Costly Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes

A bathroom renovation is one of the most popular home remodeling projects for homeowners every year, and for good reason. Bathrooms are one of the biggest selling points of a home, and even minor improvements can yield high returns when it’s time to list your home for sale.

Furthermore, bathroom remodeling gives homeowners a chance to update the aesthetics, showcase personal style, and ultimately to have the dream shower they’ve always wanted.

However, despite the many benefits of bathroom remodeling and the popularity of this household project, it can also be an intimidating project for many homeowners. The reason for this is simple: a lot of things can go wrong in a renovation. It’s true that mistakes can happen, but when these mistakes are costly, a decision to remodel a bathroom can turn into a high-stress problem.

At FHIA, we’re Florida’s number one choice for high-quality home remodeling. We’ve been helping homeowners enhance their homes with beautiful bathroom renovations and have seen first-hand what happens when bad contractors and DIY projects go wrong. The key to a successful result lies in the experience and professionalism of your contractor, and in avoiding these most common mistakes homeowners make when starting a bathroom renovation.

Top Tips to Make Your Small Bathroom Look (and Feel) Larger

Do you dream of having an at-home oasis? It’s time to change the look of your small bathroom with these 5 simple tips and tricks that we found to maximize and grow your space.

1.Stick to Neutral Tones

When decorating a smaller space, it’s important to stick to light colors. Using neutral tones allows for the space to feel open and airy. Bring your style into the space by incorporating wallpaper or adding a pop of color with a vanity.

2.Install A Large Mirror Over the Vanity

Installing a large mirror over the bathroom vanity can create an illusion that your bathroom is double the size! A larger mirror will reflect more light in the space and if you don’t have a window in the bathroom, this addition can take its place. It’s possible to do this trick by yourself with the help of a couple of screws and can cost under $100.

3.Choose a Floating Vanity

Opting to change to a floating vanity is a great way to make the bathroom feel larger! Decreasing clutter on the floor and opening up space for your feet can make the entire room look greater in size. A floating vanity is a great way to maintain the storage that you have but will make the space look like you’re staying in a resort!

4.Raise Your Shower Curtain High

If you want to make your small bathroom feel grand, all you have to do is move the shower curtain a couple of inches higher! Moving the curtain up will trick the eye into thinking the room is bigger and creates a taller, more luxurious space. This simple trick won’t break the bank and will make a huge difference.

5.Less is More When It Comes to Decorations

Stick to functionality when decorating the bathroom. A fun carpet and decorations are a great way to incorporate your style in the space but can create clutter if your bathroom is on the smaller side. When choosing items to decorate the bathroom, think about what you will use on a day-to-day basis. A patterned rug and simple décor can keep the space free of clutter and elevate the look!

The Top 5 Reasons to Remodel Your Bathroom

Embarking on a remodeling project can be intimidating, but the end result can be well worth it. As a remodeler with 50+ years in the game, here are some of the most common reasons why people would opt to remodel their bathroom.

Safety

Everyone has to use the bathroom; it’s meant to be a private oasis for self-care. However, oftentimes those who are injured or disabled cannot enjoy it as such. There are several upgrades you can make to your bathroom to make sure they are safe and comfortable. Widening doors, lowering/eliminating shower step in heights, opting for a walk-in tub, or simply adding grab bars and benches to your shower can make a huge difference.

Remove Mold / Mildew

Bathrooms that lack proper ventilation are in danger of developing mold or mildew, which can build up for years. Water leaks can lead to even worse damage like rot. Their presence usually causes a wide variety of symptoms in the homeowners, even if only exposed for a short period of time. Depending on the severity, mold removal might require the walls, floors, and ceiling to be replaced.

Plumbing Issues

From a small leak in the tap to a toilet that is constantly running – plumbing issues are no joke. No matter how big or small the issue is, it’s costing you money, wasting water, and possibly damaging your walls and floors. If no repairs are made, plumbing issues can cause the floor to rot, tile to break, and paint to peel, leaving you with an unsightly bathroom and a moldy odor. Remodeling will repair existing damage and install new plumbing that works efficiently.

Home Value

Outdated bathrooms can lower your appeal to buyers. Homeowners who are planning to sell, often invest some money in repairing and remodeling the bathrooms to make sure their house is taken off the market quickly. The objective of these remodels is to make the bathrooms safe, clean, and efficient.

For Looks

Colors and fashions change, preferences change. What once used to be a perfect bathroom can turn into the least favorite room in the house. Besides changing cosmetic items like paint and fixtures, people love to upgrade their tubs and showers. Jetted tubs and spa showers can turn a simple master bath into the ultimate oasis.

