A Dream Bathroom…Where To Start?

Bathrooms are made to have basic functionality, but if not designed properly, you may not enjoy maximum usage of the bathroom space. In addition, if your bathroom facilities are out-of-date, it’s likely your plumbing is not performing as efficiently as it could be. The goal should be to enjoy maximum usage of the bathroom space and square footage, with up-to-date and efficiently performing plumbing, while being surrounded by an aesthetically pleasing environment. 

Let’s be honest, you are about to pursue a serious mission!

Whether refreshing the style or changing the plumbing system, bathroom renovations along with kitchen renovations are the type of projects homeowners fear and enjoy the most. Homeowners know that it is crucial to pay special attention to the plumbing and electrical systems, and for that reason, even homeowners with some previous experience, prefer to rely on the experts for some of these important details.

Let’s Talk About Contractors.

To start your project, you need to seek quality advice and work with experts who you can discuss your plans with and who will help you realize your dreams.  A true expert will be able to simplify listen to your renovation needs and wants and express them on “paper.”  Undesirable contractors merely take down your raw ideas, make a price list, and ask for your money. What you need is a contractor in the industry who does a detailed assessment, who demonstrates understanding of what is desired by the client, and provides options for achieving the desired outcome.

What About Costs?

There are many variables you should consider, some related to budget, and others related to how long you’ve been in the house and how long you plan to stay there. There are also different quality levels of remodeling: good, better, and best. The most straightforward approach you should take is to know what you can afford and how that equates to your bathroom project needs. Take the time to find qualified specialists to discuss ideas and alternatives. A true professional will always provide you with as much information as is available in the industry.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Not considering the need of enough natural light and ventilation in the design: Most bathroom activities require a great amount of illumination, and windows are the most common option. They can be used for fresh air, natural light and ventilation. Nevertheless, when it is not possible to have a window, a skylight can be a good option. Remember that good ventilation allows all steam to escape, keeping the bathroom dry. This is essential to prevent the unhealthy growth of mold.

• Unrealistically desiring to fit too many elements in small spaces: While it can be tempting to include every modern feature the market offers, this is simply not going to be possible if the place is too small. Working with an experienced design build contractor can help shape your new bathroom into an aesthetically pleasing space, while taking into account the best space vs. utility options. A design build contractor has the knowledge to create the most functional design for the space available.

• Inappropriate Materials: Porous and permeable materials such as soft wood, carpet, and fabric should be avoided in the bathroom. Be sure to make smart choices in relation to the material needs of the project and the budget allowed for the project.

• Useless Drainage: a basin that refuses to drain properly will leave pools of water on the floor of the bathroom. This can increase the risk of growing mold. Be sure you have adequate and properly designed bathroom drains to allow for drying of all bathroom surfaces.

What to focus on?

• Start with your own planning and research. 

• Search for high quality advice from expert sources.

• Make sure everything is appropriately documented and written down.

• Get ready to be your own quality control authority. By doing this, you guarantee your bathroom renovation will go as smoothly as possible.

• Don’t forget about seeking expert advice and assistance to help avoid some of the most common bathroom remodeling mistakes and difficulties. 

At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we believe in providing complete satisfaction to our customers when it comes to our plumbing services. We are proud to say our plumbers are some of the best in the business at what they do.

With Every Service, You Can Count On:

• Highly Skilled Plumbers – Out of every 33 individuals who apply to work for us, only one qualifies to be a Benjamin Franklin plumber. We have the highest of standards and employ some of the best-trained staff in the business.

• Straightforward Pricing – No hidden fees. You get the prices up front so you can approve them before we start the work.

• On-Time Service – If There’s Any Delay, It’s You We Pay.  It’s not just a motto—it’s our promise.

• Guaranteed Repairs – If a plumbing repair fails in the first two years, we will fix the problem again at no cost to you.

• We’ll Clean Up – We will clean up any messes we make.

References

Admin. (2010, September 29). BATHROOM REMODELING: Dream or Nightmare? Retrieved from Lars Building A Tradition Of Trust : http://www.larsremodel.com/remodeling-tips/bathroom-remodeling-dream-or-nightmare

Gordon Reese Construction inc. (2017, January 25). 5 OF THE TOP MISTAKES TO AVOID IN YOUR BATHROOM REMODEL. Retrieved from Gordon Reese Construction inc: http://gordonreese.com/5-top-mistakes-avoid-bathroom-remodel/

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Home Makeover Season: Making Worth Renovations

The time to renovate your home has come! This is the season when most people start filling their minds with the latest and trendy renovation ideas, considering the steps towards the next renovation project that will keep them busy for the coming months. Yet remodeling is now just a way to make the homes more attractive, current, and comfortable, but also a way of adding some extra value to the properties.

