Our clients, a young couple with a 9-year-old daughter, own a home with only one small bathroom in Morganton, NC. The bathroom was outdated and in need of repair, since there were leaks and issues with mildew, and the tiles were cracking. The original bathroom was a DIY project from 10-15 years earlier. We took it down to the studs so we could repair the problem areas and improve the layout. The exterior bathroom window had been installed upside down and backwards. A big unused ventilation pipe had been boxed off, taking up a lot of unnecessary space. The family of three needed more bathroom storage space and a bathroom that was easier to keep clean. In addition, the wife is dealing with a disability that makes it important for her to have an accessible bathroom. As a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Vision Design Build Remodel is fully qualified to perform home modifications that make life easier for active adults and individuals with a disability.
Accessible bathroom features benefit the whole family
Guided by our CAPS expertise, we helped our clients with product selections. One of the choices that became a focal point for the bathroom was the tile. The gorgeous pebble mosaic used on the floor and in an accent strip on the walls incorporates the family’s love of the outdoors. At the same time, the mosaic provides a textured non-slip surface, which is advisable for use in a bathroom in general, but in particular for someone who has mobility issues. Other accessibility items include an elongated comfort height toilet, grab bars, a built-in seat on the back of the tub, a fixed shower head and a sliding bar hand shower. The grab bar under the window doubles as a storage shelf—an example of a grab bar that is “hidden in plain sight.” A diverter makes it possible to turn both shower heads on at the same time, or just one at time. Ease of maintenance also helped determine the product selections.
We reused the original window, but now it is installed correctly and has been waterproofed. The old ventilation pipe was removed, which created more space for storage. A new bathroom fan was installed that efficiently vents the humid air to the outside. The decision was made to keep a tub in the bathroom instead of replacing it with a shower, based on the needs of their daughter as well as their home’s resale value. The original pedestal sink was replaced with a space-saving narrow depth vanity that also provides storage.
The advantages of hiring a professional remodeler
Our clients benefited from hiring a professional remodeler for their bathroom project. We corrected many mistakes made during the DIY remodel, and we also offered our expertise in accessible design that helps their bathroom meets their needs on a daily basis. The construction phase of their project progressed smoothly and according to schedule, due to Vision Design Build Remodel’s extensive pre-planning. For example, during the earliest phase of construction, we provided a portable bathroom for the family. After demolition was complete, their toilet was reset immediately so they could use their bathroom.
Our clients’ small bathroom has been transformed into an exquisite space that offers beauty, functionality and accessibility for the entire family.
“When we contacted Cody, we were wanting to redo everything in our bathroom, and this time have it remodeled by a professional. So many things had been done incorrectly the first time and were causing problems, like the window. And now I needed more space to maneuver. For example, the existing medicine cabinet was sticking out into the room, whereas the new cabinet is installed inside the wall, giving us more space. We also needed to increase storage. Cody designed shelves that extend all the way to the floor and are much wider than I thought possible. He advised me about ways to create a bathroom that is easy to maintain, such as recommending we use darker grout for the tile.
Cody is so easy to work with. He was patient and accommodating whenever I had questions. I’m very pleased with our new bathroom. I just wanted something to make it seem bigger and brighter. But now it also functions much better, has a cleaner look and much more storage. Whenever we do anything else in the house, we’ll definitely call Cody!”
— D. H., Morganton, NC
Read our client’s response to the Guild Quality survey.