No matter why you choose to remodel your bathroom, the process does not have to be intimidating or confusing. When you work with FHIA, our team of experts will guide you every step of the way. From choosing tiling and products to the install – we’ll be right there with you.

If you are ready to take the first step in your remodeling journey, use this form to request a free quote! Let us know a time that works best for you, and we will be in touch to confirm your appointment with one of our experienced representatives!

5 Decor Ideas to Create a Spa-Like Bathroom on a Budget

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we should love the space we’re in. While sometimes that calls for a completely new tub or shower, there are many small ideas you can do that are quick, easy, and budget-friendly. Here are a few…

A coat of paint…

Most bathrooms these days are a nice, neutral white, beige, or gray. But if you still have some peeling wallpaper or a lovely shade of pink on the walls, a great first step is a paint refresh. One can of water-resistant paint goes a long way! Choose a color palette that promotes peace and tranquility, like simple earth tones and calm blues.

Add a tub tray…

DIY your own or order one online. You can use it for decorations or prop up a book, set down a glass of wine, or hold a streaming device.

Hang up some wall art…

Find artwork you like or have fun making your own – use messages you’d like to be reminded of daily. Like with a real spa, you should leave your space feeling positive and optimistic!

Add some live plants…

A few live plants will adorn the space, help purify the air, and give your area a touch of nature. Opt for plants that love humidity and thrive in low-light conditions, like Peace Lilies, Ferns, and ZZ Plants.

Bring in your favorite scents…

Icky odors don’t create good feelings. Candles can bring a cozy look to your bathroom while taking care of the odor problem. Diffusers and essential oils are other great options. Relaxing scents to include are lavender and jasmine.

These quick, easy ideas will have you loving your bathroom in no time. If you find that you need more extensive help, we’d love to come out for a free quote. Changing your tub, retiling your bathroom, adding a new vanity, or even expanding your bathroom will completely change the feel of the space. Contact us today!

What are Bathroom Electrical Zones?

Determining bathroom electrical zones is crucial when planning to install any electrical appliances in a bathroom. Defining what the bathroom electrical zones are as well as what can safely be installed in them can create an efficient space that keeps your safety in mind.

Your bathroom needs to be functional for your lifestyle, and this can often include different electric items like outlets, lighting, fans, heaters, the list goes on. Where exactly can these additional electrical items be installed? Bathroom Electrical Zones determine where electrical can be installed in a bathroom and what type of electrical can be safely installed in that zone. When planning on installing any electrical appliance in a bathroom, it’s essential to identify the bathroom zones first, as safety is always the number one priority in any renovation or build.

Zone 0:

This zone is the most susceptible to electrical hazards as it is where water is most prevalent. Zone 0 is any area inside of your tub or shower basin. Items installed in this area must be rated for total immersion as this area can hold water. Ventilation products are not recommended to be installed in this zone. Any fitting in this area, like ground shower lights, must be low voltage (12v max) and have an IP rating of at least IP67.

Zone 1:

Zone 1 is the area above your bath or shower tray. Commonly referred to as the “splash zone,” items installed in this area need to be rated to withstand contact with water but not necessarily rated for submersion. Shower lights will need to be IP44 or higher. When the fitting is 240v, a 30ma RCD must be used to protect the circuit.

Zone 2:

This area is the least likely to get wet but still runs the risk of occasional water splashes. This zone is where you may want an exhaust fan, or other lighting that isn’t rated for Zone 1 or 0. Areas considered in Zone 2 include areas stretching 0.6m outside the bath’s perimeter and to a height of 2.25m from the floor and the area around the sink, within a 60cm radius of any water source. Lighting installed in this area should be at least IP44.

Beyond Zone 2:

When the size of a bathroom extends beyond zones 0, 1 and 2, portable equipment can be used if its flex length does not enable them to be used in zone 2. For instance, a hairdryer can be installed outside these zones as long as its stretched length does not allow it to be used in zone 0-2. Although installing electrical equipment beyond zone 2 is permitted without an IP number, it is always encouraged that electrical items have mechanical and moisture protection mechanisms in place.

While it is helpful to know where your bathroom zones are and the difference in electrical requirements, you should always consult a professional and hire an experienced electrician to install electrical items.

For more electrical guidelines throughout your home, reference The National Electrical Code (NEC). While most local codes follow the NEC’s guidelines, your local codes take precedence over The National Electrical Code wherever there is a discrepancy between them.

To find more educational blogs like this one follow FHIA on Facebook, or contact our professionals for your bathroom remodel project!

Bathroom Lighting Ideas To Create a Dreamy Atmosphere

The bathroom is a sanctuary where many people start and end their day. When you are in the bathroom, you want to feel relaxed and comfortable. Here are some bathroom lighting ideas that can help you elevate your space and make it unique to you.

