Honolulu Bathroom Remodels and Additions

Bathrooms have transformed from utilitarian rooms for cleansing to spaces to relax, unwind, and get away from the stresses of daily life. A well designed bathroom can be your own private refuge.The first step to planning a bathroom is deciding on the fixtures you want versus fixtures you need. While limited space often dictates what goes into a bathroom, the first priority is always to fit in the essentials, then layer on the extras. This could mean combining a tub and shower if necessary, rather than installing separate pieces. Or it may mean designing a deluxe shower with jets and a and nixing the soaking tub altogether.

There are now so many different sink types available that choosing one can be overwhelming! Try to narrow it down by choosing the appropriate sink type for the type of bathroom.An above-counter or vessel sink is best for a powder room since it won’t be used that frequently. A drop-in sink is good if cost is consideration, or the countertop material does not allow undermounting (like in most plastic laminate installations).The undermount sink is generally the most functional because water can be pushed back into the sink when cleaning up. It does, however, require a solid-surface countertop such as stone, quartz, concrete, glass, or Corian.

There have been great improvements in toilets over the years since water-saving low-flow toilets were first introduced.

When choosing a toilet, you’ll generally have the choice of round front or an elongated front.

The elongated toilet has a larger bowl area, and we suggest this commode wherever space permits.

Do your research to find a toilet that is the right price for your budget and performs well (there are good performers in all price ranges, even around $100). Also look for dual flush models have a smaller flush for liquid waste, and a larger flush for solid waste. The extra cost of this feature will pay for itself quickly with the water and sewer cost savings.

When choosing a bathtub, you’ll have choices of size, material, and soaking or jetted fixtures.

For size, consider if one or two people will be using the tub, and then consider the size of the people.

Generally a 36” x 72” is a generous one-person tub (consider contours that provide armrests for a nice feature). If you locate the tub filler in the center of one side of the tub (rather than at the end), it will likely be large enough for two people. A good two-person size is 42” x 72”. Look for a tub that is symmetrical and allows for the drain and tub filler to be mounted in the center.

Tub materials vary from heavy cast iron to light weight fiberglass. While cast iron will last longer, less expensive alternatives such as enameled steel will hold up well, too.

Most jetted tubs are constructed of fiberglass. If you want to use bubble bath liquids or other products in a jetted tub, look for air jets that don’t circulate the water through pipes.

When designing a shower, the first question is often, “What is the minimum size?” The answer depends on how often you will use the shower.

Generally a 36” x 36” size shower is the minimum size you’d want for an occasional use shower.

If you are using the shower every day, consider a larger shower, at least 34” x 42” (which is a standard shower base size).

Once you have the approximate shower size determined, the next step is to decide whether to use a pre-made shower base or a mud-set tile shower.

Generally the pre-made shower base is less expensive, but they come in limited number of sizes and materials. A tile shower base can be made in virtually any shape and size you can imagine.

Shower head styles are numerous and include rain shower heads mounted on the ceiling and body jets, in addition to the standard wall mounted or hand-held shower.

If the space you are working with cannot fit a tub, or a tub is not desired, consider building a deluxe shower instead. Go ahead, add those body jets!

Storage space is another important consideration in bathroom design.

Open-bottom vanities give the bathroom an airier, more hotel-like feel. Unfortunately this tends to compromise storage space. Incorporate drawers to store toiletries and racks below to store extra towels.

Add storage space in places like medicine cabinets or other built-in cabinets in the wall. A cabinet above the toilet can be a great place to house extra toilet paper and items that are not used every day.

When designing a medicine cabinet, there are many that are beautiful and large, but be aware that they usually come with an equally large price tag.

We often choose a good quality middle-of-the-road model and design a simple wood frame that a trim carpenter can make on site to dress it up to your exacting design standards.

Since we usually start our days in the bathroom, adding a window or skylight can help you get going in the morning, plus add natural ventilation to vent steam and odors.

When possible we incorporate windows into bathrooms, as well as toilet rooms, but always supplement window ventilation with ventilation fans.

Added tip: ventilation fans should run for at least an hour after bathing to help get rid of excess moisture in the air to prevent damage such as mold or rot. Installing a fan timer switch can be an easy way address this problem.

Bathrooms have changed over the years from a simple place to bathe to a place to decompress and indulge yourself. We guarantee you won’t dread starting your day when you step into your gorgeous, and better functioning, bathroom every morning. Though having to leave your new sanctuary might be a challenge!

‍All projects begin with a brief on-site consultation: 808-221-2868