Bathroom Remodel Idea: Freestanding Tubs

Freestanding bathtubs are becoming more and more popular today due to their spa-like feel. Long gone are the days of noisy bubbling jets and in with the quiet and serene soaks. Freestanding tubs can update any bathroom and provide an element of tranquility. While the classic shower/bathtub combination may be efficient, it is not as efficient for relaxation.

Some reasons to consider a standalone bathtub for your bathroom remodel:

1. Freestanding tubs look updated and fresh. They are one of the most popular options on the market today and can help to create an updated look to any bathroom.
2. They are available in almost any style. Freestanding tubs come in a variety of styles, from modern and sleek, to classic and ornate, and everything in between.
3. Freestanding tubs come in a variety of materials. Popular materials for freestanding tubs include stone, acrylic, copper, wood, cast iron, and fiberglass. The price of a freestanding tub will vary greatly, depending on which material you choose.
4. They are visually lighter than built-in or drop-in tubs due to the open area surrounding the tub, and even underneath of the tub depending on which style you choose. Traditional drop-in and built-in tubs are very bottom heavy and bulky since they are “built-in” against the wall and take up entire sections, or corners, of the bathroom.
5. Freestanding tubs can be placed almost anywhere since they don’t require wall space to be installed. Thus, freestanding tubs serve more as furniture and a structural element to any bathroom, as opposed to a bulky tub in the corner.

For example, we recently completed a bathroom remodel in which we replaced a once bulky jetted tub to an elegant clawfoot slipper tub. The transformation of the space when the new bathtub was installed was remarkable. The tub that these clients chose blends the vintage characteristics of traditional clawfoot tubs, while keeping a simple silhouette and feet.

Before

After

Before you decide on a freestanding tub for your bathroom, it is important to consider your space, budget, and needs. These types of tubs may not be a good choice for small bathroom remodels since they come away from the wall so they typically require more room than a traditional built-in or drop-in tub. Pro tip: when choosing the size for a freestanding tub, make sure that it comfortably fits the largest person who will be using it. Additionally, some standalone tubs can get rather costly, depending on the material you choose. Also, it may be worth considering how frequently you plan on indulging in a bath? Once a week? Once a month? This can help you determine whether installing a standalone tub will be worth your investment. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Balducci Remodeling at balducciremodeling.com and set up an appointment for a free estimate. No obligations.

Richmond, VA: Kitchen and Master Bath Remodel

Our company recently completed this kitchen and master bathroom remodel in Richmond, Virginia. The homeowners wanted to update their 1980’s home . When we first met the with homeowners, we learned that they had been looking at building a new home since their home was outdated and no longer served their needs. Luckily for us, the plan to build a new home fell through since the homeowners loved their current home’s location. Instead of moving, they decided to have their kitchen and master bathroom remodeled into a place for them to enjoy.

Before Photo of Kitchen

Before Photo of Kitchen

The kitchen was once tiny and cramped. It had the typical 80’s laminate cabinets and white appliances. Additionally, the space felt very separate from the dining room. Thus, we remodeled the kitchen to make it more open by taking down the load bearing wall between the kitchen and dining room and adding in a structural support beam.

Before Bump Out Addition

After Bump Out Addition

We also added in a tiny bump-out addition to the right of the cabinetry on the back wall to allow for a wine chiller, TV stand, and extra cabinet space. Although the addition was small, it makes a huge impact on the space.

Glass Front Custom Cabinet

The bathroom was once dark and outdated – far from a spa-like master suite that the homeowners were dreaming of. We replaced the bath tub with a clawfoot slipper tub and added a vintage leg tub filler.

Vintage Tub Filler

Next, we updated the walk-in shower by taking down the walls that once framed the shower and added in a larger shower in its place.

Before Master Bathroom Remodel

Before Master Bathroom Remodel

We love the new bathroom cabinets in this space. The homeowner wanted white cabinets that brightened up the room and had lots of storage. We solved this by replacing the outdated vanity with a new double vanity with a center cabinet. This bathroom remodel went from a place to escape from to a place to escape to!