Lighting Around The Mirror

When you are getting ready for the day, you want to make sure that the final product of your grooming routine looks the same outside as it did in your bathroom mirror. Being able to see clearly while you get ready in front of your bathroom mirror is essential.

To improve your bathroom mirror lighting, consider installing LED backlighting. This can create a halo of light that surrounds your mirror. A backlit mirror is a beautiful statement piece in the bathroom while also being highly functional.

Chandeliers and Pendant Lighting

A great way to draw the eye upward in the bathroom is the inclusion of chandeliers and pendant lighting in your lighting plan. This style of lighting is a great way to express your personal taste and create a unique space. From modern to antique-style lighting fixtures, there are decorative lighting options to fit every bathroom.

Pro Tip: When choosing any lighting fixture for the bathroom, its location is important to consider. As long as your bathroom is well ventilated, any style of light fixture should be suitable above the sink. Lighting fixtures in the shower need to be wet-rated, and fixtures above a tub should at least be damp-rated.

Increasing Natural Light

If you are a lover of natural light, adding skylights and windows will certainly make your bathroom more inviting. If privacy is a concern, a frosted glass will allow in natural light while keeping people from seeing into your bathroom. If the windows in your bathroom or any other area of your home are in need of an update, check out our window replacement process here.

Other Considerations

If you want the level of lighting to adjust to your preference throughout the day, dimmable light fixtures are a good option. The amount of light you will want when you are getting ready for the day in the morning might be different when you are unwinding in the bath in the evening.

The kind of bulbs in your bathroom lighting fixtures is also another important factor. Different bulbs cast different colors of light, affecting the atmosphere of a space. The color temperature of light bulbs is denoted by the Kelvin rating. For the bathroom, we recommend warm white light (3,000 to 4,0000 Kelvins) or cool white light (4,000 to 5,000 Kelvins), depending on your personal preference. The warm white light will have a yellow cast, while the cool white will be bluer.

Making your bathroom inviting and functional for your life is such a rewarding feeling! Customization through lighting and decor can make your bathroom uniquely your own. Is your bathroom meeting your expectations? If the answer to that question is no, we are here to help! You can request a free online quote today to find out how we can turn your bathroom into your dream space.

Tips to Make Your Bathroom Look More Organized

Your bathroom is supposed to be a place to relax and unwind away from the rest of the world. It’s hard to do that, though, if your bathroom is a cluttered mess. If you’re finding yourself in this situation, don’t fear! Read on to learn some tips that will help you turn your bathroom into a decluttered sanctuary.

Declutter before organizing

Before you run to buy more storage space, take a look at all of your bathroom items, and decide if they are all needed. Look through all toiletries and check their expiration dates, throw out what’s gone bad or you don’t use anymore. Here are some everyday items you probably have in your bathroom right now that might need decluttering:

Old frayed and ripped towel
Expired cosmetics
Unneeded or expired hair products
Old shower curtains
Travel size bottles
Unnecessary decor

Drawer dividers

One of the messiest parts of a bathroom can be cabinet drawers. It’s always so tempting to throw your little odd and miscellaneous items aside in these drawers. An excellent way to keep everything inside organized and save space is with a divider. It will also help you keep track of your item and always put them back in the right place.

Add labels

Labels are also another handy trick to help make sure things are easily accessible and always in the right place. If multiple family members share bathroom space, consider labeling separate baskets and cabinets with each family member’s name for them to keep their items in. If you live alone, you can still use labels to keep track of different bathroom items such as towels, hair products, medicine, etc.

Adding shower dispenser or shower caddy

Do you have multiple bottles littered along the sides of your shower? Try getting a shower dispenser or caddy to lessen the mess. Shower dispensers conveniently store your liquid body wash, shampoo in conditioner all in one place, and over-the-shower caddies can hold multiple items while hanging directly onto your showerhead. Say bye-bye to messy bottles and hello to a clean shower.

Hair tool organizer

Hairstyling tools like hairdryers, flat irons, brushes, and combs can make up for a lot of clutter in your bathroom. A great tip to reduce the mess is to get a hair tool organizer. They come in all sorts of materials and colors and have convenient slots and cubbies for storing all of your hair styling products.

Now that your bathroom is clean and in tip-top shape, you may notice some structural or aesthetic imperfections. If this is the case for you, don’t worry, because FHIA has you covered! We handle everything from bathtub and shower remodeling to complete bathroom renovations. For more information on how FHIA can help you get your dream bathroom, call us at (813) 548-5993 or visit our website.