Dream Camper Floor Plan Contest

Read article : Dream Camper Floor Plan Contest

Readers reveal 14 dream truck camper floor plans that are sure to have industry pens, pencils, and mousepads wagging from coast to coast.  The dream plans start here. This whole thing is another hair-brained idea of mine gone completely amok.  About a month ago I was supposed to be working on an article but, in the back of my inexplicable brain, I was attempting to design a sofa camper, with a booth dinette, dry bath, and no slides. Eventually Photoshop opened and I started creating my dream floor plan.  Two hours later, it was done; a non-slide dry bath sofa camper.  It’s alive!

The problem was that Angela would not be pleased with my lack of progress against my to-do list.  Even so, I wanted to show her my design.  How could I show her my floor plan without spending another night on the slacker sofa of solitude?

“I was thinking we could do a dream truck camper floor plan contest.  To see if the idea could work, I designed my own dream floor plan.  What do you think?”

Angela glanced at me with that, “I know what you’re up to” look, and promptly fell in love with my floor plan and contest idea.  Sometimes being creative can get you out of trouble as fast as it gets you into it.  Not always, but sometimes.  Don’t tell Angela.

What follows simply amazes me.  I was a bit concerned that no one would actually draw and submit a dream floor plan.  It’s a lot to ask, and quite a commitment.

It turns out I had nothing to worry about.  Within hours we had our first floor plan entry.  Within days we had over a dozen.  What follows are the first fourteen of twenty-six reader submitted dream floor plans.  How awesome is that?

Later this week we will publish twelve more dream floor plans and the winner.  And all of this happened because… squirrel!

Click to enlarge the floor plans below to see them bigger.

#1 – Andrew Bengtson, Riverside, California (age 16)

This is my dream 11-foot, side-entry, dry bath truck camper.  It has a passenger side slide-out that includes a large-booth dinette, and a floor to ceiling pantry/closet.

The kitchen is located on the rear and driver side, like most fifth wheel trailers, to give the floor plan a more spacious feel.  The dry bath is huge with one of those roll doors.

In the bedroom, the camper features a queen-sized bed.  This camper has storage everywhere, and large windows everywhere.

#2 – Lorin Lowe, Orem, Utah

This is a 9’11” camper with a dry bath and 57-inch wide floor.  It’s a perfect size with everything you need!

Here are the key features:

1. U-Shape Dinette.  Why a U-shaped dinette instead of a full-booth dinette?  Well, with a U-shaped dinette, all you need to do to convert it into a couch is to remove the table top and leg.  You just saved two feet of camper length, an extra slide, and 600 pounds (and a redundant sitting device and sitting area).  Just store the table top and leg in the shower, under the bed, between the wall slide, or some other handy spot until you are ready to use it again.  Plus, you get an added, long storage compartment outside.

2. Dry Bath in Rear.  Who wouldn’t want a dry bath without adding extra length to a 9’11” camper?  That way you can tow without needing an excessively long hitch extension.  Plus, by putting the dry bath in the rear, it opens up the floor space so the camper feels big and you are not bumping into each other.  Ah… space.

3. Swing-Out Pantry.  Look at that open space in front of a full-wall slide refrigerator just begging for productive use.  This nifty cabinetry allows you to swing open your pantry and have full access to your food items on height adjustable, full-depth shelves.  This allows space on the other side of the camper for a dry bath.  Okay, so you need to open the pantry before you open the refrigerator, but how often are you getting in the refrigerator anyway?  And aren’t you accessing your pantry items most of the time when you open your refrigerator?

Here are the specifications:

9’11” floor length.  This is a manageable length for a camper.

57-inch floor width.  Over the wheel-well height basement design.  Yes, it has winglets, but who cares when you have 57-inches of floor width?

Dry weight 3,200 pounds.  This will be a challenge for the manufacturer, but doable.

Reasonable tank capacities.  45 gallons fresh, 40 gallons grey (yes, 40 gallons so we can take showers for a week), 35 gallons black (dump your excess grey water in your black tank).

Synchronized jacks.  Jack manufacturers take note.  We need jacks with turn counters so they all go up and down at the same rate.  If I press two or more buttons on the remote, the corresponding jacks should move at exactly the same rate.  The next advancements should be height memory settings and auto-level using an accelerometer.  Who will be the first to develop this feature set and take over market share?

#3 – Donald Fox, Chesapeake, Virginia

I would like the bathroom to be smaller.  One way to do that is to incorporate the sink into the wall of the shower.  The sink could fold down during showering and transportation.  You would have to step into the shower to brush your teeth and wash your face, but it would save a lot of space for other stuff.

In order to incorporate the sink, you would move the shower drain to the outside wall and then the sink could have its own drain behind the shower.  Or, it could lay against the shower wall incorporated into that shower wall with a bump out.  This would also place all water systems in the bathroom against an outside wall making maintenance easier.

I would also move the toilet ninety degrees which will give ample leg space between the shower and toilet.  This would free up space for a large pantry; drawers on bottom, and doors on top.  I would install a sliding door to the bath.

Part of the shower would have a side wall, near the door area.  To give more space in the bathroom, the sliding door could be on the outside, or just install a regular door.

I would also like the dinette to be six feet or more in length so that it could be made into a bed.  I’m not certain how long it is in our drawing.  I think it is only five feet.  I would want one dinette seat to slide back toward the sofa to allow for a six foot bed at night.  That would cramp the sofa.

If I could, I would do one of three things to the sofa:

1. I would like to lengthen it once settled so that the sofa could provide more seating.  The sofa could be pulled out toward the steps when desired.  This would also allow it to convert into a bed long enough for a person almost six feet tall.  I know this would interfere with the entrance, but once in for the night, or when inside due to inclement weather, it would provide more space to stretch out.

2. I would like the sofa to slide to the right toward the door once settled in for the night giving more leg room for the person seated on the left of the couch.

3. If that’s not possible, then I would want two small comfortable recliner chairs that, once settled into a place, could be unlocked and moved around.  Once the food is cooked it would be nice to move a recliner chair near the area of the stove providing more comfortable room.  The chair or recliners would be the two options to choose from.

I have on order a Lance 1172 (due for delivery in mid-June).  Had this model been made available, I would have purchased this rather than the two-slide model.  I only went with the 1172 because of the sofa.  Another possibility with your design, which is the best non-slide design I have ever seen, would be to not have a window at the bed step area.

If I could purchase this floor plan from Lance, with a single slide, I would select your design and have the dinette and refrigerator slide out.  I would have the sofa installed like you show it and could easily not slide out when boondocking for the night.  Everything could be used without sliding out but obtain the extra space when needed.

Thanks for the opportunity.

#4 – Tom Rives, San Diego, California

I have a Phoenix pop-up.  Phoenix Campers are custom built to your own floor plan, so it’s exactly what I wanted.  My constraints were how to have a wet bath and queen size bed on a six foot bed, and be self-contained.  The underfloor plan was just as important.

The most innovative item is the passenger side 45-degree seating area.  Even on a narrow truck it gives you enough seating depth and leg room to lounge rather than sit upright.  It gives the cook more room and, at 90-degrees to each other, you can play cards without cheating.

The driver’s side from front to back is a sliding bed over cab, refrigerator/freezer, sink/stove, and the wet bathroom under a flip-up counter/wall at the rear.

