Bathroom Renovation: Part 3 - Showers

Who knew that deciding on your shower would include so many options to choose from? Of course, the first consideration is available space in your renovated bathroom, and next comes design. However, another important factor in the selection process are the elements you desire for the most relaxing shower experience possible.

Where to Put the Shower
You will get the most out of the space you have if you place your shower in a corner of the bathroom and utilize a quadrant enclosure (which comes in a corner style unit or a D-shaped unit that still saves space but is nice for a shower out in the open a bit more).

Wetroom for a Larger Budget
This option is not for you if you have a tight renovation budget. However, if you have a little room to breathe and long to accomplish something a bit different, then a wetroom may be the way to go. Basically, with this design element, the shower is open – no walls, doors or curtains – the whole bathroom is a shower. While this design is appealing, it costs more because:

• The whole room will need to be “tanked” or made water tight to prevent leaks – only a professional contractor like HA Construction can do this properly
• HA Construction will have to raise the floor by approximately 5cm to account for waste fittings, which will slope toward your drain location (which should be away from the door so water doesn’t drain out o the room)
• The room support structure must be strong enough, or you will need reinforcement
• Extra ventilation may need to be installed so the room can dry out after use
• You’ll need non-slip flooring installed

Accommodating the Smallest of Budgets
If you really don’t have the room for many extras in your bathroom renovation budget, then you may just need to upgrade the shower head and fixtures on your current shower, or install a shower to a bathroom only equipped with a tub. These options are much less expensive, but can still provide you with the satisfaction of an upgrade.

Somewhere in the Middle
Installing (or replacing) a regular shower unit is typically the way things go for a renovation. As mentioned, there are many corner and quadrant options to choose from. However, for just a small adjustment to your budget, consider putting in a walk-in shower. These units still have doors (typically glass), but usually have more space available. The largest feature is that there is no lip – you don’t have to step up or over anything to get into the shower.

You can take this even further by designing a walk-behind shower. This has no doors or curtains, but a wall (usually of tile or glass) that you walk around to get to the shower. The wall separates the shower heads from the rest of the bathroom enough that there is no splashing, but it’s still part of the bathroom as a whole (rather than a seemingly separate room). Plus it makes for easier cleaning.

Other Considerations
You’ll also need to determine the type of shower-head you want (there are too many to list), as well as how many shower-heads. You’ll also find shower units that are fully high-tech and equipped with everything you can think of – that essentially look like a car wash with an in board radio and temperature control.

The shower pictured here is one that HA Construction recently installed in a full-scale bathroom renovation, and a prime example of the car wash approach. It has a standard shower-head, four jets, one overhead and one handheld attachment. A 75 gallon water heater was installed just for the shower, as well as a booster pump for increased water pressure and a larger-than-normal drain for the extra water. Now this is a shower anyone would enjoy!

What you choose, again, depends upon your space, budget, design and desires. Andy and his crew at HA Construction can help you determine the best fit for the ultimate shower experience.

Part 1: Layout Design
Part 2: Bathtubs
Part 4: Choosing Tile
Part 5: The Toilet and the Sink

Bathroom Renovation: Part 2 – Bathtubs

So, you’ve determined the layout of you new bathroom design, now it’s time to start deciding what goes in it. While you can, of course, reuse the fixtures you already have, it’s more likely that you’ll want newer, updated models. Which brings you to the questions: What kind of tub do you want?

When it comes to picking something new for your bathroom, you want to consider design and functionality. Of the two, functionality is probably more important because, while you want your bathing apparatus of choice to match both your bathroom scheme and your personality, you’ll probably want it to fit your needs and bathing desires more.

It’s important to note that bathtubs should be installed by a professional contractor, in order to avoid cracking or chipping and to insure the tub has the proper sealing (to prevent leaks) and support.

Believe it or not, there are actually several styles and functions of bathtubs other than the mustard colored eyesore from the ‘70s that may be in your current bathroom. Which means you don’t necessarily have to go with the state-of-the-art-cost-my-life-savings investment in the retailer showroom in order to have something in your bathroom that will make it all your own.

