Advantages of a Bathroom Remodel

Advantages of a Bathroom Remodel

There's no question that when it comes to home improvement projects, bathrooms are one the first rooms people look to update. After all, the bathroom is typically one of the first and last places we spend our time in during the day; thus, it should be a place that we enjoy. Are you considering a bathroom remodel? Great! Not only do they add value to your home, a bathroom renovation can mean improved storage, appearance, efficiency, and more.

 

Bring the Spa to Your Home

A bathroom remodel can create a more comfortable and calming space. Over recent years, the trend of creating a spa-bathroom has skyrocketed. Bathrooms have transformed from serving as a purely functional space, into a space that homeowners enjoy and want to spend their time in. A bathroom remodel is a great excuse to incorporate spa-inspired features to create a more relaxing space.

 

Make Necessary Repairs

Whether a sink has a leak, or if a few tiles are cracked, a bathroom renovation is the perfect opportunity to make necessary repairs. As a bonus, if the fixture or component has reached the end of its life, planning a bathroom remodel is the perfect opportunity to choose new fixtures that better represents your new style.

Create an Effective Use of Space

If you find yourself constantly bumping into fixtures or components, a bathroom remodel is the perfect opportunity to update the layout with a more effective design. This can be through adding square footage by taking some unused space from an area of the home adjacent to the bathroom. Or this can mean simply changing up the location of the fixtures in the current space.

Upgrade to Energy Efficient Lighting

A huge benefit of having a bathroom remodeled is the opportunity to upgrade light fixtures to new, energy efficient fixtures. Whether you are looking to go green or not, upgrading to energy efficient fixtures can mean money saved on energy bills.

Boost Storage Space

Another key advantage of a bathroom renovation is updating your bathroom to include more storage. As bathrooms are becoming larger, more homeowners are incorporating more storage solutions, such as cabinets and shelves, to help minimize clutter in other areas of the home. Working with a bathroom renovations company, such as Balducci Additions and Remodeling, can help you plan and strategize the best organization methods for your bathroom needs.

Increase Home Value

According to Remodeling 2017 Cost vs. Value report (www.costvsvalue.com), the average cost of a bathroom remodel in Richmond is $17,154. On average, you will get about $7,643 of that investment back, which is about a 44.6% return. While it is impossible to see the full return on your investment, having an updated bathroom can make the home easier during resale. After all, an outdated bathroom can deter many potential buyers. Even if you don't plan on moving within the next few years, a bathroom renovation is a practical update that will be sure to add comfort and style to your home.

While there are many factors to consider, bathroom remodels have many advantages. To name a few, a bathroom remodel is a great way to improve storage space, increase home value, create an updated design, and more. If you have any questions about getting started on a bathroom remodel, feel free to contact Balducci Additions and Remodeling for a free consultation.

© 2017 Hanley Wood Media Inc. Complete data from the Remodeling
2017 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.

Celebrate National Escape Day: Spa Bathroom

Have the winter blues set in? Need a break for yourself? You're in luck. January 30th is National Escape Day, which means it's the perfect excuse to take some time for yourself.

“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.” - Mark Black

While you can celebrate National Escape Day a thousand ways, why not take some time to yourself in your in-home spa (aka, your bathroom)?

Here's a roundup of our top 10 most relaxing bathrooms. Which space appeals to you the most?

10. Shower with beige tile. The beige tile with dark accents creates a warm and inviting feel.

9. Soaker tub with a large glass block window. This deep soaker tub is the perfect place to unwind after a long day.

8. Walk-in corner shower. This clean, minimal shower gets extra light through two accent windows, which helps the space feel more airy.

7. Jetted tub and shower with accent tile. The blue and tan accent tiles resemble coastal color schemes, which enhance the calming atmosphere of this space.

6. Gray tiled shower with glass enclosure. The glass enclosure and streamlined design keep this bathroom looking like something that would be seen in a spa.

5. Separate shower with a freestanding slipper soaker tub. This vintage inspired in-home spa includes a slipper tub and leg tub filler, which exude timeless elegance.

4. Contemporary brass and brown double vanity. Lighting is an important aspect of any spa bathroom and is done effectively in this home addition.

3. Turquoise spa bathroom with rain shower head. The shower in this bathroom features two shower heads to create a spa-like feel, including a rain shower head.

2. Classic granite with separate soaker tub and shower. The neutral colors of the tile and accent in the shower display an elegant look, which makes this space relaxing.