There is ample storage because a 7-inch raised floor (basement) accommodates the 25 gallon fresh water, 10 gallon gray water, batteries, and storage for table, two chairs, firewood, and outside kitchen box, all without intruding into the living floor plan above.

During the day, the floor plan is all kitchen and seating with extra windows all around.  This camper provides great air flow and a very spacious (no upper cabinet) feeling.  At night there is a queen-sized bed.

It is very comfortable to live in.  The flow and functionality is amazingly good for such a small space.  For us, it’s all about being comfortable without sacrificing drivability or economy.

#5 – Howard Bisco, Washington, Illinois

Not to cheat, but if this Okanagan 90W had a cassette toilet, this is the floor plan that I would like.

#6 – Scott Mote, Westport, Indiana

My ultimate truck camper would have an L-shaped sofa in the back with an extension that would slide back into the sofa when in travel mode.  The picture doesn’t show it, but a sliding door for the bathroom would make it accessible with the slide-out in.

#7 – Bill and Sue Billyard, Fort Erie, Ontario

Gordon, while Sue and I were impressed with your floor plan, we feel it could be even better.  A copy of our revised plan is included with this email.

The changes we made are:

1. Move the dinette closer to the sofa so the sofa could be used as a seat on one side of the table.  You could also add a removable table extension which would allow two people to sit side-by-side on the sofa and eat, use a computer, or whatever.

2. That would also move the refrigerator closer to the rear and closer to the kitchen area making it more accessible.

3. By making that move, you would have space for a pantry and a hanging closet.

4. Put a microwave over the stove taking part of the overhead storage away.

5. To make up for the microwave storage loss, put overhead storage above the sink.

6. Put overhead storage above the head of the bed.

#8 – Stan Carman, Wilkesboro, North Carolina

Since most manufacturers seem hooked on slide-outs, we offer the attached modifications to the new Lance 975 plan.   Swapping the dinette for a sofa with overhead storage and a skinny wardrobe should be possible in the same slide-out.

Replacing the bathroom door with a slider or folding door might make it possible to access the bath with the slide-out in.  A small folding table in front of the sofa could be stored under the sofa or in the wardrobe.

#9 – Fred Patterson, Fairfax Station, Virginia

Over the years, truck camper manufacturers have steadily improved design and efficiency to the point where we, truck camper owners, can only think we could do a better job if we started from scratch.

That said, there are a couple of improvements most truck camper owners agree should be made and it seems are never adequately achieved – at least in light-weight and mid-weight campers.  This design intends to correct that problem while still maintaining a weight suitable for a single rear wheel truck.

The goal is to add more and bigger windows, so one feels like they are outside, and to add more interior wardrobe/pantry/counter space while not significantly increasing weight.  Most campers without this extra storage space are 9-foot to 9.5-foot floor length, so this design is 10-foot to 11-foot floor length without adding significant weight.

The entire rear half of camper consists of as much window space as possible without weakening the structure.   Most of this design comes from existing camper designs, but the areas marked by red arrows show the storage improvements.

Specifications:  8-foot bed, hard-side, non-slide, shallow basement to allow facing dinette.

#10 – Mary Grandlund, Babbitt, Minnesota

#11 – Burt Brar, Surrey, British Columbia

My dream floor plan is a hard-side, four season design with a north-south cabover and a queen-size bed.  There would be overhead storage and cupboards on both sides of the cabover bed.

The kitchen would feature a small sink, two burner stove, and a refrigerator/freezer in the center of the camper.  The center of the camper would also feature a dry bath with shower, toilet, and sink.  Next to the dry bath would be a storage cupboard.

The rear of the camper has a three seat roll-out sofa that opens into a double bed for two adults.  The entry into the camper is a side-entry.

There would be a large rear window, a large window in the kitchen area, smaller windows in the cabover area, a small window in the dry bath, and a skylight.

This is a basement design with two large drawers for additional storage.  The camper would have two propane tanks, a generator, 100-watts of solar panels on the roof, two batteries, and a furnace that runs of propane, coal, or wood for colder climates.

The camper is aluminum framed with fiberglass or aluminum skin.  The interior cabinetry is also aluminum framed with fiberglass skin.  The floor wold be laminated or aluminum.

Everything on this camper can be 100% recycled.  The weight would be about 1,500 pounds with a 2,500 pound dry weight maximum.  This camper would be for a short box truck, and have full-size truck options.

#12 – William A. Ortiz, Nathrop, Colorado

#13 – Francois Jasmin, Montreal, Quebec

Thanks for your floor plan idea Gordon.  I want one.  Here’s an entry for the floor plan contest based on your camper.

1. Is it possible to move the refrigerator in place of the toilet, and the toilet at the place of the refrigerator?  Then put a flip lavatory sink in the shower, like in a boat.

2. Place the back of the toilet on the wall and put a flip lavatory sink in the shower.

3. Put a smaller window in the bedroom and a larger wardrobe.

#14 – Steve Machen, N. Little Rock, Arkansas

Everyone designs campers for as many people as they can squeeze in.  Nothing is designed for a single person.  Here’s how I would build a Northern Lite 6-10.

Eliminate the oven, move the grill outside to make room for a bathroom.  Seating would be one comfortable chair that you could swivel to the door.  Sit and take off your shoes.  There would be a small swing-up table and an area for pets.

Click here to go to Part 2 and see the winner of the Dream Floor Plan Contest.

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It has always been my dream to take on a renovation project

Read article : It has always been my dream to take on a renovation project

Despite dozens of house-hunting trips over the years, Tom Wilson and his wife Jacky – who have lived in their bungalow since 1996 – had never found anywhere that was able to beat it for its location, plot size and friendly neighbours.

‘We came home one evening after viewing two houses we absolutely adored and realised there was something missing that didn’t clinch it for us,’ Tom explains. ‘So, rather than uproot ourselves by moving to another property in a new area, we decided to make this our dream home.’

Their bungalow originally belonged to a GP who had lived in the house next door and built it as his doctor’s surgery. It had already been converted into a home when Tom and Jacky bought it, but it didn’t have a perfect layout.

There was a warren of dark rooms on the ground floor, with two small bedrooms upstairs which didn’t suit the family’s needs, especially when their teenage son Luke grew older. A new open-plan kitchen and living area was central to their plans to remodel the bungalow, which would eventually include stripping the house back to only three exterior walls, then extending and reworking the space to the rear, front and into the roof.

Fact file

The owners: Tom Wilson, a TV producer and director, and his wife Jacky, who owns a hairdressing salon chain
The property: A three-bedroom bungalow
The location: Newcastle, Tyne & Wear
What they spent: The renovations cost £155,000. The house has been valued at £750,000

The couple turned to interior designer George Bond to come up with a layout that would reflect Tom’s love of all things modern, and Jacky’s need for a relaxed and welcoming family home.

‘It turned into a major project,’ Tom recalls. ‘We thought that only one or two walls would be knocked through, but George and his team came up with some amazing design ideas.

‘They took on board everything on our wish-lists, which wasn’t easy because Jacky’s tastes are more traditional, while I love New York loft-style apartments,’ he adds.

A light-filled, open-plan layout was essential to their needs, as Tom explains: ‘Before the redesign, I rarely went upstairs to the two small bedrooms as Jacky and I slept in the bedroom downstairs – but we needed to maximise all that space.’

Working to the Wilsons’ budget, interior designer George pared back Tom’s wish-list and reshaped it into a clear plan for open-plan living, featuring bold blocks of colour, with a dramatic expanse of glass at the rear of the bungalow.

