FAQ’s and SAQ’s
After 35 years of the residential construction business and dealing with every phase of the design-build 
process, you tend to run across some of the same valid questions deserving of a good answer.
Here is our list. Spend a few minutes here and use our helpful experience as a tool for your own project.
1. “How much does it cost to remodel my bathroom?”
Cost is affected by many factors such as the size of the bath, the materials and fixtures selected, whether you stay with the same foot print or relocate fixtures in your bathroom, and how much demolition must be done before starting the job. Custom bathroom remodels can vary from a price range of $10,500 to over $35,000.
The Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value, 2009-2010 report shows the cost of updating a 5 ft. x 7 ft. existing bathroom in the southwest central region at $16,142.00 including these fixtures:
- A standard 30 inch x 60 inch porcelain on steel bath tub with a 4 inch x 4 inch ceramic tile surround
- New single-lever temperature and pressure balanced shower control
- Standard white toilet
- Solid-surface vanity counter with integral sink
- Recessed medicine cabinet with light
- Ceramic tile floor
- New paint
Large upscale bathroom remodels can run from $30,000 to well over $60,000.
2. “We have a bathtub/shower combination, but we never take baths. We would love to just have a large shower, but we feel like we need to keep the tub for resale value. What should we do?”
It has become very popular to remove the bathtub and make the area into a custom shower. The reason is – most people today lead very busy lives. With two working parents, kid’s activities and all of the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a shower can be so much easier and a quicker way of starting the day.
I advise clients to evaluate and think about how they use their baths and then remodel accordingly, so the design will function best for their family. On a side note, a large custom shower can be much safer than taking a shower in a standard bath tub. Tubs can be very slick and a fall can be dangerous for anyone.
3. “Our master bath has only one vanity sink, but we need two. How difficult is it to add a second sink?”
Again, having two vanity sinks can be more than just a luxury, it’s almost a necessity. As to whether you can add a second sink depends upon available space. In some cases you would need to reconfigure the bathroom to create the space for two vanity sinks.
Think about it this way – it’s not just about having a vanity sink; it’s also about how much counter top space is needed. You can have one vanity sink in a space as small as 18 inches wide, but 24 inches is more the norm, and 30-36 inches is the best. A vanity that is 72 inches wide is the best for two vanity sinks and allows top storage for common bathroom products.
Depending upon how much room you have available in your bath, another alternative to adding a second vanity sink would be to create a separate makeup area away from the vanity, or it might be in another room. Questions like these can best be answered by having a professional bath remodeler visit your home to evaluate your situation so they can show you the options and then be able to give you an accurate cost.
4. “We want a big shower with two shower heads and a large bench!”
Here in Texas, we like to think bigger is always better. But I believe you need to think about what your daily needs are and how you really use your shower. If you are the type of person that gets up early most mornings when its cool and jump into the shower for a quick 3 or 4 minutes before starting your day, that may not be the best shower for you.
Stepping into a large shower first thing in the morning with all the cool air around is not going to be very comfortable. A large shower needs a little more time to warm up with the water running. And again if taking a shower is a luxury to you and you generally have plenty of time or just take the time, it may be just what the doctor ordered.
Many people like the feeling of the warm steam as it fills the shower space. The larger showers take much longer to get that feeling. Bathrooms and showers are very personal spaces so take the time to evaluate what works best for you and your family.
Words to remember – the larger the shower is, the longer it will take for the shower space to warm up.
5. “What is the best size of tub to buy?”
This is a very important question. Most of us grew up with what we thought was the one and only size of tub, but these days there are literally hundreds of choices. The first thing to determine is how much space you are going to allocate for your tub. Knowing this will determine how many options you have.
Take for example the new claw foot tubs, which have become very popular again because they can be very comfortable and work well for de-stressing from the day’s activities. These tubs come in sizes from a small 54 inches to 72 inches long.
Many people start by saying they want a tub for two, which must be larger. If you are going to use it for two a good percentage of the time, you will not only need the large tub, but it would be best to have the tub with a side- center mounted faucet (it’s not much fun having a faucet sticking you in the middle of the back).
However, if 99.9% of the time you are going to be bathing by yourself, then it should be comfortable and functional for you. Bathtubs become very slippery when used improperly and water is added. If you are 5 feet 6 inches tall and you sit in a tub that is 6 foot long, it’s not going to be very comfortable and relaxing to bathe. Why? Because you will be spending most of your energy trying to keep from slipping under the water since you have nothing to brace your feet on.
