Tureks Plumbing Services Blog: Posts Tagged ‘bathroom remodel ideas’

Creative Bathroom Designs for Small Spaces

Wednesday, May 12th, 2021

Creative bathroom design for small spacesCreative Bathroom Designs for Small Spaces 2021

We all love a good mirror selfie, whether it’s a small powder room or a master bath! But there’s nothing like an outdated bathroom to ruin your photo. In this article, we explore some creative bathroom designs for small spaces. Our bathroom remodeling experts will help you make your bathroom both functional and beautiful. We hope this blog inspires you to turn your space into something you’ve always wanted. 

Planning Bathroom Layout

Create the illusion of a much bigger space by placing a mural on one wall. Poster style-murals can easily achieve the look of a bigger and longer room. Try an unconventional layout. This will allow you to maximize space and enhance style while maintaining the functionality of the bathroom. Consider sinking the tub, or placing the vanity against a shower glass.

Splurge On Bathroom Tiles

If you can put a lot of special features into your bathroom, make those elements that you can easily put in really count, such as the tiles. Mosaic tiles can easily amp up the style of the bathroom, and if you use a really lovely pattern for the tiles, everybody will likely overlook how small the space is. Our friends at McQuillan Bros, a plumbing company that offers the best plumbing services in Twin Cities., have seen so many creative ways to use tile! They agree that the right bathroom tile can elevate the space.  

Walls and Lighting

If your small bathroom needs a touch of class, applying high-quality and beautiful wallpaper on the walls that don’t get wet will do the trick. And what’s grander than using a small crystal chandelier as the main source of illumination in the room? If you can’t do anything about the size of the room, you certainly can do something about the items you place in the bathroom.

Mirrors and Strategic Lighting

These are time-tested design tricks for small spaces. Mirrors create the illusion of a much bigger space, and if you add lighting fixtures in areas that will really allow light to “explode,” the bathroom will look more expensive. You can also use dimmable lights or lamps to create a different ambiance for the space.

Built-ins or Shelving

Recessed shelves for books and magazines are great for maximizing space and adding character to bathrooms. The easy access to reading material can also make the room a more relaxing “retreat” for family members.

Paint

Horizontal stripes on the wall. You can paint these or use wallpaper strips to make the bathroom seem wider. Paint the ceiling using an interesting hue. Applegate remodelers suggest painting the ceiling because this is a great trick in pulling the eyes away from the small size of the bathroom.

Have you been researching creative bathroom designs for your home? If you are thinking about a home remodel in Appleton, contact the plumbing professionals at Turek’s Plumbing today! We also provide residents with quality plumbing services and trenchless sewer repair!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in August 2016 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

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7 Things to Consider Before You Remodel Your Bathroom

Wednesday, June 5th, 2019

things to consider for bathroom remodel

Things to Consider Before a Bathroom Remodel

A bathroom may be one of the smaller spaces in your home, but a lot of thought needs to go into the process of remodeling this room if you are to benefit from the time and effort invested. Here are some of the top considerations which you need to have in mind if you are to turn this space into your dream bathroom.

Plumbing is Key

Plumbers at Tureks Plumbing Services caution that you may never get to enjoy your remodeled bathroom if the plumbing isn’t working properly. In this regard, Fox Valley plumbers suggest that you think about the hair and gunk which finds its way into the bathroom drain on a daily basis. These substances are the primary reason why bathroom drains clog, so you should use the remodel as an opportunity to find a lasting solution to this problem.

One step that you can take is to install a larger drain pipe, such as a 2-inch pipe instead of the commonly used 1.5-inch pipes. This single change alone will significantly reduce the likelihood of clogs developing since the pipe will be large enough to allow hair and other small solids to flow through.