‘We gave George free rein,’ says Tom. ‘There was no point in commissioning someone as talented as George, without allowing him to be creative.’

The plans involved moving the staircase and knocking through a wall, the chimney breast and the small ground-floor windows to turn the study/hallway and living room into one large, open space. A mix of rooflights and larger windows would let natural light into the core of the bungalow.

An extension at the front created space for a new entrance porch and ground-floor wetroom. In addition, the roof level was raised, so that they could extend the two first-floor bedrooms and create an extra bathroom and en suite shower room.

The most dramatic change was the new extension at the rear, which trebled the size of the kitchen and created a large living and dining area, with a bank of folding sliding doors opening out to the garden. The old bathroom was also knocked through and a conservatory was demolished.

‘Luckily, we had no problems with the local authority planning department,’ says Tom. ‘They objected to only one thing in our plans – a balcony on the flat roof of the kitchen. We weren’t allowed to build one, because it would have affected our neighbours’ privacy.’

Tom, Jacky and their son Luke, who was 15 years old at the time, moved into rented accommodation nearby, leaving the way clear for the builders to start work, which began in the summer of 2006.

‘I visited the site every day,’ says Tom. ‘Admittedly, it was quite horrible watching it being taken apart because we loved the house – we wouldn’t have bought it if we didn’t – but we’d accepted the new plans and were happy to go ahead with them.’

Two major building projects, including their own, were going on at the same time in their road, so there were delivery trucks and skips everywhere. ‘Luckily, we have fabulous neighbours who were very supportive and patient,’ says Tom.

The only real setback to the project came early on. ‘The local building inspector said that the foundations had to be deeper,’ Tom explains. ‘They had to go down to approximately a man’s height – it was something to do with all the trees round here and the risk of subsidence. Trouble was, the builders had released the diggers and everything had gone off site, so they had to be re-booked.’

By early 2007, when the structure was complete, the Wilsons started planning the interior. As they enjoy inviting family and friends to their home, a space where they could cook and entertain was a must. As Tom explains: ‘We love parties. We probably hold four or five a year – and all good parties tend to end up in the kitchen.’

Tom and Jacky chose three colourways – white, black and burgundy – for their open-plan kitchen-diner at the rear of the house, combining the units in bold blocks of colour with ice-white porcelain floor tiles, bamboo worktops and cream walls for a stylish contemporary look.

‘The white reflective surfaces make the most of the light, while the flooring, cabinets and black glass splashback all have a high-gloss finish which adds to the feel,’ says Tom. ‘We painted the walls in cream flat oil to create a subtle sheen and a neutral backdrop for the kitchen’s working area.’

The original kitchen door was moved to create space to wrap the new L-shaped run of units around the corner of the room. This has provided space for cooking and food preparation, while a large working island takes centre stage and a separate bank of wall units incorporates the fridge-freezer and extra storage cupboards.

Once the new kitchen and appliances were in place, interior designer George was able to reflect Jacky’s love of English country style with a bold fl oral wallpaper on two feature walls, one of which frames the opening to the kitchen area.

This wallpaper helps to divide the space by signalling a change of mood from the working kitchen area to the entertaining and living spaces. A mix of vibrant, softly curved furniture complements the contemporary kitchen design perfectly. ‘There is a second living room at the front of the bungalow featuring a double-height ceiling, which continues the airy, open-plan feel,’ says Tom.

Upstairs, the new family bathroom is simple but stylish with white sanitaryware, chrome fittings and neutral wall and floor tiles, while a contemporary freestanding bath makes a stunning focal point.

The newly extended master bedroom has mirrored wardrobe doors and a wallpaper featuring horizontal stripes to create the illusion of a wider, more spacious room, plus it has its own en suite shower. Luke’s larger bedroom also benefits from a wall of mirrored wardrobes and built-in storage.

The exterior of the bungalow was rendered to blend the old brickwork with the new. George gave Tom and Jacky a choice of colours, and they opted for green.

‘All the houses on our street are a mix of styles,’ says Tom. ‘They’re set back from the road, so you don’t particularly notice it that much. None of our neighbours has raised any concerns about the green render, which we think works well.’

Inevitably, the couple’s budget for the seven-month project was stretched, as they chose high-spec finishes and fittings. ‘Jacky and I manage budgets all the time in our line of work, so we had always criticised renovators on TV makeover shows if they went over budget,’ Tom laughs. ‘Our budget was over before we even started. We wanted a high-spec look and were not keen on having to replace things in a few years time, so it all mounted up. It’s amazing how much money is spent on items you don’t see, like pipework.’

He and Jacky are thrilled with the bungalow’s transformation – and its resultant rise in value. As Tom says: ‘It was well worth the outlay. Every time I come downstairs, I’m impressed. We were right to trust our instincts and stay here.’

The costs
Building work	£120,000
Designer’s fee	£13,000
Decorating and furniture	£10,000
Kitchen	£4,793
Appliances	£3,624
Flooring	£1,700
Worktops	£1,600
TOTAL	£154,717

Reid’s Heritage Homes just released new bungalows at Cobble Beach! -The New Home Buyers Network Blog

Read article : Reid’s Heritage Homes just released new bungalows at Cobble Beach! -The New Home Buyers Network Blog

Newinhomes.com just received news that Reid’s Heritage Homes has released a brand new collection of detached bungalows and townhome bungalows at The Residences of Cobble Beach near Owen Sound.

The new townhome bungalows and detached bungalows (some with lofts) at Cobble Beach range from 1,700 to 2,700 square feet. Whether you’re moving up to your dream home to start a family or downsizing with your eyes on retirement, there are many options for you in this new collection.

Depending on how you use the space, the new Cobble Beach plans range from one- to five-bedroom with 1.5 to three bathrooms. In order to get more bedrooms out of the intelligently designed floor plan, you can finish the basement or use the loft space as a bedroom. The optional finished basements have space for a bedroom, a recreation area, as well as a bathroom.

The homes boast a classic Nantucket style with vinyl shake and siding. The Nantucket look is defined by its New England and coastal roots. The design is inspired by natural beauty and is a combination of island comfort and the seafaring lifestyle.

The large windows and covered front porches offer panoramic views of Georgian Bay, and the double garages provide plenty of room for storage. The open concept plans are ideal for entertaining and ensure that your living space is fully inundated with natural light throughout the day.

A few impressive interior features and finishes in the new Cobble Beach models include 9’ main floor ceilings, granite countertops, large islands in the kitchen with extended breakfast bars, extra height cabinetry, and walk-in pantries (as per plan).

The master bedroom is more like a master retreat thanks to the amazing walk-in closet with double doors, the spa-inspired ensuite with double sinks and a freestanding soaker tub, and the detached models have glass shower enclosures with marble seats.

Depending on the model you purchase, there are many other standard features and finishes that you may have in your new Cobble Beach home, such as sloped, cathedral or two-storey ceilings, hardwood flooring, or a gas fireplace with a rustic mantel.

Another standard of Cobble Beach is that all the homes are ENERGY STAR qualified. Reid’s Heritage Homes is going above and beyond by building homes that operate up to 40% more energy efficient than homes built to the minimum standard that the Ontario Building Code requires.  

