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Inspired Remodels

bathroom remodel

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Tips

By / Bathroom Remodel, Kitchen Remodel / Comments Off on Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Tips

Looking to give your kitchen or bathroom a facelift?  If you are planning on updating your home, here are a few kitchen and bath remodeling tips to get the best results.

kitchen and bath remodeling tips to make a room appear larger use light walls and reflective surfaces make room appear larger

Light walls and reflective surfaces make room appear larger

Make the Room Feel Larger

We all like the feel of unlimited space when indoors.  Maximize the space in even the smallest of rooms when you put color and light to work for you.

Light Colors.  Make the kitchen or bath feel bigger without adding square footage when you use light colors.  Any room feels bigger with light colors on the walls.  It doesn’t matter whether you use paint, tile or wood; if it’s on the walls make it light.

Light finishes on the cabinets will also make a room feel larger.  Light, bright, and smooth all give the illusion of space that really isn’t there.

Reflective Surfaces.  Strategically place mirrors to add the appearance of space.  Don’t forget that any reflective surface acts like a mirror.  This means high gloss finishes on cabinets, floors, and shower walls, will make a room look bigger.

use LEDs in kitchen and bathroom remodel to save money

LEDs light the way

Go Green with LEDs

Lighting is an important part of any room.  It’s especially important in the kitchen and bathroom.  Whether you are considering recessed can-style lights, under cabinet lights, or interior cabinet lighting you should incorporate LED lighting where possible.

LEDs are small, so they are perfect for tiny spaces.  They also emit very little heat.  This is particularly important for installations inside cabinets.  The use much less energy to produce the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb.  The cost more initially, but you will recoup your money in savings over the life of the bulb; and LEDs have a long life.  You can expect LEDs to last anywhere from 25,000 to 100,000 hours.  On the low side that means you could leave the light on for 2 years and it still wouldn’t burn out!

kitchen remodeler makes kitchen functional

Keep in Mind Resale Potential

You may plan to live in your home for many, many years but plans can change.  A change in jobs, marital status or health may require a move.  The more “unique” you make your kitchen and bath remodel, the harder it will be to sell your home.  What appeals to you may not appeal to future potential buyers.  An experienced kitchen and bath remodeling pro knows what unique touches are popular with others and can help you strike just the right balance.

Don’t Do it Yourself

Speaking of using a professional remodeler, make sure you do!  A kitchen or bathroom remodeling project is not the same as remodeling the bedroom or dining room. Plumbing is involved and you also need to think of the practical logistics of using the room.  Use an experienced professional. Pick someone who understands your style and taste.  Make sure they are qualified professionals who are licensed and insured.

sample orange county kitchen and cath remodel job y Inspired remodels

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling with a Design Build Firm

There are definite advantages to using the services of a design build firm on kitchen and bath remodeling projects.  These type of projects involved several skilled trades and these services must be closely coordinated.  A design build firm like Inspired Remodels will give you a realistic schedule for completion of the work. They have resources and connections that are invaluable if there are problems with materials or unforeseen issues arise.  They handle all the plumbing and electrical subcontracting and can keep the project on time and on budget.  They can do the legwork to reduce the stress involved with remodeling.

Call Inspired Remodels at (949) 716-1938 or use the handy on-line Contact Us form to set an appointment for a consultation. A new kitchen or bathroom doesn’t need to be a dream.  Inspired Remodels can turn your dream into reality.

Shower Remodeling Ideas

By / Bathroom Remodel / Comments Off on Shower Remodeling Ideas

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.

ask bathroom remodeler to install personal shower heads

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 amodern shower remodel includes shower seatnd 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

IMG_1467You 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 Showerssteam bath

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.

bathroom after shower remodeling

 

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 / Home Improvement / Comments Off on Changing the Conventional Wisdom on Orange County General Contractors

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!

orange County general contractor adds blue lower cabinets and white upper cabinets to kitchen with grey and white blacksplashcustom kitchen remodel features blue cabinets

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

screenshot of Orange County general contractor review for Inspired Remodels 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.