1. The floor: Floors take a beating and for little cost can be replace with a new surface such as tile, cork, or marmoleum. There is a lot to choose from and can be overwhelming so ask yourself what colors you like, is maintenance an issue, and how much do I want to spend?

2. Eye level: Change the mirror and light fixtures. Many times I have sent a client to an art frame shop to pick out a nice looking frame to put a mirror in. There are many selection to choose from but if none are jumping out at you then a custom frame can be built from mill work you see on doors and windows or even crown molding, then painted or stained to your hearts desire. Also, there are several light fixture styles out there to correspond nicely with the mirror you picked out.

3. Colors: Of course painting will always make a huge impact on the space. If lighting is dim then consider lighter warm tones that compliments the new floor. Remember contrast is good for adding excitement and detail. For example light tone floor with light color wall and a darker cabinet with dark light fixtures and mirror frame.

Another bang for the buck and one more step to a full makeover is locating a granite fabricator who has remnants that will fit your counter.

If interested in a low cost dramatic change from these three ideas contact me (Nathan Dunithan 503-650-3090) and you might be surprised on the cost. I will give you a free in home estimate.

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1. The professional team you are working with must be able to communicate well and understand your needs wants and especially those don’t wants. That team should come highly recommended or have a good referral list to call.
2. Research the vendors and subcontractors that the company uses. There must be a good working relationship and high level of quality work.
3. The majority of the project should be planned and ordered before any work begins. Often times this requires a little exploring behind walls and crawl spaces.
4. You must have well written details and plans so everyone has the same level of expectations. Pictures, drawings, and samples are the best way to know what to expect. Any changes should be well documented.
5. Understand the schedule and who will be coming and going from your house. Pay special attention to when the water, gas, and electrical will be shut off and approximately for how long.
6. Keep in good contact with the project manager during the process to follow how the schedule is coming along and understand any changes that may occur.
7. Be sure the project will be kept clean and a safe working environment. Any non work related areas should be sectioned off with plastic or other protective barriers.

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Here is a tip to make the process more enjoyable once work has started. Write a blog with photos about your project and share it with others to help pass the time. This also is a great way to record what is going to be hidden in the walls long after the project is complete.

Please feel free to comment or ask questions about your remodeling process.

Here are a few questions to help decide on heating your floor?

The images show the wire system in a West Linn master bathroom remodel which provides very flexible placement. You can see where it stops in the front of the toilet as your feet never touch behind it, although it is capable of being distributed evenly along small chopped up spaces, angled and curved walls.

Have a patio that gets used year round? Adding floor heat is possible outside.

1. Mud set shower pan-
   

   Marble shower floor

   This pan is very common and uses a rubber linerover a sloped mortar bed directing moisture to the drain. This is used in many cases where a prefabricated pan will not fit because of the custom size shower. This method gets finished with a tile of choice for a custom looking shower.

2. Wedi systems or Schluter-Systems-  These systems are presloped water proof rigid panels that can be cut to fit any shower size. Material tends to cost more but labor can be less since it is a quicker and a simpler process. These are becoming popular because of the versatility with linear drain styles and curbless options for wheelchair access and modern design. This method also gets finished with a tile of choice and has prefabricated panels that accept custom drains for that contemporary look.
3. Tile ready pan- Simple, quick, and durable. Designed to be waterproof and mold resistant they are however limited to certain sizes. Plan accordingly and check that the sizes will work for you. I recommend purchasing these pans and having them on site before framing the shower. These pans have a built in curb and splash around the edges for a leak proof system. They are provided with an epoxy to set the tile for ensuring a good bond to the acrylic surface.
4. Fiberglass or Acrylic- This method is good if you are looking for a less expensive solution since it is a prefabricated pan that does not accept tile. That is right, this is the least expensive route and works great if you are not looking to put tile on the floor of your shower. You can however still tile the walls with the proper preparation and get that tile shower you are looking for.
5. Corian- A certified Corian fabricator can custom build a pan and walls out of Corian if you prefer to have a shower with no grout and still a choice of several colors. While this method seems maintenance free the pan tends to be slick. I suggest adding a decorative mat to prevent any slipping.

After the pan is complete the walls must be prepared with mold resistant board (concrete board, Hardie Backer, or other approved board for showers) and sealed properly. Tile in wet locations should never be installed over Sheetrock. The moisture will breakdown the Sheetrock and build up mold and possible rot inside the wall.

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-I AM TIRED OF THE DIRTY STAINED GROUT!

-I WANT TO UPDATE THE LOOK!

-WE NEED MORE SPACE!

