This recent bathroom remodeling project in N. Crescent Circuit, Brighton involved changing the bathroom layout to improve the flow and functionality of the small space. The first image was taken while standing in the bathroom doorway. The existing sink location created a narrow “S-shaped” walkway to access the tub/shower area. In the after photo, with the sink moved to the opposing wall, the bathroom now appears larger, thanks to the wider travel path created.
This bathroom space has been optimized to its fullest potential by carefully considering each design element and location. As a result, the client has a contemporary bathroom design with maximum functionality, and the improved aesthetics make the space feel more open, light, and relaxing.
Additional Brighton Bathroom Details
As you can see in the new bathroom floor plan, there was much more to this project than relocating the sink. Other project details include:
- Radiant bathroom floor heating
- New insulation and drywall at walls and ceiling
- Octagon floor tiles
- New shower tiles arranged in a stacked pattern
- Stone finish trim at the threshold, window trim, and shower niche locations
- Privacy film for the existing window
- Surface-mounted medicine chest
- Over-the-toilet cabinet for more storage
- A direct-vent exhaust fan to remove excess humidity and moisture
- Black shower fixtures for a pop of contrast
- New shower/tub unit
- Update plumbing and light fixtures
How to Update an Outdated Bathroom
Whether you’re considering starting your bathroom remodel in Brighton, MA, or anywhere else in the country, here’s how to get a quote for a stunning ensuite or guest bathroom for your home.
- Determine what is or isn’t working in the existing bathroom, including the layout, storage needs, lighting, ventilation, and material finishes.
- Create a list of must-have items to create the spa-like or luxury bathroom of your dreams, such as radiant floor heating, soaker or cold plunge bathtub, steam shower, sauna, floating vanity, and storage for towels and toiletries.
- Contact a reputable bathroom remodeling company and schedule a bathroom remodeling consultation.
- Share your remodeled bathroom vision with the contractor, including your must-have items, budget, and project timeline.
- The contractor will create a new bathroom design based on your requirements.
- After reviewing the bathroom remodel proposal, you can accept it and get started or reject it and make changes to the scope of work.
Why Hiring Professional Bathroom Contractors Matters
Despite their small size, bathrooms can be challenging because they require every significant component found in the home.
- Hot and cold-water supply
- Drains and proper venting
- Electrical system
- Ventilation
- Cabinetry and countertops
- Plumbing and electrical fixtures
- Flooring
- Insulation and drywall
- Paint and other finish materials
Due to the complexities involved, homeowners should always choose a full-service bathroom remodeling contractor that is properly licensed, bonded, and insured. Hiring a design-build contractor like Bay State Remodeling, with over 15 years of local experience (and hundreds of satisfied customers), can help streamline the design and construction phases to reduce costs and project timelines.
Understanding the Bathroom Renovation Process
Once the plans are complete, the next step is to obtain any necessary permits and start your bathroom remodel project.
Typically, the first phase involves demolishing the existing finishes and fixtures. In this Brighton bathroom remodel, the original builder used blown-in insulation, which had to be removed along with the existing plaster.
The contractor should always protect the existing finishes along the travel path to the dumpster or outside the home.
Once the demo is complete, your bathroom should look something like this.
The large pipe running vertically is the sewer vent. Fumes and gases travel upward and exit through a vent opening in the roof. You can also see the flange where the toilet connects to the waste line. Once the toilet is removed, this opening must be sealed to prevent fumes and gases from entering the home. This temporary cap must remain in place until it’s time to install the new toilet.
The electrical, plumbing, and drywall have been installed in this photo. The gray material around the tub is a cementitious backer board that provides a rigid and watertight substrate for applying the new tub and shower ceramic tiles.
In the first photo, the ceramic tile installer is dry-fitting (double-checking) the floor tiles to ensure the border cuts are equal from one side of the bathroom to the other. In the second photo, he checks the layout at the bathroom door where the stone transition trim will be installed. Due to the high volume of foot traffic, you want to avoid small border tiles at doorways and transitions.
Here, you can see the freshly installed shower and tub wall tiles. Notice the full tile at the top and bottom of the window, and the pattern is centered on the window. These are just a few details you can expect from a professional tile installer who takes pride in their work. The stone window and niche trim pieces will be installed next.
This is what radiant floor heating looks like before installing the floor tiles. The wiring goes back and forth across the entire floor, except at the toilet and new sink location.
Once again, here are the before and after photos of our recent bathroom remodel project in Brighton, MA. While the square footage remains the same, the new design is open, light, and luxurious.
The new vanity, over-the-toilet cabinet, and shower niche provide much-needed storage options. In contrast, the radiant heating and new sink and shower fixtures increase the space’s comfort and tranquility.
Tips for Bathroom Remodeling in Boston
In addition to your bathroom assessment and must-have list, here are some more tips to turn that outdated bathroom into the ensuite or luxury guest bathroom of your dreams.
How to Maximize Space in Your Master Bath
Consider relocating the sink, toilet, or even the bath/tub combo to increase the available space in your bathroom. For this bathroom remodeling project, moving the sink to the other side of the bathroom created the illusion of more space. If a tub/shower combo is not a requirement, a shower-only option can add the extra space you need. Options for larger remodeling budgets can include eliminating a closet just outside the bathroom or moving a wall to increase the square footage.
How to Choose the Right Bathroom Vanity
Bathroom vanities are available in thousands of styles and configurations. In addition to the size, consider your storage needs. Do you need drawers, shelves, or a combination of both? Sometimes, a custom-made vanity might be the best option for your new bathroom design.
Tips for Scheduling Your Bathroom Remodel Project
To ensure your bathroom remodel runs smoothly, avoid scheduling your project in late autumn or during the winter season. While this might be less of a concern for West Coast homeowners, the rain and snow here can impact material deliveries, workers’ and inspectors’ arrival at the project, and drying and curing times.
What to Expect During a Bathroom Remodel Inspection
A permit and inspection will usually not be required if you’re not relocating electrical, plumbing, or ventilation services. However, since we relocated the sink, water supply, and drains, the new plumbing requires inspection before installing the drywall. Typically, the new plumbing is pressure tested overnight to ensure no leaks at the connection joints.
This project also required an electrical inspection of the new radiant floor heating system and the new wiring back to the main circuit panel box.
The project supervisor schedules the necessary inspections as each remodel phase is completed. Typically, these inspections take up to thirty minutes to complete.
Creative New Bathroom Designs for Your Home
Many homeowners assume they must hire a designer and architect for home additions or remodeling projects. A smarter option is to utilize the design-build services offered by well-established residential contractors like Bay State Remodeling. We can shorten the design, planning, and construction phases for any bathroom, kitchen, or whole-house remodeling project by providing our customers with in-house design and architectural services.
Why a Bathroom Transformation is a Smart Investment
A bathroom remodel can improve the home’s functionality and potential selling price. The Remodeling 2024 Cost vs. Value Guide provides the average bathroom remodel costs and ROI (Return On Investment) calculations.
| Bathroom Remodel | Cost | Resale Value | ROI |
| Midrange | $26,000.00 | $25,077.00 | 94.8% |
| Universal Design | $41,900.00 | $26,311.00 | 62.7% |
| Luxury/Upscale | $81,000.00 | $47,471.00 | 58.5% |
If you’re considering a bathroom remodel but unsure what to include, visit our completed bathroom remodel project gallery for inspiration.
To schedule a design consultation to discuss different bathroom options for your home, please call us at (617) 340-6418 or send us an email.
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