Eco-Friendly Bathroom Remodeling

With so much interest in luxuries like heated flooring and soaking tubs, it can be easy to lose sight of the bigger trend in bathroom remodels, sustainability. If you do put in a heated floor, one way to make it greener is to set it on a timer so it only consumes energy when you're going to want it. Low-flow toilets are another huge way to make your bathroom greener.

Options that have two flushing systems, one that releases less water, will help save a large amount of water and will help to lower your water bill.

Another popular green option is an on-demand water system. The unit heats water almost instantaneously, eliminating the need for a water heater, which is very inefficient because it always has to keep water hot and at your disposal.

Tile Wall and Tile Flooring Design

Bathroom tile is created two ways, Rectified and Chamfered.  Rectified tile is cut at sharp right angles and chamfered tiles have a beveled or rounded edge to them.

Ceramic Tile: Ceramic is very commonly used and is very easy to maintain.  The come in glossy, matte, and ceramic/porcelain backed finishes and are available in many different patterns, colors, and sizes.  Ceramic tiles in the bathroom are used to cover walls and basins and add a sleek, contemporary feel to any bathroom large or small.

Glass Tile: Glass tile is used for backsplashes, shower walls, and accents on floors.  Glass tile adds depth and luminescence that ceramic or natural stones cannot. Glass comes in many colors and finishes ranging from glossy to flat to add a unique design to your bathroom and a spa-like atmosphere.

Granite Tile: Granite tile is durable and one of the toughest stones available.  It's highly scratch resistant and its a very inexpensive choice.

Ceramic Mosaic Tile: Mosaic tile is used to create a retro inspired bathroom.  They bring a very unique design to your bathroom and are a great choice for steps, hard angles, and curbs because they have no sharp edges.

Stainless Steel Mosaic Tile: Finishes include stainless steel hairline, stainless steel mirror, and stainless  steel etched or gold.  Metallic mosaics ad an embellishment to the walls and are very suitable for ultra modern and stark interiors.

Bathtub and Shower Design

Whirlpool Tubs: A whirlpool tub is a luxurious option that can increase the resale value of any home. They can help ease aching muscles and joints with a combination of warm water and the massage like bubbling of jets.

Overflow Tubs: Overflow bathtubs are built larger than traditional bathtub, allowing you to lay deeper in the tub and gives you more room to move around.  The overflow tub also has a ledge around the top, allowing the water to overflow the side of the basin and recirculate into the bathtub so the water level remains the same and no water is lost.  The water is recirculated by a pump that allows the water to continuously flow back into the basin.

Walk-In Showers: Modern walk-in showers feature an open end for entry and come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made easily to any specification.  It is advised to not install a shower tray.  Although they offer proper drainage, they take away from the aesthetic value of a luxurious shower.

Steam Showers: Steam showers are luxurious and relaxing.  They are frequently a stand alone shower that includes a traditional shower head and a steam generator that produces steam vapors.  Steam showers require special, self-contained enclosures to prevent steam from escaping and damaging drywall, paint, and wallpaper.

Pre-Fabricated Showers: Pre-fabricated showers are single or mult-piece stalls molded from fiberglass, laminate, or acrylic.  They are a convenient and reliable solution but offer very little character, especially when compared to custom tile stalls.

Fixed and Handheld Shower Heads

High Pressure Shower Heads: High pressure shower heads deliver a powerful stream of water that will rinse your body and hair in a matter of minutes.  High pressure showerheads are available in heavy chrome, polished brass, and titanium finishes.

Handheld Shower Heads: Handheld shower heads have a flexible hose or tube that allows you to take the shower head off the wall and gives you a much larger range of motion when showering.Average prices range around $25-$75 and luxury options available around $100.

Low Flow Shower Heads: Low flow showerheads were insufficient until recently when manufacturers have developed new techniques to reduce water flow while maintaining a reasonable stream on low flow shower heads.

Bathroom Shower Doors

Pivot: Pivot shower doors open from a single side.  They are typically framed glass doors that will cover one side of the shower stall.

Folding: Folding shower doors open and close like an accordian.  An alternative to sliding shower doors, folding shower doors are unique because they can be left open for an accessable tub or closed to create an enclosed shower.

Bi-Fold: Bi-fold doors are specially made for smaller showers.  They are a great space saver and are primarily used for standalone showers.

Frameless: Frameless shower doors have no panels or frames.  They consist of uninterrupted glass that gives your bathroom a spacious look and feel.  Interconnectied pieces are attached with hinges that open from a single handle.

Sliding: Sliding shower doors can accompany rectangular spaces well, whether they are shower stalls or tub and shower spaces.  Sliding shower doors open and close via metal sliders located at the base of the stall.

Curved: Curved shower doors are great for stalls or tubs with rounded corners.  They come in a variety of styles and dimensions to suit every shower stall and bathtub enclosure.

Bathroom Lighting Design

Bathroom design can often become complicated and overwhelming when considering the variety of options available for each element of the bathroom, lighting is more than likely an afterthought of the project.  Considering architectural details and the mood that fits a bathroom will help you decide on the perfect lighting design for your investment.

Multiple layers of ambient, task and accent light are required to effectively create a mood in the bathroom.  A thoughtful bathroom lighting plan can enhance the overall atmosphere of any size bathroom and has a great impact on the room economically and environmentally.

Warm colors, along with wood accents and natural colored clay tile will create a comfortable overall feel.  The mood can be enhanced by soft ambient and warm lighting.  Installing CFLs can also help create a comfortable and warm feeling.  Dimmers are another way to create a soft, cozy feel while reducing the wattage and output of lights, even if you've installed energy-efficient bulbs.