After Master Bathroom Remodel

After Master Bathroom Remodel

Balducci Additions and Remodeling is very pleased with the outcome of this kitchen remodel and master bathroom remodel. This project is a great reminder that you don’t have to leave your home–you can update it to match your current needs. We hope that the homeowners are happy with the outcome of these projects!

After Master Bathroom Remodel

Want to see more photos of this project? Visit our Houzz site and choose Richmond Master Bathroom and Kitchen Remodel.

5 Countertop Options You Didn't Think Of

Kitchen remodels can be exciting, yet daunting remodels due to their extensive nature and materials list. There are many material choices to be made, ranging from: flooring, cabinetry, wall color, appliances, and countertops. Today, granite and quartz are both very popular options due to their durability and beautiful aesthetics. However, don’t think that granite and quartz are your only two options for quality countertops. (To learn more about granite and quartz countertops, check out this article.) Don’t be afraid to try something new for your kitchen remodel and step outside of the box! Here are five types of countertops that you might not have considered before:

Custom wine bar installed in place of a small closet

Soapstone

Since soapstone is dense and non-porous, drops and spills can be easily wiped up and you don’t have to worry about staining. Each soapstone slab is entirely unique from the next and provides charming aesthetic. This material is non-porous and will never absorb liquids. Anyone with a soapstone countertop can choose to add mineral oil to the countertop. This creates a darker hue. In comparison, soapstone can be left alone and develop a natural patina over time. An additional bonus is that it is extremely heat resistant, so leaving warm pots and pans on the counter won’t affect the soapstone.

Copper

Copper countertops can be a beautiful option for you space since they add warmth through their rich earthy tones. A benefit of copper is that it is easy to clean and are naturally microbial. Most stains and spills can be easily wiped up and cleaned with soap and water; however, copper can be tarnished and will react to spills. This can be a benefit or a drawback since it will create an “inconsistent” look that some people prefer, while others steer away from.

Zinc

Zinc is similar to stainless steel countertops in that they share the same gray metallic coloring. Zinc is similar to copper in that it develops a patina over time since it reacts with water, fingerprints, spills, and stains. Again, this countertop may not be the right choice for perfectionists who prefer a consistent look and feel. In addition, zinc countertops are non-porous and have anti-bacterial properties that make it a good choice for food preparation.

Mineral Oil Being Applied to Butcher Block. Photo: Wikipedia

Butcher Block

Butcher block countertops are composed of thick strips of maple. oak, cherry, or walnut and are glued together to form a solid surface. Although maple, oak, cherry, and walnut are the more popular choices for countertops, almost any type of wood can be used for butcher block countertops. They also come finished or un-finished, depending on whether or not you intend on using the countertop for a cutting board or for display. Luckily, both sealed and un-sealed butcher block countertops can be refinished to reveal virtually good-as-new countertops for a small cost.

Concrete

Concrete is an extremely durable material and can withstand wear and tear without chipping or scratching. It can also be formed into any shape imaginable since it is poured. A bonus of concrete countertops is that they are also heat resistant, so setting your hot pots and pans on the counter won’t lead to warping. They can also be easily customized since they can be made in an endless possibility of colors. However, concrete countertops need to be sealed in order to protect it from heat, water, and stains.

Kitchen countertops can will affect the feel in any space. When choosing countertops for a kitchen remodel, it is important to consider style, durability, and costs when assessing what is right for your home. Kitchen countertops can take up a large portion of your budget when doing a kitchen remodel, but it can also add value to your home. Call Balducci Additions and Remodeling today for any further questions on kitchen countertops, along with any other questions regarding kitchen remodeling. We have over 30 years of experience and we would love to assist you and creating your dream kitchen. Give us a call at 804-730-0982.

Home Addition: In-Law Suite

An estimated 60.6 million Americans now live in multi-generational homes, defined as “a household with two or more adult generations,” and it shows no signs of slowing down. There are many reasons for a household to turn into a multi-generational home.

With a large number of baby boomers that are financially able to include their parents or adult children in their homes, it allows for families to strengthen relationships with one another while living under the same roof. For many, it gives a “peace of mind” knowing that they can see their parents or children at home.

