5 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Look Bigger

The Northwest Herald of McHenry County, Illinois published an article yesterday titled "5 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Look Bigger." Read a few excerpts here: 

1. Set the Scene 

Jason Urrutia of Urrutia Design says if it’s a bathroom you are going into every day, you might get tired of it. In that case, you’ll want a classic, timeless design or elements that can be easily swapped out. But if it’s a space for guests, he says it’s acceptable as a place for fun. Stephan Sardone of Sardone Construction agrees. “Some of my clients say that it just needs to look great,” he said. “They don’t need space for towels and soap because it’s a guest bathroom where people go in during a party for a minute or two and then leave.”

2. Save Space

Once you know how your bathroom will be used, designers agree that you should prioritize storage. It may seem counterintuitive to think about storage when you’re trying to maximize space, but without planning ahead, your room could end up feeling smaller if it’s cluttered and disorganized. What makes storage successful is if it fits your individual needs, Sardone explains. “For guys, a medicine cabinet is all you need. But for women, more cabinet and counter space is often required,” he said.

3. Lighting

Another way to make a small bathroom feel bigger and bolder is by bringing in light. “With the right kind of accent lighting, you can make a space very playful,” Bethke said. “I use more shiny surfaces — a lot of mirrors and patterns. As a result, you notice the scale of the items. You don’t notice it’s a small powder room.” A lighter color palette can also make a space look larger by keeping the space bright and airy.

4. Accent Walls

Once you’ve set the scene and maximized storage and lighting in your bathroom, it’s time to think about aesthetics. “You can go minimalistically, or you can focus on one particular area,” Bethke said. “I highly encourage people to go a little bit hog wild. It’s a small space, so do that fixture you are scared to do in the living room. Amp it up and be fearless.”

5. Spend Money Where it Counts

Despite the tendency to be frugal in order to save remodeling dollars for larger spaces in the home, designers agree that it’s precisely because of a bathroom’s small size that you can spend more.

“You can be playful without spending the farm,” McLaughlin said. “You don’t need to cover 150 square feet of floor with tile. Instead, you can cover just 20 to 30 square feet of wall.”

Read the full article here.

How to install a bathroom waterfall

Looking to make your bathroom more beautiful and more tranquil? Then a bathroom waterfall might be exactly what the doctor ordered! They are gorgeous, provide a peaceful vibe, and lucky for you are very easy to install. In our online journey this morning we came across this wonderful do it yourself guide, courtesy of the DIYnetwork, on how to install a bathroom waterfall. We hope you find it useful and continue to make your bathroom and home in general more beautiful! Click here to view the article on the DIY network.

How to install a bathroom waterfall

Step 1: Mark and Drill the Tile
Eyeball the placement of the waterfall and mark the spot on the wall. Find center on the wall (Image 1), then place the hanging bracket on the wall and mark the holes.

Attach a depth guide to a hammer drill and drill holes 1/2" into the tile (Image 2). Screw hanging bracket to wall.


  

Step 2: Attach the Basin
Measure down from hanging bracket to find the location for the top of the bottom basin (Image 1).

Dryfit the basin, mark the hole locations and drill them out. Add anchors for support and attach the basin (Image 2).

  

Step 3: Finish Installation
Attach slate to the hanging bracket.

Set the pump in the basin and snap in the basin tray, then add rocks.

Fill the fountain with distilled water, which will keep the pump from clogging with hard water deposits.

Click here to view the article on the DIY network.

Hidden Savings in Your Bathroom

Toilets consume about 27 percent of the water used inside the home. You can save water and money by checking your toilets for leaks, replacing your flapper and installing a fill cycle diverter or upgrading to a high- efficiency toilet.

Installing an early-closure flapper can save as much as 1.5 gallons per flush.

Investing in a high-efficiency toilet can save more than 4,000 gallons of water per person each year.

Up to a gallon of water per flush can be saved by installing a fill cycle diverter in your toilet tank. The diverter redirects water to the tank and less to the toilet bowl.

To install a toilet cycle diverter on a typical gravity-flush toilet, follow the instructions below:

1. Pull hose out from overflow tube.
2. Remove clip or holder, if any.
3. Insert diverter into hose end.
4. Push diverter onto overflow tube with one of its arms inside and one arm outside the overflow tube.
5. In some cases, the hose may need to be cut shorter to reduce buckling or tipping.
6. Follow these directions and soon you’ll be saving a substantial amount of water.