Your life in Cobble Beach

This 574-acre master-planned community stretches across a pristine landscape, nestled between the picturesque Georgian Bay and the world-class Cobble Beach Golf Links Club. At the heart of the community, there is a Nantucket clubhouse, which offers year-round hospitality and 5-star dining.

All homeowners in Cobble Beach also have access to the spa’s sauna, a whirlpool, tennis courts, a fully equipped fitness centre, and a plunge pool. In addition to having exclusive access to these community fixtures, Cobble Beach is surrounded by a wealth of amenities, such as miles of trails, shopping, restaurants, and cultural festivals. Plus, Owen Sound and Bruce Peninsula are within a close enough proximity to plan a day-trip on a whim, and Collingwood is only 30 minutes away!  

The new townhome bungalows and detached bungalows at The Residences of Cobble Beach by Reid’s Heritage Homes start from $449,900.

For more information, visit the sales centre at 221 McLeese Drive, Kemble, Thursday to Monday from 11 am to 5 pm. You can also call 1-705-888-5124 or go toReidsHeritageHomes.com for more information.

Finally! A Design/Build firm that offers IN-HOUSE Interior Design services for your luxury custom built home…

Read article : Finally! A Design/Build firm that offers IN-HOUSE Interior Design services for your luxury custom built home…

Congratulations! You have made the decision to build your “dream” home!” Now what? Before you select your design-build firm, make sure that the firm you choose not only fits your budget and style, but also offers professional interior design services.

According to Brent Paquin, Paquin Design/Build, the firm you choose should have an interior designer on staff who works closely with you and the design-build team. What better way to get the look and feel you want, than to work with the experts from the very beginning?

The interior designer will begin with pre-build interior concept drawings. They then will work with you to design room layout and furniture placement plans and to determine what custom millwork and built-in designs work best with your vision.

But, what is your vision? Do you know exactly what you want, but need help with the details? Alternatively, do you have a general idea and need help to see it come to life? Be sure the interior designer you choose LISTENS to you and “GETS” your vision, be it detailed already or a general idea you need help with to flush out. After all, they should be your partner and create space that reflects your personality!

Once you and the interior designer have a good idea of how your dream home will look, it’s time for the full interior design to include:

• Details
• Kitchen and Bath cabinetry
• Architectural moldings
• Fireplace and mantel design
• Built-ins

And, what about colors? Your interior designer will help with color selection, decorative and unique finishes, and wallpaper specifications so that your “dream” home is as unique as you are! Next comes the furniture! Does your firm have relationships with trade-only resources so your finished product is truly custom-designed? Do they offer turnkey installations?

Be sure your interior designer helps you specify type/finish/color for the shades/blinds that will greet you in each room. Do you prefer drapes or curtains? The interior designer will help you choose just the right fabrics in just the right shade! They also will help you decide between custom or ready-made bedding.

Ready to complete the look? It’s time to choose special hardware, rugs, artwork, and decorative accessories.

Don’t forget your outdoor living spaces! Be it style of outdoor furniture to cushion colors, flower pots, and sculptures, the “interior” designer can also help with the exterior design.

Brent Paquin notes the importance of working with interior designers who have attained the highest level of professionalism and maintain their membership in the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

Paquin Design/Build’s own Interior Designer and Client Liaison, Dawn Crovo, is an Allied Member of ASID and earned her degrees from the University of Maryland and the CCBC in Baltimore, MD.

To learn more visit www.paquindesignbuild.com

To contact Dawn directly: mailto:[email protected]

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Design| Build Open House

Attention all those who are planning on building a custom home soon!

Paquin Design/Build will be  hosting an Open House with three homes on Tuesday, September 25th. You will get the opportunity to meet Dawn and the whole Paquin Design/Build design team!

This is extremely advance notice! If you would like to attend, please contact [email protected]

Wondering where the comments are? We encourage you to use the share buttons below and start the conversation on your own!

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Master Bathroom Remodeling Ideas | Master Bath Remodel

Read article : Master Bathroom Remodeling Ideas | Master Bath Remodel

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Put yourself in this picture. Finally at home after a long day at work, you head directly for your spacious master bathroom. First, a workout on the stationary cycle. Next, a quick shower before you slip into the whirlpool for a soothing soak. But not before you've dimmed the lights, switched off the evening news and dropped a favorite CD into the entertainment unit. After you've soaked, wrap yourself in a heated towel. Or skip the soak and take a few minutes to relax in a steam shower.

Get up to 4 Free Quotes!

Sound like an impossible dream? Like something from a movie set? This sybaritic fantasy can be a reality if you're willing to add or borrow enough space to create an at-home haven in a master bathroom.

In the not-so-distant past, builders put little emphasis on bathroom space. The result: Full baths in many houses more than a decade old measure a minimal 5 x 7 ft. and contain a utilitarian and uninspired collection of the three necessary fixtures—bathtub, toilet and washbasin. Lighting consists of a lone fixture in the center of the ceiling. There's a single tiny window and, in rare cases, a fan for ventilation.

But, times have changed. Today's new homes offer bigger, more luxurious bathrooms—often called power bathrooms—with all kinds of comfort and convenience features that add value to the home when the time comes to sell. As a result, the owners of older homes can feel a bit more confident about jumping on the remodeling bandwagon. If you own an older home and add or expand a bathroom with the aim of creating a master suite, not only do you get to enjoy the space, but you also help your house become just as desirable to buyers as newer homes.

A new bathroom takes second place in the list of the most popular remodeling projects. A well-designed and well-executed master suite can be expected to return a nationwide average of 87 percent of the construction costs if you sell your home within a year or so. And that figure rises in hot real estate markets to as much as 135 percent in Denver, 117 percent in New Haven, Conn., and 125 percent in San Francisco.

Where to Start

Bathrooms are not only costly, they are complex to remodel. They demand lots of function packed into a small space. And there are myriad details to consider, ranging from door-swing clearances to building code requirements. Bathroom remodels demand the skills of all the major crafts. And while you might be able to take your sweet time about remodeling the family room or even the kitchen, no family can exist comfortably without at least one fully functional bathroom for even a day or two.

A safe way to minimize some of the potential problems of a bath remodel is to hire a bathroom designer. There are several ways to go about this. Look in the Yellow Pages or ask friends and neighbors to recommend an independent bathroom designer. They'll charge you a fee, ranging anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on the complexity of your job. In return, they will meet with you, discuss your needs and wishes and then draw elevations and plans that you can execute yourself or take to a contractor to have built. You can also find many bath designers at kitchen and/or bath dealerships or home centers that offer design services, products and installation. The fee for their design time is generally rolled into the purchase price of the bathroom. 

A design fee is often money well spent if it helps to maximize the space you have and avoid even one glitch in the project. But keep in mind that all bath designers are not created equal. Ask about their training and experience, and check references. 

What to Include

Everyone's idea of luxury is different. To some, it's opulent materials. For others, it's an extra bit of storage space or privacy or the space to work out at home. Begin your bath remodel by defining what luxury means to you. Make a list of everything your "ultimate bath" would include—you can eliminate some of the frills later if the cost becomes prohibitive.

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"Today's master suites are luxurious in terms of comfort rather than glitz," says kitchen and bath expert B. Leslie Hart. Instead of acres of marble and gold faucets, bath remodels today focus on space. "You won't find too many telephone booth showers in today's remodeled baths," says Hart. But you might note an effort to incorporate outdoor space into the bath via a small patio or garden shower or just a large window that takes advantage of a great view. Tumbled marble, nickel, pewter and antique brass hardware finishes are most popular. 