1. Freestanding tub with a nature view. This beautiful bathroom feels as though it is outside with the two large windows, which creates the perfect spa-like experience.

Interested in a creating your own spa bathroom? Balducci Additions and Remodeling is happy to help you create a bathroom that you want to escape to. Contact us to get started!

Design Ideas for Aging in Place

Aging in place can be an extremely attractive option for many homeowners. Continuing to live in your own home often means more freedom in decision making and keeping ties with close neighbors and relatives. More often than not, many homes require several home improvement projects to accommodate homes for aging in place.

Like any other home improvement project, there is no one size fits all plan for aging in place accommodations. A good place to start is with universal design, which is the approach to design that aims to satisfy the widest range of people. A couple of universal design principles for aging in place include widened doorways and a no step entry.

Designing a bathroom to age in place can be dreadful. Many homeowners may feel as though they have to choose between an efficient design and an aesthetically pleasing design.

Photo: Homedit

Zero-threshold, or curb-less showers, are great for accessibility and have a simple, elegant design. They are especially perfect for those of you who prefer a shower over a bath and want to age in place. In addition, curb-less showers incorporate linear drains, which requires the floor to be pitched in one direction. This means that homeowners can choose to use the same floor tile throughout the whole space.

Going with a curb-less shower requires a continuous water barrier past the shower area. How far the water barrier extends will depend on whether there's gasketing on the bottom of the shower door and the direction of the water. An alternative to a curb-less shower is a roll-in curb, which looks like a small speed bump. This can help to keep water from spreading throughout.

Photo: Consumerreports.org

With bathroom safety being a concern for many homeowners, the addition of grab bars into the bathroom design is a good idea. For those not ready to commit, blocking for grab bars is a great way to think ahead and to avoid any future headaches of installing them.

Planning a bathroom for aging in place does not have to be dreadful. With simple and elegant designs, along with some pre-planning, an aging in place bathroom can be relaxing and enjoyable. For more aging in place remodeling ideas, visit the National Association of Home Builders' Checklist or contact us.

Bathroom Tile Trends for 2017

We all know that remodeling your bathroom is a great investment for your home. While bathroom renovations may be pricey, you can see a huge pay off and added value to your home if done correctly. Creating an aesthetically pleasing bathroom is all about choosing a working layout, selecting quality materials and appliances, and combining interesting textures, colors, and shapes throughout the room. A great way to incorporate fun shapes and colors are through your tile selection. While subway tiles are a classic, there are many other options available that will be sure to make a statement in any room. Here are some of the top bathroom tile trends for 2017:

Fish Scale Tiles

Photo: Pinterest

Fish scale tile is definitely causing a scene in the design world. The ocean-inspired tiles can add a calming element to any bathroom. While we may attribute fish scales with cool greens and blues, fish scale tiles are available in endless colors and sizes. If you want to shy away from too much color, fish scale tiles can be paired easily with more traditional and simple designs by choosing neutral tile and grout colors.

Wood-Look Tiles

Photo: Empire Today Blog

While wood look tile may not be a "new" trend, we believe that it is a trend that will continue to climb in popularity in 2017 and beyond. This flooring option is not only popular in bathrooms, it is also becoming more common in kitchens, living areas, bedrooms, and more. They are the perfect option for those who love the look of hardwood floors, but hate the upkeep. We recommend installing wood-look tiles in interesting patterns, such as herringbone or chevron, to create interest.

Geometric Tiles

Photo: Firenza Stone

Geometric tiles can range from angular patterns with sharp lines, to more curved and floral-like patterns. When paired with simple and classic tiles, graphic tiles add a level of excitement to any space. The variety of shapes, colors, and patterns makes this trend suitable for any design style. One of the biggest trends in geometric design right now are hexagonal tiles; however, other shapes such as triangles, stars, and circles are also chic tile choices. They are a bold choice, yet can be incorporated beautifully in small spurts to avoid overwhelming the space.

Penny Tiles

Photo: Decoist

Penny tile has been on the rise (again) in recent years. They originally debuted in the early 1900's due to its durability and ease to clean. Penny tiles are typically offered in small circles, also called penny rounds, as well as square and hex shapes. Since they are small, penny tiles can help to make a small bathroom appear larger. As a bonus, penny tiles are a great bathroom tile option since they are relatively easy to install. While they are typically installed in black and white patterns, brighter colors are becoming more popular.

