fbpx

Call us today! 949-716-1938

Inspired Remodels

Author: Inspired Remodels

Tips for Picking the Right Bathtub from Expert Bathroom Remodeler

By / Bathroom Remodel / Comments Off on Tips for Picking the Right Bathtub from Expert Bathroom Remodeler

Do your dreams of a new bathroom include a new bathtub?  Or are you just looking to put a new tub in an existing space.  Whether you dream of soaking after a long day or giving the kids a quick bath before bed, the Orange County’s expert bathroom remodeler shares some things to consider.

Installation

How will your tub be installed?  This is determined by the amount of space you have and the type of tub you want. Often, it is the amount of space that will determine the type of tub.  In addition, will you need new plumbing or can the existing plumbing be used?  Adding or moving plumbing will add to the cost of the install. You should discuss installation options with your bathroom remodeler early in the design process. A bathroom remodel is only as good as the original design.

Tub Styles

Freestanding.  As the name implies, these tubs stand alone. Freestanding tubs the old-style claw-foot tubs or the new-style Japanese soaking tubs. This style tub doe not attach to the walls. Freestanding tubs are finished on all sides.  They are generally plumbed from underneath.  The old cast iron tubs are heavy and when you add in the weight of water (a little over 8 lbs per gallon) make sure the floor and subfloor can hold the weight.  This is particularly true for 2nd floor bathrooms.

bathroom remodeler adds freestanding tub to design for spa experience

Soaker tubs are deeper than conventional tubs.  You want one that is insulated enough to hold the heat of the water on a chilly night. This style tub is great for soaking, but difficult to bend over for giving the kids a bath.  This style is best reserved for the master bath.

Recessed Tubs. Recessed Tubs can take different forms.  A recessed tub has three sides mounted to the walls.  This is the common tub/shower combination.  A recessed tub will have one skirted (or finished) side. Tile the surrounding walls in almost any configuration and give your bathroom a personal touch.

Corner Tub.  A corner tub attaches to two walls in the corner of the bathroom.  These large tubs occupy valuable real estate in the bathroom but if you have the space they are stunning.  Corner tubs are commonly jetted, but non-jetted corner tubs are available.

bathroom remodeler adds drop in tub for spa like soaking tub

Drop In Tub.  These tubs look like mini spas.  The tub itself has no finished sides.  When installed, it is surrounded by a platform that is finished in stone or tile. Make sure to use non-slick surfaces for the steps.  But you won’t need to remind an expert bathroom remodeler to do this, they already know. That’s why they are experts.

Occupants

Want to accommodate multiple bathers or soakers?  Make sure your soaking tub will fit the number and size of your bathers.  For two bathers, you will want to consider a corner tub, a whirlpool tub, or a custom drop in tub.

Size of Hot Water Heater

That fabulous soaker tub won’t be so fabulous if you can’t fill it with hot water.  Many homeowners shop for more tub than they have hot water heater.  This is another one of those times when working with an expert bathroom remodeler pays off.  They will always make sure that your hot water heater has the capacity to serve your tub. 

logo

The Right Bathroom Starts with the Right Bathroom Remodeler

Pick your bathroom remodeler with care.  A new bathtub can require new plumbing.  You want a remodeler that can handle all trades, plumbing, electrical, flooring and drywall.  Working with a contractor that provides design services will remove some of the stress and improve communication and workflow during construction.

Inspired Remodels can take your ideas and turn them into the bathroom of your dreams.  Call (949) 716-1938 or Contact Us to schedule a free consultation today.  That dream tub may only be

Residential Remodeling Contractors Design for Success

By / Home Improvement / Comments Off on Residential Remodeling Contractors Design for Success

When it comes to a successful residential remodeling project, you must design for success.  That means working with residential remodeling contractors that can do more than handle plumbing, electrical and flooring.  You need a contractor that can takes your ideas, wants, and needs and turn them into a truly inspired design.  Inspired Remodels can do more than transform you home, they turn dreams into reality.  That’s because your remodel starts with the design.

residential remodeling contractors that use design build provide an efficient workflow

Evolution of Design Build

Once upon a time, when a homeowner wanted to do a major remodel to their home they had to hire the services of many professionals: an architect, a designer, a general contractor.  This added substantially to the cost of a project and added layers of complication.

With design build, the workflow is simplified and projects run smoother.  The entire project is delivered under one contract: a contract with the design build firm.  Streamlining the project in this manner means the owner only need to maintain one relationship: the relationship with the design build firm. The popularity of this method has grown substantially in the last 15 years. While this method of project delivery started for commercial projects, it has been adopted by a few residential remodeling contractors.

Orange County Residential Remodeling Contractors Using Design Build

Inspired Remodels is the premier Orange County residential remodeling contracting company using the design build methodology.  When you work with Inspired Remodels, you will start by sharing your ideas for your remodel with Joe, the design lead. Joe will transform your ideas for a kitchen remodel, a bathroom renovation or a whole house do-over into a design and give you a presentation that makes it easy for you to visualize the end-result.  Inspired Remodels works with great brands such as KitchenCraft, Kohler, and daltile to provide finishes that look great and rooms that are functional and beautiful.