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Pick a tub that is deep or shallow enough for your comfort, in the way you like to take a bath. You will want a tub that allows you to sit in a comfortable position and not slip under the water. A fun way to test this out is by going to a store or showroom and sitting down in various tubs to see how comfortable it feels to you. Don’t worry about being embarrassed, people who know what they’re doing will think you’re very smart.
Think about this -
It’s much better to maybe be embarrassed for a few minutes in a showroom as people watch you climb in and out of tubs than to spend a sizable investment and be disappointed with your choice for many years.
Magazines show pictures of many different styles and designs of tubs but unless it’s going to be just a conversation piece, make sure it’s comfortable and useable – for you. It just may not be that comfortable sitting in a tub of warm water that looks like half of an egg shell, but you won’t know until you try it.
6. “Several of the ceramic tiles in our shower are loose and looks like they are going to fall off the wall. Can I just pull them off and re-glue them?”
If you have loose tiles in your shower, it’s an indication there is a much larger problem that needs to be repaired properly.
It could be:
- There is a leak in a water line.
- The tiles were either not installed properly originally or it could be that water from the shower is weeping behind the tiles and breaking down the sheet rock.
These kinds of problems will not just fix themselves or go away. It is best to pull the loose tiles off and make an inspection to determine what is causing the problem. Most likely, after the problem is determined, the best solution is to remove all of the tiles and make sure the area is properly water-proofed and new tile installed. Leaving an area like this unrepaired can create many other problems including mildew, rotten wood, and even damage areas on the other side of the wall.
7. “I’m not sure I want ceramic tile on my new shower walls and I know I don’t want just an acrylic panel. The shower I want to replace always has mildew in the grout joints. What are my options?”
Ceramic and porcelain tile are still the most popular selections for two reasons:
- because of the patterns that can be created
- the colors and sizes available
About the mildew – ceramic and porcelain tiles are non-porous but the grout is porous and can grow mildew if not sealed. A sealer can easily be applied to the grout and will dry clear. As you use tile cleaners, the sealer will wear off and it is recommended you seal the tile every few years.
As for other choices for shower walls and tub surrounds there are engineered stones, also known as quartz (examples would be brand names such as Silestone, CaesarStone and Cambria). Engineered stone imitates the look of natural stone by combining small stone chips, resins and other pigments.
Additional choices are marble, granite, and natural stones but these products need to be sealed in addition to the grout. Cultured marble is another choice, which is a mixture of fiberglass resin and crushed limestone.
8. “My friend says it’s a good idea to have handicap bars installed in the shower, but they look so funny and make me feel old. Are there any other options?”
Many of the handicap bars used to look like they should be in a hospital or a nursing home and were designed for function over style. There are now several manufacturers and more every day that are designing grab bars to look more stylish, attractive, and yet still be functional. Grab bars are important for all wet areas because these areas can become very slick, and it’s easy for any of us to slip and lose our footing.
Even in children’s baths, grab bars are important*. If you have children, you know that at one time or another you might need to deal with a cast on a arm or leg. It can be very difficult to get into a tub or even move around with a cast…and we don’t want them to go 3 months without a bath, do we?
Even if you decide that you don’t want grab bars installed at this time, have your remodeling contractor install wall blocking so they could be installed and secured easily, if there is a sudden need for them.
*“Parents can protect their children,” said Dr. Ileana Arias, director of CDC’s Injury Center. “Installing grab bars, using non-slip mats and always supervising young children are some ways parents can make their bathtubs and showers safer places.”
9. “We would like a bench seat in our new shower but what height should it be?”
That is an excellent question. I find a good percentage of the time when women talk about a bench, they are thinking about a ledge they can put their foot on to shave their legs. So, deciding how your bench will actually be used is the best way to determinate as to how high the bench should be.
There is no real ‘rule of thumb’ as to what height is best. An easy way to determine this is experimenting at home to see what a comfortable level is for you. Try standing and resting your foot on a bench or box to find that comfortable level for you. Also, remember if a shower is too small for a sit down bench but if its main function is to rest your foot on, just do a small ledge and call it a shaving ped-a-rest.
Also, remember if you are using small tiles in your shower, they may not be the most comfortable bench to sit on. Think about maybe using a solid piece of marble, granite or a solid quartz product as a more comfortable bench seat.
10. “When we purchased our home 5 years ago the builder had installed a large corner jetted tub. I would love to take a bath once in a while, but this tub is so large and takes so much water that by the time it’s full I’m out of the mood. Since we are going to remodel we would like to install a smaller tub, but how do we get this tub outside?”
Sadly, many times builders include a large jetted tub in the master bath because they think it gives them a lot of bang for the buck. But from my experience, these tubs are very seldom used by the owners.