Bathtub Styles
First, there’s style and the following are the most popular:

• Freestanding Bathtubs – usually either claw-foot tubs for that old-fashioned, eclectic appeal, or copper bathtubs for an individualized look
• Corner Bathtubs – circular tubs set in a triangular frame to fit in the corner of the bathroom, at an angle rather than parallels to a wall
• Alcove or Recessed Bathtubs – fit snuggly in the space between three wall, so that only the front shows and should be finished
• Drop-in Bathtubs – set into the floor or a small platform, but often require reinforcement of the bathroom floor for support (jetted tubs are often drop-ins)
• Jetted Tubs – like other bathtubs with the addition of hydro-massage jets (may require more water to use this function)

Functionality
As far as functionality goes, you have two main options: single-person or two-person tubs. Single-person tubs don’t use as much water (so they’re a little more cost effective and environmentally friendly), and are much easier to clean. One option you may consider on a single-person tub is getting a deep basin. You can fill it moderately for a regular bath, or sit comfortably in a tub full of water to soak your cares away after a long day.

Two-person tubs are typically installed in master bathrooms. While this can be a nice luxury for intimacy sake, you should still consider the fact that it will take a significant amount of water to fill, which will likely require a larger hot water heater (or even the installation of a hot water heater exclusively for your renovated bathroom).

Considerations
Average bathtubs are 30 x 60 inches (2.5 x 5 feet), but that doesn’t mean you’re limited to that size. In fact, that size is usually in regard to alcove/recessed tubs and some freestanding models. You can get a tub extra at around 6 feet for taller individuals. Jetted and soaking tubs are often wider as well.

Speaking of jetted tubs, there are a few things you need to look at if you are considering this style of tub for your renovated bathroom:

• Noise of the pump
• Self-cleaning option
• Horsepower
• Control options for speed/power of the jets
• Timer and temperature options
• Number and size of jets
• Air or water jets
• Electrical needs
• Frequency of use once installed

When it comes to air and water jet options on a jetted tub, there are some differences. Air jets, of course, put air in the water to circulate it. Water jets mix air and water. While there is less power for water flow with air jets, they do prevent the build-up of mildew, making the tub easier to clean. Additionally, while you can use bath salts and oils with air jets, you typically cannot with water jets.

While the options for your bathtub may seem overwhelming, getting the right one means many relaxing evenings soaking away the cares of the day. As always, if you’re not sure what will be the best option for your bathroom layout and renovation budget, Andy at HA Construction can help you come up with something that will both reflect your personality and have optimal functionality for your family.

Part 1: Layout Design
Part 3: Showers
Part 4: Choosing Tile
Part 5: The Toilet and the Sink

HA Construction’s Customer Values

The last several posts have detailed why it’s important to hire a local contractor for your remodeling or building project, and what you should look for when hiring a contractor. Where does HA Construction fit into all of this? Andy, Lisa and all of the HA Construction employees pride themselves on putting the customer’s needs and desires first; they understand what customers need on many levels from a customer perspective, and approach everything as such.

Customer Needs and Desires
HA Construction clients are purchasing something that doesn’t exist yet, which means they are taking a leap of faith and trusting Andy and his crew to complete the task at hand with optimal results. Aesthetic value is of great importance, regardless of the project, and HA Construction recognizes that. Regardless of whether something functions well, if it doesn’t look good, then it’s isn’t worth it. Working directly with designers, the team combines functionality with visual appeal in everything they produce.

Construction Fatigue
HA Construction also recognizes that any project, no matter how big or small, takes its toll on the client. The repetitive banging of hammers, the squeal of the saw, plastic covers, stomping boots, jabbering subcontractors, dust everywhere…. it’s enough to make anyone feel the need to just pack up and move away from it all. Whether the project last two days or two months doesn’t matter, it still rubs everyone to the core when dealing with the noise and the mess. Andy and his team recognize this and work diligently to keep the inconvenience to a minimum and to finish projects on time (even ahead of schedule, when possible).

Communication
Along those same lines, Andy recognizes the importance of continual communication with clients. He works to provide updates on a regular basis (daily in most cases), not only on progress, but keeping the customer informed of adjustments to the timeline for the project. Information is what the client needs in order to keep “customer fatigue” at bay.

“Clients are like jealous girlfriends,” Andy chuckles. “They want to know why you weren’t there, and who you were with.”

There is immense truth in this tongue-in-cheek statement. If ever Andy and his team are running late to show up to a project or falling behind, the customer wants to understand why – and he or she has every right to know. That’s why keeping the customer informed is a priority for HA Construction.

Payment
While, initially, talking about payment structure in a post regarding HA Construction’s customer values may not have crossed your mind, it’s still an important factor. How the payment structure works says a lot about who a contractor is, how much you can trust him, and how well the company is established. Andy recognizes that, again, the clients are paying for something that doesn’t yet exist, which means they shouldn’t have to fork over tons of funds until they see results.

