Tag Archive for: bathroom remodeling

What to Include in a Successful Aging-In-Place Bathroom Remodel

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When you first purchased your home, you may not have given much thought to how future lifestyle changes may necessitate a home remodel. As a matter of comfort and safety, it’s important to keep in mind universal design features that can accommodate everyone’s needs and/or requirements, regardless of age or ability.

Whether you build a new home or remodel your current home, incorporating universal design features may minimize injuries for you or a loved one such as slipping and falling in the bathroom and prolong the stay in your home.

Here are a few aging-in-place bathroom design elements that will provide maximum convenience and livability in your home:

Bathtub/Shower

To minimize the chance of falling when getting into the tub or shower, consider installing a new walk-in tub. Instead of climbing over the edge, you simply open the door. When closed, it’s watertight.

Homeowners who prefer to keep their conventional tub and shower in place can opt for a glass door to replace the shower curtain, which is beneficial for the added stability it provides. And since you’re doing upgrades, a flexible, hand-held shower, grab bars and a stool to sit on when bathing will make for a much safer and comfortable experience.

Cabinets

The cabinets where you store toiletries, as well as first aid supplies and medicine, should be easy for anyone to access. And if you or someone else in your family will be using a wheelchair, it’s helpful to lower the cabinets so they can still be reached from a sitting position. As people age, they often take more medications and use other health remedies, so make sure to install cabinets with ample size for better organization and easier access.

Floors

Slippery bathroom floors are particularly dangerous for people who experience difficulties with mobility, balance, or vision. While bathroom tiles are often preferred for their ease of cleaning, some can be quite slippery and hard, although, in recent years, slip resistance has improved for many tile choices. Rubber flooring is an excellent non-slip option, while Vinyl is ideal for creating a softer surface. For best results, consider adding additional thin rubber bath mats wherever water might accumulate, such as near the sink and shower/tub to help prevent falls.

Grab Bars

Whatever a person’s age, it makes sense to proceed with caution in a wet and slippery environment, especially when moving about in the bathroom. This is where grab bars can make a difference for your aging-in-place bathroom remodel. Install grab bars to assist you when you get up and down from the toilet and get in and out of the shower and/or bathtub. Adding grab bars doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice appearances, though. Unlike stark, institutional metal bars that you see installed in bathrooms at medical facilities, you can find home grab bars in a range of colors and styles to nicely compliment your bathroom design.

Lights

There are two primary considerations to keep in mind for lighting when upgrading your bathroom. Lighting must be abundant and adequate so you can see clearly, avoiding accidents; this is especially important since our eyesight tends to worsen with age. The lights must also be easy to access when it comes time to change them. Ideally, you’ll want multiple light sources, so if one bulb goes out, you’ll still have plenty of light until you change it. Another suggestion is to switch to eco-friendly LED bulbs that can last for years before burning out.

You also may want to consider adding lights powered by batteries, avoiding the hassle of rewiring the bathroom and giving you a great deal of flexibility for where you place them. Want a light right next to the toilet, or above a towel rack? No problem! Individuals with mobility issues can make the bathroom even safer by installing some motion sensors to switch lights on and off automatically when you enter and leave.

Sink

Whether you are recovering from an injury or are experiencing aches and pains such as from arthritis, it makes sense to switch out clunky, uncomfortable knobs to handles, which are much easier to manage. You can also install a foot-operated faucet, allowing hands-free control. As is the case with bathroom cabinets, you may need to lower the bathroom sink to accommodate a person sitting in a wheelchair. You can reduce the chance of injury from hot water by installing scald-prevention devices at the shower/tub and sink.

Every aspect of the bathroom should be evaluated for potential slip and fall problems. For example, choose rounded edges for the bathroom counter, to lessen the chances of injuries caused by falls.

Toilet

To make it easier to use the toilet, it’s a good idea to replace the original with a new, higher unit that is easier to sit on and stand up from. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of installing a taller seat. People with mobility issues can add a bidet, making personal hygiene all the more convenient.

