Beautifully remodeled bathroom by Carnemark
The Basics
One of the first things you should consider before starting a bathroom makeover is why you want to do the project. Do you need more space? Do you want to update fixtures? Do you want to create a spa-like atmosphere? These types of questions will help you communicate your needs and wants to a professional contractor or designer.
Donna Ralston-Latham, LID, CID; ASID & FIFDA of DRL Total Environments in Alexandria, Virginia has been in the industry for over 40 years. “We always listen to our clients’ wish lists and then we take them and consider all the safety and health issues in our planning.”
Another very important first step to achieving a great bath renovation is hiring a professional contractor. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) website is a good tool for finding certified bath designers and contractors. Bill Smith, CBD, of Patuxent Baths and Kitchens, Inc. in Laytonsville, Maryland says, “A good contractor has your best interest at heart. Referrals are the bread and butter of this industry. Your house will be torn up for weeks during a renovation, but a good contractor knows how to minimize the stress by communicating how the project will evolve.”
Having your goals and objectives for the project in writing is also a very helpful start to any renovation. “Some of our client wishes like luxury items can actually save them money and be good for the environment. For example, a couple that gets up early, has a quick cup of coffee and then is out the door may really benefit from having a heated floor. Instead of heating the whole house, they just get the bathroom warm while conserving energy and keeping comfortable during their morning routine,” says Jonas Carnemark, CKD, CR of Carnemark Systems + Design, Inc. in Bethesda, Maryland.
Left: The GROHE CoolTouch® Technology ensures that there is no risk of scalding. Right: Thermostatic valves prevent accidental scalding.
Deciphering the difference between your wants and your needs is another important part of the process. “In our initial fact finding meeting with clients, we try to help them determine what they want and what they need. There are so many fun and interesting products out there today that can fit into any budget,” says Smith.
Finally, communicate your budget constraints to your designer so they can help you choose the right materials for your bathroom. “It’s all in the details. You have to consider what your main needs are based on your situation. There are low-end products, but remember your maintenance level will be higher. The bathroom is a mechanical room and it’s the toughest room to maintain,” says Ralston-Latham. “After a good renovation, your bathroom should last 30 to 60 years,” adds Smith.
Carnemark created this stylish shower tower with a steam shower.
Major and Minor Renovation
A major renovation most often consists of a contractor gutting the entire space and starting from scratch. “We always recommend a total gut where we strip the space back to studs and joints, so all the hidden damage, like mold and rot, can be repaired,” says Ralston-Latham. Then new materials that are available for finishing behind the walls such as cement board can be used to avoid moisture problems.
Other products that can be considered in a major renovation include:• Antibacterial countertops
• LED lighting
• Stone and ceramic floor and wall tiles
• A variety of cabinetry grades and styles
• Low flush toilets
• Thermostatic valves
• Pressure balance valve controls
• Energy efficient ventilation
• Tankless water heaters
If you don’t have the budget for a major renovation, there are some things you can do to give your bathroom a cosmetic makeover. “One of the first things you can do to improve the appearance of the bath is to paint it a different color and add new lights and a mirror. You can also install a hanging vanity from the wall exposing the floor underneath and making the room appear larger,” says Carnemark.
There are other minor changes that you can do to renovate your bathroom within a budget which include:• Use wall cavities for storage
• Change water fixtures
• Install large format tile floors
• Use pedestal sinks
• Overlay existing floor with eco-friendly resilient flooring such as Marmoleum® by Forbo
Innovation in Design
Two very valuable design innovations gaining popularity relate to “green” and “aging in place” solutions. Green design involves the elements of the bathroom that save energy as well as preserve and protect the environment. “There are many ways to incorporate green design into your bathroom. Dual flush toilets conserve water and spray foam installation saves energy by increasing efficiency,” says Carnemark.
Deconstruction Services in Fairfax, Virginia, separates tile from the floor and walls and recycles it. “You can get a tax break and you are not filling up a landfill. You can repurpose the materials in most renovations,” continues Carnemark.
This stylish bath renovation by Carnemark incorporates aging-in-place design.
Aging in place design considers the needs of people as they age as well as special needs individuals that have unique challenges. “Aging in [a] place of our choice and the seven universal design principles, along with some common sense, all go hand in hand and will include not only maturing adults but those with different abilities, young children who can’t reach certain heights, and visitors to the home,” says Ralston-Latham.
When renovating a bathroom with aging in place design, the design professional considers a number of choices:• Minimal 36-inch wide doorways
• Vanity heights at 36 inches off the floor
• Levers for all faucets, decorative hardware, door ware and cabinetry
• Handheld, lightweight shower heads
• Small seat in shower
• Grips in shower, tub, and by the toilet
Bathroom renovations not only are proven to be wise investments in any home they also pay daily dividends because you get use out of them every single day.
Jennifer K. Dansicker is Editor of Special Projects for ChesapeakeHome.
Contacts:
Carnemark Systems + Design, Inc.: carnemark.com or 301-657-5000
Deconstruction Services: deconstructionservices.com or 703-280-1719
DRL Total Environments: 703-971-0008
Patuxent Baths and Kitchens, Inc.: patuxentbathsandkitchens.com or 301-414-0062
