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Today’s Tub & Shower Options
Replacing an outdated tub or shower is a common project where most people choose to hire a contractor. If you are a super handy person, and won’t worry every time you fill your tub, then this may be a project you would tackle yourself. This blog is for the other 99% that are afraid they may end up like Tom Hanks in The Money Pit with the tub falling through the floor as it fills with water. Here are a few of today’s tub & shower options:
Today’s Tub & Shower Options
1. Acrylic Tub/Shower
This is what most refer to as “fiberglass” which is not very common today. Acrylic has more of a hard plastic feel. Some would say this is a cheap item but there are many high quality acrylic tubs/showers that will last a lifetime. Installation takes typically 2 days from start to finish with the repairs to the surrounding walls. Most would also replace the shower diverter while they are at it. The pros of this type of product is the ease of cleaning and the quick install. The cons are that it simply doesn’t look as nice as tile. A project like this will typically cost $4500-$5500.
2. Tub or Shower Pan With a Tile Surround
Everyone loves the all tile spa shower, but if you have children you probably need a tub but don’t want the plastic looking tub surround. Then if you ever plan to sell your home, it is always good to have at least one tub in the home. The most common solution is a tub or shower pan with a tile surround. Acrylic and Cast iron tubs are the most common. There are also tubs made to look and feel like cast iron without needing a team of people to get it in the house since it is a fraction of the weight. One type is Americast. For a shower pan it is typically Acrylic. There are many options with tiles as far as color, design and style go. Then if you add corner shelving or wall niches you can really customize the shower to your liking. The pros to this option is that the selections of tile are endless and you can really get creative showcasing your style. A project like this can take about 3 days and will cost around $6,000-$8,000. The only con is that they do require a little more maintenance than an acrylic tub/shower with a surround due to the grout lines. Just a heads up though, you may not want the kids to step foot in this beautiful bathroom when complete.
3. Tub Replacement and Install of an All Tile Shower
Now this is everyone’s dream shower. This can truly give you that “5 star hotel” feel. If you have the space and budget the possibilities are endless. That’s the good news. These are not the easiest to clean but if you keep up with it the shower will look great for years to come. The common problem I see with a shower like this is many times the waterproofing behind the tile is not done properly or contractors use old methods. Products like Schluter and Wedi are state of art and can last forever if done by a qualified contractor. There are options that are completely curbless, rain features, body sprays or even a heated bench for your bottom! They can be made in any shape or size. Some require a shower door and some are just so big that there is no shower door needed. A project like this typically takes 1-2 weeks of work and can cost anywhere from $10,000-$15,000. It can even be more if you really want it all. The sky really is the limit with these showers and if you can dream it, it can be built!
How To Survive a Kitchen Remodel
How To Survive a Kitchen Remodel
Set up a temporary kitchen: This is a must! A large folding table with your coffee maker, toaster, Ninja, Air Fryer, Crock pot and anything else that can help you to get through this camping trip can help you along the way. Possibly putting your refrigerator next to this table with a large storage shelving unit for food items may be helpful also.
Meal Prep: Possibly spend some time cooking and freezing weeks before the remodel so it is easier to have some prepared meals in a crockpot.
Grilling: Using an outdoor grill may be a huge help. You can still cook a healthy meal without having a kitchen.
Utility Sink: If you don’t have a utility sink close to the kitchen level, in your garage, etc then you may want to think about adding one before you start and making this part of the budget if possible. Running up and down the stairs cleaning dishes in your tub will be old after the first trip.
Material Selections: Making as many decisions as possible before you start and having a clear scope of work will help your contractor to have everything in line to be installed as the next step is completed. The last thing you want is to be ready to have a working sink and your faucet is on back order.
Label your boxes when you pack up your kitchen: Unless you want to spend a half hour searching for your daughters favorite Disney “Stitch” mug then I suggest you take your time, label the boxes and make them easily accessible.
Home Renovation in Deptford, NJ
This home renovation in Deptford, New Jersey kept us busy as we close out 2019. It was the entire interior and part of the exterior of this Deptford New Jersey home. The house has good bones but the home’s design was original from when the house was built in the 70’s with a few minor upgrades thrown in over the years. The remodel included all new laminate floor throughout the home, a new wooden staircase, fresh paint in all rooms, two bathroom remodels, a full kitchen remodel, a fireplace remodel with custom built-ins and the coolest laundry room you’ll ever see! All that with new exterior doors and a stone veneer on the front of the home made this project one of our favorites of the year! If you want to start a home remodeling project in the new year, just give us a call or request a quote online.
Features of Home Renovation in Deptford, NJ
- New Wooden Staircase
- Two New Bathrooms
- New Laminate Plank Flooring
- New Kitchen
- New Fireplace Mantle and Entertainment Center
- Custom Laundry Room with Coffee Bar
Photos of Home Renovation in Deptford, NJ
Master Suite Remodeling in Marlton, NJ
Ideal Remodeling recently finished a master suite remodeling in Marlton, New Jersey that transformed a small master bedroom and bathroom into a beautiful, rustic master suite. The bathroom here was completely remodeled and now has a new look with a beautiful tile shower with frameless glass doors. The rustic floor carries through the entire Master tying the bathroom and bedroom together. A twelve foot closet was built in the bedroom with a custom built in cabinet and barn doors to access the closets, adding much needed storage and making this Master Suite Remodeling in Marlton, New Jersey truly one of a kind. If you have a remodeling project on your to-do list, contact the pros at Ideal Remodeling for a Free Estimate. Our customer base consists of hundreds of returning and referred customers… over 80% of Ideal clients are repeat customers and referrals.
