Tag: bathroom remodel

5 Bathroom Trends to Incorporate in Your Birmingham Bathroom Remodel

Posted on by FCSDev

Are you planning a bathroom remodel this year? Before you get started on your project, it’s helpful to take some time to think about what you truly want to get out of your renovation. When you’re doing that, we recommend looking into some of the latest bathroom trends for inspiration. 

Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place for help! Below, we’ve outlined 5 of the top Birmingham bathroom trends to help you get a better idea of how to transform your space. 

1. Create a Spa-Like Experience

Want something better than  HGTV bathroom remodels? While one of the most essential rooms in your home, your bathroom doesn’t have to be all business. We’re seeing more and more homeowners create a spa-like environment right in the comfort of their own homes, so every day includes a little hint of luxury. 

To follow this trend, we recommend adding Jacuzzi® products to your bathroom, like a deep soaking tub or a shower with a rainfall shower-head. The result will be a private escape where you can pretend you’re at a high-end spa even when you’re just taking a quick shower before starting your day. 

2. Opt for Clean Lines

In the past, clunky bathtubs and showers were all the rage. These days, however, it’s all about creating a chic look with sleek, clean lines. One of the best ways to do this is by installing a barrier-free walk-in shower, complete with a glass wall design. 

With its flush-to-the-floor entry and open design, your whole bathroom will look more modern with a barrier-free shower. 

3. Aging-in-Place Designs

Around 88% of Americans between the ages of 50 and 80 want to stay in their homes as long as possible. As you’re planning your bathroom remodel, we recommend thinking about your future plans. Even if you’re nowhere near approaching retirement, you may still want to follow the trend of incorporating aging-in-place features in your bathroom.

For example, you may end up staying in your home long-term. In that case, having a safe bathroom with a walk-in tub will give you peace of mind that you’re prepared. Or, maybe one of your parents will need to move into your home as their mobility changes. Either way, incorporating these trends now can make things easier in the future.

4. Acrylic Over Tile

Tile has long been one of the most popular bathroom remodeling materials. However, it’s notoriously hard to keep clean and is susceptible to mold and mildew growth. To avoid the common issues with tile, more homeowners are opting for acrylic in their bathtubs and showers. 

High-quality acrylic is durable and long-lasting, so it won’t crack, fade, or peel over time. It’s also easier to keep clean. All you have to do is wipe it down with a mild cleanser and damp cloth to keep it looking great for years. 

5. It’s All About Accessories

Finally, one of the most popular current bathroom design trends is customizing your space with accessories. As you’re planning your remodel, think carefully about those little extra features that can make your life easier. 

For instance, you might add extra built-in shelving in your shower if you’re tired of seeing unorganized products as you bathe. If you hate trying to balance in the shower, opt to add a comfortable bathtub seat or bathtub guard rail for extra support. Regardless of what you choose, don’t forget to take the time to customize. 

Give These Bathroom Trends a Try in Your Birmingham Bathroom

Now that you’ve learned more about some of the most popular Birmingham bathroom trends, it’s time to start planning your remodeling project. Which trends will you choose to incorporate? Whatever you decide, the Express Bath team is here to bring your ideas to life. 

To get started, request a quote today.

3 Reasons Every Birmingham Homeowner Should Have a Barrier-Free Shower

Posted on by FCSDev

Are you planning a bathroom remodeling project this year? One of the most important decisions you’ll make in the process is how to upgrade your bathing area. One of the trends that we’re noticing with our customers is an increase in the desire for a barrier-free shower. 

If you’re wondering whether to include one in your own renovation, you’ve come to the right place. With events like National Bath Safety Month, we know bathroom safety is a big deal. Below, we’ve outlined some of the top benefits of adding a barrier-free shower to your bathroom.

