Elkins Park Bathroom Renovation With Custom Flooring

June 22, 2012 | Joanne 1

 

Last week, we wrapped up a bathroom renovation project in Elkins Park. The couple whose house we worked on was so excited about their new bathroom that the wife gave the shower a test run before the project was even completely finished! To say the least, she was extremely satisfied with the results.

We transformed this space from an outdated musky bathroom into a warm, elegant place for a couple to relax and comfortably pamper in. The existing bathroom was surrounded by a dull brown ceramic tiling, with accessories to match. The overall look of the prior bathroom was outdated and dingy – the accessories looked almost plastic.

 

 

So, we stripped everything down and gave the

bathroom a complete makeover - floors, walls,

lighting fixtures, accessories, vanity, mirror, toilet

- the works!

 

 

The couple wanted a classy, chic and elegant bathroom. They wanted the space to feel posh yet inviting. So, we chose materials that reflected this agenda and created a warm and relaxing spa-like bathroom.

Using neutral colors and warm lighting, the caramel color of the tiles we chose reflect and emit a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. The walls and floors are Antico stone field tiles.

 

 

 

We installed a custom designed marble tile detail

on the floor and the shower walls, 1/2″x1/2″ and 1″x1″

Mosaic stone, respectively.

 

 

 

The couple handpicked the vanity from Pottery barn that includes a granite top and drop in sink, a 24″ framed mirror and duo sconces add to the group.

We installed sliding glass doors with chrome handles to encase the shower. The handlebars and shower accessories inside compliment the rim of the glass doors.

 

 

There is an additional light in the exhaust fan,

and two recessed lights in the ceiling,

offering more brightness into the area.

 

 

 

Needless to say, the finished product was a complete flip over from what had existed before. The couple is now happy to wake up in the morning and get ready in their brand new bathroom.

Meeting Bathroom Code Requirements

May 21, 2012 | Joanne 4

So you want to remodel your bathroom? Well don’t get ahead of yourself! There are a few things you should know before you begin your remodeling process, which you can easily find yourself running into trouble with if you don’t consider these undertakings.

Before you begin designing, be sure to check with your local building department to see which state/local code requirements and specifications you have to meet. Minimum clearances will vary across the state, but the NKBA (National Kitchen And Bath Association) provides a list of standards that all residential bathrooms should meet. You can check out the list here!

From lavatory placement, ceiling heights, and shower sizes to shower valves, tub seats, and grab bars, here are Five Key Pointers that we think every DIY home renovation homeowner should be aware of:

1.) Door Interference

Common mistake! You open your bathroom door and it hits an open drawer under your vanity. As the NKBA Bath Planning Guidelines With Access Standards states, “No entry or fixture doors should interfere with one another and/or the safe use of the fixtures or cabinets. (IRC P 2705.1.6)” To avoid this, a recommended guideline is to provide a clearance of the width of the door plus 18″ by 60″ on the pull side of the door. The clearance on the push side of the door should be the width of the door by 48″.

2.) Toilet Placement

The IRC (International Residential Code) states that the center of the toilet in a residential bathroom has to be a minimum of 15″ away from any wall, fixture, or other obstacles. You might want to give yourself some extra room to do the deed- a recommended dimension is 18″ between the center of the toilet and any other obstacle. Otherwise, you may find yourself stuck in an uncomfortable situation like this:

3.) Flooring

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is an aspect about material selection that may easily be ignored! Be sure that when you are picking out your materials that you choose materials that are practical for its function. Choose slip-resistant materials for both bath flooring and tub flooring to provide a safe bathroom experience.

4.) ADA (American Disabilities Act)

If you or someone in your home has a disability, there are guidelines that you should follow in order to meet ADA requirements. Providing adequate spacing under sinks and having accessible storage (placed between 15″ – 48″ off the floor) are a few ADA codes you must follow. Handlebars must be under 48″ above the ground and have a clearance of at least 12″ above.

5.) Ventilation

Do I have to state the obvious? I think everyone will agree with me when I say that ventilation is one of the most important aspects in designing a bathroom. To avoid moisture build up, mold, and to circulate the air for a cleaner environment, you must have “a window of at least 3 sq. ft. of which 50% is operable, or a mechanical ventilation system of at least 50 cubic feet per minute (cfm) ducted to the outside. (IRC R 303.3, IRC M 1506.3)” Let your bathroom breathe!

 

So, when you are preparing for your bathroom makeover, make sure to keep these pointers in mind. Happy designing!

 

Bathroom Remodels for Small Bathrooms

March 1, 2012 | Jennifer

A bathroom remodel can really change the feel of a home with just a few small adjustments. Even if you have a small bathroom, updating the space can help take your bathroom from a drab and dated space to a sleek and stylish bathroom.

A small bathroom is a great place to make a statement. Making sure the space is cohesive in terms of color palette and materials used, you can really push the limits in terms of color and textures. Often times, homeowners will feel more comfortable experimenting on a small room than a larger room. So now is your chance to mix it up with a great remodel!

If you’re working with a full bath, opt for an updated shower stall with glass enclosures to open up the space and make it feel bigger than it is. Pedestal sinks and wall mounted sinks will also give the illusion of more space by freeing up a bit of the floor that a larger vanity would occupy. If you do want a vanity with storage space, check out some floating vanities that offer a modern look without hogging floor space.

Light fixtures are another way that you can update a small bathroom without spending much money. Size-proportionate sconces and light fixtures should be used so that the lighting doesn’t overwhelm the space. Also be conscious of size when choosing mirrors and other bathroom hardware.

When it comes time to decide what to do with the walls, this is your chance to really push the boundaries and work with bold, warm colors or fun patterns. Play with wallpapers, or opt for a tiled accent wall. Glass mosaic tile on one wall, or a section of the bathroom, will instantly brighten the room.

Use these tips when updating your small bathroom to get the most out of the space. Remember that sticking to scale and playing with colors, materials and textures are all great ways to totally revamp and remodel the room.

 

For more design ideas, tips and information about bathroom remodeling, check out the dRemodeling Philadelphia Bathroom Remodeling section of our blog. 

Latest Review: South Philadelphia Bathroom Remodel

December 3, 2011 | Crystal Russell

When you start with a vision, and you have never had design experience, and you know you are about to embark on a large remodeling project – there is an issue that stands in your way….. “How do I get that vision to be reality”?

I waited 4 years until I finally got the chance to turn my dream into reality – turn my small, one person (well, master – but it felt like there was only room for one) bathroom into the spa bathroom that I always wanted.

 

I found the remodeling company DRemodeling that really made me feel that they would do the best job. Then I was introduced to Crystal Russell who helped make my dream a reality. We worked very closely picking all the materials to fulfill my vision. Her eye for lines and proper aesthetic helped guide my choices and we were able to get everything and more to make the space the clean, spa, modern yet vintage looking bathroom one could only dream of. My experience with Crystal is difficult to put into words. Her passion for perfection and the ability to be present as much as I needed her helped me in more ways that I can verbalize. The stress of renovation takes a toll, but I was able to count on her to help guide me through difficult decisions as well as check up on all the progress throughout.

DRemodeling is a professional and reliable firm that not only will remodel, but offers design which most remodeling companies do not. There were minimal issues that arose throughout, they remained very professional and were always making sure I was completely satisfied throughout.

The dream is a reality and I walk in my new bathroom each and every day and cannot believe that just 4 weeks ago, I was fighting with my husband to use the sink and be able to see in the small mirror at the same time.

 

-WF, South Philly Bathroom Remodel