Bath Planet featured in Johnson City Press

Bath Planet was recently featured in an article in the Johnson City Press titled “Remodeling: DIY vs. contractor." The piece focuses on an increase in bathroom projects that Scott Brooks has seen since opening his Bath Planet location earlier this year. Scott discussed how Bath Planet can help homeowners who would like to be more involved in the project by giving them ideas of what it will cost, finding the right materials, and installation in the “wet areas” in the bathroom. Click here for the full article, or begin reading below.

Remodeling: DIY vs. contractor
By Madison Mathews

As the demand for remodeling projects continues to rise, so do the questions that often come with tackling upgrading parts of the home.

When is it beneficial to go the way of HGTV and do the project yourself, as opposed to hiring a contractor for the job?

That’s obviously one of the big questions whenever starting a home improvement project, but experts say there’s more to that question than meets the eye.

(Read More)

How to Save Money on Your Water Bills This Summer

We all want to save money on our water bills, but we don’t want to be inconvenienced, Here are a few ways to save water without even noticing it! And so you know, summertime is when we waste the most water!

• For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap.
• This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.
• Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.
• Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
• Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
• Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.
• If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a water-efficient model.
• Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.
• If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.
• Use sprinklers for large areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.

Follow these simple tips and soon you’ll notice a difference in your water bill!

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas That Won't Break The Bank

If you enjoy spending time soaking in your tub, or you simply like spending time in your bathroom, updating your bathroom is important. If you have been putting it off because of money, there are some inexpensive bathroom updates that can make a major difference.

Here are some easy, inexpensive ideas that pack a lot of punch.

• Fresh coat of Paint. Cover your painted walls with a fresh coat of paint to change the look of your bathroom. Select a paint color that is totally different from your current color to ensure that your change is an obvious one.
• Rack Replacement. Replace your existing towel racks and toilet paper roll holder to revamp the look of your space.
• New Mirror. Replacing a mirror is one of the easiest of the inexpensive bathroom updates you can tackle.
• Updating Lighting. If you shop smart you can get a new lighting fixture for a prominent space in your bathroom at a reasonable price.
• Shower Curtain. If your shower curtain is old, replacing it with a new one can make a huge difference without costing you much money.
• These are five easy and inexpensive ways to transform your bathroom into a beautiful sanctuary without overspending!

Make Your Home Summer Heat Ready

Summer is here, luckily we’re not quite in the triple digit temperatures just yet. Before it gets super hot, you might want to check that you and the house are ready for the summer heat. That means you start by checking your home’s heat and air-conditioning system.

Here are five ways to make sure you are prepared to handle extreme heat.

1. To begin, change your filters in your heating/cooling system. Change them regularly, at least monthly.
2. Next change your thermostat over to “cool” and test the system by turning the temperature down. If the air conditioner does not turn on, first check to make sure no breakers are tripped. If you can’t figure out the problem, call your heating and air-conditioning repair person. Calling now may keep you from making an “emergency” call when the temperatures are soaring and the repair people are super busy and expensive.
3. If your cooling system turns on, make sure it is putting out adequate cooling. If it’s not, and you can’t figure out the problem, call your heating and air-conditioning repair person. Set the thermostat at 78 degrees.
4. If your air conditioner needs replacement do it now before the triple digit temps come, that’s when heating & air-conditioning repair people get the busiest.
5. Lastly, your air ducts may need testing for leaks and then sealed. Your attic insulation probably has compacted, so you need to add an additional 5 to 8 inches. Your windows and doors and other parts of the building envelope may need caulking and weather stripping. Think about solar window film to keep out the heat. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to kick back and stay cool!

How To Easily Make Your Old Toilet More Water Efficient

If you really want to save water, experts say you need to stop using the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket. Some people flush away tissues and other bits of trash in the toilet. Using a wastebasket will save all those gallons of water that otherwise go wastefully down the drain. Most toilets installed before 1980 use 5-7 gallons of water per flush. Toilets installed between 1980 and 1993 use 3.5 gallons per flush. Toilets installed since 1994 use 1.6 gallons. If you think about it, 1.6 gallons is still a big improvement, but that’s a lot of water for one flush.

Does your toilet ever make noises when it is not in use? A toilet with even a small leak can greatly increase your water bill. To check your toilet for leaks, put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank, and wait ten minutes. If, without flushing, the color begins to appear in the bowl, you have a leak, which should be repaired immediately.