1. They Can Help You Maintain Your Independence

When you get older, you’ll likely start to notice shifts in your mobility. Daily habits that you used to do with ease will suddenly begin to feel more difficult. Unfortunately, bathrooms, in particular, are one of the most dangerous rooms in the home for seniors. The biggest risk of injury comes when stepping over the high threshold of a bathtub or shower.

A barrier-free shower has a flush entry, so you will no longer have to worry about the risk of tripping and falling. This makes it easier for you to age in place and maintain your independence as you bathe, even as you get older. 

2. They’re Easy to Clean

Are you tired of spending countless hours scrubbing your bathtub? A barrier-free shower can help make your cleaning to-do list more manageable. Traditional bathtubs have numerous grooves and curves which can trap soap scum and other residues. 

Barrier-free showers, on the other hand, have a smoother surface with fewer nooks and crannies. This makes it harder for soap scum and mildew to build up on the surface. As a result, it’s much easier to keep it clean. And, if you add a handheld shower head to your shower, cleaning will be even easier! All you have to do is rinse down the walls after you wash them and your shower will look good as new.

3. They’re Easily Customizable

Here at Express Bath, we believe that your bathroom should be as beautiful as it is functional. One of the many reasons we recommend barrier-free showers to our customers is that they’re easily customizable to fit your family’s needs. 

When you hire our team for your bathroom remodeling project, we can add a built-in comfortable shower seat, non-slip flooring, sturdy grab bars, customizable shelving, and more so that your barrier-free shower has everything you need. 

Beyond those available safety features, we also offer a variety of different styles and colors for your barrier-free shower, so you can create an aesthetically pleasing bathroom that you’ll enjoy for decades. 

Upgrade Your Birmingham Bathroom With a Barrier-Free Shower

After reading more about the benefits of a barrier-free shower, does it seem like the right choice for your family? If so, Express Bath is here to make it happen. Our team has over 35 years of combined experience serving homeowners like you in Birmingham, AL. 

When you’re ready to bring your bathroom remodeling dreams to life, we’re here to answer any questions you have and walk you through the process with ease. Request a free estimate from our team today.

3 Reasons Every Madison Homeowner Should Have a Barrier-Free Shower

Posted on by FCSSEO

When we’re helping our customers plan their bathroom remodels, we usually start by talking about their family’s needs and what they want to get out of their new bathroom. More often than not, our conversations revolve around the bathing area in their space. Many of our Madison, AL customers are opting to add a barrier-free shower to their homes. 

Could that also be the right choice for your needs? We’re here to help. Continue reading to learn about three of the benefits that you’ll enjoy when you install a barrier-free shower in your home. 

1. They Provide Increased Accessibility

As you get older, your mobility needs will likely start to change. If you plan to age in place and stay in your home, you’ll need a bathroom that can accommodate your needs. Many older adults face difficulties when stepping over the high threshold of a traditional bathtub or shower. In the worst cases, this can lead to tripping, falling, and serious injuries. 

The biggest benefit of a barrier-free shower is that it doesn’t have a threshold to step over. Instead, its entrance is flush with the floor, so your risk of tripping is almost non-existent. If you use a wheelchair, we can even create a barrier-free shower that will accommodate your chair for more accessibility. 

2. They Can Make Your Bathroom Look and Feel Bigger

If you’re looking for a way to maximize the space in your bathroom, adding a barrier-free shower is a great way to do it. Thanks to the flush entry and open, glass shower walls, walk-in showers can instantly make your entire bathroom look bigger. 

Beyond that, walk-in showers often have a smaller footprint than bathtubs, so adding one to your space can give you more square footage back in your bathroom. This allows you to add a bigger vanity, more storage space, etc. 

3. You Can Add Extra Safety Features to Them

As we mentioned above, barrier-free showers are an accessible option. But beyond the zero-entry feature, they’re also easily customizable for adding extra safety features. Here at Express Bath, we offer a variety of different bathroom safety features to help you customize your barrier-free shower so that it best fits your needs. 

