Bathrooms are high moisture, and sometimes damp, environments, therefore many types of natural stone may not be suitable due to their porous nature.  Natural stone requires more care and treatment in order to be maintained where there is lots of exposure to water.  For that reason, many homeowners gravitate towards glass, porcelain, and, of course, ceramic surfaces.  These materials are highly durable, relatively easy to install, and require less maintenance.

The size of tiles you choose can also make a big difference.  Sometimes larger tiles on walls can give the illusion of a bigger room in a subtle way, while smaller tiles can create a “busy” effect.  For those on a budget, who may not be in a position to tile the entire bathroom, it’s possible to improve the look of your bathroom by using accent tiles, or perhaps, a backsplash for tubs or sinks.

It’s recommended that smaller bathrooms utilize light-colored tiles as this tends to open up the room and give the impression of having more overall space.

When choosing tile for showers, most people prefer ceramic because it is durable and easy to maintain.  There are also an almost endless number of colors and patterns that you can pick from when going with ceramic tiles.

For floors we recommend looking at warm or neutral colors.  The floor is also meant to be durable and easy to clean, but it’s not where you want to draw the eye.  Flooring tile should not be the first thing one notices when entering the bathroom, but rather, it should complement the tile or décor on the walls.

If you want to get creative with your tile design, an easy way to do it is to lay the tile in a diagonal fashion, rather than in a grid pattern.  You can also choose tile that is uneven or irregularly shaped in order to create a more interesting pattern or effect.  You can also experiment with color shades, using gradients or color patterns that create subtle shapes and layers.

The texture of the tile can also add an interesting effect.  Some surfaces may be smooth and shiny, while other may have more of a matted or rough appearance.

Since many people use their bathroom as a place to relax or unwind, you may want to consider keeping your tile design more subdued than “exciting”.  Loud colors, ornate patterns or distracting designs may take away from this relaxing atmosphere you’re trying to create.

When choosing new tiles, it’s highly recommended that you enlist the help of an expert.  Home improvement centers, bathroom retailers and bathroom remodeling contractors are all useful resources when it comes to choosing the right tile and getting installation tips.  If you think that installing tiles yourself is a bit out of your element, then hiring a good, licensed contractor is probably the best decision you could make.

Before you start take careful measurements and make sure that the new tub approximates the size of the old tub.  If not, then you may have to make additional modifications that may or may not work.

For the bathtub installation you’ll need to start by removing the existing bathtub.  That will require you to open up the three surrounding walls.  You may also have to remove some of the adjacent fixtures such as toilet, sink, vanity or other bathroom furniture.  You may also need to remove the base moulding, floor covering and underlayment because they will also need to be replaced.

If you have tiles on the walls take care to ensure that you minimize the possible damage or you may have to replace the tile.

This is by no means a one person project, so make sure that you have one or two other people to help you with moving and positioning the tubs during the project.  If you’re not a professional plumber, then it may be wise to have one handy to help you with the connections and tubing that will need to be changed out during the process.

Shower installation also requires careful planning and should be performed by a professional contractor, if possible.

Keep in mind the following things when planning your shower installation project:

The type of shower enclosure you’re going to use has to be one of your first decisions.  Is it compatible with your current enclosure in terms of size, style and plumbing requirements. If the shower is not in the bath, and you don’t already have a shower, then you need to consider the placement of the shower and whether it will work with your existing plumbing configuration.

Decide whether or not you’ll need shower tiles and what kind of shower pan you’ll be using. Before you start your shower installation project, you may want to visit a bathroom supply showroom to find the hardware you want to include in your shower such as shower head, handles and any other accessories you may prefer.

Another important choice you’ll need to make is the type of enclosure you want.  Steam shower doors are very popular and this may be preferable to other types of enclosures like plain curtains, glass or Plexiglas doors.  Some showers have no enclosure at all.

Take into consideration the entrance and the size of the curb.  You may prefer to have a curbless entrance, which would be especially helpful for those who are physically challenged or wheelchair bound.