From that approach, HA Construction generally requires no money down on smaller projects and base payments on larger projects, or periodic draws agreed to in the client contract. The company never asks for money upfront before a project has begun. Andy takes the approach that, if clients are going to trust him to produce quality work for something that doesn’t yet exist, then he’s going to return the compliment and trust clients to pay.

Andy and his team recognize that you have many choices available to you when it comes to hiring a contractor in the Springfield area. Please put HA Construction on the list of possibilities you’re considering and call Andy today; once you meet him in person and witness his passion first-hand, you won’t be disappointed.

What To Look For When Hiring A Contractor / Construction Company

As we continue to examine the rebuilding process for Joplin tornado victims, and have touched on the potential for crooks that could take advantage of Joplin residents, it’s a good idea to know just what you should be looking for as you examine potential contractors for your project. Even if you don’t live in Joplin, you could still be victim of a scam artist, who will walk away with your money and leave your project unfinished and in a dangerous state.

Financial Commitment
As mentioned in the post on hiring a local contractor, you want to make sure that the person or company you hire is well-established financially. The way payments are approached is a good indicator. Ask up front whether a down payment is necessary and how much if so. As a general rule, a contractor should not need more than 1/3 down when it comes to large projects; projects under $10,000 should need no down payment in the beginning, but rather, payments after stages of the project are complete.

Registration
Check out a company’s registration on all fronts to make sure it is legit. Start with state and city licensing. You can look up Missouri business registrations on the Secretary of State website. Check the status of a Springfield business license on the city website. Not only should you look at the status of the company’s business registration, but how many years it’s been in good standing. The longer a business has a good status, the more trustworthy it is.

Check the Chamber of Commerce for the area the business is located in. While not all businesses are members of their local chamber, those that are members are typically more financially secure and are focused on the community. In other words, usually only legitimate businesses will bother becoming chamber members because there is a lot of accountability there. The following are the business directories for area chambers:

• Nixa, Missouri Chamber of Commerce


• Springfield, Missouri Chamber of Commerce


• Ozark, Missouri Chamber of Commerce


• Republic, Missouri Chamber of Commerce


• Willard, Missouri Chamber of Commerce

Another resource to check out is the Southwest Missouri Better Business Bureau Accredited Directory. Again, not every business applies for accreditation with the BBB, but those that do are committed to providing trustworthy and loyal service because they are held accountable.

An additional option is to search BBB reviews, keeping in mind that finding no results is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, finding results on the reviews search means that the business has been reported to the BBB for failing to provide adequate service in a substantial way (i.e. scamming someone).

References
Ask every contractor you talk to for at least five references, including contact information. If the contractor or company is unable to provide you with references, then it likely doesn’t have first rate testimonials available for you – a clear indication you don’t want that company on the job.

Once you have references, don’t just take the contractor's word for it that they are legit and have good things to say – call every one of them. Get as much information as possible by asking questions like the following:

• Rate overall satisfaction with the contractor and the job on a scale from 1-10


• Was the project finished in a timely manner or did you have to deal with delays?


• Did the workers clean up after themselves and maintain a safe worksite?


• What was the difference between the final cost of the project and the estimate the contractor initially provided?


• Was the contractor you initially spoke with directly involved with the project?


• Would you use this contractor/company again?

Insurance
Ask for proof of insurance. In fact, you may even ask for a copy of the contractor’s insurance policy so that you know the company has optimal coverage, and not just the bare minimum.

Presence
Look up the company’s website (it’s a red flag if there isn’t one). The quality of the website is a reflection upon the business. In this day of booming technology, if a company doesn’t have a well-crafted website with informative content, then marketing and branding are not a priority. If these things aren’t a priority, then the company isn’t looking to maximize success.

Also look into the contractor’s social media presence. These days, a Facebook business page or LinkedIn account is just as critical to marketing and branding as a website. Not to mention the fact that once a company’s Facebook page is well established, it will be plastered with comments from clients, which means you have direct insight into how the company treats people.

These are simply starting points. Meet with contractors one-on-one and make sure that your personalities mesh. If you can’t be heard and won’t get along, then it simply doesn’t matter how great the references are or that the business is BBB-accredited. You, the customer, should always be the priority.