 

This includes comfortable built-in seating, grab bars for extra stability, handheld shower heads, customizable shelving that’s easy to access based on your mobility, and more. When you hire our team for your bathroom remodeling project, we’ll work with you to discuss your current and future needs for your bathroom, using your feedback to create a functional, beautiful barrier-free shower that your whole family will love. 

Add a Barrier-Free Shower to Your Home

After learning more about the benefits of a barrier-free shower, consider adding one to your Madison, AL home this year. Regardless of your mobility needs and design preferences, we’ll help you create an updated bathroom that will boost your home’s value and improve your daily bathing experience. 

Ready to get started? Request a free estimate from our team today!

Why You Should Use Acrylic Instead of Tile for Your Huntsville Bathroom Renovation

Posted on by FCSDev

When planning your bathroom renovation, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is picking which materials to use. When it comes to your bathtub and shower area, most Huntsville homeowners end up deciding between two popular materials: tile and acrylic. 

 

Keep reading to learn about the difference between these materials and why the Express Bath team prefers acrylic for our bathroom remodeling projects.

Tile vs Acrylic Walls

Tile has long been a popular shower wall material because it comes in a variety of different styles and it’s aesthetically beautiful. During installation, tile and grout are applied to the wall, sealing them in place. 

 

Acrylic walls, on the other hand, are large sheets of plastic that installers glue to the wall. Like tile, acrylic is available in a number of different colors and styles. In fact, it can even be designed so that it mimics the look of tile walls if you prefer!

Benefits of Acrylic vs Tile

Here at Express Bath, we love using acrylic for Huntsville bathroom renovations and our customers do too. Here are a few of the reasons we recommend choosing acrylic for your shower walls. 

Durability

Unfortunately, tile is prone to cracks and chips over time, which can lead to water damage behind the tiles. Acrylic walls are made to be much more durable, with a longer lifespan than tile. They are also resistant to chipping and scratching, even after years of use. 

Cost

When planning your Huntsville bathroom renovation, budget is another important component to consider. If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly material, acrylic fits the bill. Acrylic walls tend to be less expensive than most tile materials. Plus, you won’t have to pay for grout or mortar, like you would with a tile shower.

 

Tile also tends to be more difficult to install, which can result in higher installation costs. All in all, acrylic is the more budget-friendly option. 

Maintenance

Let’s be honest. No one wants to spend more time cleaning their bathroom. When you choose acrylic for your shower walls, you won’t have to! While tile and grout are prone to mold and mildew growth, acrylic showers are made with a special antimicrobial material that prevents mold. 

 

With a tile shower, you may have to dedicate time to deep scrubbing. However, to keep your acrylic shower looking good as new, all you have to do is wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and soap scum. What could be easier than that?

Start Planning Your Bathroom Renovation with Express Bath

Now that you know more about the differences between tile and acrylic and the benefits of choosing acrylic, you can start thinking about your own bathroom remodeling project. Our team here at Express Bath has helped countless Huntsville homeowners like you design a more functional, beautiful space, using only the best materials. 

 

Contact us today to learn more about our acrylic shower options and to request a quote for your project. Your new bathroom is just a click away!

How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?

Posted on by FCSDev

When you’re planning your bathroom remodel, creating a budget you’re comfortable spending is often one of the first steps you’ll take. So, how much does a bathroom remodel cost? How can you create a realistic budget and still get the bathroom of your dreams?

We’re here to help! While the simple answer about bathroom remodeling costs is that it depends. Let’s explore some of the average costs and the different factors that will impact your budget. 

Average Bathroom Remodel Cost in Alabama

Bathroom renovation with a walk in shower shower, mirror, and cabinetsFirst, it’s important to understand that bathroom remodeling costs can vary greatly by region. Here in the East South Central part of the country, the average cost of a mid-range bathroom remodel is around $23,000, according to Remodeling magazine. 

However, the reality is that your specific project could be much less (or more) than that figure. Why is it so hard to give a solid answer about how much a bathroom remodel costs? It’s because each project can vary so much. 