Upgrading Your Home With Universal Design for Aging-in-Place

There are some important considerations to keep in mind when preparing a bathroom remodel for homeowners who want to harness the principles of universal design to accommodate issues such as disability and aging-in-place. An excellent way to start is by signing up for a free home remodeling seminar. Homeowners can stay on top of the latest design ideas by checking out our remodeling portfolio. And once you have a better idea of what you need for your bathroom remodel, you’ll want to speak with one of our expert designers. Give us a call at 765.838.1644 today.

 

2018 Stylish Design Trends for the Bathroom

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The best new looks coming to Lafayette, Indiana

If you’re like most people, your bathroom has become a personal sanctuary—a place to cleanse and rest from a hard days work. So, when you remodel your bathroom, you’re not just creating a functional bathing space, you’re creating a type of oasis—a place to relax, rejuvenate, and find yourself.  When it comes to designing a plan for your bathroom, everything matters – from the materials to the fixtures, the floor plan, and lighting.

If you’re looking to remodel your bathroom or starting a remodel and making selections, this year is bringing in some stylish design trends to consider.

As a full-service design build firm servicing Tippecanoe County, Riverside Construction is staying up with these current bathroom design trends, helping homeowners choose the latest and greatest in bathroom products and features.  Here is what is trending in bathroom designs for 2018:

Fabulous Furniture-Style Vanities

Who says you can’t have furniture in the bathroom?  Today’s market offers a wide assortment of beautiful sideboards, desks and cabinets (manufactured or repurposed) that can be used as a bathroom vanity—providing beauty and function to any bathroom.  No matter if your design style is farmhouse or ultra contemporary there is a furniture-style vanity that can fit your every need.

Stand Alone Tubs

While there has been a shift away from tubs to showers, homeowners who elect to keep their tubs are doing so in style. Large freestanding single-person tubs can function as a stunning focal point in the bathroom, offering everything from soothing jets to a deep basin for fully covered soaking. Another benefit?  Hydrotherapy!  A warm water soak can help with everything from pain relief and increased circulation to improved joint motion. Moreover, tubs are standing on their own when it comes to pure rest and relaxation. Now, who wouldn’t want that?

Trending Tile

Bathroom tile never gets old. In fact, it’s exploding with new colors and creative designs. On top of the list of hot bathroom trends is tile that mimics the look of other materials, such as wood, stone, or concrete.  Hardwood floors are never a good choice in bathrooms due to the risk of water damage. But, now with the new wood-look tile, you can create the warm natural look of wood without worrying about water damaging the floor.  3D tile is also being used to add interesting texture and dimension to a bathroom.  Geometric tile in various shapes and sizes offers endless design possibilities that include wave patterns, hexagons, diamonds, chevron patterns and even stars. These eye-catching shapes are used on the floor and are also being used as bathroom backsplashes, on shower walls, and even as ceiling accents.

Quartz and Its Quartz Cousin

Quartz Look Alike Solid Surface Product

Quartz countertops have become homeowners’ first choice, over granite, for its durability, easy maintenance and variety of color and design options. However, solid surface manufacturers have also been busy creating a wide range of Quartz-like countertops that mimic the look and durability of Quartz but at a fraction of the cost. These two products are popular considerations for your next bathroom remodel.

Sensational Sinks

There are several remarkable sinks and vanities on the market today. Many of the current models have beautiful decorative patterns. Others are colorful or made of natural stone, wood, glass and even metal. Below is a list of some of our favorites gaining in popularity.

Trough and bucket sinks are wide and deep providing lots of functionality with plenty of fresh design options for both the master and kid bathrooms alike.

Integrated sinks provide a sleek silhouette that works well with a contemporary style bathroom. We also love glass vessel sinks that act as a beautiful piece of artwork right on your bathroom countertop.

Luxury Showers

Homeowners love their showers. They are not only getting grander they are getting larger. These oversized showers offer ample space for features like built-in bench seating, custom shelving, rain showerheads, or even multiple showerheads. Many bathrooms are also being upgraded to luxurious, spa-like showers that offer a number of indulgent features such as pebble tile shower floors, a steam function, built-in sound system, to name a few.

