Bathroom and Kitchen Remodel

lostman

lostman

500+ Posts
Don't have a clue where to start. The house is 23 years old and it's time to start updating these rooms. I am not "of an artistic mind" so the design part is way out of my league. I know that I want either icestone or vetrazzo for countertops, but that is about it.

Where does one find a designer to help with these things? I know a contractor (neighbor) who can do most of the work, but I need help with the planning of it. Ideas? Suggestions? I have googled but still have not one clue what it is I really need. Just walk in to some of these storefront shops? (location - far west Houston)
 
This may seem obvious but start by taking pictures from various angles. This helps in showrooms or interviews with people. Also it is good for your progress photos for a before and after. Hopefully you will post some of them so we can see. I don't have anything for you other than good luck.
 
Thanks for the reminder l00p. Photos for the kitchen especially are a must, since there is more in the way of options. The bathroom upstairs is small to begin with, but I want to do it right. It is leaking into the living room when someone showers. I suspect a poor grout job from tile installed about 4 years ago, a cheap job. I will post pics and recs for anyone in the Houston area when the job is done.
 
One idea would be to take a tour through some model homes of builders in your area. I did this recently to get some ideas on tile patterns, etc. for a kitchen and bathroom update. Take some pics of kitchens and bathrooms that you like, then you'll have an idea of what to look for when you're shopping for countertops or tile.
 
Hit up the HGTV and DIY Network archives online and watch past episodes for ideas as well. There are kitchen and bathroom specific shows but don't forget the others that cover all aspects. They may have an idea or two for you as well.
 
maybe have a GC/Remodel co. come in and give you a free estimate. They usually know a bit about how to design, though they'd only provide actual architectural drawings at a cost (right, BigWill?). Get the ideas from them, as well as a quote, and then see if your neighbor friend is even capable of performing the work and at what cost.
 
Taking "Before" pics is a good idea. You should also take pictures all through the remodel process.

You should also budget some extra time/money for unexpected problems. If you don't have to use it, great, but you'll be glad it's there if you need it.

useful Links:

DIY Network

HGTV

This Old House
 
I am going through a major kitchen remodel right now. I bit the bullet and hired a designer to manage the process. We had lots of pictures from magazines that gave her the feel of what we wanted, but we did not want to just copy a look. We wanted something distintive and just for us. The pitcureds were a guide. So far, I think it is working out well and I think that am going to end up with a much better product for much less money than I would have doing it directly through a contractor. She has access to materials at prices I can't touch.

Also, deal with your foundation and any floor leveling issues now, or make that part of your engagement with the contractor. Make sure they look at it, take a level to it, cut into it, etc. If the floor is not ready, lots of other things can't happen. I am learning that the hard way because I tried to handle that part of it myself.
 
Thanks for the ideas. I am leaning towards using a design service just because I really don't have an eye for what all goes together myself. There are also some minor changes I think I want to make in the bathroom - knock out the wall/door between the shower area and the sink area for one - and really need some guidance.

So now to find a design service - google?

Pictures will go up as work gets going. Thanks for the help.
 
There is a fantastic show on DiY that I saw that covered this. They went through all angles of it.

It could be a leaky pipe behind the wall that is dripping and causing your problem?!

Check the tv listings for shows currently running too and set your DVR to record them. You never know, the show you need may be on tonight or tomorrow!
 
Anybody have an comments on prefabricated granite countertops? I potentially will save $400-800 going this route (depending on the number of cuts). That is money that can be spent on fixtures, etc. The size of the prefab countertop is approx 2" wider than the existing spot, so it will need at least 1 cut, plus the sinks/fixtures.

We were looking at Silestone, Eco by Cosentino, and granite slab. Since this is a second bath I do not want to make this the Taj Mahal of restrooms. I just want to make sure I am not buying problems. Is it too good to be true or just making good use of leftover pieces?
 
I don't have any personal experience but I do have a couple of links saved since I have been wanting to learn. I am going to one day replace my kitchen counter tops and put in something in the bathroom. This may help but you likely know what it says already. Just in case:
The Link

That one is obviously pro-prefab but has good info.

Another:
The Link

I found the very last question and answer to be interesting.
 
Thanks! Had not seen the top link, but did see the bottom link - just not had the time to read through it until today. I am also doing tile on the floor, backsplash, and shower from the same place as the granite, so at least their guys will get some additional work. I mostly wanted to see that it was not a "too good to be true" deal.

Bathroom does not make too much of a "home fashion" statement, so I can live with countertops that lots of others may have. Now when we do the kitchen, I will shop slabs, since we have lots of counterspace. I recall someone putting up pics of their home remodel (here in Houston IIRC) and the kitchen counters were beautiful. Copper Canyon I think. I would look for that one. It was really nice.

One tile store had an awesome countertop - slices of geodes made into a countertop. It was something like $600 s/f.
eek.gif
 
Hey Lost. I'll toss in one more pearl of wisdom, gained through blood, sweat and MANY tears.

DO NOT. I repeat, DO NOT expect to SCHEDULE your house updates, renovations, whatever you call them. You can start with a concept or flow chart. But I promise you, your house will let you do what you want, when it damn well pleases. There will be anywhere from ONE to INFINITY of things you uncover that have to be fixed BEFORE you start on the the ONE thing you started out to fix.

We had a poster back in 2002 called FIDAB. Old heads might remember it stood for **** It Drink A Beer. That's pretty good advice when it comes to home remodeling.

Just a thought to add to the pile you're already accumulating.

Beat the HELL outta Rice!

m/
 
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