Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom Remodeling

San Francisco homes share a common issue – outdated bathrooms. Too many San Franciscans tolerate small, cramped, dark bathrooms with nonfunctional designs. For most of us, the bathroom is where our days begin and end. Whether a tranquil retreat or an outdated and dysfunctional space, it can set the tone for your day. Renovating an outdated bathroom can make a difference in daily living. And that’s not to mention adding value to your home.

At Heidi’s House, we specialize in bathroom remodels for apartments and houses. From the initial design to the finishing touches, we handle it all. And guess what? We’ve got a little extra magic up our sleeves – Smart Home technology! Picture this: smart lights that set the perfect ambiance, leak detection systems keeping your bathroom safe and sound, and smart toilet tech! We’ll weave in these high-tech wonders to make your bathroom remodel even more exceptional.

With Heidi’s House by your side, you’ll get a beautiful, functional bathroom equipped with the latest in Smart Home technology. So, let’s get going on that dream bathroom remodel – one that adds value to your home and brings joy to your daily life! Get ready to fall in love with your bathroom all over again.

Bathroom Remodeling Considerations
Living in a house built 100 years ago can mean charming architectural details, rich historical stories, and sturdy, natural building materials. Unfortunately, a house built in the 1920s can also mean dealing with 100 years of regrettable past renovations, cramped bathrooms with nonfunctional designs, and heavy repairs.

Layout
San Francisco bathrooms can be remodeled up to a point or completely renovated, including layout revisions such as combining split bathrooms, moving walls and windows, and relocating cabinetry and fixtures.

Plan a layout for your bathroom based on size and shape, incorporating the needed features. Every inch counts in the bathroom! There are Building and Safety regulations you must adhere to with fixture locations in the space, i.e., space allowances for the toilet, sink, shower, and tub. Sometimes people try to jam too many things into a small bathroom. For instance, toilets require at least 30 inches of space, while the minimum for a shower is 30 x 30 inches. The centerline of a sink should be at least 20 inches away from the wall. There should be 36 inches between sinks, and
sometimes, you’ll see bathrooms with two sinks squeezed into a 5-foot vanity, which is very tight. Safety is also critical in a bathroom design, including slip-resistant surfaces and proper lighting.

Tip: One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when remodeling their bathroom is selecting a tub that’s either too big or too small for the available space. Ensure the tub you choose fits the room appropriately, striking a balance between not overwhelming the area and providing enough comfort during bath time.

When envisioning your dream bathroom, consider these essential tips for crafting a layout that perfectly suits your needs:

• Let the toilet guide your design: Whether you’re undertaking a complete bathroom renovation or a simple refresh, the existing toilet’s placement plays a crucial role in shaping the overall design. Its location can dictate the flow of the space, influencing the positioning of other fixtures and elements. Evaluate its placement and determine if it aligns with your desired bathroom layout.
• Embrace functionality and aesthetics: When reimagining your bathroom, strive for a harmonious balance between functionality and aesthetics. While it’s essential to optimize the space for practical usage, don’t overlook the opportunity to infuse your unique style and design preferences. Your bathroom should not only be efficient but also a reflection of your personality and taste.
• Consider the user experience: Consider who will use the bathroom most frequently. If it’s a shared space, consider all users’ needs and preferences since it may influence decisions on the number of sinks, storage options, and a tub or shower. Creating a user-friendly environment ensures everyone feels comfortable and at ease.
• Maximize natural light and ventilation: Brighten up your bathroom with ample natural light, as it can make the space feel more inviting and spacious. Consider adding windows or skylights to allow sunlight to flood in during the day. Additionally, proper ventilation is essential to prevent moisture buildup and maintain a fresh, pleasant environment.
• Optimize storage solutions: Evaluate your storage needs and incorporate clever solutions to keep the bathroom organized and clutter-free. From built-in shelving to concealed cabinets, well-planned storage options will make the most of the available space while keeping everyday essentials within easy reach.