As stated previously, shower and bath installation is challenging and should be performed by an experienced contractor or someone with experience.  Take your time to plan the project and write out all the steps you’ll be needing to take along the way and make sure you perform each task in it’s proper order.  Make this a team project and most importantly, don’t rush the work.  Taking time to do it right will ultimately make for a satisfying result.

One of the best places to start is with choosing new fixtures.  Bathroom fixtures can easily and, in some cases, inexpensively improve the look and feel of any bathroom design san jose by creating an esthetic enhancement as well as functionality.

Although it may be tempting to find the “best bargain” on fixtures, keep in mind that better quality fixtures will last longer and add to the value of your home over time.  High quality fixtures look better and make a better impression on guests and potential buyers.  You may want to visit your local bathroom retailer to get more information on the types of fixtures that are available and pricing information.  You can also look at consumer reports online.

If you’re going to replace the tub, spend a little time deciding what type of tub you’re going to be installing.  Is it a freestanding tub or not?  Will it have jets?  Maybe you’ll need a walk-in tub for someone in the home who is physically challenged.  The choice you make on the tub will determine the amount of work and cost of the overall project.  For many tub installations it will be necessary to re-tile large areas of your bathroom.  You will also need to take into consideration the plumbing requirements.

For showers there are similar concerns that need to be addressed.  One of the advantages of showers is that the space can be much larger and accommodate other types of fixtures, such as hand held shower heads.  Showers can also include multiple sprayers for “full body” coverage.  You can also include a shower seat for elderly or physically challenged users, as well as wide, curbless entry for someone who may be wheelchair bound.

There are many different eco-friendly fixtures and materials that can help you “go green” and help the environment.  Low flush toilets save on water, as do other types of faucets and shower heads.  Surface materials can be made of reclaimed materials like glass and woods can come from species like Bamboo which are highly sustainable.

You also want to consider if the investment is worth it. What is the reason for wanting to do the remodel? If you’re looking to update your home for an upcoming sale you’ll want to be sure that you can recoup that investment in the final sale price of the home. On the other hand, if you’re doing a bathroom remodel just because your current bathroom is outdated or in disrepair, the return on investment may not be such a pressing issue. The good news is that, according to the same report, most bathroom remodels will recoup about 102 percent of the overall investment.

For upscale Bay Area bathroom remodels, it’s possible to spend upwards of $26,000 dollars. The costs add up fast when you’re looking at higher quality furnishings, fixtures and materials, so it’s very important to start with a budget in mind and try to stick to that budget.

One of the first steps in getting your bathroom ready for remodeling is tearing everything out – also known as “demolition”. One way to save some money on this is to invite some friends over and do it yourself. You may want the advice who knows something about contracting so you don’t do any unnecessary damage, but if you hire a contractor to do the work for you it will definitely add to your overall cost. Labor, in general, is one of the biggest cost factors in any remodeling job, so if you can find a contractor who will allow you to participate in the work it could also help to bring down costs. There are some tasks involved that require little or no experience.

Fixtures can be very costly, especially if you plan on rearranging the location of the sink, toilet, bath or shower. Then you’re looking at some major plumbing work, and we all know about the price tags for plumbing jobs. The fixtures themselves can also really add up. Do you want a $200 dollar toilet or a $2000 dollar toilet? The choices are limitless.

Tile is another item that has wild price swings. You can find lots of surface materials that are attractive and durable and that won’t break the bank. Swanstone is one good alternative. Another is plain old ceramic tile, of which there are a myriad of styles and colors to choose from.

When it comes to tubs, showers and vanities, choose carefully here as well. Spend some time at your local bathroom showroom can save you lots of money because it is a place where you can really do your research. Find those items that reflect your taste and design preferences yet are still in your price range. Go online and look at various manufacturer websites. See who’s got, not only the best pricing, but also the best warranties. When it comes to bathroom remodels South Bay, a little bit of shopping can save you lots of money.