Plumbers say there is no definite answer on how long the parts in your toilet tank should last? Replaceable parts such as flappers and washers or seals inside the refill valve may last several years. However, factors such as water treatment processes, toilet bowl cleaners, and high water pressure can cause parts to disintegrate much sooner.

Dealer Profile: Tami Muller of Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Q: Where are you from?
A: Our family is originally from Israel – Decon Environmental was started by our father, and we took over the business after he passed away.

Q: What was your career before becoming a Bath Planet dealer?
A: For more than 25 years, we were involved in the family business.

Q: How did you learn about the brand?
A: We were looking for new business opportunities and we came across Bath Planet. We saw it as a good “ground floor” opportunity. The business is growing and it’s something we are knowledgeable about. It will also help us branch out to more residential projects. We went to Chicago to learn more about the opportunity and were very impressed.

Q: Why did you decide to open your own business?
A: We wanted to get more into the residential market, as our current business involves more emergency response and commercial projects. We want to be able to provide better customer service to homeowners – there is a huge need for this in bathroom remodeling, and we see Bath Planet as the future of this type of remodel that complements our line of products.

Q: When choosing a dealership, what were the criteria you used to make your decision?
A: The quality of the product was definitely important to us, and we wanted to be comfortable with the product, which we feel we are with Bath Planet. BCI is famous for their product and support they provide.

Q: With regard to your previous experience, what skills do you feel helped you in your business?
A: We believe being a family owned and managed business has helped us – we are small enough so customer service is fantastic and we provide feedback immediately, but we are also large enough to handle big jobs. We offer 24/7 emergency response and our customers always see us, the owners, on the job. They love that personal touch and our customer service orientation.

Q: Why did you choose to enter this industry?
A: The market share provides a huge opportunity along with the future of remodeling. It’s growing.

Q: How did you finance your business?
A: We are self-financed.

Q: What obstacles have you overcome to get where you are today with your business?
A: The changing market and economy are always a challenge. You have to be flexible.

Q: What makes your business different?
A: We provide a personal touch to every job and we have an excellent customer service reputation.

Q: How does your business connect with the community?
A: We are very active in our community, including involvement in BOMA, and SEFAA (we are board members). We also do a lot of charity work within the community.

Q: Are there any prominent industry trends that you are experiencing right now?
A: People are starting to invest more money into their houses, more than before. This is because of the real estate crisis – people aren’t moving, so they’re fixing their homes and remodeling. The kitchen is complete and the bathroom is next – hence Bath Planet. For the elderly, this includes safety features, making it accessible. This gives our elderly customers comfort and independence. It changes their lives completely.

Low Cost Ways to Spruce Up Your Old Bathroom

If you want to spruce up your old, drab bathroom without breaking the bank, we’ve got some great, inexpensive ideas for you.

Designers recommend buying an extra matching shower curtain and making a simple valance out of it.

If you want something even simpler than a shade or valance, papering your windows is also an inexpensive option. Another product, called Gallery Glass lets you make a window pattern that mimics stained glass with a self-adhesive. It looks similar to a real stained glass window at a fraction of the price.

If you’re on a tight budget, but want something with a cottage feel, what about putting hinges on beautiful picture frames (or building your own frames) and using a staple gun to attach lace or a synthetic fabric to them. Voila, you’ve got shutters.

Rolling, simple white towels in a basket, will help you achieve a spa like feeling. Delicate soaps, arranged in a pretty soap dish can also help you dress up your bathroom. Add a new shower curtain, rugs and fresh paint, and you’ve transformed your old, grungy bathroom!

All of these ideas are easy, inexpensive ways to add some designer touches to your bathroom. Soon, you’ll love the feel of your space, and will never want to leave!

Why You Should Have a Nice Bathroom

Bathrooms can definitely make or break a deal. If your trying to sell your home in this market, you need to have a nice bathroom. If not, potential home buyers will move on to the next house. It’s that simple.

This is the one room where you get to totally relax and pamper yourself. The bathroom you choose can have a major effect on just how enjoyable the time you spend in it truly is. It is very rare that we get time to ourselves anymore, totally free of distractions, and the indulgence one can allow themselves at such times is what makes having a great bathroom so important.

If you’re thinking about remodeling or just simply improving your existing bathroom, lighting is key. Do you have sufficient lighting designed for your bathroom? Natural light is an important thing in bathrooms. A window, a wall or roof skylight will bring in natural light, a view or a dramatic skyscape.

