Bath Planet in the Altoona Mirror

Bath Planet was recently featured in the Altoona Mirror.  The article includes several home improvement specialists in the area and talks about the rebound of the home remodeling industry. Bath Planet Dealer Melvin Dixon mentions that his business is up 15 to 20% in 2012. The article mentions that Dixon recently became a Bath Planet dealer and it has helped his business since the aging population wants to live in a safer home.

Click HERE for the full article, or begin reading below:

Remodeling firms expect robust year
By: Walt Frank

David McCloskey is not planning a vacation this summer, after going away last summer for the first time in 15 years.

"Last year was dead. I went to Maine. I always wanted to see the coastline," said McCloskey, owner of David E. McCloskey Remodeling and Building, Altoona.

This summer should be more back to normal for him, as all signs point to a strong rebound for home improvement activity, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity released by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.

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)

Summer Bathroom Decorating Tips

We’re all trying to cool off, but when it comes to outfitting our bathrooms we all want the hottest designs. There’s nothing like the change of the seasons to get you in the mood to redecorate, and the bathroom should fall under your room decorating radar for summer! From seashells to nature-inspired designs, you can create a fresh new look for any size bathroom. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Highlights from the seashore are the perfect match for a fresh, aquatic-inspired look. You’ll find plenty of designs in carved ceramic, clean-cut porcelain, and simple but elegant rocks, pebbles, and other accessories fresh from the shore.
• A splash of color will add a unique look to your bathroom theme, and you can start with a basic cream or beige, and work on a fresh focal point. Choose yellow, orange, bright red, or another bright and bold color palette for a cheerful morning wake up!
• How about new towel bars and accessories? Even a slight change in the wall hooks and accessories can help you create a fresh look. Switch to chrome or brushed silver for a fresh and sparkling addition to the wall space.
• A new rug can quickly liven up the entire bathroom, so take your pick from beige and tan designs that speak of the outdoors. You’d be surprised at just how following one or two of these tips can really transform your bathroom into a room you can brag about!

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!

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!

Bath Planet featured in Johnson City Press

Bath Planet was recently featured in an article called “Soaking in sales: Bathroom remodeling company seeing plenty of business," that ran on Monday, April 9, 2012 in The Johnson City Press. The article focuses on Scott Brooks’ new Bath Planet location opening in Johnson City, Tennessee at 3107 W. Market St. and highlights Scott’s journey to becoming a Bath Planet dealer. Also, the article discusses Scott’s Bath Planet development plans for Johnson City and his planned expansion into Knoxville, Chattanooga and Asheville. View the full article here or begin reading below.

Soaking in sales: Bathroom remodeling company seeing plenty of business 
by Madison Mathews

Scott and Julie Brooks are busier than ever before. When they opened the doors of their new bathroom remodeling business last month, they were caught off guard by the amount of customers looking to remodel their home.

Like many in the construction business, when the housing market collapsed in 2007, Scott, who worked as a licensed contractor for more than 20 years, wasn’t sure what he was going to do.

(Read More)

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 featured in Kitchen and Bath Business Magazine

Bath Planet was featured in an article in Kitchen and Bath Business Magazine titled, “Bath Planet Launched by BCI.” The article states that Bath Planet provides a cost-effective and low-maintenance solution for people who are seeking bathroom renovations and an aging-in-place solution. BCI launched Bath Planet to bring consistency and customer service to an industry that has a reputation for being largely unreliable and by offering an outstanding experience and lifetime product warranty their dealers will stand apart from other bathroom remodeling and bathroom in a day concepts. Click here to view the article or begin reading below.

Bath Planet Launched by BCI

BCI Acrylic Bath Systems is launching a new consumer brand, Bath Planet. The brand is designed to offer homeowners cost-effective and low-maintenance bath improvements for those seeking aging-in-place solutions.

Bath Planet’s tub, shower and wall systems can be installed over an existing tub and walls, and installation can be completed quickly. Bath Planet is the first consumer brand for BCI Acrylic Bath Systems and has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal.

(Read More)

Bath Planet featured on Business Owners ToolKit

Bath Planet was featured on a radio interview with Business Owners ToolKit titled, “Branching Out in a Recession.” The segment discusses the launch of Bath Planet as a solution for homeowners with the “bathroom in a day” idea. Bath Planet creates wet-space solutions that can be easily added on to existing business models and offer new business opportunities in the home improvement industry. What Bath Planet realizes is that the bathroom remodeling industry has been largely unreliable and Bath Planet brings customer assurance and reputation, backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal, for a consistent, outstanding service experience by any one of their exclusive dealers. Click here to visit the podcast, starting at the 9 minute mark.

Bath Planet featured in Remodeling Magazine

Bath Planet was featured in an article in Remodeling Magazine titled, “In the Spotlight: Bath Planet.” The article was built from an interview and highlights the launch of Bath Planet and the “bathroom in a day” concept for the first time where you will be unveiling the new products at the Remodeling Show. The article discusses the Bath Planet life time warranty, Good Housekeeping Seal and the opportunity for existing business owners to jump on board to become exclusive dealers of Bath Planet. Click here to view the article, or begin reading it below.

In the Spotlight: Bath Planet
By: Lauren Hunter

Just months after launching in the marketplace, Bath Planet debuts its “bathroom renovation in a day” services and dealer opportunities at the Remodeling Show this fall.

The new company has some well-known competition in a segment of the market that has been gaining favor. Rick Hirschhaut, senior vice president of parent company BCI Acrylic, says that Bath Planet offers a series of guarantees and warranties that will set the brand apart from others.

(Read More)

Become a Dealer with Bath Planet

The economic downturn has forced many consumers to cancel plans of buying a new house. Instead, more and more homeowners are turning to remodeling as a way to extend the value of their current home. Bath Planet, the nation’s top bathroom renovator, is perfectly poised to take advantage of this trend.

Bath Planet offers multiple low-cost, high-quality options for remodeling and rejuvenating aging bathrooms through exclusive dealers. Bath Planet dealerships are the perfect opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to break into the remodeling industry without having to worry about keeping track of large amounts of inventory. Dealerships also have very low start-up costs and can be up and running much faster than most traditional business models.

Bath Planet dealerships are also a great option for small business owners. Converting to the Bath Planet brand grants small business owners the recognition of a national brand name as well as the full support of a corporate staff in advertising, marketing and public relations.

For more information on dealership opportunities with Bath Planet, visit http://www.bathplanet.com/contact-us/become-a-dealer.