Factors That Determine the Cost of a Bathroom Remodel

When you’re planning your budget, these are the factors that have the greatest impact on the total price you’ll end up paying. 

Changing the Layout of the Space

Simply put, the more elaborate your remodel, the more expensive the project. If you plan to significantly change the layout of your bathroom by moving walls or moving your shower to a different part of the room, this will be more expensive than simply replacing your bathtub or choosing the best bath for the elderly.

The Materials You Choose

One of the best parts of remodeling your bathroom is creating a design that reflects your personal style. This is easier than ever thanks to all of the different material options available. In most cases, tile is a more expensive material, and using it throughout your bathroom can quickly drive up the price of your project. 

Here at Express Bath, our goal is to offer high-quality, yet affordable products for customers. We proudly offer acrylic showers and tubs, which tend to be more durable than tile and easier on the wallet. We also offer luxurious Jacuzzi® tubs and showers for a spa-like experience in your own home at a price that won’t break the bank. 

The Contractor You Hire

Finally, the bathroom remodeler you hire will have a significant impact on how much you’ll have to pay. Certain contractors charge more for labor costs than others, so you may need to shop around until you find a remodeler that works with your budget. Remember to consider the type of remodel and if you intend to renovate a bathroom for seniors.

Here at Express Bath, we believe that everyone deserves a bathroom they truly love, which is why we do everything in our power to offer high-quality, affordable services. One way we do this is by offering special offers and discounts to our customers. 

Request a Quote for Your Bathroom Remodel

The easiest way to determine how much your bathroom remodel cost is to request an estimate that factors in the specifics of your project. When you’re ready to take that next step, the Express Bath team is here for you! Contact us today to tell us more about your project ideas and request a free quote as you determine your remodeling budget. 

Shower Remodel Ideas for Your Small Bathroom

Posted on by FCSSEO

Did you know that the average person spends about 190 days of their life in the shower? That’s the equivalent of over 6 months! You deserve to spend that time in a beautiful yet functional shower. If you have a small bathroom, a full-scale shower remodel might not seem possible, but truly, it is.

Continue reading to learn our best tips for a small bathroom shower remodeling project. 

Opt for a Light and Bright Design

Here at Express Bath, we know that there’s no “one size fits all” bathroom solution for our customers. That’s why we offer a variety of different styles and colors for customers looking to remodel their showers. In a small space, we recommend using light and bright colors, which can visually make your bathroom look bigger than it is.

Replace Your Tub With a Standalone Shower

Have you thought about converting your existing bathtub into a standing shower? Since bathtubs have a larger footprint than most showers, you can open up your bathroom’s floor plan with a conversion project. Opening up this extra room in your bathroom can give you more space for storage, helping to make your small space more functional as well. 

Choose a Glass Door

Want to make your whole bathroom look bigger? Installing a glass door on your new shower is a simple way to do the trick. Since a glass door draws your eye to the back of the shower, it will make the whole room look larger. As a bonus, glass shower doors are easy to keep clean! 

Add Shelving to Your Shower

Most small bathrooms don’t have a lot of storage space, so the bathing area quickly becomes a “catch-all” for products. This clutter can make your small bathroom look even more cramped. When you’re remodeling your shower, consider adding built-in shelving as part of a thoughtful design that keeps your bathing area looking clean and open. 

Be Strategic About Where You Place Your Showerhead

Finally, when remodeling your shower, give some extra thought to where you place your showerhead. Putting it a bit higher on the wall can draw the eye up when you walk into the space. This can trick your mind into thinking your ceiling is taller than it actually is. As a result, your whole bathroom will look a bit bigger.

Start Planning Your Shower Remodel to Transform Your Small Bathroom

Here at Express Bath, we’ve worked on just about every type of bathroom remodeling project that you can imagine. That means we’ve got experience in transforming your Birmingham or Huntsville shower into a space that better fits your needs. 