Planning a Bathroom Renovation? Here's How to Get Added Value

According to HGTV, what you get back on what you spend on home improvement projects depends on several factors including "the value of your house, the value of houses in your immediate neighborhood, the housing market where you live, how soon you sell after making improvements, and the quality of the project itself."

When planning any home improvement projects, it is a good idea to do some comparisons with other homes in your neighborhood. Is your home comparable to other homes around you in terms of number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and garages? This may be an important factor in determining whether you will be remodeling an existing room in your home, or add in a new room.

Kitchen and bathroom remodels continue to be two of the best investments you can make in your home. In terms of construction, kitchen and bath remodels take the cake on being the most expensive remodeling projects. When you walk into someones kitchen or bath, you can immediately tell whether they spent their money well or not.

Bathroom remodels remain popular since that is where people tend to spend a large amount of their time. If your goal is to retrieve the highest return for your money, think clean and timeless. You want to avoid anything too trendy as this can really "date" the bathroom. Instead, invest in quality wood cabinets, updated fixtures, and quality stone or ceramic materials for the flooring, countertops, and shower areas.

If your bathroom is smaller and doesn't have adequate space for a bathtub and a shower, consider foregoing the jetted bathtub. Typically, people have hectic schedules and don't indulge in baths very often. Choosing to replace a bathtub with a larger shower can land you extra square footage in your bathroom. In addition, a larger shower can be made handicap accessible, which means that you can age in place. While choosing to replace a bathtub with a shower may seem appealing, be sure to research the pros and cons.

In the end, don't stress over getting the full 100% of your investment back from a remodeling project. Your return on investment is dependent upon how long you plan on staying in your home and how often the space is used. Ultimately, the best way to remodel a bathroom in a way that you will get the biggest investment back is by remodeling it in the way that you would enjoy it the most.

Lighting for a Bathroom Renovation

Lighting can dramatically change the look and feel of any room in the house. While most homeowners tend to focus on lighting in the kitchen or living room areas, the bathroom is a room of the house that requires lots of lighting. Good bathroom lighting is essential for your safety while showering, bathing, and grooming.

Trying to achieve that spa-like bathroom feel in your bathroom renovation? One of the best ways to make your bathroom feel more luxurious is to layer several types of lighting. Some bathroom lighting options include recessed lights, vanity or makeup lights, wall sconces, and decorative ceiling lights.

Photo: Pinterest

One of the biggest trends in bathroom lighting today are decorative lights, such as pendant lights and chandeliers, over the bathtub. As we all know, safety becomes a concern when mixing water with electricity-especially over the bathtub. when choosing a light fixture for over the bathtub, it is imperative to comply with all electrical codes. The National Electric code clearly outlines the guidelines regarding bathtubs as follows:

"410.4(D) Bathtub and Shower Areas. No parts of cord-connected luminaires (fixtures), hanging luminaires (fixtures), lighting track, pendants, or ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans shall be located within a zone measured 900 mm (3 ft) horizontally and 2.5 m (8 ft) vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. This zone is all encompassing and includes the zone directly over the tub or shower stall."

Once you calculate how low your fixture can hang below your ceiling, it is time to determine which fixture style you will be choosing. It is best to choose a fixture that best represents your personality. Even though it is popular to hang a sparkly chandelier over your tub, don't feel as though you need to choose something glitzy and glamorous if that is not your style. There are many simplistic options on the market that will add drama and interest to your bathroom renovation.

Photo: Pinterest

Lighting is a key factor in helping to create a relaxing bathroom, especially over the bathtub. To further elevate your lighting, try adding dimmers to some light fixtures in the bathroom. This will help to create that spa-like ambiance everyone dreams of for their bathroom renovation. If you have any questions regarding bathroom renovations, or even lighting in general, feel free to contact us. We work with the best master electricians in town, SmartWire 360, to make sure the job is done on time and correctly.

Storage Solutions for a Bathroom Renovation

Photo: Pinterest

Does this sight look familiar? We can all imagine our bathrooms filled with products and other miscellaneous items that seem to make our countertops disappear. If this is the case, it may be time to consider alternative storage storage solutions for your bathroom renovation.

Wall Storage

Don't forget about the wall space! This is especially true for small bathroom renovations that don't have as much square footage available. Adding in a couple of shelves can be perfect for that extra bit of space that you need, while adding some visual interest to bare walls.

Photo: HGTV.com

Small Furniture Storage

A small piece of furniture, such as a small dresser, bench, storage ladder, or any other idea you can think of can be the perfect storage solution for your bathroom. As a bonus, freestanding storage can be easily swapped out as your style changes-without requiring any wall touch-ups.