In San Jose there are many exceptional San Jose bathroom remodeling contractors who can guide you through the process, showing you interesting concepts, fixtures, wall materials, tubs, showers and vanities. They are also the ones who can give expert advice on the cost of such a project and the best way to stay within your budget. If you don’t already know a bathroom remodeling contractor, one of the best referrals you can get is through your local kitchen and bath showroom. They will often work with many of the best contractors in the Bay Area and can probably give you a handful of calling cards.

First, you’ll need to determine what your particular style is. Do you want a bathroom design that will complement your current home décor? Do you prefer classic, country, contemporary or ornate? What will be your color scheme? Do you have certain wood preferences that will match what you have going on in the rest of the house? Do you have any special needs for occupants with physical disabilities?

These are all important questions to ask yourself before beginning any bathroom remodeling project. Go spend some time in your bathroom and try to imagine everything you’d like to change and how you’d like to change it, then make notes on all your thoughts. Write down any questions you have about installation, products and costs for when you meet with your contractor.

Take a look online or in magazines at other bathroom designs for inspiration. You may not even realize the various options or creative possibilities that exist until you’ve had a chance to see what other Bay Area bathroom remodels look like.

Go to your local Bay Area bathroom retailer and explore the various fixtures, woods, tiles, tubs and showers available and get some ideas on pricing as well. Ask lots of questions and always find out which products are most durable and come with manufacturers warranties.

Decide if you want your new bathroom remodel to be eco-friendly. There are entire product lines dedicated to using green, sustainable materials, like Bamboo, and environmentally friendly fixtures like low flush toilets.

Make a wish list of all the conveniences you’ve ever wanted in your bathroom and then discuss those ideas with your bathroom remodeling contractor. Ever wanted a TV in the bathroom? How about a telephone? Maybe his and her vanities or for some real, European style comfort, a bidet?

Bathroom remodels are a big investment and you may only do this once during the entire time you own your home, so if you’re in the Bay Area bathroom remodels and custom bathroom cabinets market, this can be your chance to have the dream bathroom design that you’ve always wanted.

The “Walk in Tub” also known as a handicap tub, handicapped tub or “Bathtub with a Door”, is one of the most useful and helpful breakthrough in bathroom amenities for individuals with special needs.  These tubs offer more safety and mobility for folks who are physically challenged than conventional bathtub designs.  Sometimes people will try to convert their regular tub into a handicap tub by adding grab bars or benches, but in truth, these traditional tubs were never designed with the disabled in mind.  These types of modifications may make certain aspects of getting in and out of the tub easier, but do not offer the comfort, stability and safety that those who have special needs require.

Handicapped tubs, or Walk-In tubs, truly enhance the daily living experience of those who need them because they are designed specifically for individuals who are physically challenged.  There are many excellent manufacturers and styles to choose from, depending on a person’s particular tastes or needs.  There are also a variety of handicap showers available as well, fitted with grab bars, benches, wide clearance doors, hand held shower heads, drainage and entrances that allow for easy wheelchair access.

• When looking for a handicap tub or handicap showers, it’s important to keep in mind several things.
• Is the tub or shower registered with the US Government FDA as a medical device?
• Does the tub meet or exceed HUD and ANSI requirements?
• Does the tub or shower allow for wheelchair access?
• Does it come with a bench, grab bars and custom fixtures?
• Will the tub or shower fit your current bathroom design or will you need a complete bathroom remodel?
• Does the tub or shower have a slip resistant floor?
• Does the tub or shower have a warranty?

One major benefit of owning a handicapped tubs or handicap showers is the convenience it also offers to caregivers.  Your family loved ones and caregivers will greatly appreciate the ease with which one can be assisted in and out of one of these indispensable bathroom products, as much as the user will enjoy the experience of using them.

Eco-Friendly Bathrooms by Fiato & Associates

For that reason, there’s been a tremendous interest over the last couple of decades in finding more environmentally friendly and sustainable ways to improve our homes.  Eco-friendly designs, as they are often called, are more often than not the preferred way to approach many building and bathroom remodeling projects.

