Are quartz counter tops better than granite?

You’ll be fine with either one. For many years quartz was much more expensive than granite and the selections where limited, but in the last few years there are many more quartz options available and the prices have come down as demand has risen.

How much will my kitchen remodeling project cost?

This varies greatly by project. A full kitchen remodel including appliances generally starts around $60,000.00 and could range to over $200,000.00. Most kitchens in eastern Massachusetts range from $60,000.00 to $150,000.00

How much will my bathroom remodeling project cost?

This varies greatly by project. A full half bath remodel usually costs between $9,000.00 and $15,000.00. A family bath with a tub, vanity, and toilet usually starts between $25,000.00 and $30,000.00.

What is Design Build?

Design Build is a process in which one company handles all project budgeting, planning, design and construction. This preferred method of home improvement works since blueprints and designs from architects are expensive and add months to the process.

How much will a master suite addition cost?

This varies greatly by project and homestyle. A local, reputable design build firm will be able to help you determine a budget and also design and build your addition.

How much will a family room addition cost?

This varies greatly by project and homestyle. A local, reputable design build firm will be able to help you determine a budget and also design and build your addition.

How much does a finished basement cost?

This varies greatly by project and homestyle. A local, reputable design build firm will be able to help you determine a budget and also design and finish your basement.

5 Tips for Bathroom Remodeling

When it comes to remodeling a bathroom, it is easy to get overwhelmed with the number of selections and decisions that need to be made. Even if the bathroom is tiny, there are still decisions to make in regards to tile, tile layout, accent tile, wall color, vanity hardware, countertops, plumbing parts—the list goes on! With all these selections and decisions, it is easy to forget a few key considerations that will improve functionality and upgrade your remodel from being good…to being great!

Radiant Heat

Radiant heat is probably the number one upgrade I suggest to clients. There is nothing like waking up in the morning on a cold day and being able to step on to warm and cozy floors in the bathroom. Most of the time, bathroom floors are tiled, and tiled floors can be very cold to the touch. Because tile is an excellent heat conductor, radiant heat in a tiled bath is a natural application, and the tile will retain its heat even after you turn the system off. A bonus feature—you can often program the radiant heat (sometimes even from your phone) to turn on just before you wake up with a push of a button. No more cold toes!

Ventilation

It always amazes me how many old bathrooms are not vented at all, or the vent fan just blows moisture into the attic instead of venting to the exterior. Not good! Make sure your bathroom remodeling plan includes a new exhaust fan that is properly vented to the exterior. This will ensure the bathroom has healthy air and remains fresh and clean. An important note: Ventilation should be performed by a qualified, licensed installer to ensure it is done safely and should always be inspected and approved by the building inspector.

Tub Versus Shower

I have so many clients ask me if they should keep their tub or convert it to a large shower when they dive in to bathroom remodeling. I always tell them to think about how often they actually take a bath versus taking a shower. Most of my clients say only once or twice a year but are still worried about removing a tub for resale, even if resale is 5+ years down the road. My advice is if you don’t take baths, don’t waste valuable bathroom floor space on a bath tub. If you aren’t planning on selling within 5 years, you need to design for yourself, not for the next owner. You are the one spending the money! Of course, if you do take baths and have the room, a beautiful freestanding soaking tub and a stand up shower is the way to go!

Handheld Showerhead

If you are remodeling a shower, I would highly recommend getting a handheld showerhead. Whether you have a handheld showerhead in addition to your stationary showerhead or you completely forego the stationary showerhead and just install a removable one, the functionality of the showerhead increases dramatically. Having an adjustable showerhead means you can accommodate to the heights of different family members (or even pets), and it makes cleaning the tub and/or shower a breeze.

Shower Niche

I’m always looking for inspiration, so I check out design magazines and websites like Houzz.com frequently. Lately, I’ve seen several shower designs that don’t have any built-in shelving. So, while the shower may look very pretty, it is going to lose all of its charm when the shower floor is covered in shampoo bottles and bars of soap because there is no place to put anything. All of my shower designs feature some type of shower niche. Framed in to the studs, these niches are tiled to either blend in with the field tile or are tiled in an accent tile to make them pop. Either way, they are a feature that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional—the best of both worlds!

No matter how many decisions you need to work out on your project, don’t forget to consider some of these points to ensure that your bathroom remodeling adventure is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional for both you and your family.

Check out more photos of recent bathroom remodeling projects at our Houzz.com page here!