Curbless showers are also at the top of Lafayette homeowners’ wish lists. These popular walk-in showers offer the convenience of easy access and cleaning, while also providing a spacious, clean, sleek look that will stand the test of time. It’s also a smart choice for aging-in-place homeowners looking to stay in their homes for long periods of time.

If you’re ready to break the mold and incorporate your unique design style into your bathroom, call Riverside Construction today or request a complimentary design consultation here. We’d be happy to guide you through the process.

For further design inspiration visit our Bathroom Portfolio.

Sign up for a free educational seminar on kitchen and bathroom remodels. Learn how to design value into your home, how to budget for your remodel, how long your project should take, current design trends, new products to consider, and how to choose a contractor wisely. Space is limited, so RSVP early.

If you found this bathroom design article helpful and would like to receive future articles as they are published, we invite you to subscribe to our popular monthly e-Newsletter.

Riverside Construction Before and After Home Renovations

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Featuring Riverside Construction’s “Designed for Life” Home Transformations in 2017

Whether you’re ready to remodel now or in the near future, tackling a remodel can be an intimidating process. But, seeing a home transform from bland to beautiful is often all the motivation you need to get your project started—particularly as you imagine your own home in these impressive before and after photos. Find your inspiration in these “Designed for Life” transformations we documented in 2017:

Kitchen Renovation
A central island wasn’t working for these homeowners, so we reworked the layout with an L shaped island with seating for two. The dated traditional design was replaced with fresh, sleek cabinetry, granite countertops, and pendant lighting.

Kitchen Renovation
With the help of Riverside Construction, this kitchen went from bland to grand! The kitchen was opened up to a create more efficient workspace, better traffic flow, and improved lighting. Aesthetically, the space was transformed with medium colored Hickory flooring, a honed travertine backsplash with Mosaic tile accents, an undermount Silgranite sink with Hawaii granite countertops, and full overlay cabinet doors in both dark and light colors.

For further design inspiration, view more photos and project details on this West Lafayette Traditional Kitchen Remodel

Kitchen Renovation
This small West Lafayette kitchen received a big renovation! These homeowners wanted to make sure that the remodel matched the Mid-Century style and character of the rest of the home. Riverside Construction knocked down a wall and opened the space so that the homeowners could enjoy abundant natural light and the beautiful view outside their windows. Ensuring the home’s architectural integrity, we used Mid-Century inspired materials that complemented the original wood color and style of the house, taking full advantage of the high ceilings to add more storage.

For further design inspiration, view more photos and project details on this West Lafayette Mid Century Modern Kitchen Remodel

Master Bathroom Shower Renovation
This master bathroom shower was dark and claustrophobic. Riverside Construction opened it up using double glass doors, gorgeous marble tile, brass fixtures and a bench for sitting. Beautiful!

Basement Bathroom Renovation
Riverside Construction added square footage to this small basement bathroom by removing a wall that allowed room for a functional shower designed with clean, crisp subway tile. To complete this transformation, dark gray paint was replaced with lighter tones and a new vanity was laid with gorgeous granite and all new brushed nickel fixtures.

Powder Room Remodel
From pink to perfect, this homeowner wanted their powder room to reflect their unique style preference while blending seamlessly with the architectural style of their home. Mission accomplished!

Basement Food and Beverage Entertainment Center
An old dated wet bar gets a much-needed modern facelift, complete with a beverage cooler, microwave, sink, lots of outlets and plenty of cabinet space.

Mud Room & Laundry Remodel
Whether you have a smaller home, or a large second entryway full of storage potential, one of the most envied, desired rooms in the home is a functional mudroom and/or laundry room. For this busy family, custom, built-in cabinetry was installed to accommodate each family member with plenty of creative storage potential—cubbies, cabinets, hooks for coats, shelves for shoe storage, and benches for seating. And, a bright pop of color on the wall helped to make this laundry room bright and airy.

Basement Kitchenette Addition
An unused space in a basement is transformed into a highly functional kitchenette complete with a refrigerator, microwave, sink and plenty of storage.

If you liked what you saw, be sure to like us on Facebook and check out our regularly scheduled “Before and After” posts throughout the year.