If you are planning on a new bathroom remodel, you may want to consider going with a green bathroom design.  The cost, in many cases, can be very similar with standard remodeling projects, it’s just a matter of knowing where to look for the right materials and professional bathroom remodeler who knows the ins and outs of eco-friendly bathroom remodeling.

There are many simple things you can even do yourself that will increase the efficiency of your bathroom.  For instance, faucets and shower heads that utilize aerators use about half as much water flow but with nearly twice the power as standard fixtures.  Also, in the water-saving fixtures category, you can have a low-flow toilet installed which will also use about 50% as much water as their regular flow counterparts.

For flooring, wood paneling and cabinetry, you can look into using eco-friendly wood products.  One of the choices environmentally conscious remodelers will look to is “reclaimed” or “recycled” woods.  These are wood products derived from previous sources and remanufactured for other purposes.  The great benefit to these products is that they don’t require any further harvesting of live forests.  You can look for the “Smartwood Rediscovered” label which signifies certification by the Rediscovered Wood Initiative of the Rainforest Alliance’s SmartWood program.

Another popular wood choice is Bamboo.  Eco-friendly Bamboo wood is popular because is harvested from sustainable sources and has beautiful, durable look and feel.  Bamboo forests can mature in just five to seven years, compared with other types of woods that can take over 100 years, in some cases, to reach full growth.  Bamboo is also a very cost-effective wood and can save you money versus some of the more common woods used in remodeling projects.

As for bathroom tiles, an eco-friendly bathroom tile option is recycled-content tile.  Recycled-content tile can be used for walls, floors or countertops and is often derived from recycled glass or other renewed materials from the manufacturing industry.  The benefit to the environment is significant because it helps to reduce landfill waste.  These tile products are also extremely sturdy and resilient, and usually longer lasting than typical tile materials like linoleum.  You might be surprised at just how attractive many of the surfaces are coming from recycled materials, and, like many of the other green products available, they will save you money while helping to save the environment.

When you’re ready for your next bathroom remodeling project, take a look at the many eco-friendly products available.  If everyone does just a small part, together we can make a big difference!

Custom Shower by Fiato & Associates

In every home there are a several places that are used on a daily basis.  The kitchen, the bedroom and the bathroom are probably the top three for most people, and for that reason these are the areas that, naturally, we would like to be the most comfortable and functional. 

In the bathroom, one amenity which is absolutely indispensable is the shower.  For those who are considering a bathroom remodel, this is an excellent place to start.  The shower can very easily be transformed from a nondescript utility where the routine of your day begins, into a comfortable, relaxing sensory experience that you’ll look forward to every morning.  All it takes is a little planning and preparation.

First, you’ll need to establish a budget.  There is a wide price range for new showers depending on the type of materials and fixtures you’ll be using.  Also, you’ll need to decide if this is a “do it yourself” project or if you’ll be hiring a licensed, professional contractor for the job.  Depending on the complexity of the project, many shower installations can be done in just a day or two, but the average cost for a contractor can run from $500 to $1000 per day.  As for materials, you can choose between inexpensive pre-fabricated units to more elaborate custom tile designs.  Obviously, the price ranges can be very widely because of this, which is why establishing a budget is so important.

Even pre-fabricated shower enclosures can run from several hundred to a few thousand dollars, but most people who really desire a luxury shower design will opt for either custom tile or quality solid surfaces like cultured marble or Swanstone. 

Ceramic tiles are one of the most popular choices for shower surfaces and can cost from $1.00 to over $4.00 per square foot.  For other types of high quality stone tiles the cost can go even higher.  Most budgets for tile installations should start at a minimum of $1000, and that would be for smaller shower unit sizes.  After you add in the cost of materials you could easily be pushing $2000, however, this is for a modest project.  You’d therefore need to take into consideration the size of the enclosure and whether or not you’d be including a tub.  A more reasonable expectation then would be closer to $3000 and up.