Photos of Master Suite Remodeling in Marlton
Bathroom Remodel in Blackwood, NJ
Photos of Bathroom Remodel in Blackwood, NJ
Small Kitchen Remodel in Haddonfield, NJ
We are very proud of what our team has done with this small kitchen remodel in Haddonfield, New Jersey. There weren’t too many options within the current layout but it really came together nicely and we were able to maximize the space in this older home. The basement doorway was relocated to the dining room to make more counter space while also making the entrance to the kitchen wider. We brought in more natural light by putting in a larger window and set the bottom of the window to the counter height. The natural light with the bright colors and high ceilings makes this kitchen feel much larger than it is. The same Saint Martin Cabinetry was carried into the dining room as a buffet table and a custom built dining table to match the cabinets and counters. We just love how this turned out!
Features of Small Kitchen Remodel in Haddonfield, NJ
- Relocated Basement Doorway to Free Up Space
- Replacement of Window
- Saint Martin Cabinetry
- New Backsplash and Counters
- Carried Counters and Cabinets into Dining Room
Photos of Small Kitchen Remodel in Haddonfield, NJ
Master Bathroom Remodel in Mantua New Jersey
Ideal Remodeling recently completed a Master Bathroom Remodel in Mantua New Jersey home. The project was a full master bathroom remodel that was completely gutted and re-designed to accommodate the new oversized tile shower. The toilet and shower locations were swapped and the corner tub was completely eliminated. The focal point of the remodel was the shower which has plenty of room in it. The half wall makes it seem even larger. Topping this shower off with double shower heads, a long bench, two niches and custom frameless glass doors. All Schluter products were used under the porcelain tile for peace of mind that the bathroom is 100% waterproof. A second Hall Bathroom was also completed in this same home. The end result was two very functional and relaxing spaces that will last a lifetime along with a client that had a great experience the whole way through! Learn more about our bathroom remodeling projects here.
Highlights of Master Bathroom Remodel in Mantua New Jersey
- Oversized Tile Shower
- Moved Plumbing
- Removed Corner Tub
- Large Frameless Shower
Photos of Master Bathroom Remodel in Mantua New Jersey
Garage Remodel in Wenonah, NJ
Ideal Remodeling recently completed a garage remodeling job in Wenonah, NJ when we converted a pottery studio into a yoga studio. This project was completed on Valentine’s Day. It is essentially a detached garage that was being used as a pottery studio. The owner decided to convert the garage to a studio for her personal yoga practice. Our crew came in and repaired some drywall cracks, installed new trim, installed new sink, faucet and cabinets then all new vinyl flooring. In all of our years, I am proud to say this is our first “She Shed”! If you are interested in garage remodeling for your home, please contact us for a free estimate.
Highlights of Garage Remodeling in Wenonah, NJ
- Drywall Repair
- Painting
- New Trim and Vinyl Plank Flooring
- New Cabinets, Sink, Faucet and Vanity
Photos of Garage Remodeling in Wenonah, NJ
Kitchen Remodel & First Floor Renovation in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a recent kitchen remodel in Swedesboro New Jersey completed by Ideal Remodeling. This project included new handscraped oak flooring on the entire first floor, all new baseboard trim and a complete kitchen remodel. The cabinets are from Saint Martin Cabinetry with granite counters and a 3×6 white subway tile on a herringbone pattern. A stainless double oven was added to the layout along with a stainless wall mounted range hood with an oversized farmhouse sink. With an eight foot long Island that comfortably seats four, this open concept kitchen is a great place to host Thanksgiving dinner!
Check out this video for a tour
Photos of Swedesboro, NJ Kitchen Remodel & First Floor Renovation
What finish paint should I use?
People often ask us what finish paint they should use. Generally speaking there is a paint for everything. You can paint vinyl and even glass. On a basic level the sheen (or shine) of a paint is a bit confusing to some people. So we are going to breakdown this mystery for the average person to understand.
Flat or Matte Finish Paint:
. Flat paints are generally used in low traffic areas and ceilings.
. They have the least shine of all the paints (Flat being the lowest).
. They are generally the cheapest paints and the lowest in durability although they have gotten much better in recent years.
. Both paints are the easiest to touch up down the road.
. Best paint sheens for walls with many imperfections
Eggshell Finish Paint:
. Less shine than satin but more then flat and matte. Think of the surface of an actual egg – that’s the finish.
. A little more durable than a flat or matte.
. Great for walls that are in good to moderate shape.
. Our personal preference for kitchens.
Satin Finish Paint:
. Very easy to clean but touching up later on can be tough. Sometimes resulting in repainting an entire area.
. Great for bathrooms and super high traffic areas like mudrooms.
. Not the best for walls that have many imperfections. Imperfections will be enhanced.
Semi-Gloss or Gloss Finish Paint:
. These are the most durable of paints.
. Not meant to be touched up.
. Mainly for trim, doors, cabinets and staircases.
. Not the sheen choice for walls since it reflects light and makes every imperfection stand out.