If 2018 is the year that you’re ready to tackle that remodel you’ve been dreaming about, be sure to sign up for one of our complimentary home remodeling seminars to help you get started.

If you’re ready to start a conversation about your own home remodeling project, schedule a no-obligation design consultation today. We will get you well on your way to creating a stunning living space that meets your personal design style, functional needs, and budget requirements. That’s what we do!

What You Should Know Before Remodeling Your Bathroom

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Although a more closely-knit space, bathrooms are one of the most important rooms in your home. As the saying goes, “good things come in small packages.” If you are considering a bathroom remodel, an affordable, stylish and functional design can make all the difference in your long-term comfort and use of your space.

Follow these helpful tips to ensure your bathroom renovation stands the test of time:

Determine How You and Your Family Uses the Bathroom

Your bathroom is a personal space, unlike any other room in your home. You should take some time to consider how you use your bathroom first. You may be someone that uses their bathroom to quickly shower, shave, brush their teeth and go. Or, you may be like other people who consider their bathroom like an oasis—a place to relax, unwind, light candles and reinvigorate themselves.

Regardless of how you use your bathroom, be sure to get input from all members of your household that use it. How many people use the tub or shower at one time? Do you need more private space for the toilet? How are you currently using the space and will your needs change as you get older?

Perhaps your bathroom is primarily used for your children. If that is the case, you may consider keeping your bathtub, rather than replacing it with a shower. For improved, functional space, you may want to consider building a bank of cabinets for each child to store their personal items.

Is your bathroom particularly cold in the morning chilling you to the bone? You may want to consider heated flooring, or installing a modern towel warmer.

While it is important to plan for all of the functional necessities of your new bathroom, you will also want to take some time to dream big.  Have you always wanted a spa-like bathroom with rain-style showerheads, a no shower enclosure, or bench seating? Or have you coveted the idea of a separate vanity to do your hair and make-up?  Flush out your list of requirements (no pun intended), separating “nice-to-haves” from “must haves” before establishing a budget. Then, value-engineer back, making choices on what features you need and what you can afford.

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Budget Considerations

Speaking of budget, most people have no idea how much a bathroom remodel costs, and, rightly so. There are many variables that have to be considered when planning for one.  Regardless of your budget, size or style requirements, most bathroom remodels fall under these three categories:

Cosmetic Remodel

In most cases, a cosmetic remodel is going to be the most-cost effective approach.  It involves changing certain elements of the bathroom without affecting the original footprint of the space. Essentially, you are giving the bathroom a “refresh” by updating amenities like the sink, fixtures, cabinet hardware, paint, mirrors and lighting. This type of remodel can usually be done in a short amount of time and with little disruption to your life.

Remove and Replace Remodel

This is your mid-range option that requires more labor and materials. Everything in the bathroom is replaced (toilet, sink, shower, flooring, lighting, cabinets, etc.) but every component goes back exactly where it was originally—the footprint of the bathroom remains unchanged. This usually involves removing drywall down to the studs, particularly if there are signs of mold or leakage. With a Remove and Replace remodel, you will end up with a completely new bathroom with minimal disruption to any other area of your home. 

Custom Remodel

The custom remodel is where your “dream list” comes into play. The sky is the limit. You have an opportunity to build your bathroom from scratch customizing the space to meet your needs exactly, limited only by budget. A custom remodel is perfect for someone with a smaller bathroom that needs a lot more space; or a bathroom with a poor original design that is in need of a more functional or visually pleasing design. This renovation option is more time consuming and usually involves renovation in more than one room in your house to accommodate the added space.

In case you’re having a hard time deciding which remodel is right for you, a qualified design/build remodeler like Riverside Construction can guide you through this process and help you determine which option best fits your lifestyle needs and your budget. Please contact us if you think we can help.

 

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Design Style and Functionality

Aw, now the fun begins…starting the process of thinking about what you want your bathroom to look and feel like. As you consider paint colors, tile choices, vanities and fixtures, you can start with one design item that you want to feature in your bathroom and design around it; or piece several design elements together to create your final bathroom design. There are plenty of online resources, such as Pinterest and Houzz, which make this process easy, giving you a multitude of bathroom design options to explore.  