Floor Tiles

If you are considering using tiles on the floor of the shower area, pay attention to their size. Larger tiles are difficult to slope appropriately. Secondly, larger tiles pose a safety risk because they tend to be more slippery since the grout lines are widely spaced. Tureks Plumbing Services, therefore, recommends that you opt for smaller tiles so that you don’t have a hard time getting them to slope at the angle you want for proper drainage.

Drawer Storage

Opt for a vanity with drawers instead of one with doors. You will find it easier to organize the storage if it has drawers when compared to keeping the vanity storage organized if it has doors. Additionally, drawers can be cut to create room for plumbing pipes and fixtures. You can also have larger drawers made for the storage of larger items.

Wall-Hung Toilet

Another idea you can incorporate during your bathroom remodel is the inclusion of a wall-hung toilet. In the past, these toilets were very expensive and therefore a preserve of those with deep pockets. Today, wall-hung toilets are affordable and within reach for any homeowner. Why would you even add a wall-hung toilet to your bathroom? This type of toilet is ideal for smaller bathrooms because their footprint is smaller since the toilet tank is hidden away in the bathroom wall. However, you should be mindful of the fact that you will need to adjust the plumbing should you ever decide to switch to another type of toilet in the future.

The Medicine Cabinet

Consider installing a recessed medicine cabinet if you can. Such a cabinet will leave more room free above the vanity. If you cannot have a recessed medicine cabinet, then elevate it as much as you can so that the countertop on the vanity can be used conveniently.

Lighting is Vital

Fox Valley plumbers emphasize that careful planning should be invested in the lighting of a bathroom during a remodel so that all the other work done isn’t downplayed by improper lighting. First, ask yourself what you plan to do in the bathroom. Will you be applying your makeup from there? Place bright light in strategic locations so that you can see clearly when using the mirror. Install a dimmer switch which you can use to control the brightness of the light when you wish to adjust the atmosphere in the bathroom. Recessed lights would also be a good addition to keep the bathroom well lit.

You can be sure that the bathroom remodel will stand the test of time if you include many of the considerations above as you plan that remodel. For all your plumbing needs during the bathroom remodel, contact Tureks Plumbing Services. Our experienced professionals are at your service.

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Where to Start With a Bathroom Remodel

Thursday, August 10th, 2017

After a stressful day at the office or doing household chores, nothing else can make you feel better quicker than taking a long, soothing bath. The look and feel of your bathroom can give you an experience that is similar to visiting a spa or a resort.

Currently, though, the design and layout of your bathroom may not be ideal for the type of experience that you want. You can change it with a remodel.

One important question to ask is where to start with a bathroom remodel. Here are a few tips to help you out:

Determine its purpose

A bathroom is where people take a shower, brush their teeth and take care of other hygiene issues before going out. These are some of the most common activities done inside a bathroom, but it is also a personal space. What you need to consider is what you want your experience to be like when you are inside. Do you use the bathroom for a quick bath or do you also want to use the space to relax and unwind for a while?

How you answer this question will influence the design, materials and colors that will be used in remodeling the space.

Consider the existing layout

The current design and layout of your bathroom can affect what you can do with the space. For instance, the placement of your toilet bowl, urinal, faucet and showerhead is fixed. You can change the fixtures but not where they are installed. Changing the placement of the fixtures involves moving or extending the pipes. This involves a lot of work and will cost you more.

Consult an expert plumber in your area to find out what the limitations are when it comes to remodeling your bathroom. This may affect the final design of your remodeled bathroom but it can help you save money and give you fewer problems to worry about during the remodeling process.

Identify the users

Knowing the people who use the bathroom is also an important factor when having it remodeled. If you live on your own, then your personal taste and preferences will be used as the sole basis for the design. However, if you live with your parents or kids, or there are several other people living in the same space, then it could affect the final design of your bathroom.

For instance, if you live with your elderly parents or somebody with medical issues, you will need to have grab bars installed and use non-slip materials that are easy to clean. If you live with toddlers or young kids and you want a tub, you can consider tubs that include a step. This will make it easier and safer for them to get in and out of the tub. And make sure to schedule your appointment with us today!