As a rule of thumb, the components of the luxury bath suite consist of some combination of plenty of space, a soaking or whirlpool tub, a sauna or steam generator, a large shower (with multiple massage jets and a seat) and a toilet and possibly a bidet that are separated from the rest of the bath in a private compartment. In addition, the room will have good lighting from a variety of sources (perhaps a skylight or greenhouse window), sufficient, well-planned storage so that all you need for personal pampering is right at your fingertips, and good ventilation. If space allows, designers may include a dressing room, laundry facilities, perhaps a small refrigerator, microwave oven and coffee maker, and enough space for some type of exercise equipment. And don't forget the entertainment system—with telephone, television and sound.

What You Will Spend

What will it cost to have luxury like this? The exact price is hard to pin down because you can put in an $80 faucet or $2,000 faucet, a $400 or $4,000 tub. But it's not unusual to spend $20,000, $30,000 or even $50,000 depending on materials and the scope of structural work necessary. As a rule of thumb, plan to spend about 2 1/2 times the cost of the products you choose on construction. According to Remodeling magazine, upgrading an existing 5 x 9-ft. bath with new fixtures, lighting, and ceramic tile floor and walls will set you back about $8,563. A 6 x 8-ft. full bath addition that includes a standard tub and shower, lighting, linen storage and a ceramic tile floor and walls within an existing floor plan carries an average price tag of $11,721. The average cost of adding a 24 x 16-ft. master suite that includes a separate bath with whirlpool and separate ceramic tile shower, ceramic tile floor and a double-bowl vanity over an existing crawlspace is $37,388.

Finding the Space

Obviously you can't fit all the components of a luxury bath into the typical 35 to 65 sq. ft. allotted for a bathroom in many homes. So you'll need to be creative and look elsewhere for the space. Or add the space for the new bath along with a new master bedroom.

Because so much has to do with the configuration of the other rooms near it, there is no ideal size for a bathroom. But, if you aim to include anything more than the three necessities, allot at least 90 to 100 sq. ft. of space.

If an existing bath backs into a garage it's relatively easy to steal space for a larger shower or tub. If there are neighboring hall closets you can live without, consider eliminating them. Take over all or part of an adjacent bedroom. But don't do this if it means you convert your three-bedroom house to a two-bedroom house.

What to do if this sounds wonderful, but your home doesn't have any spare space? Not to worry. Even a 5 x 8-ft. bath can offer some luxury if it's well-planned. Many of the features mentioned here, such as innovative lighting, proper ventilation and a combination steam room/shower, require very little, if any, additional space.

Use a combination whirlpool/ steam tub/shower unit. If there's just enough space for a 5-ft.-long tub, get a deeper one instead. Several manufacturers offer uniquely shaped shower enclosures made of tempered clear or tinted safety glass. For high-end function as well as appealing looks, opt for a number of pulsating showerheads that provide an all-over body massage. Storage space should be well-organized. Maximize storage potential with clever vanity design, rollout trash bins and shallow drawers, instead of just leaving a cavernous space behind two doors. Plan shallow shelves recessed between the studs and an oversize vanity top that extends over the toilet to create a bit more countertop space.

In the case of a small bath, create luxury with materials, not volume of space. Think about using marble and mirrors, decorative moldings, ceramic tile and/or glass block. Consider a skylight, or roof windows, to ensure the bathroom is bright, even on dark, dreary days. And be sure to plan for more than a single electrical ceiling fixture. Consider specifying low-voltage lighting in the vanity toe kick to provide drama and to function as a nightlight. And plan adequate lighting around both sides and along the top of the mirror so you can see what you're doing when shaving or applying makeup. A tight budget doesn't mean you can't create a power bathroom. Careful choices can keep the budget in line and still produce a luxurious personal retreat.

If cost is your primary consideration, choose laminate over more expensive solid surfacing materials, wood paneling over marble. If you decide to use ceramic tile—one of the most popular, cost-effective and easy-to-maintain options for the bath—select carefully. Tile prices start at a reasonable $2.50 to $3 per square foot, uninstalled. Or you can spend 10 times that. Other suggestions: Forgo high-fashion or custom-color fixtures or hand-painted washbasins, and choose white, which is usually less expensive. And stay away from precious metals for faucets, towel bars and other fittings.

Get Ready

Spend some time in your existing bath and see what's lacking. Notice how you use the space for things like dressing, applying makeup and drying hair. What would you add if you could? Before you order components or begin construction, check local code requirements.

For example, a whirlpool for two will require a 3/4-in. waterline instead of the typical 1/2-in. supply line so that the tub can be filled in a timely fashion. And you must plan ahead for how you'll access a whirlpool tub motor, or the steam shower generator. If you choose multiple showerheads, the contractor needs to know that before planning the configuration of the rough plumbing that will service the shower. Where is the water supply coming in? Is the line large enough? What is the water pressure like in the area?

Careful planning will help you create a bath that adds convenience and luxury to your life as well as value to your home. 

Tub Tip

A whirlpool or soaking tub is a substantial investment, costing anywhere from $200 for a basic model up to more than $20,000. Most fall in the $1,000-to-$5,000 range. Shop for one just as you would any other consumer good. Examine size, material, price, style, safety, color and optional features.

If you decide to include a whirlpool in your new bath suite (not a must, according to bath designers and real estate agents, as long as at least one other bath in the home has a tub), your first consideration is size. Do you want a unit that is large enough for two? Would your needs be better served by a smaller tub and a separate shower? Is your choice limited by available space? And remember, the larger the tub, the larger the water heater, the water bill and the cost.

A word of caution to those who enjoy an occasional soak: You wouldn't dream of buying a suit or pair of shoes without first trying them on for size. Likewise, you shouldn't buy a tub without sitting in it first. If they won't let you climb into the tub where you're shopping, shop someplace else.

Keep in mind that the slant of the backrest as well as length and depth of tubs vary. Make sure the tub fits you. Some whirlpools let you choose the number of jets, usually ranging from four to eight. If your prime interest is in therapeutic massage action, opt for a tub with at least four jets located so they reach the major muscle groups and joints of your body. Some tubs offer jets that are directionally adjustable while others allow you to adjust the air-and-water mix.

The size of the motor determines how powerful the flow of the water is. Motor size also affects how much noise the whirlpool generates. If you find the prospect of motor noise unpleasant, be sure to discuss tub and motor placement, as well as extra insulation, with your contractor or bath designer.

Because a whirlpool is both a plumbing fixture and an electrical product, both service requirements must be taken into account. Most tubs require a 15-amp, 115-volt electrical service that should be placed on a separate electrical circuit. And if you opt for a heater to maintain the water temperature (don't expect it to heat up cold water) you'll need an additional heating circuit.

Consider the faucet to fill your new tub, too. Manufacturers recommend a faucet that flows at 20 gal. to 30 gal. per minute for a standard size whirlpool. If you opt for a larger tub, consider a faucet that flows at a rate of 55 gal. to 120 gal. per minute.

If you do purchase a tub, be sure that it will fit through existing doorways and that there's sufficient maneuvering space to get it into the bathroom. Measure any tricky or tight turns in hallways and stairwells that could sabotage your plans. If you must remove walls to get the tub in, installation costs will soar.

Copyright © Popular Mechanics 2001. Reprinted by permission.