My must-do ideas when remodeling a bathroom:

• GRANITE COUNTERS: I start by searching for a solid slab remnant as a cost effective way to eliminate grout.  Another plus, granite or marble counters can become the focal point of the room.
• FLOOR TILE: I use nothing smaller than 12×12 floor tiles that are set with a gap no larger than 1/8″ together minimizing the grout lines that can stain over time. Don’t forget to maintain the tile every year by sealing it with the proper treatments if it’s natural stone.
• GROUT COLOR: Selecting a grout color for the floor and shower is important to cut down on the amount of possible stains that can accumulate over the years.
• ADJUSTABLE SHOWER HEAD: I always suggest adding an additional shower head on a diverter valve that is hand held for cleaning and rinsing the shower. Most hand held shower heads can be mounted on an adjustable slide bar that doubles as a grab bar.
• SHAMPOO STORAGE: Adding shampoo niches are a must in the shower to gain storage. There are many sizes that can be custom made to accommodate anybody and any amount of hair product. If there is an opportunity to install a bench I suggest  a floating style so there is room to store items under it.
• EXTRA SPACE: There are tricks in custom cabinetry to give bathrooms more storage space.  When choosing new cabinets,  I prefer full extension drawer guides.  Increasing the depth and height of the cabinets will also add space.
• LIGHTING: Minimize shadow lines and maximize visibility by adding lights on each side of the mirror rather than only above  the mirror.  Also, add appropriate lighting in your shower based on size and tile color.   To make general lighting effective, new technology allows recessed lighting to be used without any glare from the ceiling.

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Luxury additions:

• FLOOR HEAT: Installing electric floor heat is essential to give a luxury feel to any bathroom.  Floor heat can be placed anywhere in the bathroom even under tile in the shower floor. I always install a programmable thermostat so your floor is warm when you get up and shuts off when you are away so there is no electricity wasted.
• ACCESSORY LIGHTING: Lighting can add a dramatic difference to a room.  Add indirect lighting on a separate switch that is easy on the eyes in the middle of the night, such as under the toe kick in the cabinet, behind an elevated mirror on the wall, in the ceiling with diffusers, or in the side of a skylight cavity.  Add direct lighting to highlight areas in the bathroom.
• TOWEL WARMER: While the electrician is adding new wiring,  running a line for a towel warmer is an easy upgrade if you have the space to hang one on the wall.
• ADD SPEAKERS: Consider adding speakers in the wall or ceiling if you enjoy listening to music while soaking in the tub or hearing the news report while in the shower before work.

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Consider these changes in your bathroom remodel and you will have an amazing new master bath that becomes your relaxing haven.

Ask about these other items for your bathroom remodel or updating project.  Framed vanity mirror, floor tile layout and design, contrasting colors, natural stone vs. porcelain tile, curbless shower, steam shower, Marmoleum, cork flooring, current local codes and requirements, instant endless hot water, frameless shower door, and  body sprays.

• As popular as the darker granite and marble may be, and how they can really add nice and warm contrast to your space, avoid replacing horizontal surfaces with dark materials if lighting is limited. This goes for both the counter and floor no matter what material.  Darker colors will diminish the light output from your fixtures causing you to add brighter lighting or even more fixtures. Imagine the difference that your headlights are at night when it is dry out, then imagine when it is raining and everything is wet. Much darker when wet. Same principle, light needs reflective surfaces.
• Wall surface is of course something that can be changed even when your not remodeling. Change the paint color to something that may be brighter and more reflective. Avoid darker tones on the majority of the room but use one as an accent on a smaller wall if there is a need for some contrast.
• Add contrast in small accents, it will visually trick the mind to thinking that the room is brighter when trim, fixtures or cabinet pulls are darker colors.
• Add a window if the space allows or a skylight if there Is not a second floor above. If you have a solid door to the exterior upgrade it with one that has glass.
• Select the appropriate lighting for the areas you use. Task lighting should be well thought out, think of how  the space will be used. Use a combination of direct lighting with surface mounts or hanging that flood the space. Try indirect to accent the room, often it will give an appearance that the room is larger.
• One last key component is the color of your cabinets. If you plan on replacing them or refinishing them consider a light color wood with light stain or just simply paint them white. White is still ascetically okay these days if combined with creative hardware, wall paint, floor and counter material.

Remember to think ahead when selecting your surfaces and ask if this will create too much gloomy darkness for my space.

Towel hook placement

During the planning stages of a remodel some things can be over looked because of the excitement of other features. A very important question in a bathroom is where are your bath towels going to hang? How can they be integrated to look intentionally placed and easily within reach. Often times there is limited room on walls to place a towel bar or hook. There are many options just keep it in mind during the early stages of design. This also allows the opportunity to add detail to your bathroom. Where you have the wall space think about a towel warming rack.