Another important element to consider is ventilation. If you live in different types of weather conditions like mild to harsh, you should install an exhaust fan in bathroom. Bathrooms produce humidity and moisture that can break in ceilings, floors and countertops. Ventilate odors and humidity from your bathroom by installing a powerful ventilator or exhaust fan large enough to do the job perfectly.

Experts say, you may not need to completely gut your existing bathroom. Just determine what needs to be improved on, and do it. The rest can usually be fixed with some paint and accessories.

A Bathroom Remodel Is The #1 Home Improvement Project You Can Do

Did you know that a bathroom remodel is the #1 rated home improvement project you can do for overall return on investment according to the Wall Street Journal? So everyone wonders, “Is it worth the money to remodel my bathroom?” Local realtors say, yes. However if you really don’t want to spend that kind of time or money, you need to fake it. Realtors say, nowadays, you can get rid of that yucky, moldy old tub with a new, beautiful walk in tub, or a wall surround. Just basically change whatever is ugly.

Paint a pretty color and get new accessories, and your bathroom can look transformed. All in about a day, for a fraction of the cost. On the other hand if you are committed to a total renovation it’s good to know that economists say remodeling a kitchen or a bathroom is always a smart investment. They even go as far as saying that all renovations should be done “where the water is.” Meaning kitchens and bathrooms.

So what kind of return will you get on your investment? You should not expect to fully recover the amount of the remodeling investment right away. Typically, you can expect between 80% and 90% back on your home improvement investment dollar, sometimes more, within the first year or two. With the proper remodel, you can increase and even make money on the improvement the longer you stay in the home. By being in the home a longer period of time, you give the real estate market time to increase and you leverage the remodeling investment as property values grow.

Investing in home improvement makes sense in most cases and under most economic climates. The homeowner should do their homework; use the resources available to them to help plan a budget and determine what type of changes they want to make.

Keep in mind the most important reason to renovate your bathroom is if the structural integrity of your home is being affected or damaged by excessive water, mold or moisture. The long term loss or depletion in the value of your home could be serious in this case. So if you have an old, moldy bathroom, remodeling or replacing the ugly, is always a good idea!

Bath Planet featured on WGN-TV

Bath Planet was featured in a segment on WGN-TV on February 28, 2012. The segment focused on bath safety and had great visuals with an actual bathtub demo from Bath Planet set up in-studio. Rick Hirschhaut discussed the kinds of bathtub accidents that can occur for people of all ages, and the many different types of safety features available for the bathtub and shower at Bath Planet. Click here to view this great segment!

Bath Planet featured on KOLO-TV Reno

Bath Planet was featured in a segment that aired on KOLO-TV in Reno on Thursday, February 9, 2012 that focused on bath safety. Bath Planet of Reno owner Alan Hansen talked about the kinds of bathtub accidents that can occur for people of all ages, and explained how having Bath Planet complete a remodel is a quality of life update done on the home. There was even mention of the many different types of bathtub and shower remodel solutions available at Bath Planet and all the many safety features available as well. View the segment below, or download it here!

Bath Planet Dealer Profile: Mike Sepanksi

What was your career before getting into the home remodeling industry?
I have been in the home remodeling industry for 31 years and was in the real estate industry prior to that.

How did you learn about Bath Planet?
We had actually been looking at adding acrylic bathroom remodeling products for a while now and explored various companies and explored what they would add to our existing business. We just stumbled into Bath Planet recently, made some inquiries and it looked like a good opportunity to add this type of business in Toledo.

Why make the transition from siding and windows to bathroom remodeling?
Right now, we do roofing, siding, gutters and enclosures. The main reason for adding the Bath Planet dealership is in the economy, it’s a matter of adding quality product lines to get you more customers. This seemed like a real good fit based on the research that we did and we feel strongly that our customers will love the products, designs, colors and warranty.

How many jobs is this new agreement between you and Bath Planet going to create?
To start, we’re looking at hiring one installation person to start with and two sales people. We’d love to see the number of jobs Bath Planet creates eventually double or triple.

How did you perform your due diligence? In other words, how did you conduct your background check on Bath Planet?
We had been looking at various lines for the past year. It’s really a timing situation. The company and products looked like something solid based on the research we had done about Bath Planet and BCI.

What was most appealing to you about becoming a Bath Planet dealer as opposed to going another route?
ABC Seamless Siding itself is a franchise and we’re paying franchise fees on a per job basis. With the Bath Planet dealership, it’s an an annual type of thing, almost like a participation thing as opposed to a monthly franchise fee.