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Remodeling an Old Bathroom – Your Blueprint for Success

Thursday, June 8th, 2017

Remodeling an Old Bathroom – Your Blueprint for Success

Perhaps your old bathroom is too small and you wish to have a bigger one built. Or maybe you live in an old home and you want to refresh its look by giving it a do-over, starting with the bathroom. Or perhaps, your old bathroom no longer fits your current needs.

Whatever your reason may be, remodeling an old bathroom is a serious undertaking that should be approached carefully.

Fortunately, you can eliminate some of the guesswork and hassles involved by following these tips; they have worked for other homeowners who have successfully upgraded their old bathrooms.

Use the right type of tiles

If you want bathroom tiles that are easy to clean and maintain, avoid those made with porous materials, like stone. Instead, opt for glazed or porcelain tiles.

On the other hand, if you want to boost safety, opt for tiles with matte finishes, textured surfaces, or those that contain sand in their glazes.

Keep mildew at bay with the right type of caulk

Opt for an acrylic or hybrid formula caulk which can provide protection against mildew for up to five years. Additionally, both are easy to remove.

Need a half bath?

If you want a half bath, you will need a space that measures roughly three feet by six feet. Do check your local building codes for further clarification.

Upgrade the electrical system

Take advantage of the work that will be done in your old bathroom and have its electrical system upgraded. This is particularly important if you live in a very old home. The new electrical system should be able to accommodate your gadgets and appliances.

Placement of bathroom accessories

How high should you place towel bars, robe hooks and other accessories? Broadly speaking, the towel bar should be about four feet high, the medicine cabinet about five and half feet high, and the toilet paper holder should be around six inches away from the toilet.

Leave room for accessories

If space is limited, consider adding niches where you can place toiletries. This will allow you to make efficient use of available space while leaving enough room for bathroom essentials.

Splurge on the best toilet that you can afford

If you must splurge on one thing, make it the toilet. At the very least, opt for one that has a Maximum Performance testing score of 500.

Know the pros and cons of each type of sink

If you haven’t set sights on a particular type of sink yet, study the pros and cons of each available option and weigh these against the available space as well as your needs.

When you want a warm bathroom floor

Consider investing in an electric mat which can complement your home’s heating system. You can program its thermostat to warm up the floor a few minutes before you wake up.

 If you are interested in remodeling your bathroom, call us to set up an appointment!

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How to Deal with Basement Flooding

Friday, March 3rd, 2017

basement flooding

Basement and Bathroom Flooding

Any type of flooding in your home is a problem, but two of the worst types that your household could experience are bathroom flooding and basement flooding.

Bathroom flooding can be a disgusting process for all because of the human waste factor and how it can impact your entire household’s daily hygiene routine. Despite this, basement flooding remains a much bigger concern. Aside from the fact that it can be caused by everything from overland flooding, to infiltration flooding, to sewer backup, to a combination of two or all three of these types of flooding (different levels of nastiness for flood water), it can also lead to serious structural damages that can make your home unsafe to live in.

Since the basement is part of the house’s foundation, compromised elements in this room can alter the integrity of the entire structure. It’s important to mention as well that because of the room’s location, it’s quite prone to mold growth, which can pose health risks for you and your family. Molds are not easy to treat, and getting rid of them will not only set your finances back, but it will also be a great inconvenience to your family since you will be asked to evacuate your home until the situation is properly resolved.

Suffice it to say, basement flooding is a situation that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. You can’t let dirty water just sit in the room and breed all sorts of potentially harmful elements; the quicker you get rid of the water, the better. For this job, you will need plumbing specialists to help drain the flood and also correctly identify the cause of flooding.

