bathroom upgrades Archives - Inspired Remodels

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 2^nd floor bathrooms.

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.

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.

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

Remodeling the bathroom is the perfect time to add those little touches that make a big difference day after day and year after year. A bathroom remodeler that’s up on the latest trends and technology can suggest things that you might not even occur to you. It’s the sign of a great remodeler! Here are 3 bathroom upgrade ideas from the Orange County’s premier bathroom remodeler, Inspired Remodels.

Recirculating Hot Water

How many times a day do you turn on the hot water at the shower, tub, or sink and watch gallons of cold water go down the drain while you wait for hot water to appear? Even if there isn’t a drought; that process wastes a lot of water.

But install a hot water recirculating system with your bathroom update or remodel and have hot water instantly! You will get hot water instantly to the new showers and sink, and you get the benefit of instant hot water at every hot water outlet in the house. This is one upgrade that saves water and save money. A hot water recirculating system can save up to 12,000 gallons of water in a home each year. Save up to 10% on your utility bill.

Some systems use a pump on your hot water supply to push water that has cooled to 98°F back into the tank to be warmed again. Others work on a pulse system of 150 seconds every 10 minutes to retain hot water at all faucets. The latest systems monitor your hot water usage for one week and then adjust your hot water output to match the days and hours it is needed most. Now if they could just get one smart enough to clean the shower!

Recirculating hot water systems can be installed on any type of plumbing and are sized based on the size of the supply and return lines. If your bathroom remodeler knows his plumbing, a hot water recirculating system is no sweat.

Personalized Shower Heads

Your shower head should reflect your personal preference in the shower. If you like long luxuriating 30 minute showers but feel guilty about the water you use, then talk to your bathroom remodeler about a low flow or water efficient shower head. These shower heads reduce the amount of water flowing through the head. So that 30 minute shower will use a fraction of the water. Low flow and water efficient shower heads aren’t for everyone however. Most use larger drops of water to simulate the feel of a higher pressure head.

If pressure is important to you, then ask the bathroom remodeler about a high pressure shower head. They are perfect if the water pressure in the bathroom is low or if you like the massaging feel of a shower. These work by either compressing the water through fewer holes or using a chamber to increase pressure.

An experienced bathroom remodeler knows that not all shower heads are created equal. If your contractor doesn’t talk to you about shower heads, you should be talking to another contractor.

Fog Free Mirrors

Speaking of showers, ever get out of that steamy shower only to be faced with a steamy mirror? Not the ideal situation if you need to dry your hair, shave, or apply make-up. You grab a towel to clear the fog and end up with a streaked mess.

Installing mirror defoggers at the time of the remodel is easy, is not expensive, and is one of those little touches that does make a big difference. Most models work by gently warming the glass in the mirror so that condensation does not form. It is the sample principle that your car’s defroster uses to keep your windshield and rear window clear. Mirror defoggers can even be wired into the light switches or exhaust fan switches to turn on without effort.

Best Bathrooms from the Best Bathroom Remodeler

The best bathroom remodels are designed and built by the best bathroom remodelers. Inspired Remodels is a total design and build firm. We turn your dreams into reality.

You don’t have to worry about your remodel becoming a nightmare when Inspired Remodels is on the job. We are completely licensed, insured, and a proud member of the Better Business Bureau. Get inspired by our bathroom remodel portfolio.

Ready for an awesome bathroom? Call (949) 716-1938 to schedule a consultation or contact us on-line.

bathroom upgrades

Tips for Picking the Right Bathtub from Expert Bathroom Remodeler