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2013 Jayco Seneca 37FS - RV Magazine

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Reviewing Jayco’s Spacious Super C

Jayco discontinued the Seneca after the 2010 model year absence when Chevrolet discontinued the Kodiak medium-duty truck chassis. Reborn in 2012, the Seneca now features a Freightliner M2 Business Class chassis. The 2013 Seneca offers a host of upgrades and improvements and really raises the bar. While it’s available in four different floor plans, including a 37RB rear bath model and a 36FK model with fireplace and large mid-coach entertainment center, the particular floor plan we reviewed was the popular 37FS bunk bed model that can sleep up to eight people.

Photo 2/18   |   2013 Jayco Seneca 37fs front Three Quarter

Construction
For 2013, the Freightliner Business Class chassis features a front leaf spring suspension and a new fully automatic air-ride rear suspension system that gives this Super C a smooth ride reminiscent of a diesel pusher Class A motorhome. A 55-degree wheel cut allows for excellent maneuverability in tight spots.

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Polished aluminum rims help set off the stunning full-body paint. Our particular coach came with the Espresso exterior paint décor and was protected against stone chips by a Diamond Shield paint-protection film.

Exterior
The massive three-piece chrome bumper gives the Freightliner chassis a real “big rig” look, plus you won’t need to replace the entire unit if you damage it when parking. Chrome heated and powered mirrors are augmented with rear and automatic side view cameras, which will display on the entertainment/navigation system by selecting that option on its touchscreen. A Carefree power patio awning provides plenty of shade in your patio area, and a keyless entry pad conveniently located near the entry door controls both the cab and entry power door locks. Deep tinted flush-mounted dual-pane windows give the motorhome a clean look and minimize wind noise. The front and rear fiberglass caps have a unique molded design with no corner seams to cause any leaks. Dual slide-outs are fitted with enclosed awning toppers for protection against debris and the elements.

optional exterior entertainment center includes a 32-inch LCD TV, AM/FM radio, and DVD player and is located behind a weatherproof cover in the patio area."> Photo 3/18   |   An optional exterior entertainment center includes a 32-inch LCD TV, AM/FM radio, and DVD player and is located behind a weatherproof cover in the patio area.

Living Area
Our Seneca was outfitted with the Mocha décor, which is one of three available décor packages. The wood floors and Washington Glazed Maple cabinetry with hidden hinges adds a warm look to the attractive interior and attention to detail, and the quality construction exceeds the fit and finish of some Class A motorhomes we’ve seen. The dual slide-outs in the 37FS open up the living and bedroom areas to provide plenty of floor space, and an 84-inch ceiling height ensures that you won’t be bumping your head. The soft-touch vinyl ceiling contains recessed halogen lighting throughout and a network of adjustable ceiling vents duct air from the dual 15,000 BTU air conditioners with heat pumps.

Photo 4/18   |   2013 Jayco Seneca 37fs living Area

The large front cap area sports a queen-size bed with a 32-inch LCD TV mounted on a powered swivel mechanism on the passenger side of that area. A rocker switch effortlessly allows the TV to swing out for whole-coach viewing or remain flat against the wall for bunk-area viewing or when not in use. A removable ladder affords easy access to the overhead bunk, and curtains can be used to separate that area from the rest of the motorhome. One optional feature, not included on this particular RV, replaces the overhead sleeping area with an entertainment center complete with 32-inch LCD TV and large storage cabinets to each side of the TV.

The driver-side Hide-a-Bed sofa located in the main slide-out makes into a bed for additional sleeping capacity. The Dream Dinette features a legless table that also makes into a bed by releasing a lever to effortlessly raise or lower the table. The comfortable booth seats are hinged to expose storage area beneath while a swivel recliner chair is located opposite the couch. The Flexsteel furniture features attractive UltraLeather upholstery, and seatbelts are provided at all locations, including the booth dinette.

The bathroom is equipped with a Thetford porcelain stool with foot flush and the shower is fitted with a circular enclosure with sliding frosted glass doors that prevent water from dripping on the floor when open. An overhead skylight provides warm, ambient lighting and additional height in the shower stall. The bathroom vanity also features a Corian top and a sink with an overhead medicine cabinet.

The bunk bed area is what separates this motorhome from the rest. The two stacked bunk beds are bound to be a big hit with young RVers. Each sleeping area has individual lighting, windows, and privacy curtains. A pair of optional entertainment centers is mounted in the ceiling above each bunk. Each flip-down display has an integral DVD player so that each occupant can view his or her own movie. External jacks for those all-important game consoles and headphones are provided as well as a storage pouch to place any auxiliary equipment to keep them out of the way. A cavernous drawer fitted with ball-bearing slides is located beneath the bunk beds and offers plenty of storage space for bedding or other large items.

The rear bedroom is equipped with a king bed with a comfortable pillow-top mattress. A large mirrored wardrobe complemented by a number of huge drawers in the bedroom slide-out at the foot of the bed provides tons of room for clothing. A 26-inch LCD TV is also placed there and is mounted on hinges to expose a deep storage area behind the flat screen. A large window located in the rear cap also serves as an emergency exit if needed.

Cockpit Area
The cockpit area is the typical Freightliner business class layout. The switches operating the cruise control are found on the dash. We would have preferred if they were mounted on the steering column for easier access because it was a bit inconvenient to reach. The Allison transmission’s T-handle shift lever is dash-mounted to the right of the steering column. The center dash area contains an entertainment and navigation system that uses a touchscreen to control the GPS navigation functions, radio, DVD, iPod, or rear-view camera functions. Immediately beneath this is the control panel for the Power Gear leveling jacks. A side cabinet located above the recliner contains the various controls used for the coach accessories, such as the Onan EC-30 automatic generator start module and a control panel for a Xantrex 1,800-watt true sine wave inverter that supplies power for the microwave oven and the RV’s entertainment systems. A holding tank monitoring panel and the slide-out operation switch are also placed here. Six-way power seats provide comfortable seating for both the driver and copilot. Power windows are also standard.

instrument panel includes a T-handle shift control for the Allison transmission as well as a radio/DVD/GPS system and controls for the Power Gear automatic leveling jacks."> Photo 5/18   |   The instrument panel includes a T-handle shift control for the Allison transmission as well as a radio/DVD/GPS system and controls for the Power Gear automatic leveling jacks.

Basement Area and Utilities
The basement storage space on the Seneca is nothing less than amazing. Every time I opened one of the side-hinged compartment doors, a spacious compartment made of tough, leak-proof Rotocast composite material was displayed. If you are one of those RVers who never has enough room to store your cargo, you’ll be very pleased with the Seneca. Excellent compartment height and wide swinging doors made it an easy task to load or unload cargo.

Photo 15/18   |   2013 Jayco Seneca 37fs basment Storage

A bank of four batteries is located in a forward driver-side compartment. These batteries are mounted on a slide-out tray for easy access when performing battery maintenance. The rearmost driver-side compartment houses an 8,000-watt Onan Quiet Diesel generator while a power cord reel makes quick work of rewinding the 50-amp power cord. A 10-gallon propane/electric hot water heater is located at the driver-side rear of the coach, while the 40,000 BTU propane furnace is located on the passenger side. A 56-pound chassis-mounted LP tank provides fuel for the water heater, furnace, and cooktop.