There is such a wide selection of shower materials available that it’s highly recommended that you spend some time at a local bathroom specialty store that offers a choice of different tiles and surface materials, in addition to bathroom fixtures.  This will give you the best idea as to what your options are, along with some specifics on pricing.

Although tile is extremely popular for showers, other surface materials may appeal to you as well.  Marble slab, for example, is very appealing, however, can require some maintenance and can be subject to wear and tear.  An excellent alternative, for those who wish for marble is manufactured – or “cultured” – marble, which is both affordable and luxurious.  One of the primary benefits of cultured marble is that it is very low maintenance and long lasting.  It is excellent for resisting stains and water penetration as well which cuts down on any mold or mildew issues that sometimes arise with more porous ceramic tiles and grout.

Another popular surface choice is Swanstone, which is considered one of the top “green”, environmentally friendly, bathroom surfaces by homeowners.  It is a manufactured composite that has the look and feel of real stone and comes in wide variety of textures and colors.  It is much longer lasting than other types of organic surfaces, therefore it rarely requires replacing.  One of the primary benefits of Swanstone is that much more resistant to heat, cracks and stains than materials such as marble or granite.  It is also about 20% less expensive than similar surface types, like Corian.

The finishing touch to your new shower will be the shower fixtures.  There are myriad choices when it comes to shower fixtures, and three of the top brands you’ll want to explore are Grohe, Hansgrohe and Koehler.  Keep in mind that Grohe and Hansgrohe are two different companies with two completely different lines of shower fixtures and appliances.  The shower head is probably the best place to start as it is really the central piece of equipment to any shower.  You can even design your new shower with multiple shower heads in mind for an even more indulgent experience.  Most new showers can be nicely equipped for in the low to medium hundreds of dollars.

One last component to your new shower will be the shower door.  Here again, there are many different choices.  There is clear glass, textured or frosted glass, tinted, mirrored or even sandblasted glass.  You’ve got different thicknesses and weights as well.  You can have a standard door height or you can choose from a steam shower door which is fully enclosed all the way to the ceiling.  Again, your best resource for making this choice will be your local bathroom retailer who can explain the differences, but more importantly show you the look and feel of these shower products and materials.

Good luck with building and designing your new shower.  As always, a consultation with an experienced, licensed contractor is always the best place to start for ideas and estimates.

Handicap Accessible Shower Design by Fiato & Associates

Shower and bathtub access for the disabled, the injured or the elderly homeowner is an important and sometimes overlooked aspect of bathroom design.  Those who are faced with mobility challenges require special products and construction that will allow easy access to showers, tubs, vanities, toilets and the bathroom entrance itself.  Fortunately, today there are many options available in the form of handicap showers, walk in tubs and handicap toilets for individuals with these types of special needs.

Wheelchair Access to the Bathroom
One of the first things to consider is how to allow easy access to the bathroom.  If a person is confined to a wheelchair then, in most cases, the doorway or entrance to the bathroom will need to be widened.  The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Specially Adapted Housing Requirements specify a minimum hallway width of 48” with a minimum doorway width of 36” to allow full wheelchair accessibility.  The minimum clear space for a T-shaped 180 degree turn is 36” in all directions.

Choosing the Right Handicap Shower
Handicap accessible showers are a great way to create a more comfortable, convenient and safer showering experience in the bathroom, while at the same time providing the homeowner with special needs the ability to be more independent.  The ADA has several provision for installing safe shower stalls, including, a shower seat located directly opposite the faucet, a grab bar located within easy reach on the back wall of the shower stall, and a shower head attached to a hose that is 60 inches in length.  In order to allow easy transfer from wheelchair to shower chair, there should be no shower enclosures, such as doors, that might interfere with mobility.  In addition, the curb should be no more than ½ inch high from the bottom of the shower unit and the opening should be at least 36” wide.  There are many bathroom manufacturers, like Swanstone, that offer several choices for your handicap shower needs, as well as grab bars and other fixtures.