As you narrow your choices, you will not only want to consider who will use your bathroom and how, but how your newly designed bathroom flows with the rest of your home. Consistency is key. You don’t want to add a rustic, farm-style bathroom to a 1950’s-era brick ranch home, for example. Choose from fixtures that provide a variety of style, material and color choices that match the existing design of your home.

 

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Lighting is Key

Adequate lighting is important to have throughout your home, but in the bathroom it is essential. As the bathroom increasingly becomes a place to recharge and relax, lighting requires an extra thought. When it’s done right, the payoff is great. And, you can never go wrong installing sufficient and luxurious bathroom lighting. Consider these three key areas to improve lighting in your bathroom remodel:

Vanity Lighting

Top on the priority list is making sure you have the right lighting above the vanity, used for illuminating your head and face. A common mistake people make is installing recessed ceiling fixtures directly over the mirror, which cast shadows on the face. This makes daily grooming rituals, like shaving and makeup application, more difficult. Instead, vertical fixtures or sconces should be mounted on either side of the mirror to help cast an even light across the face.
Unfortunately, this is not always possible given vanity mirror size and positioning constraints. A Riverside design consultant can help you determine the best lighting placement for you.

Shower/Tub

The shower or tub is often the darkest area of the bathroom, and may require secondary task lighting. If the shower has a clear, glass door, a dedicated fixture may not be necessary. Otherwise there are plenty of moisture resistant recessed lighting options to choose from.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting serves as a substitute for natural light. You can consider a surface-mounted ceiling light, a pendant lamp or even a chandelier. Other options include “cove lighting”, which are rope lights hidden behind a molding dropped several inches below ceiling height – adding a soft glow around the room’s perimeter. Another option is adding a dimmer switch to adjust the mood in your bathroom.

 

Ventilation

Do you love taking long, hot, steamy showers? Did you know that you could be causing irreparable damage to your bathroom? Without proper ventilation, all of that humidity and moisture built-up in your bathroom creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can damage the drywall, flooring, wood framing and even your cabinets.

Thankfully, with proper ventilation, you can enjoy your hot, steamy showers and ensure your bathroom remodel lasts for many years to come. An adequate bathroom exhaust ventilation fan does just the trick. It removes excess moisture, odors and even mold spores that can lead to health problems. Before choosing a ventilation fan, make sure it is large enough to accommodate the size of your bathroom. There are also great fan options that include features like humidity sensors, automatic timers and built-in nightlights.

 

Think Long Term (Universal Design)

Once you decide to remodel your bathroom, it is important to maximize your investment by remodeling with your future in mind. Consider the principles of universal design, which is the design and composition of an environment that can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability.  

Whether you are planning to live out your retirement in your home, or eventually sell it, you’ll want to consider universal design principles when remodeling your bathroom. Grab bars, wider doorways, shower seating and non-slip flooring will go a long way towards maximizing your investment.

 

Efficient Use of Space

If you’re like most homeowners, you never have enough storage space. When you’re planning a bathroom remodel, it is a perfect time to design plenty of added storage into your new cabinetry, shelving and even custom nooks.

If your bathroom footprint will remain the same, there are many creative ways to squeeze a little extra storage out of your existing space.

For example, while a pedestal sink may speak to your design sensibilities, choosing a vanity instead provides you with plenty of extra storage.  Adding niches and shelves in the shower create space for your toiletries, while keeping items off of the floor; and installing a medicine cabinet is an easy way to keep beauty supplies off of your countertop.  

For questions about remodeling a bathroom in your home, contact Riverside Construction today!

Take the first step by scheduling an in-home meeting with your very own personal design consultant.

We also schedule complimentary bathroom remodeling seminars regularly each month. Let us know your interest in attending by signing up today.

Quite Energy Star Bathroom Exhaust Fan

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exhaust-fanPanasonic makes one of our favorite bathroom exhaust fans. The fan’s unique “electronic brain” automatically adjusts the CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) ventilation flow regardless of factors that might hinder performance. Read more

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