Jenkintown Bathroom Transformation

Elkins Park Bathroom Renovation With Custom Flooring

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We transformed this space from an outdated musky bathroom into a warm, elegant place for a couple to relax and comfortably pamper in.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 The overall look of the prior bathroom was outdated and dingy – the accessories looked almost plastic.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

Decorative Fireplace Renovation

The fireplace is sometimes known as the warm heart of the home, and our client had a clear vision of what she wanted her home’s heart to look like.

The bricks in the fireplace had previously been badly water damaged, so she had hired masons to line the interior of the fireplace with a wire mesh.

Then, they put stucco on the walls to prepare the fireplace for thin bricks and decorative tiles to be installed- this is when we came in.
 

Our client's initial sketch

The client knew exactly what she wanted- she sent us sketches and gave us a list of materials, which included Endicott Thin Brick and Tiles and Black Grout from Devon Tile.

The project took a total of only four days to create a quality renovation . The materials chosen were Endicott’s Thin Brick in Manganese Ironspot (smooth texture), 6×6 decorative tiles, black grout between the tiles, and black mortar between the bricks.

Before:

Existing Fireplace

After:

Renovated Fireplace

The level of detail that our client focused on was very important to her. As with any design, details and intricacies

add a tasteful touch to a space.

Meeting Bathroom Code Requirements

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.

Copyright NKBA

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!

Top 10 Reasons You Should Remodel Your Kitchen

Kitchen remodels are always one of our top requests at dRemodeling. We take pride in all of our past Philadelphia kitchen remodel projects, and always look forward to taking on new kitchen remodel challenges.

Does your kitchen need an update? View these top 10 reasons you should remodel your kitchen to see if it’s time to remodel!

 1.    Your Kitchen Is Too Small. Need more storage space? Hate the cramped layout of your kitchen? Remodeling is a great way to update your kitchen and create more space. An experienced contractor can expand your kitchen to give you the look and the square footage you want.

2.    More Products Than Ever. With interior design and home remodeling at the forefront of many company’s minds, there are more kitchen products than ever to choose from. Get a custom island, new cabinetry, the latest backsplashes, modern countertops and beautiful appliances in your kitchen with a great remodel.

3.    Your Kitchen Is Outdated. If your kitchen is stuck in the 1960’s, it can really make your whole house look outdated. Updating your kitchen to a new design and layout will bring your home into 2012.

 4.    Huge Return on Kitchen Remodels. Kitchens are one of the few places you can see a huge return on investment with a remodel. Time and time again, a little spending in the kitchen can up the resale value of your home.

5.    Improve Your Cooking. If you love being in your kitchen, you’ll most likely cook more often and enjoy the space much more. Improve your cooking, and your quality of life, by making a few adjustments to your kitchen with a quality remodel.

6.    It’s a Quick Project. Hiring quality contractors that have experience with kitchen remodels means that your kitchen renovation will get done quickly and affordably. An average kitchen remodel takes just a few weeks at most.

7.    You Can Save on Energy Costs. When you decide to upgrade, go with appliances and lighting fixtures that will cut down on your energy costs throughout the year.

8.    You Just Want a Change. There is nothing wrong with deciding that the countertops you once loved just aren’t your style anymore. Make some quick adjustments to things like counters, backsplashes, flooring or cabinetry to instantly change the look of your kitchen.

9.    You Want a Gourmet Kitchen. Have you gotten really interested in cooking? Do you have a lot of guests over and entertain in the kitchen? It may be time to upgrade your standard kitchen to a gourmet kitchen. Remodeling your current kitchen into your luxury dream kitchen will make you feel like a master chef.

10.  Additions Are Necessary. If you once had no need for an eat-in kitchen, but now have a need for this extra dining space, you may want to remodel and make some additions to your kitchen. Other additions could include an island, a pantry, a wet bar and much more.

Remember, if you’re ready to give your kitchen a facelift, contact dRemodeling for all of your Philadelphia kitchen remodeling needs.