heat resistant, but can crack or chip if a heavy object is dropped on it.

Quartz: Quartz, also known as engineered stone, is a top rated countertop material. It is durable, not porous and does not need to be sealed, but requires protection from heat and can be difficult to repair if damaged. This material is made from resin and quartz chips which have been artificially colored. Engineered stone countertops are popular for their beauty and offer a good alternative to granite.

Marble: Marble is an ultra-traditional choice for countertops. A completely natural stone, it has a wide range of natural patterns which increase its elegance as a design choice. It is the go-to stone for pastry chefs, who prize it for its natural coolness which keeps dough from becoming tough. Unfortunately, even when sealed, marble can stain, scratch and chip.

Stainless steel: In complete contrast to marble, as its name suggests, stainless steel is impervious to staining. It cleans up marvelously and is preferred for its antimicrobial properties in institutional and high traffic countertops. As a design choice, it does have a minimalist cachet, but requires frequent cleaning to eliminate fingerprint smudges.

Soapstone: Soapstone countertops are familiar to many as the material of choice in their high school chemistry laboratories. This material resists stains well, yet requires regular oiling. It blends well with a range of decors, but can crack and require costly repair.

Laminate: Laminate is a manufactured material made of resins blended into paper and fused onto particle board. As a kitchen countertop staple for decades, it has lacked style quality in the past, but new designs mimic more expensive materials with impressive results. It is affordable, low maintenance and easy to clean, but it can be susceptible to burns and scratches.

Concrete: With new fabrication technologies which make it lighter than ever before, concrete has come into its own as a countertop material. Inlays of shells and rocks can make it a unique design choice. And concrete has some impressive energy-friendly qualities: it absorbs heat when the room is hot, cooling it off. And when the temperature drops, concrete releases its heat back into the room to warm it.

Wood: Wood countertops create a warm, traditional look for kitchens. Wood is resistant to heat, so hot pots and pans can be rested on it. But wood requires sealing to be clean and safe for cutting meat products. As with all natural products, wood can be pricey, but creates its own look of luxury when used in the kitchen.

Glass: Glass countertops create a clean, sleek modern look and have the advantage of being able to be cut into any shape and stained to any color. Due to this flexibility, this material can be adapted to any choice of décor. Since it is non porous, glass is easy to clean and stain resistant. But it’s still glass and needs to be tempered and be at least one inch thick to be durable in the kitchen.

Paper Composite: Paper composite is a newer countertop material made by mixing resin with paper fibers to create an eco-friendly and surprisingly durable surface. It withstands heat and water, and is naturally lighter than stone or concrete. Paper composite countertops are prone to chemical damage and need to be oiled with mineral oil (and require occasional sanding) to maintain the surface. Even though it seems like a paper product would be a budget-conscious choice, this material is somewhat expensive, which has limited its popularity.

Tile: Tile countertops are made with ceramic, glass and porcelain tile in an extensive range of styles and colors, which can be further mixed and matched to produce an almost infinite variety of patterns. Tile must have sealed grout to be easy to clean. And if tiles become uneven they can be cracked or chipped if cookware is dragged over the surface. In terms of budget, the tile is not necessarily expensive, but installation can be pricey, so homeowners need to cost out the entire project before making a decision.

The many varieties of countertop materials present homeowners with an opportunity to make unique design decisions. To get advice on your countertop, visit us online at Craftsmen Home Improvements.

Tiles – Always in Good Taste

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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?

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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.