Over the years, we’ve tackled our fair share of small bathroom projects, making strategic design decisions that will make your space look bigger. A shower remodel is the first step toward maximizing the space in your bathroom. When you’re ready to get started, trust the Express Bath team to get the job done right. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and request a free estimate!

4 Bathroom Remodeling Tips for Empty Nesters

Posted on by FCSDev

You have just aced the world’s longest test – your kids have flown the coop and you’re now an empty nester. You finally have the space (and the money) to do some of the things you’ve been dreaming about for the past 18 years. At the top of many people’s lists is a home remodeling project. 

Your house has spent the past two decades serving a functional purpose, providing a home that can survive everything toddlers and teenagers can throw at it. 

But now, your home can be all about you! Whether it is your first time working on a project like this or your tenth, here are 4 tips to make sure that your new bathroom feels like home!

1) Add a soaking tub

If you are someone who loves a hot bath at the end of a long week, then it’s time to indulge yourself! Most homes come with a very basic, and usually very shallow, tub. These non-nonsense tubs work great when you have a young family and bathtime is part of your daily routine.


But now that you’re on your own, it’s time to bring your tub from functional to fabulous! Get that deep soaker tub that allows for full-body bathing. Or for a really lush experience, invest in a tub with hydrothermal jets, designed with optimum water pressure to not only relax but also to treat muscle fatigue.

Or, if you are looking for a way to lengthen the time you can stay in your home, consider a walk-in tub. You get all the same premium features as a soaker tub, but with the added benefit of a lower threshold entry/exit point that will ensure you can bathe safely for years to come.

2) Consider a barrier-free entry

Many people aren’t a big fan of baths and have only kept the original-to-home tubs for the needs of their families. 

Many older homes were built with giant garden tubs that take up a huge portion of your bathroom’s footprint. 

One of the most popular trends we’re seeing in bathroom remodeling is to lose that waste-of-space tub and replace it with a large, luxurious shower. Some features that can really make your bathroom look more modern include a wide shower opening and clear glass panels to give the whole room a more open, light, and airy feeling.

Also, consider including a barrier-free entry. In addition to preventing falls and increasing safety, barrier-free entries will also give your shower a sleek and contemporary look.

3) Choose the right materials to keep maintenance low

When your kids have left the house, you expect to drastically reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning. But if you replace your dingy old tub or shower with something like ceramic or stone tiles, you could spend just as much time trying to keep them looking new and clean.

Why should you consider acrylic showers? They are durable, long-lasting, and easy to clean. All you need is a mild cleanser and damp cloth to keep them looking great for years!

Acrylic does not crack, fade or peel over time unlike those made with other materials which may break down easily. The shower will also be easier to maintain because there are no grout lines that require regular cleaning.

4) Keep it simple

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is to try and include everything they’ve ever thought of in their bathroom remodeling project. But if you try to put too much in a single space, you end up with an awkward and cramped area that doesn’t provide the relaxation you’ve been looking for.

Working with a professional bathroom remodeling contractor, like the team at Express Bath, will ensure that you’re maximizing, and not overdoing, your space. Our design & build crew take detailed measurements to plan out how to best use the footprint of your bathroom. And we help choose the right features and fixtures when renovating that don’t overwhelm the room. Our goal is to keep your project affordable and give you a new bathroom that is beautiful and easy to maintain.

 

If you’re ready to bring life back into your bathroom, contact us for a free estimate!

5 Signs It’s Time for a Bathroom Remodel

Posted on by FCSDev

Are you getting bored with your bathroom?

Maybe you moved into a home with a drab bathroom that you haven’t had a chance to fix, or your personalized bathroom isn’t interesting to you anymore. Whatever the reason, you’re feeling an urge to make a few upgrades.

But how do you know when it’s the right time?

A bathroom remodel isn’t cheap, so it’s important to know if you’re ready for it. There are several indications that a bathroom remodel is the next thing that you should do for your home.