Walk In Tubs for the Disabled
Bathtubs in general can sometimes be precarious even for the able bodied bather, so it’s difficult to imagine those with injuries or disabilities managing their way in and out of one without a great deal of assistance.  That challenge has been solved, however, with the advent of walk in tubs, which make the experience easy and enjoyable.  As the name suggests, these types of bathtubs are not designed for individuals who may be wheelchair bound or invalid because they do require that the user be able to walk in and out on their own.  However, for those who are feeling the discomfort and limited mobility that accompanies injury, illness or advanced age, walk in tubs offer a safe, convenient and comfortable solution.  Some of the more popular makers of walk in tubs include Jacuzzi and MediTub.

Handicap Toilets
This is another common household fixture that most of us take for granted, but can become a painstaking experience for those who are physically impaired.  A properly installed handicap toilet can make the everyday bathroom visit a much less difficult ordeal, while allowing the user to feel more independent, and ultimately safer and more secure.  Most handicap toilets will be 17” high, with grab bars and flush mounted for easy access.  Don’t overlook this important element of you handicap bathroom design.  Companies like Toto carry an excellent selection of compliant toilet products. 

Don’t Forget the Handicap Bathroom Accessories
After thoroughly researching and selecting your primary bathroom components, make sure to include many of the fixtures and accessories available for handicap baths.  Things like Shower Entry Ramps, Handicap Shower Heads, Shower Commodes, Shower Transfer Benches, Shower Pans, Handicap Shower Chairs, Shower Grab Bars, Shower Seats, Waterproof Shower Mats, Wall Mounted Shower Stools, Bathtub Grab Bars, Suction Shower Handrails, Wall Mounted Handrails, Shower Mats, and more.

Get it Done Right – Hire A Pro
For proper design and installation of handicap accessible bathrooms, always consult with an experienced and professional contractor in your area.  Most good contractors will offer free consultations and expert advice.

Custom Bathroom Vanity by Fiato & Associates

If you’re planning a new bathroom remodel project and don’t know where to start, you may want to consider custom bathroom vanities.  It is by far one of the best ways to make a huge impact on the look, feel and functionality of your new bathroom.  A bathroom vanity consists of a mirror, sink and cabinetry for storing all your cosmetics and toiletries and is probably the most used area of your bathroom.  For that reason, it’s important to have a style and quality of design that suits not only your taste, but your usage requirements.

When deciding between custom bathroom vanities there are several things to consider.  First of all, make sure that you’re choosing only from recognized, brand name manufacturers like the ones recommended by our installers.  Secondly, consider the materials and make sure that you’re installing products with lasting value.  There are a multitude of options for cabinet woods, finishes, stones, marbles, mirrors, hardware and faucets, so it’s important to deal with an installer or remodeling company that can show you a complete variety for your needs.  Styles have changed dramatically over the years, so if you’re looking for an updated, contemporary look, you’ll be thrilled with the stylish, sophisticated choices available.

Do you need more space for you and your partner?  Then you may want to consider “his and hers” custom double vanities.  This is an excellent solution for dealing with the problem of shared space.  Now, you can each have your own sink, mirrors and storage cabinets for personal items.

While some people may choose “ready-made” vanities to save time and money, they cannot compare to having your own custom bathroom vanities made exactly to your specifications. If you happen to have an unusually shaped bathroom, or if you simply want to make sure you’ll get more out your current living area, having custom made bathroom cabinets is by far the better option.

Anyone can buy cheap, prefabricated, standard size vanity cabinets to install in their bathrooms. But that won’t do much for the overall appearance and style of your home, and it won’t do much for your home’s resale value either – your bathroom will very much like any that you’re likely to see in any number of generic residential designs.  On the other hand, if you decide to invest a little more and go with custom made bathroom cabinets, you’ll be creating a unique living area that you’ll be proud of, and that will impress potential buyers should you ever decide to sell your home.

Whether you decide to do it for decorative reasons (you truly want a special custom bathroom) or because you have to do it (you have an unusually shaped space and have to make it work) a custom bathroom vanity is the best way to improve the style, functionality and appearance of your bathroom.