You might be tempted to use the DIY approach to trim costs and have some fun, but when it comes to projects that require special tools and expertise such as plumbing, you may want to think twice. During a home renovation, there are rooms that more often than not, need extra care and attention as the kitchen and bathrooms. Therefore, it is highly recommended to leave no stone upturned and seek skilled professional help.

Remember that the added value from renovations differs widely based on a number of factors. The Appraisal Foundation has collected some important tips to achieve maximum effectiveness, and quality as economically as possible in your remodeling projects, at the same time you maximize your appraisal.

Cost does not always equal value

First, remember that appraisers do not simply add the cost of renovations to the value of a home. Instead, appraisers determine how much buyers are willing to pay for specific renovations in the marketplace, which often varies greatly depending on location. If you are considering renovations, you could research “cost vs. value” data by checking sources such as Remodeling Magazine. According to the magazine, some of the most common renovations that return the most on the investment are: new front entry doors, midrange kitchen remodels, and bathroom remodels.

The principle of substitution

When evaluating renovations, appraisers rely on the “Principle of Substitution,” which essentially says that buyers would pay no more for a special feature in a home than the cost of renovating a similar property. Imagine that “Home A” and “Home B” are identical, except that “Home A” has had its kitchen remodeled at a cost of $50,000. Let’s assume that a similar kitchen remodel in a similar home can be performed for only $25,000. The Principle of Substitution says that the owner of “Home A” would not be able to recoup the full $50,000 paid for the kitchen remodel. Typical buyers desirous of a home with a remodeled kitchen would simply purchase “Home B” and renovate the kitchen themselves, saving $25,000 in the process. Of course, appraisers also consider the value buyers might find in not having to go through the hassle of doing the renovation themselves.

Energy conservation features can increase the value of a home

Appraisers take into account energy-efficient features (high-efficiency windows, solar water heaters, photovoltaic solar systems, etc). However, the value of these improvements is based on what the market is willing to pay — which differs depending on the community. Homeowners can hire an appraiser beforehand to get a better sense of how much value an energy-saving renovation will add to their home. 

Location is crucial

The value added due to renovations depends on geographic region. For instance, a new in-ground pool will most likely add more value to a home in a warm-weather climate, where residents can take advantage of it year-round, rather than a cold-weather climate.

Maintenance can be as important as renovations

An appraiser often takes into account the maintenance of a home including recent heating or air conditioning inspections, septic system servicing, roof inspections, and other types of inspections.

Keep your house organized

While a home’s tidiness/neatness isn’t officially evaluated in an appraisal, clean houses generally leave people — including appraisers — with a more positive impression. In addition, neat homes make it easier for appraisers to perform a proper inspection, and may suggest that the homeowner performs regular maintenance on the home.

Preserve your records

It is important that you keep records of all inspections, additions, conversions, or other structural or significant work performed on your home, so that an appraiser can easily review it.

Don’t be afraid to communicate with your appraiser

While homeowners are not permitted to unduly influence an appraiser, sharing relevant information about renovations to your home is appropriate. In fact, a competent and ethical appraiser will welcome information that makes his or her job easier, and leads to a more credible opinion of value.

Before committing to any project keep in mind, the value added to your home is based primarily on what the market is willing to pay. And Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can assist you carrying plumbing renovations all year-round, providing great advice and professional support on these upgrades you may be considering.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing has a team of professionally trained plumbers, whom together with the appropriate tools and extensive experience, can help you carrying out:

• Kitchen remodels
• Outdoor kitchens
• Bathroom remodels
• A second sink
• Upgrading old showerheads, toilets, and faucets
• Installation of pipes, repair any leaks
• Install other appliances

Contact them today!  Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of the Treasure Coast and North Palm Beach.

They are available 24 hours, 7 days a week to solve all your plumbing issues for your home or business.

www.benfranklinplumber.com  

References

Bunton, D. (2014, July 01). Home Renovations and Your Appraisal: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from Huffingtonpost: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-s-bunton/home-renovations-and-your_b_5135469.html

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