They not only take a large amount of water and time to fill, but the early builder models were also very noisy when running. It’s no fun trying to de-stress with a bath if it sounds like you’re sitting on top of a lawn mower! Obviously, these tubs aren’t very practical for the way most people live their lives.
The simple answer to your question is to just cut it up into smaller pieces and carry those pieces out. You must remember your tub was installed before all of the walls and sheet rock was completed, so it was much easier to install. Don’t forget to disconnect the electrical service before you start cutting up the tub.
11. “We want a window in our new shower, but what about the moisture? All of the windows in our home are now wood.”
A window in the shower can be a great addition for the natural light and also to help remove the moisture in the room – if it’s an operating window. Naturally, a wood window would not be a good choice, but these days there are many excellent substitutions including aluminum windows, vinyl windows, fiberglass windows or even glass block.
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It is very important the window is installed correctly and the window sill needs to be sloped so that shower water will not collect in the sill. You will also want to consider the privacy issue, plus realize that a large window will transfer more heat or cool from the outside than an insulated wall.
12. “My husband is 6’7’’ and I’m 5’6’’ what can we do about the shower head either too high for me or too low for him?”
This can be handled a couple of different ways. One way is to have two separate shower heads sized for each user. A second way would be to purchase a shower head on an adjustable bar. They come in different styles and types, and can be adjusted on the bar or removed and used as a hand-held spray.
13. “I noticed a picture in a magazine last night that had a beautiful chandelier hanging over the tub. Can I do that?”
This is a request we get quite often because you do see these pictures in magazines. But many city and municipal codes are clear on this – you cannot have an open light bulb fixture closer than 7 feet above the highest point of the water’s edge. Sometimes codes don’t seem to make sense or seem reasonable, but it is not a good idea violate them because many of them are for safety issues. Many times we are able to design the use of a chandelier fixture in a location of the bathroom that does not violate code.
14. “Friends were telling me I should get a jetted tub when we replace our bath.”
It would be a good idea for you to try out a jetted tub before deciding to install one in your new remodel. You could look for a hotel that might have one in the room or even a friend who has one. Ask about their experience and how often they use it. You might also want to check out a few other types of tubs, including the Hot Air Bubble tubs.
15. “I have found someone to remodel my bath and he says that if we don’t get a building permit he can save us some money. What do you think?”
He is correct – it may save you a few dollars up front. But if a building permit is required for the job and the contractor says he is willing to work without that permit, even if he passes the permit fee on to you, then the contractor has already established the fact that he is willing to cheat and lie. I would recommend just walking away and saying, ‘no thanks’. Plus think about the future: if you decide to sell your home and the buyers have a home inspection, any code violations will be noted and YOU probably will need to correct them before the sale closes!
16. “I have a light over the mirror and it’s not a very big bath. That should be enough, shouldn’t it?”
Lighting can be a very important element of any bathroom remodel. There are many new choices in lighting now from tube fluorescent bulbs, compact florescent bulbs, LED lighting (Light-emitting diode), halogen lighting to the standard incandescent lighting.
We refer to different types of lighting such as natural lighting, which comes from windows or sky lights and task lighting, which is artificial lighting that helps us perform tasks such as shaving or putting on make-up. There is also aesthetic lighting which can be pleasing to the eye for mood setting or to spot-light an artistic or architectural feature.
For example, a strip light fixture with six 60 watt bulbs above the mirror may light up the room, but it isn’t the most pleasant lighting in the middle of the night when you get up to use the bathroom, nor is it good for putting on makeup because of the shadows it can cast, or if you would just like to de-stress and soak in the tub with a glass of wine.
So, there should be some proper task and color hue lighting for makeup and shaving at the vanity sink. There should also be task lighting in the shower and some soft light for times when you might be trying to de-stress from a busy day.
17. “We have a shower curtain at our bath tub that seems to cling to us whenever we are taking a shower. Would it help to put up shower doors?”
If the curtain does a good job and the reason for making a change is just the clinging of the shower curtain, you might want to check out the new curved shower curtain rod. It gives you the feeling and performance of a larger shower space, and can eliminate that clinging of the shower curtain.
If there is an issue of the kids or adults letting water outside of the shower area, a shower door might be a good choice.
18. “I saw plumbing fixtures the other day that were just beautiful. I think they were polished nickel. That’s what I want.”