How does the revenue model work? How do you benefit as an existing business owner from being an authorized Bath Planet dealer?
It’s just going to add to the bottom line. The age of the properties in the Toledo metropolitan area are such that it’s right up this alley. The price is right up this alley. With this you’re looking at a price point where it’s doable for most people and finance companies are willing to lend on the amount. It’s going to add more volume to what we’re doing at a price point that’s perfect for this day and time.

What did you find most appealing about home remodeling?
It’s the only thing I’ve ever done. It’s always earned me a living. We’ve taken on some different product lines and one recently was metal roofing that’s just spectacular when it’s done. All the products we carry are top of the line and what we sell is unique in quality. Consequently when you do a good job with a good product, it gives you satisfaction. That’s what brought us to Bath Planet, actually. There were some other options but this just screamed quality.

What obstacles have you overcome to get where you are today with your business?
I purchased the company from the original owner six years ago so we had name recognition in Northwest Ohio. That was probably the thing that helped us hang in there through the toughest time over the past few years. Our biggest obstacle is financing. Very little financing is available anymore in this industry and if you do get something financed, people have to be at the highest level of credit score. The typical young couples that need window replacements can’t afford to spend $5,000 on a project without some level of financing for the project.

What are your expansion or development plans?
Everything is based on the growth. If this business extension meets our expectations, there are obviously lots of opportunities out there since this is a newly launched concept through BCI. We’re planning a lot of spring shows, fairs and we’re looking to try and get some advertisements on TV. With it being a totally new company in Toledo, we haven’t been able to directly speak with the customer yet.

Bath Planet® Enters Toledo Market

Introduces affordable bath remodeling solutions with revolutionary customer experience

More people are choosing to invest money in their homes these days rather than go out and buy new ones. Bath Planet® of Ohio (a division of ABC Seamless Siding) has recognized the uptick in small renovations, which has led to its newest decision to become an exclusive authorized dealer of Bath Planet in Toledo. Bath Planet’s authorized dealers will showcase the newest bath remodeling products in the industry with exclusive colors and designs, offering stylish, affordable, low-maintenance solutions that satisfy customers by combining high-quality service with superior product offerings.

Toledo native Mike Sepanski has been in the home remodeling business for over 30 years, buying ABC Seamless Siding, located at 5511 Telegraph Road, from an old high school friend back in 2005. Under his leadership, ABC Seamless Siding has continued to be the leading provider of quality roofing and siding repairs, earning a strong reputation for providing quality work at an affordable price. While business has been steady, Sepanski and his leadership team were looking to expand their offerings, knowing that more people are staying in their homes longer. After a year of research, they found Bath Planet, a brand that fits in with their mission.

“Bath Planet made sense for us because its designs are high quality, practical, and perhaps most importantly, affordable,” said Sepanski, owner of Bath Planet Toledo. “With this product, we’re able to completely renovate a home owner’s bathroom in as little as a day, giving them a fresh new design without inconveniencing them for a long period of time.”

Sepanski said the tough economy forced him to think of ways to evolve ABC Seamless Siding’s business so that he was able to attract new customers while creating jobs in the process. His store will allow him to do just that, creating three jobs initially that will be filled by Toledo residents. With money running tight for everyone these days, Sepanski wanted to add an interior remodeling option in the form of bathroom renovations that was both cost-effective and easy to implement. Since more people are either staying in their current homes longer or investing in older homes, he says it made sense for him to offer a bathroom remodeling solution that improves people’s quality of life while adding value to the home for the long term.

“We are excited to have ABC Seamless Siding on board as our first authorized retailer in the state of Ohio. Mike and his team have established a reputation for going above and beyond for their customers,” said Rick Hirschhaut, senior vice president of Bath Planet. “In Mike, we have found someone who is committed to his community, a business leader who prides himself on doing a quality job for his neighbors at an affordable price.”

Sepanski said his dealership will be run out of ABC Seamless Siding’s existing store, with a number of products on display for customers to choose from. Bath Planet has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal, which is given only after lengthy and meticulous evaluation. The credential is recognized widely as a symbol of consumer assurance and protection in the marketplace and demonstrates unparalleled level of commitment to the best products and customer service.

Together, the best minds in the industry have been brought together to research all elements of bathroom remodeling, including top tier manufacturing, installation, design and customer service. This foundation led to the development of the world’s best product value in bathroom remodeling.