Urgently addressing the situation is required if the flooding is caused by sewer backup. Applegate and Fox Valley plumbers say that while contaminated water is the main issue, other factors worsen the problem. Flooding can place extra pressure on the pipes underneath the home and this can result in the heaving of basement floors, especially when improper backwater valves are used.

Also, weeping tiles are connected to the municipal system through sanitary sewer laterals or storm sewer laterals, and sewage can be pressured back into the weeping tiles; this may result in great damage to the home, which will not only require repairs but replacement of materials as well.

If you need to have your basement serviced due to flooding, your insurance company may be able to help shoulder the cost due to sewer back-up, so do get in touch with them to see if your insurance policy can actually cover the cost of sewer backup damage. If it does, you won’t have to worry much about getting your home properly restored.

Contact us today for more information.

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5 Bathroom Remodel Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank

Wednesday, November 16th, 2016

bathroom remodel ideas

5 Bathroom Remodel Ideas

The bathroom is no longer just a place for taking care of one’s hygiene. Over the years, it has become that one space in the house where people can have time to relax and completely rejuvenate themselves. So, if you’re one of the many people who like to do more in the bathroom, one of the great projects to undertake in the coming new year is to remodel the bathroom. This way, you’ll get more enjoyment out of the time you spend in this room.

Here are five bathroom remodel ideas that don’t cost much to carry out but will significantly change the look and even the function of the room.

Bathroom Mirrors

The first of many bathroom remodel ideas is to place more mirrors or replace the small mirror you used to have with a much bigger one. Mirrors do not only provide the benefit of letting you see yourself; they can also make a room look bigger. Also, with mirrors, you can improve the lighting in the room even if you don’t add new lighting fixtures.

Replace your Bathroom Vanity

A bathroom vanity can seem like an expensive bathroom upgrade but the truth is you can replace it for less than $1,000 in some cases. Check with your local bathroom remodel company to see if they can find something in your price range with the style you are looking for. Often times they will have wholesale catalogs with vanity’s you can’t find with the mass retailers.

Pop of Color

Create a color contrast. Incorporate accessories and bath essentials that come in really bright colors such as canary yellow, red, cobalt blue, or fuchsia. These will instantly give the bathroom a completely different appeal.

Wallpaper

As bathroom remodelers in Fox Valley we know that a new trend for bathrooms is creating some texture on the walls. This can be achieved by laying regular or paintable wallpaper. Not only does wallpaper come in a variety of really nice designs to give your bathroom a new look, but it can also conceal the imperfections (such as holes, cracks and even discoloration) present on your walls. The cost is anywhere from $10 to $30 per roll. In a bathroom you may only need a couple of rolls to get the job dome.

Decor

Add a rug and new towels or countertop accessories. Give your bathroom an even plusher appearance by choosing an interestingly shaped rug for the “dry” area of your bathroom. Bathroom accessories come in so many designs that will really give the room loads of character. They’re quite affordable, too, so purchasing new bathroom decor is truly a fantastic way to upgrade the room without spending too much money.

If you have more money to spare for the project, you can do even more to upgrade the room. But if you don’t have the financially flexibility for something bigger, these remodel ideas are perfect to try. Any questions, contact the experts in home remodel at Turek’s Plumbing!

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Converting your bathroom from tub to shower only

Thursday, November 10th, 2016

Video: Converting Your Bathroom Tub Into Shower Only – How Will It Affect Resale Value?

Are you considering converting your bathroom by getting rid of your tub and switching to a shower-only bathroom?

There are several reasons why people would want to do this. any of our clients looking to get rid of their tub are Seniors and need to be able to get in the shower without stepping over the side of the tub. It can be difficult to step over 15 inches to get in the tub for a shower especially with a hip or knee problem which is common in seniors. Other reasons for converting from tub to shower only are you simply don’t take baths. It could be that you don’t want the hassle of maintaining a bathtub or simply want more space. Trends are showing that shower-only bathrooms are more contemporary-looking so many homeowners are simply making the change for style purposes. Whatever your reasons are for converting your bathroom, you need to take into account the possible ramifications of such a move, especially on your home’s value. In the below video, Turek’s Plumbing Owner, Ed Turek talks about this very subject. 