Some reasons why in-law suites are beneficial:

• Cut down on childcare costs
• Spend more time with family
• Peace of mind

Some things to consider when building an in-law suite:

Accessibility

By building the addition on the first floor, it will make it more accessible for the in-laws. Even if your parents or in-laws do not currently have mobility issues, it is a good idea to think ahead in the event that mobility becomes an issue.

Privacy

A separate entrance is typically preferred since the transition of moving in with a parent or in-law can be tough in some cases. Adding in a separate entrance to the suite can be a good solution.

Amenities

A large factor to consider when designing an in-law suite addition are the amenities. It is extremely important to assess what all needs to be included in the addition, and also note some items that may not be necessary now but could come in handy later on. For example, grab bars for the shower and wider doors could be necessary.

Kitchen

The choice to include a kitchen, or kitchenette, in the addition’s design is huge. It is important to determine what eating arrangements will typically be like for your family. Do you plan to have all meals separately? Eat every meal together? A mixture of the two? This will determine if you need to include a full kitchen with stove, a kitchenette with a microwave and small refrigerator, or no kitchen at all.

When considering building a home addition, whether that be an in-law suite, or just an addition to create more living space for your family, consider Balducci Additions and Remodeling. We have been serving the Richmond, Virginia area for over 30 years. Visit our page at balducciremodeling.com or call us toll free at 804-730-0982 to schedule an appointment for a free estimate.

Farmhouse Kitchen, Family Room, and Mud Room Remodel

Balducci Additions and Remodeling recently completed this incredible farmhouse style kitchen, family room, and mud room remodel in Glen Allen, Virginia. The clients wished to update their 1990’s home with more modern finishes. We collaborated on the designs of the space with the interior design firm, Fifth and Pink Designs, and created a traditional rustic feel. The project involved: adding in bright and cheery white cabinetry in the kitchen, installing a Cherry island, and entirely revamping their mud room.

In addition to updating the space, these clients wanted to create a space in their homes to cook and entertain for their family and friends. The space now serves as a perfect place to entertain with its open-concept layout between the dining, kitchen, and living areas. The space also comes equipped with a custom wine bar where an unused closet used to be.

Custom wine bar installed in place of a small closet

The dining area features beautiful oversized windows that allow light to flow from the eating area, to the kitchen, and into the living room. In addition, the dining area now includes a vaulted ceiling with exposed beams. The room is topped off with a rustic chandelier fixture.

Rustic chandelier fixture in the dining area

The dining area flows effortlessly into the completely reconfigured kitchen. This kitchen features white custom cabinetry, granite countertops, a gray ceramic tile backsplash, and a Cherry island. The placement of the stove and refrigerator are switched onto opposite walls and are replaced with upgraded stainless steel options. To complete this new kitchen layout, a large farmhouse style sink is put in place in the island. We love the look of the white cabinets in contrast with the dark Cherry island and we expect this trend to stick around well into 2017.

The farmhouse style continues in the family area where the fireplace received an upgrade and a rustic mantel. A huge hit of the space is the barn door that separates the family room from the mud room. It was the perfect choice for the space since it allows for the mud room to be blocked off, yet it doesn’t add the bulkiness of a regular door.

Before photo of the mud room

These client’s mud room and powder room received a huge transformation. The powder room that was once just off of the family room has been reconfigured to just beyond the barn doors and includes a contemporary vessel sink, dark vanity, and oval mirror. The mudroom consists of white custom built-ins with lots of storage and a place to hang coats, store shoes, and organize other household items.

Mudroom with custom built-ins

We are very happy with the way the space turned out and we know our clients couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. To see more photos of this amazing transformation, please visit our Houzz profile here.

Best Solutions for Bump-Out Additions

Bump-out additions can provide your home with a little extra living space, without the hefty investment of a full addition. As opposed to full additions, bump-out additions can only extend up to 3 feet away from the home and add 10 to 12 feet in width. While these types of additions cannot add an entire extra room to your home, they may be the perfect solution to provide a little extra living space to a cramped room.