Polished nickel is a beautiful product, but as with most polished items, maintenance can be just as high as it is with polished silver unless it has a protective coating to protect against tarnishing. It is best when selecting any bathroom accessories or fixtures that you review the maintenance, cleaning requirements and the warranties of your selection. If the manufacturer suggests you dry wipe the faucet after each use, it may not be the best selection for the children’s bath or even the everyday adult’s bathroom.
20. “My husband and I are in our early sixties and we plan on living in this home for as long as we can. We are considering remodeling our master bath and were wondering about, ‘what are some of the options we should consider?”
At this time in your lives, it is a good time to think about ‘what ifs’? Since you are planning on staying in your home for a long time, it’s a good idea to consider how you can create an environment in your bath for the long term. Changes that might apply are including larger doorways, pocket doors, a curbless shower, vanities with knee space below, offset controls for tub and showers, extra maneuvering and clear floor space, grab bars and lever controls.
It does not mean you need to design your bath to look like a nursing home. The area of Universal Design is becoming a much larger part of the bath remodeling business. This means more and more manufacturers are offering stylish products and more people are seeing the value in this designing.
Working with the right bath remodeling company, you can style your bath with the Universal Design in mind, and still have a showplace bath that will service your needs for years to come.
It might also mean, after consulting with a bath remodeling company that you don’t do everything now, but you prepare, so if changes are ever needed they will be much easier and less costly to do. Most of us would like to think we can stay in our homes until we leave this earth, and those later years can be more enjoyable if we have an environment that is user friendly and not a challenge for every little task.
21. “The light fixture in my bath puts out so much heat that I almost need to turn it off. Then I can’t see myself in the mirror. Our bath does not have any natural light – what can I do?”
I’m assuming your light fixtures are using incandescent or halogen bulbs because both of these bulbs generate a lot of heat and consume a lot of energy. In the last few years, homeowners and manufacturers have become much more aware of the importance of lighting, not only with energy consumption, but also aesthetics and task performance.
Fluorescent bulbs and LED lighting (light-emitting diode) have become very popular, they put off minimum heat, and last much longer than standard incandescent bulbs. There are different sizes, shapes and color tones of fluorescent bulbs you might be able to use in your current incandescent fixture…or it might be best to consider updating your light fixtures and taking advantage of the newer lighting options.
When selecting a new fixture, it is more than just how pretty it looks. It would be best to visit a lighting showroom and talk to a lighting specialist. It might even be best to take some pictures of your bath to the showroom so they can give you good advice about what lighting can do for you.
22. “Our whole family uses the same shower here in our cabin at the lake, but everyone has a different shampoo and conditioner. The mess on the floor is more than I can take. We are going to remodel soon what should I do about this mess?”
Storage in the shower can be just as important as storage in the bathroom. There are shower accessories you can purchase that will either stick to the wall with suction cups, or hang from the shower head. The problem is, they might not be very attractive and they still take up space in the shower. If you are planning on remodeling, you need to visit with a bathroom remodeling contractor about creating storage spaces in the shower for shampoos and conditioners.
You don’t need to be limited to just one space. Maybe you have several in the shower. Things to consider with the storage space a) do not place the storage so the shower head sprays on it b) it should have a positive slope so it doesn’t hold water c) make sure it is properly sized for the size of bottles and products that you purchase.
23. “We have a large dog that needs to be bathed on a regular basis. I usually get in the shower with him but it’s hard to rinse him off with the shower head. What would you suggest?”
The best thing would be to have a hand held shower wand so that you can rinse the dog. If you are remodeling, you might even consider adding a lower connection just for rinsing the dog off. The bathrooms of today are no longer the bathrooms of our parents. Our animals have become a bigger part of our families and now we see dog washing stations included in bathrooms and utility rooms.
24. One of the most often neglected items in a bathroom is the exhaust vent (fan) –
I often ask clients, “Do you use your exhaust fan?” And the usual answer is, “No, it’s just too noisy.” The primary purpose of an exhaust fan, which is required by code, is to rid the bath of humidity. A constant high level of humidity in the bath over time can lead to problems like mold, or even damage to the walls, ceiling and trim. Most city codes require only that there is an exhaust fan and usually says nothing about proper sizing. Most exhaust fans installed by builders are just an inexpensive and noisy little fan. ‘One size fits all’ is not a good solution.
An exhaust fan should be sized so it will exchange the air properly and do the job that’s intended. There are many choices of exhaust fans on the market that are not only quiet, but efficient. They can be operated by a simple on and off switch, a timer, and even by a preset humidity level or with a motion sensor.
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If we’ve missed a question you would like to ask, contact our office at 512-290-2284 (BATH), and Michael or Jeff will be happy to answer it personally for you.