Converting tub into shower only — how will it affect resale value?

Bathroom remodel projects can do a lot in increasing your home’s value, which usually means a good return on however much you invested. However, if you do decide to replace a bathtub with a shower, you’re changing your bathroom specs from a full bath (toilet, tub, and shower) to a three-quarter bath. This, however, doesn’t automatically mean a decrease in value.

Another factor you might want to consider is how many bathrooms there are in your home. If you’re removing the tub in the only bathroom, this might turn off many potential buyers — ones who love a good soak after a tiring week, mothers who prefer to bathe their children in the tub, etc. As long as your home maintains at least one tub, converting one bathroom to shower-only shouldn’t negatively impact its resale value.

It’s true that bathroom remodels are popular and considered a good investment. If you’re reselling in the near future, you have to appreciate that a mid-range, full bathroom remodel can return more than 50 percent of the investment. Nonetheless, if you expect to continue living in the house for some time, your convenience seriously trumps value.

You have to figure out what best serves your needs, especially where safety is a concern.

If, right now, you could use more space for storage or for your personal comfort, then you should have a bathroom that gives you that. If safety is an issue, there definitely shouldn’t be any question either. You need to do what’s best for safety. You’ll just have to take the slight decrease in value if it does result in that. If you are considering a bathroom remodel in Appleton, Oskosh or the Fox Cities area, be sure to give us a call. We will be happy to schedule an in-home evaluation and estimate. 

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Bathroom Remodel Questions | Important Questions to Ask

Thursday, September 1st, 2016

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Important Bathroom Remodel Questions to Ask

A quality bathroom project that offers long-term benefits will require a substantial investment of your time, money and energy. It’s therefore important to plan the entire project well to ensure you’ll be making informed decisions along the way. Make the most out of your renovation by considering these important bathroom remodel questions to ask before starting your project.

Why remodel?

Be clear from the very start about what you want to achieve by embarking on this project. You may want a remodel to make the space the bathroom of your dreams. You may want to fix all the leaks, bathroom inefficiencies and issues once and for all. Or you may simply be tired of its outdated look. Whatever the main reason/s may be, identify it early on so you can focus on achieving the objectives you want the remodel to obtain.

How much can I afford to spend?

Another crucial thing you need to set from the beginning is your budget. Request for a quote, do some research, use an online renovation calculator, or better yet, talk to a contractor to get an approximation of how much you need, considering what you want to undertake. A set budget will help you narrow down your choices and guide your contractor in making recommendations that will be suitable for you.

Who will use the space?

An ideal bathroom for busy, working adults will definitely be different from a bathroom for a children’s bedroom or a bathroom to be used by a senior individual. Likewise, a guest powder room may require a design that’s different from the aesthetics of a shared family bathroom. In the same way, remodeling a bathroom in a family home will be unlike the remodel of a bathroom inside a property for rent. The purpose of the bathroom will dictate everything, from the style to the layout to the colors you choose.

Is going green an important consideration?

Take advantage of a bathroom remodel if you’re interested in building a greener home. Switch to low-flow showerheads, faucets and flush to reduce your water consumption every day. Use lighting fixtures that are rated highly efficient. Or install strategically placed windows and other features that make smart use of available light.

When can I set an appointment with my contractor?

Whether you’re a seasoned home projects aficionado or a first-time renovator, the truth is that you can’t completely answer most of the questions above without the help of an expert. No two bathroom remodels are alike, so make sure to work with professional plumbers, bathroom renovation specialists and trustworthy tradespeople to ensure the solutions you will carry out will specifically cater to your needs and preferences.

If you have questions about a bathroom remodel in Appleton, contact the remodel professionals at Turek’s Plumbing.

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