With these tips, you can create a bathroom layout that meets your practical needs and brings joy and satisfaction every time you enter this private sanctuary.

Bathroom Vanities & Countertops
A well-designed bathroom vanity is a functional necessity and a centerpiece that enhances your bathroom space. No bathroom remodel is complete without a stylish new vanity with an integrated countertop, fixtures, and storage. We aim to find a vanity that perfectly complements your bathroom’s design while offering durability, ease of cleaning, and hygienic features with ample storage options. Consider using the same design for your bathroom countertops and shower for a seamless look and added benefits.

Regarding bathroom vanities, the choices are abundant, catering to various styles and preferences. From mid-century modern to farmhouse, industrial, contemporary, and rustic designs, you can find vanities in different shapes, sizes, colors, materials, and finishes. For smaller bathrooms, wall-mounted and floating single-sink vanities are excellent space-saving options. If you require a custom-made vanity, the possibilities are endless, allowing you to design one that suits your unique needs perfectly. Double-sink vanities offer larger bathrooms functionality and elegance in simple, vibrant, and cheerful designs.

You might hear “bathroom cabinets” and “bathroom vanities” interchangeably during your remodel. In most cases, both terms refer to the same thing. A bathroom cabinet topped with a sink basin is considered a vanity. However, not all vanities have to be cabinets. For instance, if your bathroom cabinets are used solely for storage without a sink, you have bathroom cabinets, not a vanity. A bathroom vanity, on the other hand, combines a sink, countertop, and an enclosed storage unit.

It’s essential to recognize that bathroom and kitchen cabinets have different dimensions, though similar in style and finish. Bathroom cabinets are shorter and shallower than kitchen cabinets. If you want your new bathroom cabinets to match or resemble those in your kitchen, custom-made options allow for that possibility. Thankfully, a wide range of bathroom vanity options are available to suit your style and budget.

• Integrated sink bathroom vanities are gaining popularity in San Francisco homes. These vanities feature one-piece tops that seamlessly integrate the washbasin and countertop into a unified piece.
• Floating vanities, leaning toward contemporary design, add a touch of modernity to your bathroom. For example, a floating vanity appears to float mid-air, creating a more spacious and open atmosphere. Wall-mount floating vanities come in various configurations, from complete units with countertops, sinks, and storage bases to freestanding vanities without legs and even partial sets with separate pieces.
• For a touch of elegance, furniture-style vanities mimic popular household furnishings, serving as decorative pieces that bring cohesiveness to your entire home.
• European vanities, known for their gray ash finish, push drawers, integrated sinks, and sleek design, have also gained popularity recently.
• If you’re looking for a modern feature, consider vessel sink vanities, which offer thousands of vessel sink options made from glass, stone, and handmade materials. We can integrate this trendy feature into your bathroom, adding a unique touch to your space.

Like kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanity, and cabinet manufacturers are categorized according to how the cabinets are manufactured and shipped:

• Prefabs options are Ready-to-assemble (RTA), and Pre-assembled cabinets are designed to be economical, off-the-shelf solutions. Prefab cabinets are pre-built in many stock sizes and configurations, often using economical materials to keep costs down. RTA cabinets are shipped with the parts broken down and packed in flat boxes. Pre-assembled cabinets ship pre-assembled with the drawers, doors, and hardware preattached. The installer must unpackage and assemble the Prefab cabinets on-site. While this sounds like a lot of work, it is. Prefab cabinets are still relatively less expensive than most other options.
• Semi-custom cabinets are pre-assembled cabinets, but they are offered with many different options. For example, you may have a choice of dozens of different wood types, stain colors, door styles, and specific-use cabinets and storage options. In short, Semi-custom cabinets are more expensive than RTA and Pre-assembled cabinets but offer significantly more options.
• Custom cabinet makers build every cabinet to your specific size and style. Custom cabinetry is crucial for spaces where you need your cabinets to fit tight and flush in the designated space. Local craftspeople usually construct custom cabinetry, but some national companies specialize in building and shipping these cabinets.