Why Joplin Tornado Victims Should Hire A Local Contractor

While clean up is going to take awhile, after an F-5 tornado wiped out nearly 8,000 buildings in Joplin, Missouri on May 22, 2011, once residents start to rebuild, they’ll need some help. Construction companies and contractors are going to start coming out of the rubble, if they haven’t already, offering low quotes and amazing service, but they aren’t all they appear to be.

How Traveling Contractors Woo You
You probably approach every meeting for your construction needs with the assumption that you’ll be able to distinguish the trustworthy companies from the swindlers. However, many people aren’t prepared for how good a traveling contractor presents himself. He’ll say things like “we’ve set up an office right here in Joplin” to make you believe the company’s around for the long haul; and they may even have a small travel trailer or RV based as an office – something that can be easily uprooted.

The big head turner, however, is when these fly-by-night contractors tell you they can complete your project cheaper than anyone else can. Let’s say you’re getting $45,000 from your homeowners insurance company to cover repairs to your home after the Joplin tornado. Scamming contractors will come in and tell you they can complete the project for $35,000 – and suddenly you’re envisioning a new jet ski too (or something more practical, such as paying off other debts).

They’re In It For The Money
The unfortunate truth, however, is that many of these out-of-town contractors are only in it for the money. Many times these construction companies will ask you for a down payment (often up to half of the project total or more) to start on the job. Truth is, if they need money up front to pay for the job, then the company isn’t very well established.

You’ll notice a lack of commitment once the project starts, such as arriving late, missing entire days of work, or claiming to have other projects to balance. Then, the unthinkable happens – you’ve paid the contractor over half of the project fees, the project is only a quarter of the way done, he hasn’t showed up for days and won’t return your calls.

You just got swindled. He took your money, and ran.

Why A Local Contractor Is Better
Admittedly, some out of town companies may, in fact, have the compassion, resources and expertise to legitimately help Joplin tornado victims rebuild, but once the project is over, they move on to the next job in the next town, and you’re left on your own if something comes up. With a local construction company, you’re able to build a relationship with the contractor. Trust becomes the foundation for your business dealings and you learn how to work together so future projects are completed more efficiently.

HA Construction, and other Joplin area construction companies and contractors, are focused on the community. They want to help those close to home because the impact of the Joplin tornado may directly affect them and those they care about. Even if these companies don’t know someone affected, something that happens so close to home really resonates on a personal level.
Adversely, fly-by-night contractors flock to locations devastated by natural disasters, such as Joplin, Missouri, looking to make an extra buck. Then they’re off and running to another project following a different tragedy. Additionally, even after the project is complete, trustworthy local contractors are there for you to answer questions, follow-up and make sure everything is to your expectations.

Don’t go with just anyone to help you rebuild your life after the devastation of the Joplin tornado, or any other home repair/renovation project. Know the important information to look for when choosing a contractor, like HA Construction, to ensure that you and your family are well taken care of.

HA Construction Is Available For Joplin Tornado Recovery Efforts

On May 22, 2011 an F-5 tornado that reached over ¾ of a mile wide (one of the deadliest in the history of the nation) ravished the town of Joplin, Missouri, leaving 142 (as of May 28th) lives lost and over a third of the town in utter ruin. As families work to literally rebuild their lives from the ground up, there will be many that come across their path to help. The outreach to the community has already been utterly overwhelming, but help is still needed and will be for months to come.

We’re Here to Help
HA Construction-Design of Nixa, Missouri is among the many businesses ready and willing to offer volunteer services to Joplin residents in need. More importantly, on a ministry level, HA Construction-Design would like to reach out to those that find themselves in over their heads with the need for repairs and rebuilding after this devastating tornado.

Andy Flint and his team are eager to do whatever is needed (from hauling off debris to securing windows and roofs) for those that may be falling through the cracks during the Joplin recovery efforts, such as the elderly, single mothers and handicapped individuals that just don’t have the means to do it all alone. What about people that didn’t have adequate insurance coverage to take care of the thousands of dollars in repair and rebuilding costs? HA Construction-Design is more than willing to help these individuals, too.

HA Construction-Design also wants to aid in the Joplin recovery process by teaming up with local churches and organizations as they arrange joint efforts with multiple businesses and volunteers.

How We’ll Make it Happen
Current and future clients might be wondering how HA Construction-Design plans to help with Joplin tornado recovery efforts and still be available to everyone else. It’s simply a matter of designating a day to help and shifting current project schedules a bit to accommodate that – and Andy has no doubt that HA Construction-Design's clients will be more than willing to share a little construction time with those in need.