The plumbing service bay is spacious, offering plenty of room to store sewer hoses, fresh-water hoses, or a macerator pump. A whole-house water filter feeds the coach’s fresh-water system and an array of valves and controls offers access to operations such as filling the fresh-water tank, bypassing the water heater during winterizing, or operating the water pump. A paper towel holder, outside handheld shower attachment, black-tank flush attachment, and dump valves for the black and gray tanks complete that area.

storage bay features a long pass-through area that reaches to the far side of the RV for storing ladders or other tall items."> Photo 16/18   |   Basement storage space is cavernous in a Seneca. This particular storage bay features a long pass-through area that reaches to the far side of the RV for storing ladders or other tall items.

Driving the Seneca
Driving the Seneca imparted more of a big-rig feeling than in your typical Class C motorhome. The aerodynamically sculptured fiberglass hood tapers down at the front, which makes it easy to judge distances. The 340-horsepower Cummins diesel brought us up to speed rapidly, and the crisp handling of this chassis made the Seneca feel quite sporty for an RV. The hydraulic brakes were adequate to bring this 21,000-pound vehicle to a stop in short order, although it does take a bit more pedal pressure than the air brakes I am used to from driving Class A diesel pushers. This is a front-engine diesel chassis, so you won’t get the quiet sound of a rear engine diesel pusher, but I didn’t find the noise to be objectionable at highway speeds.

Photo 17/18   |   2013 Jayco Seneca 37fs floorplan

The change to the air-ride suspension that Jayco made during the 2013 model year is a welcome improvement. The fully automatic air-ride rear suspension system provided a much smoother ride. This is a big step forward for the Seneca and will probably make for an enticing upgrade to owners of earlier models with rear leaf spring suspensions.

The Seneca fills a sweet spot between typical Class C motorhomes and their more expensive Class A cousins. The Seneca is a great choice for Class A owners who want to downsize but don’t want to lose the quality, amenities, and storage that they are accustomed to. From its solid surface countertops, to its wood floor, to hardwood cabinetry with screwed stile construction, they may even find it exceeds what they were accustomed to. While large in size, most Class A motor-home floor plans aren’t designed to sleep many people. The 37FS Seneca can easily sleep eight, so large families will find this particular floor plan very desirable. For a couple who travels alone, the rear bath 37RB floor plan is another popular choice.

The torque and power of the Cummins diesel combined with a 10,000-pound trailer hitch means you won’t have any trouble hauling anything you need. Perhaps the most noticeable feature of the Seneca is its huge amount of storage space. With a generous cargo-carrying capacity in excess of 4,000 pounds, you can feel free to load it up.

Jayco has equipped the Seneca with a ton of upgrades as standard equipment. In fact, our well-appointed Seneca only had two options—a larger 8kW generator and the DVD players in the bunk beds. The only other available options that were not selected were a choice of combo or stackable washer-dryer and a front entertainment center to replace the overhead bunk. This pricing method is a plus at resale time because RV dealers generally look at base price without options when determining a trade-in value, so the Seneca should fare well when it’s time to trade up. Jayco backs the Seneca with a two-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, which is also a plus when comparing it to other motorhomes and does add a testament to the quality they put into this unit. With all these features packed into an attractive motorhome, the Seneca will be a tough act to beat.

Photo 18/18   |   2013 Jayco Seneca 37fs onan Generator

At a Glance
Base Price: $216,720 (MSRP)

Standard Features:
• Full-body paint
• Accuride aluminum wheels
• 32-inch exterior LCD TV in galley slide
• 1,800-watt true sine wave inverter
• 32-inch LCD TV in main living area
• 26-inch bedroom LCD TV
• 40,000 BTU LP furnace
• 10-gallon gas/electric DSI water heater
• King bed with pillow-top mattress

Customer Value Package
Includes:
• 12-cubic-feet refrigerator with ice maker
• Two 15,000 BTU ducted air conditioners with heat pumps
• Backup and side view cameras and monitor
• Convection microwave oven
• Power electric cord reel
• In-motion Minimax satellite dome
• Touch screen in-dash CD/DVD/MP3 sound system with GPS navigation
• Flexsteel UltraLeather driver (powered) and passenger (no power) seats

Optional Features:
• Onan 8,000kW Quiet Diesel generator (6kW standard)
• Dual CD/DVD players in bunk beds
Price as Tested $218,779 (MSRP)

Specifications
2013 Jayco Seneca 37FS
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR): 26,000 lbs
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): 33,000 lbs
Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): 4,639 lbs
Wheelbase: 275 in
Overall Length: 39 ft, 1 in
Overall Width: 102 in
Overall Height: 151 in
Interior Height: 84 in
Fresh Water: 81.5 gallons
Gray Water: 41 gallons
Black Water: 52 gallons
Chassis: Freightliner M2 Business Class front-engine diesel
Tires: Michelin XZE2 275/80R22.5 14 Ply Load Range G
Front Suspension: 8,000lb Taperleaf leaf springs
Rear Suspension: 18,000lb Airliner fully automatic air-ride suspension
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear
Fuel Tank: 30- and 40-gallon saddle tanks (74-gallon total), plus 6-gallon DEF tank
Trailer Hitch Capacity: 10,000 lbs
Engine: Cummins 6.7L ISB with exhaust brake
Horsepower: 340 hp @ 2,800 rpm
Torque: 660 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
Transmission: Allison 2500 six-speed automatic

9 Tips To Ensure You Get Your Dream Bathroom Remodel

Read article : 9 Tips To Ensure You Get Your Dream Bathroom Remodel

This bathroom remodel ideas post is sponsored by Sears Home Services.

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In our last house, we thought we were in our forever house. We bought it when the wee ones were almost 3 and not quite one. At the time, we planned to live there until they graduated high school or longer, and we treated the house that way. We replaced all the windows, we made an amazing front walk and redid all the landscaping. My favorite project included a gut of the master bathroom, and a complete kitchen remodel was next on our list.

Plans change, and we sold that house five years ago now. This house is now our forever house, except that forever is definitely a much shorter horizon. We built the new garage last year and just finished a roof replacement on Monday. I met with the house painter yesterday, and a completely redone basement (needed due to water issues that we’ve since fixed). Are you surprised that our master bath is on the list again?

We learned from our last house, and I have a ton of bathroom remodel ideas, both ideas we incorporated as well as some new trends that have sprouted. Our new bathroom won’t happen overnight, but even small changes can make a difference. I pulled out the brass and chrome fixtures from throughout my bathroom already. Just that little thing helped make our bathroom (built in 2005) feel less dated.

9 Bathroom Remodel Ideas

Add heated floors.

This was the best thing we did in our remodel. Hands down it was the best idea we had. Since we ripped out (all three layers of) the old flooring, we laid heating coils under the new floor. Nine months of the year, we used this floor and loved it. There is nothing worse than a cold Chicago morning and dancing from rug to rug to avoid frostbite on your feet.

We set it up to include a programmable switch. It turned on ten minutes before we headed to the bathroom each morning, so it was beautifully warm every time. It turned off by itself, and oh my word it was worth the investment. This is hands down the best of my bathroom remodel ideas ever. I’ll never do a remodel without one again.

Create a point of interest in your bathroom.

As much time as we spend in bathrooms, you want to enjoy the look. In our old bathroom, the towel rack hung over the far end of the bathtub. We had to walk from the shower over and climb in the tub or carefully reach over it to get our towel. That towel rack went away in the remodel, but initially we had no idea what to do with that blank wall. There was an identical blank wall on the other side of the tub.