Once you have approved the design and project budget, Jason will swing into action.  As the project manager, he will be your point of contact.  Inspired Remodels knows that any major home remodeling project is stressful.  When your home is turned into a construction site you just want the job to be done.  Jason brings in the skilled craftsman to do the job right the first time.  Tight scheduling keeps your project on track so that it is delivered on time and on budget.  You get a great remodel and a great remodel experience because you chose the residential remodeling contractors that design for success. Call (949) 716-1938 Contact Us to schedule your free consultation today or use our form to schedule on-line.

 

 

A Kitchen Cabinet Contractor Dishes on Picking Kitchen Cabinets

By / custom cabinets, Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off on A Kitchen Cabinet Contractor Dishes on Picking Kitchen Cabinets

Does the idea of a tax refund this Spring have you thinking of new kitchen cabinets?  New kitchen cabinets breathe life into a tired kitchen.  There are so many options.  Where should you start?  What makes a good cabinet?  Here are some tips straight from the horse’s (well the kitchen cabinet contractor’s) mouth.

kitchen cabinet contractor installs semi-customer cabinets

Loving It or Leaving It?

One of the first things to consider is how long you plan to continue living in the house.  If you have no plans to live in the house (for example it is a rental) then you don’t want to purchase highly personalized cabinets customized for your cooking style.  For a rental, you want cabinets that are durable and easy to maintain.

If you plan on selling your home within the next five years, you must keep in mind the comparable houses in the neighborhood.  Don’t be shy about attending an open house or two to make sure you don’t pick cabinets that put your kitchen on the high-end or the low-end of comparable homes.

If you plan on living in your home for more than five years, then go ahead and pick the cabinets you will love for the next 10 to 15 years.  Use a layout that works for your cooking style and meets your needs.  Remember, you are creating a workspace.

blueprints projectsDetermine Your Layout

You can do it with your kitchen cabinet contractor or sketch it out before your first meeting.  But, you do need to get a rough idea of the layout. Are you keeping your existing layout?  Are the kitchen cabinets coming in as part of an entire kitchen remodel?  You have more latitude with the layout if the new cabinets are part of a complete kitchen remodel.  If that is the case start by marking the location of:

  • doors
  • windows
  • architectural elements
  • major appliances
  • sink

Next mark where electricity and water are located.  Make sure you have the exact dimensions of each element before you start shopping cabinets.  The sink, range, and refrigerator should make a triangle for the most efficient workspace.  Now you know how much space you have for cabinetry.

Standard Cabinets

Standard kitchen cabinets fall into three categories:  base, wall, and tall.  Their dimensions are as follows:

Base  Base cabinets sit on a 4″ riser called a toe kick.  They are 24″ deep and 36″ tall.  Some cabinets are available in 27″ depth.

Wall  Wall cabinets are hung on the wall.  They are usually 12″ deep, but some can be as deep as 17″.  These are used for storage of glasses, dishes, and other items.

Tall  These cabinets are used as pantry space or broom closets.  Most tall cabinets are 83 1/2″ tall.

Specialty Cabinets

Specialty cabinets enter the realm of semi-custom.  There are corner cabinets designed to make use of the “dead” space in corners.  Bottle racks and appliance garages provide specialized storage.  Cabinets made to install in front of cooktops also maximize space.  Specialty cabinets can be constructed as hutches to store dishes or other items.  Baking sheets and racks can be stored in specially made narrow cabinets.

Cabinet Grades

Cabinets come in a variety of grades and prices.  As the quality of the cabinet increases so does the price.  These days you may find the quality and features you need with semi-custom cabinets instead of custom cabinets.

Ready to Assemble.  These are mass-produced do-it-yourself kits. They are the least expensive and the least durable.  Options are limited and you need the skills and tools to assemble and install properly.

Stock.  These cabinets arrive presized. They are economical and are available in a wider variety than ready-to-assemble cabinets.  Because they come in fixed sizes, they cannot be altered so they won’t work in all spaces.  Stock cabinets are available in a range of materials from particle board to solid wood. They are a budget-friendly choice for rentals or short-term solutions.

Semi-Custom.  Once you move into semi-custom cabinetry you find many more options.  They are special order cabinets and give you much more variety than stock cabinets.  Generally priced in the mid-range, they offer a personalized look without the cost of custom cabinets. Yes, semi-custom cabinets can be altered! The styles, finishes, and storage options are extensive enough to outfit almost any kitchen.  Inspired Remodels recommends Decora, Kitchen Craft, and Waypoint for the widest range of options.

Custom.  The most expensive option but the most versatile in terms of finishes, sizes, and configurations.  These are one-of-a-kind cabinets that are tailored to your kitchen, your style, and your cooking habits.

specialty cabinets installed by kitchen cabinet contractor

The Kitchen Cabinet Contractor to Use

When you are ready for new kitchen cabinets, use a kitchen cabinet contractor who can offer you a range of options.  Inspired Remodels can translate your style whether it is contemporary or traditional into kitchen cabinets.  If you don’t know where to start; our design-build model will help you step-by-step through the process.  One of our designers will work with you to come up with a plan that fits your needs, your style, and your budget.  You’ll see a CADD 3D rendering of the layout and then our crew will make it happen.

Call (949) 716-1938 today to schedule your free consultation.

Inspired Logo