Handling the extra workload in order to volunteer in Joplin is a process of communicating with subcontractors to make sure they are also willing, and able, to help. Additionally, Andy and Lisa realize that HA Construction-Design's employees still need to bring money home for their families and can’t necessarily afford to take a day off without pay, no matter how much they want to help – which is why HA Construction-Design is more than willing to pay its employees to help with Joplin recovery efforts.

In conclusion, Andy and Lisa Flint, the subcontractors and employees of HA Construction-Design are ready and willing to help with Joplin tornado recovery efforts and start the process for rebuilding lives. Contact Andy directly at (417) 224-2129 to see what HA Construction-Design can do to help you.

Bathroom Renovation – Part 1: Layout Design

There are many elements that go into a bathroom remodel, but the most crucial is determining the layout of your new space. Form and function are a must, as well as finding a way to fit in a bit of luxury to create that spa atmosphere we all desire our bathrooms to be.

What are You Looking for?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the design process, you need to determine what you’re looking for in a bathroom. Do you want that spa feel? Is this a bathroom for just you and your spouse, just the kids or will everyone be sharing this space? These are important questions that will help you decide on a slew of things. Here are a few more items to consider:

• Do you want a bathtub, shower or both? If both, do you want them separate? Will space allow that?
• Do you need more storage?
• Would dual sinks be a necessity or luxury?
• How and when will the space primarily be used?
• Is your current bathroom too small? Is there a way to expand it?

Flow of Your Bathroom Space
The most important aspect of planning your new bathroom space is making sure that the design optimizes flow and function. You certainly don’t want a toilet or sink making it hard to get into your bathroom because it’s too close to the door.

Keep in mind, however that, while kitchens generally have a rectangular layout, bathrooms can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so there is more to consider. First, try and utilize the current wet wall (the location of all the plumbing) for the location of your tub/shower, toilet and sink. While moving these access points is possible, it will cost you a lot more money on the renovation. Of course, if the sink is so close to the bathroom door that you have to pass it in order to get the door closed, then utilizing that wet area may not be an option.

Meeting Building Codes
The codes differ for each state (and sometimes even within each city) so you’ll want to double check on requirements. Per Springfield Missouri Building Development Services, for a bathroom renovation in Springfield, you will need a Building Permit, Electrical Permit and Plumbing Permit at the least. For projects in Nixa, Missouri, you or the contractor will need to fill out and submit Residential Remodel Permit Application. Generally HA Construction will obtain these permits for the project, but it is a good policy to request a copy from Andy.

Many cities and states will likely follow the International Residential Code (IRC) for remodels and construction. In regard to bathrooms, a few of the IRC requirements include:

• The center line of a toilet must be at least 15 inches from any other wall, fixture, or obstacle in the bathroom
• Clear floor space in front of a toilet, lavatory and tub must be at least 21 inches
• Minimum clear floor space in front of a shower must be 24 inches

Additionally, you need at least one GFCI outlet (although its good practice that all of them are), and it must be within three feet of the sink. GFCI outlets monitor the current in an outlet and trip that outlet if an imbalance occurs. This, of course, is a measure for preventing a surge when water is present, since water and electricity don’t mix well. All electrical outlets must be wall mounted (i.e. nothing facing upward from the counter top).

Appeal to the Masses
Even if you plan on growing old in your current home, it’s a good investment to design a bathroom renovation that will appeal to buyers, if you ever have to sell. One element to consider is “universal design.” This design concept, consisting of wider doorways, roomier floor plans, curbless showers and taller toilets, is usable by most anyone (even handicap accessible), which is what makes it “universal.”

The Little Things
While most people don’t think about items such as the toilet paper roll, it’s an important element to plan at the beginning of the renovation process. The little things aren’t actually so little, because you may end up not having enough wall space for your toilet paper hanger or towel rack if you don’t plan.

Lighting is also an important element that goes unnoticed – that is until that first time you attempt to put makeup on and can hardly see. Consider all types of light (accent, ambient, task and decorative) and plan your bathroom design accordingly.

If you find the whole design process overwhelming for your bathroom renovation, HA Construction Design will happily help you come up with a stellar plan. Simply tell Andy what you need and what you like, and you’re bound to come up with something fabulous (and far better than what you currently have) together.

Part 2: Bathtubs
Part 3: Showers
Part 4: Choosing Tile
Part 5: Sinks, Toilets & Fixtures