Fortunately, my contractor came up with a fantastic bathroom remodel idea. I knew I wanted a window from my shower to make it feel bigger since we couldn’t increase the size of the shower itself. We chose an arched design, and our contractor suggested a tiled arch shelf built into the wall to hold some knick knacks and bath oils, etc. It turned out gorgeous. A shelf like this may not be the best fit for every bathroom, but it created a great point of interest on an otherwise boring wall. How can you give personality to your bathroom?

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Make sure you have enough storage.

Our current second floor has no linen closet. In fact, there’s nowhere to really store towels and sheets and other items in general. There is some wasted space behind the bathroom door, and we purchased a wooden shelf that we painted white to act as a temporary closet. It isn’t the prettiest, but it’s functional. For now.

When thinking about bathroom remodel ideas, don’t forget about storage. Do you have enough with your current setup? In our last house, we added a storage tower between the two sinks. We had a large bathroom and a long sink area, so this worked well. It separated my husband’s stuff from mine, and all our “things” stayed out of sight.

When we remodel our current bathroom, we won’t put a tower between the sinks because our bathroom is narrower. On the far edge of our vanity, we have wasted space there, and we’ll extend the cabinet up to create storage for towels and sheets and add some vertical interest with a change in heights.

And yes, we’ll build in a real linen closet where that space is currently wasted.

Choose the right sink.

Growing up, sinks were all the same. They were slightly oval and mounted into the counter. Now? Oh my word, the options! In so many bathrooms, a vessel sink looks amazing. It’s so sophisticated and so many have the personality many bathrooms lack.

They can be pretty expensive, however. A more traditional sink now comes in a variety of shapes. We chose a rectangular sink that gave me more room to presoak laundry in the “extra” sink since we had a second floor laundry and no laundry sink. It was large and gorgeous. An undermount sink worked great for us there because it minimized dirt that got stuck around the seal of the sink. In our current bathroom – because storage is at a premium – we know we’ll do a top mount sink that gives us more room in the vanity, but that doesn’t mean we won’t find one with the right look for our bathroom.

Choose the right fixtures.

Now that you have your sink, make sure your fixtures fit the aesthetic of your bathroom as much as you sink does. If you have a vessel sink or pedestal sink, make sure your faucets have enough room for you to wash your hands and more.

When it comes to the shower, it’s easy to find a showerhead in the same family as your sink faucet without it being identical. Do you want a showerhead you can move easily? Do you want an overhead shower for a more spa like experience? One of the bathroom remodel ideas I nixed last time was a steam shower. I didn’t think it was worth the money. Once we were done, I regretted it. Now there are smart showerheads that create that spa-like experience.

More and more fixtures provide great spray while still saving water. I miss the days in my old Chicago apartment where my shower beat on me. When I think of all the water wasted, I cringe. I can regain that experience with many showerheads now available without the need to hang my head in shame for the excess water.

Build a niche into your shower.

I am not a fan of the shower surrounds. When I do my bathroom, I want tile everywhere, which allows a ton of customization. My current bathroom? Yep, it’s a surround. And there’s nowhere to put shampoo or soap or anything. Shaving my legs? I’m balancing with a foot on the wall, and it isn’t pretty.

Another of those great bathroom remodel ideas? Build your shower to fit your needs. You can find a place to create a niche in a wall to hold your bath products. Make sure your contractor tilts it so water doesn’t stay in it. This is not only a functional addition, but it looks cool, too. We flipped the direction of the tiles we used elsewhere in the shower so they were diamonds instead of squares, and it looked fabulous. Major custom look without a major custom price. That inset? It’s a prefab option so my contractor didn’t have to build it by hand.

Create a bench, too, if you have room. We were able to have enough room for a bench so I could sit while shaving without feeling cramped in our last shower. Barely. Not every shower has that ability, but even in a standard size shower, you can build a foot rest into the tile so you have a secure place to rest your foot or booty while shaving. As with the inset for shampoo, just be sure your contractor angles it to avoid water pooling.

Don’t go too trendy.

Full bathroom remodels aren’t cheap. It isn’t the most expensive home renovation you can do, and it provides a great return on investment relatively, but you don’t want to go super trendy so that someone walks in and says, “Oh, yeah, this bathroom was done in 2016.”

That doesn’t mean you want to be blah or avoid any trends at all, but think about what has a longer term appeal. The pink tiles in my old master bathroom? I know they were from 1993. By 1996, I knew that. Avoid those traps.

If you plan to live in your house long term, create a bathroom that is your haven. You live there, not the person who’ll buy your house in 15 years. If it fits with the rest of your house design, go for it. What works in my 1925 more traditional home doesn’t work in an Italian villa style or in an ultra modern home. The overarching philosophy behind my bathroom remodel ideas is what matters.

Honestly, I can look even now at our bathroom remodel from five years ago and know that we chose too trendy a color wood that is too dark, especially with the granite countertop (which I do still love). This is where an expert designer comes in handy to help ensure you love your bathroom today and in 10 years. They have so many bathroom remodel ideas to make it fit you without being so trendy you’ll regret it.

Look for flooring with personality.

We chose rough stone tiles. Smooth is not your friend in the bathroom. The rough surface wasn’t uncomfortable to walk on, and we never had to worry about falls. Even better, the crags and such in the flooring meant we never had puddles when leaving the shower. We actually removed rugs from the bathroom entirely, which I loved. Why? The water that doesn’t evaporate quickly enough in a humid bathroom? Yuck.

While we love stone, that isn’t the choice for everyone. There are so many neat options out there today. Porcelain and ceramic tile come in so many neat patterns and textures now. Don’t do wood, as wood and moisture don’t get along. There are now wood looking porcelain tiles, however. Whatever you choose, find something that complements the entire style of your bathroom.

Update your counter surfaces.

We honestly may update our countertops in the master bathroom and in the guest bath on the main floor before we do a complete redo of the master bath because we have so many other major projects on our list with this house. Right now, they are a very cheap laminate countertop that doesn’t go with the aesthetic of the house. It bothers me every time I look at them.

Countertops aren’t as expensive as you might think, especially as bathroom counters tend to be a fairly limited area. Quartz is a great alternative because it requires no maintenance. You can find great designs with this. I love granite, personally. The uniqueness of granite and the personality it can bring to your bathroom make it worth the investment in my book.

Ready to Implement These Bathroom Remodel Ideas?

Just writing this, I’m excited to redo three of our bathrooms whether just a little countertop change or a full remodel. I’m not quite ready, but when I am, I know what I’ll do. Sears, of course, offers everything you need, whether you’re looking at a quick change like refacing your cabinets or a complete overhaul of your space.

Taking these bathroom remodel ideas and doing the whole thing? Sears has a savings of $500 on bathroom remodels of $1,500 or more through 11/30/2016.

Replacing or refacing your cabinets? Get $500 off a project of $1,500 or more through 11/30/2016, too.

Changing up your countertops? You can save $250 off a countertop purchase of $1,500 or more through 11/30/2016.

And of course, Sears offers free consultations on your projects so you can easily figure out what exactly you want to do and how much it will cost. Just know that if you’re anything like me, you’ll end up increasing the scope of the project as you go along, so make sure you budget for some changes!

What are your best bathroom remodel ideas?

great bathroom remodel ideas will give you a good place to start. Some tips on how to stay happy with it long term and some ideas you may not have thought about." />s

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