Exterior View of an Addition Done by Balducci Additions & Remodeling

Extend the master suite

Your master suite should serve as your tranquil getaway in your home. If you’re one of the lucky ones with a first floor master, a bump-out addition could be the perfect solution in creating your dream master suite. One of the best ways to do this is to create your dream master bathroom. Adding a few feet onto the master bath can provide room to add in a separate soaking tub and shower, add in a walk-in shower, or even allow room for more storage or counter space. Either way, these projects are a sure way to create more efficient living space.

A less costly alternative would be to create your very own walk-in closet or dressing room. If your family is one of many to have cramped and overflowing closets, this might be a good solution for your bump-out addition.

Open up the kitchen

While it may be a bit pricier, re-configuring the kitchen layout could add more efficiency to your workspace. This is especially true if the working triangle is achieved. Not sure what the working triangle is? We touched on it in a previous post available here: Why You Need a Kitchen Island. A bump-out addition is a good way to ensure that your kitchen is efficient and add a little more room to cook.

Another option for a bump-out addition is to add a dining space or eating nook. While this is a cheaper option, that doesn’t mean that it is necessarily not as good as a full kitchen remodel. Adding on a dining area or breakfast nook in a bump-out addition will not only provide more square footage to your kitchen, but it will also provide another space for your family to get together and enjoy your home.

When considering a contractor for your addition, whether that be full sized or bump-out, there are some important things to look for such as: experience, reliability, and quality of product. Balducci Additions and Remodeling has been serving the Richmond, Virginia area and its surrounding counties for over 30 years. They take the time to ensure that their customers are provided with the highest quality services and products. Learn more about our company and visit our page at http://www.balducciremodeling.com

Kids Activity Kits for Massey

The other day, we were able to come together to make activity kits for kids that come into Massey Cancer Center’s waiting room. This is the second activity we have done with Massey Cancer Center. On a previous post, we blogged about how we created kits for the waiting room. If you missed out on the post check it out here: Balducci is Giving Back. We put together waiting room kits that included items such as crossword puzzles and playing cards. While these bags are beneficial to many patients as Massey Cancer Center, they are geared towards adults. After we completed the waiting room kits, we contacted Massey to find out what items they are in need of the most, which happened to be items for children.

Materials set up for the kids activity kits to donate to Massey Cancer Center

The other day we were able to get together in the office and stuff kids activity bags for Massey Cancer Center. A good number of patients at Massey Cancer Center bring their children with them to their treatment due to a lack of childcare options. This is hard on a lot of kids, especially younger ones, who may have to spend hours in the clinic since Massey Cancer Center’s clinic is primarily catered to adults. We hope that these bags help to take some of the stress off of the patient receiving treatment and have one less thing to worry about.

A few of our staff members having a blast during their break

Owner, Chris Balducci, getting some help from our office pup, Zoey

Our office puppy, Zoey, even made an appearance and helped us out with making the kits. We love coming together and giving back to the community. We would love to hear any suggestions of other organizations that we can get involved in! Email us at mmorris@balducciinc.com with any ideas.

Is a Garage Addition Worth the Investment?

Garage additions are becoming more popular. They can be used to store your cars, tools, or provide room for a work space. When building a garage addition, some factors that largely determine the cost are: size and materials. The size of a garage addition can vary greatly considering the variety of car sizes on the market today. Another element that factors into the size of an addition is storage. Some homeowners prefer to have just the amount of storage needed for tools, paint, and other miscellaneous items needed for the home. Others plan on using a garage for storage space and work space alike. Generally, 2-car garages are more popular among home buyers than 1 car garages. The price of a garage can also vary depending on if it is attached or detached. Detached garages offer more flexibility in size and location than attached garages. Detached garages can also be a safer option since it can stop carbon monoxide from reaching your family since it is away from your home.