Here are 5 signs that it’s time to call a bathroom remodeler.

1. Your Needs Have Changed

It’s normal for your bathroom to no longer be suitable for you or your family. As our lives change, our needs change. While you might not think about the bathroom as a place that needs upgrades based on your needs, it is!

Have you expanded your family? If you’ve added children to your family, you might want to switch from a shower to a bath/shower combo. This allows you to easily bathe and observe your children while they’re little when showers aren’t as easy. While you can bathe infants in the sink, older children need more space.

This is also true if you’ve brought an older family member into the home. Some people, as they age, may feel more secure if they have a more accessible bathroom. They may want a bar in the shower to avoid falls, a walk-in shower, or a place to put a shower seat.

Speaking of accessibility, have you developed your own mobility issues? If you or a loved one is in a wheelchair, you may want to make some changes. You need enough space for the chair to get around and you may need to make modifications to the sink and storage so it’s easier to reach.

All of these things can be discussed with a good bathroom remodeler.

2. You’re Struggling With Storage

When you’re dealing with a small bathroom, storage is almost always a problem. We don’t all have the luxury of spacious bathroom closets, but there’s often so much to store.

Between towels, toiletries, sanitary products, and cleaning supplies, there’s often not enough room in your medicine cabinet and under-sink cabinets. You might resort to using another closet outside of the bathroom for spare storage, but how can you get to things when you need them in a rush?

What about storing things out of the reach of children (or things where children can get them if they need them)? If you have medication, you need to find space where kids can’t get access to it, and not everyone already has that.

If you have a child that needs to be able to grab towels, toilet paper, or a stool, they need to have it at child-level.

Extra storage can help with this. A good small bathroom remodel is the answer.

3. You’re Bored With Your Bathroom

There’s no need to keep a bathroom that you no longer like. Even if the only problem with your bathroom is that you no longer like it, that’s more than enough of a reason to change things up.

There are plenty of reasons that you’d want to change it up for your own aesthetic needs. Do you feel like you deserve a fancy new tub? You do!

Do you want two sinks instead of one? What about a larger shower? Are your boring old linoleum tiles bringing you down?

You don’t have to feel like it’s a waste of money. The bathroom remodel cost can be steep, but you’re worth it. Make that bathroom feel like it’s yours again.

4. You’ve Remodeled The Rest of the Home

Even if you used to love your bathroom, it’s possible that it just doesn’t fit in anymore. When the rest of your home looks different, why not match that energy with your bathroom so that it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb?

You don’t have to match the rest of your home exactly, but this is a great time to adjust your color scheme and overall aesthetic to match the vibes that you’ve been going for in the rest of your home.

5.  Your Bathroom Needs a Modern Upgrade

So you like the look and feel of your bathroom. What now? Can you still remodel it?

If you live in an old house, it’s possible that it hasn’t gotten a good bathroom update in ages. You might have sinks that need to be replaced due to rust or poor plumbing, your bath tumb might have experienced some wear and tear, and your toilet looks downright ancient.

Modern bathroom upgrades tend to have better water pressure and environmental benefits, and they’re often easier to clean.

While there are some nice things about having old bathroom fixtures (like a clawfoot tub, for example), it’s best to upgrade everything. This also helps to improve the overall value of your home if you ever decide to sell.

Is It Time for a Bathroom Remodel?

Don’t hesitate to get your new bathroom remodeled. You can make your bathroom fit your ideal home aesthetic, upgrade all of those old and outdated fixtures, make your bathroom more accessible, and finally have all of the storage that you’ve ever wanted or needed.

A good bathroom remodeler can bring your vision to life. Why hesitate?

If it’s time for you to remodel your bathroom, we want to help. Our experienced remodelers can help you find your perfect bathroom fixtures so you can lounge in the tub or relax in the shower in style. Contact us for more information or to get a quote today.