By Lance McCarthy
There are many ways to work with a contractor that are swirling around out there in Constructionland.
I thought it might be helpful to give a brief overview of those different methods. As with chess pieces or Marvel Superheroes, there are strengths and weaknesses to each type.
In case you were wondering, don’t expect unbiased journalism here. I think some of these methods are pretty dangerous, and I will only attempt to hide my prejudice with biting sarcasm whenever possible.
Project of the Month:
Updated Full Bathroom
Location: Prairie Village
Designer: Melissa Schieffer with ReTouch
Budget Range: Between $11,000 and $13,000
Project Description: Remodeling a full hall bath in interesting circumstances
Pictures on Houzz:
http://www.houzz.com/projects/571189/prairie-village-bathroom-remodel
What it was like before:
This bathroom is like hundreds of other ones in similar houses in the area. Built in the middle of the last century, these hall bathrooms were compact with not a lot of room to move around. The style was older, but the same three elements had to stay–a tub/shower, a vanity and a toilet. A budget can get gobbled up pretty fast in a bathroom, so we worked hard with the client to make some choices that helped keep the cost down while still creating a classy clean and open feel in the space.
What it is like now:
All of the fixtures are still in the same location, but the tile on the floor and walls is new, all the plumbing fixtures are new, and every surface was touched (plaster and paint). What the client ended up with is a space that doesn’t feel quite as confining even though it is still the same size.
Cool features:
-The existing vinyl window was applied with a frost effect to allow for light to come through without being able to see in or out.
-Lavatory and shower faucet were both from the Delta Lahara collection
-The incredible tile in the shower is a combination of 3×6 dark gray subway tiles from the Roca Color Collection and a silver 6”x24” tile from Princess and Duchess and a silver sanded grout by Mapei. Wow!
-The clean simple white onyx vanity top is easy on the budget but looks great in the space
-River white granite in the kitchen
-The vanity, medicine cabinet and mirror all increase the total storage in this bathroom
-Wall paint color- Silver Fox from Benjamin Moore
Interesting detail:
Something very unique about this house is the fact that all the interior walls and floor is made of concrete. That means that nothing can be fastened into wood studs, and that without large open spaces inside the wall, it required some creative thinking to update the plumbing and electrical.
This client was a joy to work with, very patient through this process, and had a great sense of style that really shines through in the space.