Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Bathroom Remodel without breaking the bank

This Homeowner had a great 6 foot soaking tub but she was tired of the laminated wood surround and the step, which took up quite a bit of room.  She also didn't like the cedar beams surrounding the bathtub either.  The double bowl vanity was a dated and needed new fixtures.  She had a few pictures from magazines to give us an idea of what she was looking for.  We worked with her on her budget to get those items that were really important and kept the floor plan the same so the job didn't entail moving plumbing or electrical, keeping within the budget. 

In this picture, the grout is still wet in some places, making some seem darker than others.  A new Roman Faucet looks wonderful and ready for action!


She chose to go with an new cultured marble sink top with integrated bowls and new faucets but she kept the hardware on the cabinets for the time being and plans to upgrade those later.  To save money, she also chose to keep the large mirror.  James framed it and stained it to match the new stain grade crown moulding he installed at the ceiling and also above the linen cabinet.  A new light fixture completed the look.

Here's James hard at work!

The customer also chose to have us do a 3 layer faux finish on the walls with a bronze glaze.

Another Bathroom Idea link

http://www.midwestliving.com/homes/decorating-ideas/bathroom-design-ideas/#page=30

Some nice Master Bath ideas from Southern Living

http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/decorating/master-bathroom-decorating-design-00417000073793/

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Carrollton Bath Remodel

When the customer called us, they related a very bad experience with some inept "remodelers" that they fired.  When we arrived and witnessed what the contractor had attempted to do, we could understand the homeowner's predicament and frustration.  The tub surround that was installed was the wrong size for the new whirlpool tub.  (On the job drunkeness does not help one's ability to do good work either.)

The hodgepodge assortment of plumbing parts had already leaked and damaged the basement ceiling, which James also repaired. 


The Homeowner's favorite color was blue and she chose two different shades for her new cultured granite tub surround and sink top. 

This is what the plumbing should have looked like.


Floor tile being installed.

Since the homeowner chose a sand colored floor and matching wall tile with pepple border, we used a four layer, faux finish on the walls with taupe, pearl, ivory and blue. 

James built some custom storage cabinets, installed crown moulding, wired and installed new recessed lighting above the toilet and tub area and installed grab bars at the toilet and the tub in accordance with the homeowner's needs.


I think I have more pictures of this project and will try to find them and post them here. 

Spec House

James worked on this home with a builder as a "Spec House".  He painted the entire interior, fabricated the custom Judge's Panel in the Dining Room and built the fireplace mantle to match.  All the crown moulding, chair rail and trim was done by James as well. 



Notice how the Judge's Panel wraps around the corners of the walls. 

James not only painted and did all the wood work in this bathroom but he also installed the whirlpool tub with matching marble surround and custom built shower.  He installed all fixtures and hardware and did all the last minute "punch list" before this house deal closed.

Tray ceilings with double crown moulding.

Dark Attic transformed into Master Suite Oasis

This was such a wasted and untapped space in this home.  After getting an idea of what these homeowners pictured, James went to work!
Here are some "BEFORE" pictures.



There was tons of behind the scenes work that had to be done.  There was one light fixture wired in this attic.  An entire new circuit had to be run to accomodate this new living space.  Plumbing had to be added as well.  The project involved special circumstances as the homeowners had purchased salvage wood for the flooring at two different auctions.  One was odd and end pieces which had to be milled down and fitted together...very TIME consuming.  The other bundle was an old gymnasium floor which was used in the closet areas. 


James proposed to the Homeowner that this wall area be used for built in drawers to take advantage of the extra space. 


The Marble Shower in progress.

If you look under the saw area, you will see that in the center of this room, which is the stair landing on the first floor, the floor has a step up almost 9 inches higher than the surrounding floor area.  James framed this space and turned it into more storage.














For some reason, I didn't get pictures with the cabinet doors or drawer fronts installed :( 









The homeowner had a dressing table to place between the two lights.


The only thing needed at this point is the bed installed under the mantle.