Cost vs. Value Report:

2016 Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling Magazine

The data from Remodeling Magazine displays the average cost vs. value for a garage addition, which includes:

“Construct a 26-by-26-foot freestanding two-car garage, including footings and slab-on-grade foundation, 2×4 wood frame with OSB structural sheathing, and gable truss roof at 6/12 pitch. Install 25-year asphalt shingle roofing with galvanized metal flashing; vinyl siding and trim. Install five double-hung 30-by-48-inch vinyl windows; one 3-0/6-8 exterior door with half-glass and lockset; and two composite 9-by-8-foot overhead doors with motorized openers. Include 100-amp breaker at main house panel and 50 linear feet of trench buried conduit to feed new electrical subpanel. Provide electrical wiring for openers; three-way switching for fluorescent ceiling fixtures over each bay; three-way switching for two exterior spotlights; outlets to code. Interior wall, floors, and ceilings remain unfinished.”

As you can see from the chart above, the cost for building a garage addition has gone up in cost. However, the cost v. value for 2015 was at 64.8%. As always, the cost of any home improvement project depends on how often the space is utilized. If your family could benefit from having a safe place to store your cars or belongings, then consider Balducci Additions & Remodeling for your garage addition project.  Visit http://balducciremodeling.com/home-additions-contractor-richmond/ .

Pros and Cons of Replacing a Bathtub with a Shower

The idea of a calming bubble bath at the end of a stressful day might be appealing; however, how often are we able to indulge and take the time to enjoy our own spa-like bath? For most people, it happens very rarely or not often at all. Some homeowners may consider baths to be a waste since they are not used. Before converting your tub to a shower, consider the pros and cons of this option.

Shower with Sliding Glass Doors

Pros:

Easier to access. In addition to extra elbow room, larger showers may be handicap accessible; which means that your home may be a place for you to age in place. A large shower, especially those without showers doors, are much easier to access than climbing over the tub.

Turning your bath into a shower can conserve water (depending on the amount of time) and save you money. According to the United State Environmental Protection Agency, “a full bathtub can require up to 70 gallons of water, while taking a 5-minute shower uses only 10 to 25 gallons.”

Can add extra square footage to your bathroom. Some showers take up less space than baths, which will free up some of the unused space from a tub.

Cons:

Converting from a tub to a shower can hinder your resale value. This is especially true if you are converting the only tub in your home. It is a major drawback to families with small children.

Showers have the potential to use more water than a bath depending on the amount of time you spend in the shower. Generally, if your shower lasts longer than 10 minutes it uses more water than a tub. Good news is that the average American takes about an 8 minute shower.

After 30 years of business, Balducci Additions & Remodeling has come to be an expert in bathroom remodels. Large and walk-in showers can provide a spa-like atmosphere. To get inspiration on spa bathrooms, visit this blog post. If you’re ready to convert from a bath to a shower, or upgrade your bathroom, give us a call and we would be glad to set up an appointment. Visit us at balducciremodeling.com or call us at 804-730-0982.

Why You Need a Kitchen Island

Kitchens are the heart of the home. It is where you family comes to gather around and enjoy each others’ company. However, some kitchens do not have space for entertaining, or are not efficient for the homeowners. Kitchen remodels are one of the most popular remodeling projects today. Whether your building a new home, or considering a kitchen remodel, take note of these added benefits of a kitchen island.

Photo: Skegg Kitchen

Extra counter space. In many homes, kitchens are high traffic areas with a lot of hustle and bustle before meal time. It can be a huge benefit to have a kitchen island in your home since it can provide you with much-needed extra counter space.

Adds storage. Many homeowners’ main complaint about their kitchen is its lack of storage space. A kitchen island is a great solution to add a little extra storage. Kitchen islands come in almost endless options so picking out a size that is suitable for your family can be an easy decision to make.

Improves kitchen layout. A kitchen island can improve the room’s layout by including an appliance such as a sink or stove. This can help to create the infamous “kitchen work triangle” in kitchens who do not currently have an effective layout. However, this can only be added if it is a permanent island since it requires the addition of plumbing and electricity.

Allows for flexibility. On the other hand, some kitchen islands can be moved around to better serve your needs and allow flexibility in the kitchen layout. In addition, moveable kitchen islands can be taken with you to any future homes.

Provide additional seating. A kitchen island is the perfect spot for a informal dining area, homework station, or just another place for guests to sit. Kitchen islands can be a perfect addition for your family to hang out at or to help with the cooking and cleaning.

Photo: Flickr

What do you think? What is your favorite benefit of having a kitchen island in your home?