Inspired Remodels, Author at Inspired Remodels

contrasting grey tile added to niche when shower remodeling

Shower Remodeling Ideas

By Inspired Remodels / Bathroom Remodel / Comments Off

Are you thinking about remodeling your entire bathroom? Maybe it’s only the shower that needs a tune-up! Whether you are remodeling the entire bathroom or just looking to update the bathing facilities, here are some shower remodeling ideas to inspire you.

Shower Remodeling By the Numbers

It doesn’t matter if you are going for the Roman shower look or if you prefer glass and tile surrounds, there are certain numbers to keep in mind.

Shower Head Height. The ideal height for a shower head is 77″ to 81″. If you have family members that are exceptionally tall or exceptionally short, you might want to put the head on an adjustable bar that allows you to move the fixture up and down. Not only does this allow customization for each family member, but it may be a game changer if you put your house on the market for sale.

Shower Seats. Shower seats are an increasingly popular feature in modern showers. They are great for family members with mobility issues and are appreciated by anyone that performs grooming tasks like shaving or deep conditioning. Shower seats are a great benefit, but there they require careful consideration when designing to make sure they are safe and functional. The seat of a shower seat should be 15″ deep to allow for comfortable seating for a variety of leg-lengths. The height of the seat should also be designed for safety and comfort. 17″ to 19″ is about the right height.

Shower Stall Size. There is no hard and fast rule as to the maximum size of your shower stall. But you do need a stall that is at least 36″ by 36″ for comfort and safety. Most codes allow for 30″ square, but that is a little tight for comfort. For comparison purposes, a tub is usually 60″ long. So, if you want to replace a tub with a shower, it can be 34″ wide (slightly smaller) and 60″ long (considerably longer) and utilize the same real estate as a tub. A longer shower gives you more leg room if you are installing a shower seat. Keep in mind that the door needs a clear swing space that is at least the width of the door.

Shower Hardware

You might not thing the hardware you pick for a shower remodeling job is important; but it is. In any bathroom, the hardware is like the perfect jewelry, handbag, or hat that perfectly accessorizes the outfit.

There are two design schools of thought when it comes to bathroom hardware. One approach is that all hardware must match in finish and style for a unified look. Other designers like the appeal of mixing and matching hardware finishes and styles to provide contrast.

It is not necessary for the shower head to match the sink faucet, but the metals and styles should coordinate. If you like the mix and match approach, hardware can be one place to add a pop of color to a room that is otherwise monochromatic.

Steam Showers

Steam showers are hot…literally. Steam showers are trendy now but they have their roots in ancient Rome. A bathroom remodel is the best time to incorporate a steam shower into your design.

Steam bathing is incredibly eco-friendly. A 20 minute steam shower uses only 2 gallons of water! Just compare that to how much water even a the stingiest water saving shower head uses.

Since a steam shower requires room for the generator, the best time to convert a conventional shower to a steam shower is during a remodel. Modern steam showers heat up quickly and can also be plumbed to deliver cold water to the same shower stall; combining the best of both shower worlds.

Get Inspired by the Shower Remodel Experts

Need more inspiration? Call on the shower remodel experts at Inspired Remodels. They’ve been helping Orange County homeowners convert remodeling dreams to reality for years.

Inspired Remodels is a full service, design/build genera contractor. This means they work with you every step of the way. From the initial consultation, through design, and then demo and renovation you will work with one firm. No worry about hassling with subcontractors for different trades. Your project manager will take care of anything. We understand that any remodeling to your home is stressful and we take care to minimize the stress.

Check out our portfolio of bathroom and shower remodeling jobs to get some ideas or just give us a call at (949) 716-1938. Use our on-line contact form and someone will get back with you right away. No matter how you contact us, you will be happy you did every time you step into your new shower.

Changing the Conventional Wisdom on Orange County General Contractors

By Inspired Remodels / Home Improvement / Comments Off

Orange County general contractors often get a bad rap. People call them sleazy, unresponsive, unreliable, and dishonest. They refuse accountability. Then, when you need them the most, they disappear.

The contracting industry contains good and bad apples. Unfortunately, stereotypes rise from the actions of a few bad actors. Inspired Remodels changes the view of Orange County general contractors.

General Contractor Horror Stories

Hire a general contractor and expect licensed, professional, and skilled workers. The last thing you expect is a job that drag on for months. Or, subcontractors showing up to threaten placing a lien on your property because you haven’t been paid. That’s what happened to Robert S when he hired a general contractor to remodel his kitchen. Read the entire horror story on Yelp.

Or, how about Susan? She hired a general contractor to redo her kitchen. The job required the general contractor to replace ceiling popcorn with texture. Sounds nice? Well, Susan received more than she expected. The crazy general contractor hired a subcontractor to remove the popcorn and apply texture to every surface in the kitchen! That’s right, imagine your ceiling and every wall covered in texture. Talk about going overboard!

