Quality Bathroom Remodeling & Renovation

During a bathroom remodel, one common question homeowners often find themselves facing is the following: Should I replace my current bathroom sink and counters, or should I just resurface them?

The condition of your sink or countertops should be considered when determining whether to resurface or replace. If your countertops and/or sink are in good condition, resurfacing will be the more efficient and cost-effective option for you. However, if your sink or countertops need to be replaced—or if what you currently have does not match your intended design—EJS Construction can help you come to a decision for multiple important aspects of a bathroom remodel, including:

• Bathroom Countertop Material
  When choosing the material for your next bathroom countertops, it is important to consider that the counters should not be delicate or easy to stain. Because of this, granite and marble tend to be the most popular choices, as both are visually-appealing and extremely durable, though oftentimes more expensive than comparable alternatives such as laminate. Laminate is similar in quality to both granite and marble, but is more susceptible to burns, dulling, and denting. Solid surface such as quartzite is fairly durable as well, generally similar to granite in terms of price and quality. While it does scratch, most damage can be buffed out with sandpaper. Tile is a fairly durable choice as well, but requires more maintenance than many alternatives due to its grout lines that trap dirt and stains quite easily. Finally, wood is a less common choice, as it requires re-sealing every few years in order to prevent water damage, but it makes up for its inefficiency with its appealing, organic look and durability.
• Bathroom Sink Type
  When it comes to the type of sink you choose, there are multiple popular styles for you to choose from. Certain style bathrooms work with certain sink types—for example, pedestal sinks are generally used in half-baths due to their compact size and graceful appearance. Similar in size are wall-hung sinks, which are mounted directly to wall surfaces directly and are thus ideal for wheelchairs. Vessel sinks are essentially bowls that sit on top of the countertop, generally made of stainless steel, spun glass, stone, or porcelain. Integrated sinks are most suitable for tile countertops, smoothly transitioning between the sink and its surrounding surfaces. Under-counter sinks work well with stone and solid surface countertops, fitting directly under countertop cutout holes. Home Advisor, a popular home improvement service, has compiled a detailed list of the Cost to Install a Sink depending on the type of your choice.
• Drop-in or Undermount Bathroom Sink
  Similarly to a kitchen sink, bathroom sinks have the option of being dropped into a mold or to be mounted underneath the countertop. Drop-in sinks are easier to install, as undermount sinks must be sealed to prevent leaking, and tend to cost less. However, if you do not want the distinguishing lip of a drop-in sink and are willing to pay extra, an undermount sink may be worth the extra cost.
• Bathroom Sink Material
  When choosing the material of your sink, it is important that you chose a strong, durable material, similarly to choosing a countertop. Most sinks are largely made of enameled cast-iron and vitreous china, as both are quite durable. Enameled steel, stone, wood, acrylic, tempered glass, and solid surface are other popular choices. As all of the previously listed choices are fairly sturdy and durable, personal preference may help you make your decision. Acrylic sinks, for example, tend to be more contemporary while glass sinks have more vivid, neon colors—generally blue, monochrome, or clear. Enameled surfaces and china are more unique in terms of color, while metal sinks tend to range from stainless steel to copper or bronze, usually with a finish that either polishes it or gives it a rustic appearance.
• Bathroom Faucet Placement
  Faucets can be fastened in multiple ways, but mounting it on the wall or fastening it onto the countertop are the most common and efficient choices. Faucets installed onto the countertop itself may be single-hole faucets—faucets that combine the spout and levers into a single unit—center-set faucets—faucets with either a single lever or two handles on a six-inch plate, considered the ideal faucet type for most bathrooms—and widespread mounts—faucets that generally have three separate pieces. This choice generally depends on the way in which the sink was installed—top-mounted sinks already have pre-drilled holes for the faucet, while sinks that are undermounted leave space for the faucet to be installed either on the countertop or wall. Additionally, vessel sinks require wall-mounted faucets.

Please contact us to speak with one of EJS Construction's bathroom design experts to discuss how we can help improve the livability and value of your home.

When facing a bathroom remodel, many homeowners find themselves asking the following question: Should I replace my current bathtub, or should I merely refinish or reglaze it?

If your current bathtub or shower is in good condition, is relatively new, and/or it works with your intended design, you may want to refinish it or simply leave it as is. If you plan on refinishing your bathtub, check out Better Homes & Gardens' article on Bathtub Refinishing Tips.

However, if your bathtub or shower needs to be replaced, the following tips may help you decide on your replacement:

• Bathtub Material
  When determining the material of your new bathtub, it is important to consider insulation and price. Enameled cast iron, albeit an expensive option, is a heavy, durable choice that keeps water warm much longer than other alternatives. Aside from this, cast iron tends to keep its finish for decades—this is untrue for acrylic or fiberglass, which, while inexpensive and easy to install, may dull over time. Enameled steel has a long-lasting finish, but it lacks insulation; thus, water tends to cool quickly within it. An alternative to cast iron is proprietary composite—a combination of steel and porcelain which has similar traits of cast iron, though it weighs much less.
• Shower-head Installation
  If you plan on replacing your shower-head, there are many choices to choose from. A standard shower-head is known as a wall-mount shower-head which, though quite basic, is highly functional and less costly than more modern alternatives. Hand-held shower-heads are much more popular, as they are mounted on the wall of your shower but can be removed for cleaning or bathing. These shower-heads often have multiple functions and allow control over the intensity of the spray. Rainfall shower-heads provide full coverage and work similarly to a waterfall, though these should be tested before purchase—many are not pressurized. Finally, body sprays are additions to your shower that do not require drilling, but are instead mounted on the shower wall with suction cups.

Please contact us to speak with one of EJS Construction's bathroom design experts to discuss how we can help improve the livability and value of your home.

When it comes to a bathroom remodel, one of the first questions homeowners often ask themselves is: Should I replace or simply resurface my bathroom flooring?

When it comes to your bathroom flooring, you should resurface if it fits your intended design and is in relatively good condition—only requiring some work to repair if damaged. However, if your bathroom flooring does not fit the design of your new kitchen or is heavily damaged or warped in some way, replacement might be the best choice for you. However, if you are planning to replace your current bathroom flooring, the following tips may help you decide which option is best for your home and budget:

Please contact us to speak with one of EJS Construction's bathroom design experts to discuss how we can help improve the livability and value of your home.

Please contact us to speak with one of EJS Construction's bathroom design experts to discuss how we can help improve the livability and value of your home.