Bathroom Renovation by Balducci Additions and Remodeling

Custom Cabinetry Storage

Perhaps the most luxurious storage solution, custom cabinetry can be one of the best investments for your bathroom renovation, When designing your bathroom renovation, it is important to bring in a professional, such as Balducci Additions and Remodeling, to assess your current bathroom and assist you in determining the best cabinet solution for you. For example, a center vanity console divides two sink areas to create "privacy" while including an abundance additional storage space.

Custom bathroom renovation by Balducci Additions and Remodeling

Under-Sink Storage

Don't neglect the space you already have! Is your under-sink cabinet being utilized to its fullest potential? If not, consider investing in sliding drawers or stacking bins. In comparison, if your under-sink area is open, purchasing baskets and bins to store away bath products are a necessity.

Photo: Bed Bath & Beyond

Storage is a huge concern for any homeowner-especially bathroom storage. These storage solutions are great ways to minimize the look of clutter and allow for relaxation. Your bathroom should be a place where you can escape the daily stresses of life-instead of feeling overwhelmed by clutter.

The Anatomy of a Relaxing Bathroom

As summer comes to an end, a load of responsibilities are set to start for many families as the kids go back to school. In preparation to school starting, it’s time to think about creating an oasis to escape to. Forget going to the spa and bring the spa to your home with these easy rules to make any bathroom a place to relax in. With National Relaxation Day on the 15th of this month, there’s no better time to transform your space (complete gut job is not required).

Create a calm space by decorating with a natural palette. The warm brown tones remind us of nature, which correlates to iPhone-less relaxation.

Stock up with white towels to add a luxury hotel feel. Bonus: buy fresh flowers that accentuate your decor.

Add some blues to your bath. The cool hues remind us of the ocean’s calming waves and the cool blue skies.

Consider lighting. A peaceful mood can be created by using lighting the right way. Skip the fluorescents and go for candles and a modern chandelier.

Even though these tips can be applied to almost any bathroom, it is important to include elements that help you to relax. Don’t be afraid to include your personality in your home design. As always, if these photos inspired you to get started on a bathroom remodel or addition, feel free to give us a call. We will be happy to set up an appointment for a free estimate! 804-730-0982.

Benefits of a Bathroom Renovation

Benefits of a Bathroom Renovation

While kitchen and bathroom remodels typically take the lead in remodeling projects, bathroom renovations tend to be the more popular choice in home renovations. Many people may prefer bathroom remodels to kitchen remodels since kitchen renovations tend to be more extensive and pricey. For those who want to save a bit of money for the time being, a remodeled bathroom can be a huge benefit to your home and family.

Custom bathroom renovation by Balducci Additions and Remodeling

More Tranquil and Relaxing

A bathroom renovation can create a more comfortable and calming space. The bathroom is typically one of the first and last places we go to during the day. Thus, it is important to create a space that you enjoy spending time in. A bathroom renovation can be the perfect way to add in spa-like fixtures and touches to create a more relaxing space.

Increase Home Value

According to the Remodeling 2016 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com), the average job cost for a bathroom remodel is $16,634 with a resell value of just under $10,000 in the Richmond, VA area. While you will never see a full return on your investment, many homebuyers look for homes with a remodeled bathroom and will possibly make it easier to sell. Even if you don’t plan on moving within the next few years, a bathroom renovation is a practical update that will add comfort and style to your home.

Configure Bathroom Layout

If you currently find yourself constantly bumping into other fixtures and components, it might be time to change up your current layout. A bathroom renovation can bring the perfect opportunity to add more space to your bathroom by taking some square footage from other unused space next to the bathroom. If that isn’t an option, simply changing up the placement of the fixtures and components can make a world of a difference in design and efficiency. Additionally, a bathroom remodel can be the perfect opportunity to add more storage space and shelving.

Bathroom Remodel by Balducci Additions and Remodeling

Your bathroom should be an inviting room in your home that you enjoy, not somewhere that you continuously to run in and out of. Another added bonus of a bathroom renovation is the possibility of saving money on energy bills by incorporating energy-efficient fixtures and components. Your bathroom should be a place that you look forward to relaxing in. Our team at Balducci Additions and Remodeling would love to help you out in designing and executing your bathroom renovation.

© 2016 Hanley Wood Media Inc. Complete data from the Remodeling 2016 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.

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.