Design/Build Orange County General Contractor

Inspired Remodels paints a different picture of general contractors in Orange County. See, Inspired Remodels maintains an active license, has full insurance, and keeps your best interest at heart. They act as a design/build firm. Therefore you never suffer from miscommunication between the design firm and the contractor. So, whether you want a bathroom remodel, a kitchen remodel, or custom cabinetry or flooring, they create the plans and specifications. Once you approve the design, they schedule the work. Next, they perform the work to your delight.

Patty G in Trabuco Canyon posts on Yelp

Call (949) 716-1938 or Contact Us online and schedule a consultation. Share your project ideas, budget, and needs. Then, prepare for amazing results. Get quality work performed to your satisfaction with Inspired Remodels.

Article originally published on 7/29/2016. It has been updated to reflect current information.

Kitchen Renovation Must Haves

By Inspired Remodels / Home Improvement, Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off

When you are planning your next kitchen renovation you will be thinking about flooring, cabinet styles, finishes, counter tops, ovens, ranges, and refrigerators. Those are all key components to any kitchen renovation. But sometimes its the smaller things that can have a big impact on the finished kitchen. Inspired Remodels shares a few must haves to incorporate in your next kitchen renovation.

Drawers Over Doors

When you think about new kitchen cabinets, you need to think about more than the finish and style. You need to think abut how you will be using the storage space. For maximum efficiency in the kitchen, select drawers over doors for the base cabinets. Instead of opening a door, bending down, and rummaging around to get the item you need you can just pull out a drawer and the item will be right at hand.

These Orange County homeowners understood the benefit of drawers over doors during their recent kitchen renovation and are glad they made the switch every time they cook. Extra deep drawers are perfect for storing pots and pans out of sight but within easy reach.

Maximize Natural Lighting

Make the most of sunlight. It makes even small kitchens look larger. Saves on electricity too as natural lighting can be used for tasks during most of the day. Avoid heavy window treatments. They block light and make the kitchen look smaller.

Centralized Pantry Area

Designate at least one wall as your pantry wall. This saves steps when cooking and makes organizing and storing groceries a breeze. These remodelers applied this concept to create a wall that looks good and provides plenty of storage just where you need it. This pantry wall is close to the fridge, minimizing the steps needed to gather ingredients. Another option is to place the pantry wall next to the stove, where ingredients are handy. Pantry walls don’t need to be next to an appliance. But if they are, the best looking kitchens use either counter depth appliances or adjust the cabinet size to provide a smooth, finished appearance.

Quiet Dishwasher and Garbage Disposal

As kitchens are more and more integrated into the living space, the sounds emanating from the room are becoming just as important as the smells. You want to be part of the action as you cook and clean, but your family won’t appreciate the noise from overly loud dishwashers and garbage disposals.

When comparing features, be sure to look at the decibel levels during operation. Normal conversation is carried on at about 60 decibels. Get too close to that number and you have to shout over the dishwasher or disposal. Not good.

Many models made by Miele and Bosch operate in the 40 decibel range, making them perfect for open floor plans. As the appliance gets quieter, the price tag gets bigger. If your kitchen renovation budget doesn’t allow for one of these brands, pick a model with a delay start. This will allow you to run the dishwasher after you leave for the day or go to bed at night.

Undermount Sink

Single Bowl Undermount Sink

Undermount sinks are not only popular, they are practical. With this style sink, the sink edge lip is mounted under the countertop. It works with solid countertops such as soapstone, granite, and concrete. Laminate or tile counters will not have enough weight to support the sink. Undermount sinks provide a clean surface between the countertop and the sink. That means fewer crevices and cracks for crumbs and stains to hide in. Just wipe the crumbs off the countertop and into the sink. Clean up is a breeze. Speaking of clean-up, opt for a large sink that allows plenty of room to scrub those large pots, pans, and cookie sheets. The lighter the sink, the more stains it will show. Darker sinks won’t be stained by red wine, spaghetti sauce or coffee.

Double bowl undermount sink

Single bowl or multi-bowl is more a reflection of your cooking and cleaning style. If you put most of your dishes through the ultra quiet dishwasher, then a single bowl is perfect. If you prefer to hand wash your daily dishes, a single bowl is not very practical. In that case select a two or three bowl sink. If you have the space and the budget allows, a small prep sink is another must have.

Hire a Kitchen Renovation Pro

Hiring a company with expertise in kitchen renovation projects can be the difference between a dream kitchen that just looks good and a kitchen that looks amazing and functions like a dream. Inspired Remodels can turn your dream kitchen into reality. They will work with you to design a room that fuses function,, beauty, and your personal style. Check out our portfolio of kitchen renovations and then call (949) 716-1938 to schedule your consultation.

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Author: Inspired Remodels