Jazzy Brick

Posts Tagged ‘az’

Have you realized the direction and focus in the features of a house have changed over the last several decades? If you walk into a house that was built in the 70′s, you may notice that they have larger backyards and living room/dining room space but small master bedrooms, no walk in closets, and the biggest difference…no master bath suite. Compared to modern day bathrooms, you could fit sometimes as many as 10 older bathrooms in one master suite of a standard house built today. Because of our change in our standard of living, people now expect luxurious bathrooms and closet space over an obtuse yard, which requires maintenance and upkeep.

When you ask a mom or full time career woman what she wants most out of her home, the answer you most likely receive is, “A Bathroom retreat where I can forget all the stresses of the day and unwind.” Well, if you own an older home you may have considered the idea of remodeling to get that spa feel you desire.

Here are some suggestions to consider and keep in mind when executing your long awaited Scottsdale bathroom design.

Texture
Don’t be afraid to mix textures and different elements. You can easily mix natural stone and porcelain tile to create more interest in a space. An example of this would be using porcelain tile for the flooring but using natural stone around the bathtub drop-in for a dramatic effect and focal point. Glass tiles can also be utilized to add the “pop” you are looking for in your space.  Sinks are also a great tool to add more interest to your bathroom. Whether you choose and under-mounted stainless steel sink or a sink that is basin style, atop your counter and is rough and stony. Be sure to review all your options for sinks and counter tops, don’t just go with the first one you see.

Accents
Don’t be one of those people that fall short! So many people do a full remodel but forget to finish up with the details that really bring the bathroom together. One of these common mistakes include the light fixtures. This small, but important fixture is very important in finalizing that spa like atmosphere. Additionally, consider using framed mirrors, which add warmth and a sense of elegance, instead of the cookie-cutter mirrors you find in trac homes. Lastly, updating the towel bars and rings can put an additional custom feel on any bathroom. Try exchanging out the towel bar for clean, contemporary hooks or the rings for straight rods that are open ended. My husband and I hated the gold rings that came with our house to hold the hand towels so we found contemporary toilet paper bars that were very contemporary and clean. We installed those instead as hand towel hangers and they work brilliantly. Not only do they look amazing and custom, but no one knows what the original purpose was for the bar!

Extras
When doing Scottsdale bathroom remodeling, don’t forget the extra luxuries that are available to you. While redesigning your cabinetry and counter cabinets, consider adding an under the counter mini-fridge or a warming/steam drawer for your towels. Nothing screams luxury more than a steamy towel after a relaxing bath. Another “extra” to consider is a wall mounted TV or a cabinet to hold your TV so you can get caught up in the morning while taking your shower instead of while you are making breakfast.

Over time, an updated, modern bathroom has become a priority for most home owners. If you decide to redo your bathroom don’t think of it for just yourself, but also as an opportunity to add as a selling point in the future. Because of this, you should consider recruiting help for the project and to gather ideas from. When it comes to Scottsdale bathroom designs, there is way too much for you to miss out on.

If you are considering Scottsdale home remodeling and do not know what to expect, the job can become a complete nightmare, even the smallest one. The tiniest projects you have planned and easily go over budget and double in time. Deciding to enlist in the labor yourself to save on costs or hiring friends can also have devistating effects. In the following I am going to share a story of my personal experience in what was supposed to be a small project.

My husband and I bought a rental house that was completely redone including a new Scottsdale bathroom design and Scottsdale kitchen design, the only thing left was the garage. The two car garage had once been a two car carport that the previous owner enclosed. The garage was a mess with wires and pipes exposed everywhere, the washer, dryer and water heater were haphazardly placed, the walls are open to the studs and not insulated. Additionally, the ceiling was warped and peeling from the exposure to the elements when it was a carport. When we bought the house we figured we would hire a friend of ours and knock it out in two weekends.

Even with the incompleted garage we purchased the home. After reveiwing the garage layout we came to the conclusion the best value would include building a laundry room while we were finishing the then, skeletal garage. Despite the change in plans, the project took several months to complete rather than at most the one month we planned. Additionally, our friend was only able to work weekends, but not every weekend and it went way over budget from what we originally decided. In the end, the job was not completely finished because we got tired of throwing money into it and the countless hours it was taking him. We ended up finishing the job a year later.

One year from the time we updated the garage, the water heater ceased to work. We had a plumber come out to take a look at it but he said the wiring in the breaker box was no good. So we sent out an electrician to take a look. Much to our dismay, the problem was in the attic and was a blown electrical box for the water heater. It was completely blackened and fried. Somehow a spark ignited and ruined the box. Luckily the sparks didn’t ignite a fire and burn down the house, which we are continually thankful for. The first question the electrician asked us is who worked on our house because it would have never had passed a home inspection with the wiring that was set up. Our only theory is that when our friend moved the water heater for the laundry room, he redid some wiring that was not up to code and could have costs us our house and possibly our tenants lives.

Another issue that we didn’t seem to realize is the damage or awkwardness it would have on our friendship. Now that money and dependability really had become centerstage, the relationship became a little weird. They say you shouldn’t mix friends and business and I think that with the experience I have had, that is good advice. Especially when money is involved and you are paying them.

In the end, what did I gain from that avenue of my life? Firstly, if deciding to elist in cheap labor, understand fully what the consiquences are and don’t hold high expectaions. Also, not to be surprised when you are dishing out 50% or more cash than you originally budgeted for and to plan to go over the alloted time, even double it. When the job is completed, have a home inspector come out to make sure it is up to code. The most important though, is hire a professional in Scottsdale home design to take care of it. Professional designers and remodelers have the proper tools and resources to keep your job on time and within the appropriate budget you have set. Additionally, if something goes sour, you have recourse. You don’t  get that kind of guarantee with cheap labor.