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.

• Discover a look. Such as contemporary, traditional commercial, etc. Visit the library and check out some magazines or browse the bookstore, walk a home show or even find a remodeling tour. Do some image research on the web. Write down and make copies of the little things you like and the things you don’t like, this will help communicate with the designer and contractor.

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• Establish a budget. Even if you have no idea what a kitchen should cost you still have a comfortable number in mind. It is a big investment and you should feel like you are getting a good value.

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• Make three interviews. Kitchen remodeling has endless possibilities so choose a professional who has the experience in design and building kitchens, such as design build firms. They have  multiple perspectives on how a kitchen is put together. It takes the right tools, communication and language to make your kitchen remodel flow smoothly. Selecting a company should be based on a good rapport, great referrals, a solid amount of knowledge and creative ideas. One helpful tip- Ask who their vendors are and the subcontractors they use on a regular basis. Do a little research on those companies as well. After all they contribute to a large portion of your project.

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Cover these three steps and you are off to a great start for a new kitchen.

How to AVOID a stressful remodel.

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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.

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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.