Compact fluorescent lamps offer up to 75 percent energy savings compared to standard incandescent lamps, in addition they warm up fast and can provide 15 to 100 percent continuous dimming to give off the right amount of light.

To create a tranquil, relaxing mood, use all white decor paired with limestone, mosaic tile, frosted glass, and light the room with dimmable recessed CFLs.  Cool accent colors like green, indigo, and blue have a soothing effect and works well with multi-lamp fixtures to make the room brighter.

Overhead spotlights can be used to highlight artwork or plants.  They can be paired with wall sconces that will enhance architecture and other details like stone or textured walls.

Bright colors used to alleviate tiredness, boost energy, and create a motivating atmosphere.  Choosing vibrant shades and crisp white light halogen globes in the bathroom vanity add a great task lighting source as well as a decorative touch that highlights fixtures throughout the room.

Bathroom Design

The design of your new bathroom is where you should start your planning. Sometimes it is a great idea to hire Earthgroup Construction and Remodeling for bathroom design to help you optimize your limited space. The bathroom designs shown on TV and in magazines may work well for someone else’s set up, but only those who see your bathroom up close and in personal can create an effective design.

If you do plan to design your bathroom yourself, make sure to think about the amount of time you spend in your bathroom each day and use this as a way to rate what needs to be upgraded the most.

For example, the more time you spend, the more space you need. To add to your comfort, consider knocking down a wall and creating more room. Keep in mind that an estimated 80-85% of what you put into your bathroom remodeling, you get back when you sell. In addition to more space, think about installing fog free mirrors, heated floors, or a beautiful whirlpool.

Once you have successfully decided on your new bathroom design, the challenging decisions arise. It is now time to start selecting color schemes, vanities, cabinets, counters, single or double bathroom sinks, bath tubs and every other element that helps set the tone of your bathroom.

The bathroom tile may be one of your most difficult decisions solely due to the vast amount of styles, colors, and sizes to choose from. Larger tiles are becoming more and more popular; however, they require the underlayment to be very level. Mosaic tiles, one inch tiles, are another break through in bathroom designs. Mosaics come in countless colors and allow you to create your own custom floor design.

Bathtubs and Showers

Choosing a new bath tub is one of the more exciting remodeling decisions. This is your chance to get rid of that old, uncomfortable rectangle tub and upgrade to something rejuvenating, something massaging, something more like a whirlpool tub or a soft bathtub. Maybe you simply wish to improvement the look and feel of your old tub by covering it with a new shell. Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to pamper yourself, but be smart about where you pamper yourself.

Sometimes it is a better idea to upgrade your shower, something you use two-three times a day, as opposed to investing money into a tub that might just sit there unused. Showers are becoming more and more attractive with new technology. Your shower can be turned into a steam room, stimulate hydro massages, and for your convenience they now come in multiple shower heads.

Bathroom Fixtures

The next step is to select a new bathroom sink, faucet, and vanity. A lot of creativity can go into these three essential bathroom elements. Above counter sinks seem to be the new trend for bathrooms. They perform a practical function and can be viewed as art at the same time. Above or beneath, you still need to select the material/s that your sink will be made of. Generally, sinks can be made from stone, marble, glass, copper, and stainless steel. Special custom sinks are also available.

The material you choose will depend much on the overall appearance you are looking for. The same holds true for the vanity you select. Your bathroom scheme will be revealed through the material your vanity is made of.

Are you looking for a modern or contemporary bathroom? Faucets, on the other hand, function differently depending on what material they are made from. If you are looking for along lasting faucet, stick with materials such as brass and copper. But make sure to select faucets that compliment your sink and vanity.

Looking for more information on Bathroom Remodeling Work

Earthgroup Construction and Remodeling remodeling your bathroom is a great investment. You'll want to make sure you are choosing the right bathroom remodeler for your new project and your budget. We offer Free Bathroom remodeling Price Quotes. Earthgroup Construction and Remodeling can assist with all of your bathroom renovation decisions, making the possess as easy as possible. Don't hesitate, give us a call today and let us show what a difference we can make.

Working With Earthgroup Construction and Remodeling as your Bathroom Remodeling Contractors

Earthgroup Construction and Remodeling bathroom remodeling contractors are in your house to perform a job and nothing else. If you only have one bathroom in your house then your bathroom remodeling project may pose some minor problems. You may want to plan ahead to use a neighbor’s facility or try to clear the house out for the day if you know that a professional will be working on your only bathroom. Keep in mind that our bathroom contractors are aware of your bathroom needs and would try to have your facility down for the least amount of time but water will probably be turned off throughout the day.

Preparing for Bathroom Work

Try to prepare the site that will be remodeled before our contractors arrives. For example, remove all of your belongings from the bathroom in question . If our remodeling contractors will be tiling, hanging sheetrock, and caulking, then they will have a mat where they can wipe their feet before walking through your house.

They will also have some old rags or towels that they can use to wipe their hands so that nothing accidentally gets wiped on your furniture or walls. All of our contractors will come prepared with such clothes and be cautious of your home.

Remodeling your bathroom is a great investment. Earthgroup Construction and Remodeling want to make sure you know that by choosing us you are choosing the right bathroom remodeler for your new project and your budget. We offer Free Bathroom remodeling Price Quotes and our craftsmen our some of the best bathroom remodeling contractors in the Midwest.