IKEA, Home Depot, Lowes, and other local vendors offer Prefab and Simi-custom cabinets.

Typically, there is a significant price difference between Prefab and semi-custom and custom cabinets, mainly due to the different materials and options. However, since the customization options are relatively limited on Prefabs, the adjustments are easy for the cabinet supplier to make, resulting in no significant added expense. On the other hand, custom cabinets run the gamut from basic custom-sized cabinets to imaginative designs with unusual shapes or features that take extra time to create, resulting in added cost.

Mirrors
Consider what adding a different mirror can do to your bathroom design. A different mirror can alter your bathroom’s entire look and feel. The most common shapes are square or rectangular, although you should still look at other shapes to accent your design. For example, a circular mirror could give your bathroom the right feel. New mirror technology also will be a significant trend for 2021. Combine mirrors and lighting. Back-lit mirrors add to the overall light ambiance and are a design feature.

Lighting
Lighting is a key aspect of a bathroom remodel, offering the perfect blend of convenience and beauty. But why settle for ordinary lighting when you can have the brilliance of smart lighting in your bathroom? Smart lighting takes your bathroom experience to a new level by providing enhanced control and flexibility.

With smart LED ceiling lights, not only do you get energy-efficient and eco-friendly lighting, but you can also enjoy significant savings on electricity bills. Set the mood instantly with adjustable brightness levels and even change the color of the lights to match your preferences. Picture yourself unwinding in a warm, relaxing bath with soft, dimmed smart lights, creating the perfect ambiance.

Pendant lights above the vanity or soaking tub can be equipped with smart technology, allowing you to adjust the intensity and color to suit your needs. Whether preparing for the day or winding down in the evening, smart lighting adapts to your routines effortlessly.

And that’s not all – smart dimmers provide even more control over the lighting, letting you set the perfect scene for any occasion. From a relaxing soak to a romantic dinner, smart lighting enables you to create the ideal atmosphere at the touch of a button.

Embrace the limitless possibilities of smart lighting in your bathroom remodel. Elevate your daily rituals and bask in the magic of well-planned, thoughtfully executed lighting that caters to your every desire. Upgrade to smart lighting and discover the transformative power it brings to your remodeled bathroom.

Flooring
Bathroom flooring is a critical element that sets the tone for the entire space, whether a grand master bathroom or a charming powder room. The flooring you select should be visually appealing and easy to maintain. Let’s explore some popular bathroom flooring trends in San Francisco.

• One prominent trend in bathroom flooring is a tile that mimics the appearance of hardwood. Thanks to advanced inkjet technology, these wood-like planks come in various styles and colors, creating a remarkably realistic look. You can opt for a modern, wire-brushed style with subtle, intentional scratches that accentuate the grain or a more rustic, hand-scraped wood appearance. With high or low color variations available, you can customize the flooring. These tiles are visually appealing and easier to clean, thanks to fewer and thinner grout lines, making dirt less noticeable. They are incredibly versatile and neutral, allowing them to complement any bathroom design.
• For a touch of retro charm, consider black and white stenciled tiles. These vintage-inspired styles are super chic and add a modern retro vibe to your decor. They pair beautifully with white beadboard, wainscoting, or shiplap, elevating the bathroom’s overall look.
• Mosaics, particularly white marble, and black and white patterns are another popular choice. These days, mosaics come in various shapes, such as subway tiles, small squares, herringbone, chevron, hexagons, basket weaves, and Moroccan tile shapes. Many homeowners use the same white marble tile throughout the bathroom but mix the shapes on the floors, walls, and shower area. This creative approach keeps the space light and bright while infusing visual interest with a mix of shapes and textures.

Consider these exciting bathroom flooring options to create a beautiful, stylish, and functional foundation for your bathroom remodel.

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