9 Advantages of Hiring a Design Builder for Your Home Renovation

If you want to remodel your home, many people will suggest you hire a design-builder. One may ask… what exactly is a design-builder? According to wikipedia, it is a method to deliver a project in which the design and construction services are contracted by a single entity known as the design–builder or design–build contractor. It can be subdivided into architect-led design–build (ALDB, sometimes known as designer-led design–build) and contractor-led design–build. A homeowner may explore the design-build contractor options and determine they are the most qualified for home renovation projects, as they will save you money over the years. So, let’s get to know more about them.

What Is Design-Build?

Again, when designers, builders, and other specialists work as a team under one single contract with the project client or owner to provide construction services, this method is called ‘design-build.’ In brief, in a design-build project, there is only one contract, one organization, and one coordinated flow of work. Wineteer is continually reminded by our clients how important their seamless process is for a stress-free home remodel. With Wineteer, you will have a dedicated team of professionals that will walk you along each step of the remodel. This isn’t always the case with home remodeling companies, so be sure you ask questions and understand the contractual and design/build side.

Reasons to Hire A Design Builder for Your Home Remodeling Project

There are many reasons why you should consider hiring a design-builder for your bathroom, kitchen, whole home, and aging in place remodeling project. Here are the main reasons:

1. Single Point of Contact

In traditional remodeling projects, homeowners dealt with designers, contractors, subcontractors, architects, retailers, workers, and other people depending on the home remodeling scope of work. This makes the work slow, adds additional stress, causes budgeting nightmares if not monitored correctly, increases disruptions to daily life, and has more chances for miscommunication.

But when you hire a design-builder for the project, the company combines all of the activities under a single umbrella, and thus the homeowners will work with the same team from the first meeting to the completion of the project. As Wineteer explains it… once you partner with us, you will become family. The homeowner will see the same crew each day during the remodeling project. In this way, everyone will function more effectively, and challenging problems can be handled more efficiently.

2. Fixed-Price Contract

If you don’t hire a design-builder, you will naturally spend extra because of inaccurate or unanticipated problems, or change orders as they arise. However, a design-builder can give you an accurate cost-analysis before starting the work and prevent unexpected expenditures during or after your project is done.

However, you can always decide to add more to your project or make changes throughout the process, which can easily be adjusted in the design-builder billing. It’s a much easier and more seamless way to make the changes compared to tracking down a contractor to implement the changes, pay them, then get back on track.

3. Efficient Communication

Since the work is centralized and team members are connected to each other through the central hub, communication becomes easier, faster, and more efficient. Many local home remodeling companies have extensive experience and relationships with vendors that will allow for superior customer service and finishes.

4. Faster Project Completion

In most cases, it’s crucial for you to get the remodeling project done within the agreed-upon schedule. Also, knowing when the project will end will help you save money and get started with other finishing projects. When you work with a design-build company, they always finish their work on time, sometimes even faster than the estimated time.

5. High-Quality Craftsmanship

Understanding functionality and needs is crucial for any remodeling project; it’s much more than just being appealing. When skilled designers remodel a house, they first make it a high-functioning area with minimal disruption, and bring a vision to life.

Moreover, with a design-builder, you can get the combined expertise they’ve gathered by working on many different projects over the years. They won’t take any shortcuts; rather, they will combine all their knowledge and information to make your project the best one.

6. Minimize Risks

We all need to keep in mind that unforeseen problems can occur while remodeling and renovating a home. However, the risk can be reduced if you work with a design-build company. They can minimize risks as their team has the skills and knowledge to address any issues and fix them in the best way possible. The communication will go directly between the homeowner and the design-builder, and won’t be a game of telephone to figure out what’s happening.

They can also take preventive measures beforehand to eliminate the possibility of risks. In this way, the cost of emergency risk management will also decrease.

7. Stress-free Environment

Handling the remodeling of your home can be very stressful from time to time. You may get confused about how you should start the project, whom you should contact, when invoices are due, or what you are responsible for during the process.

However, with the design-builder to guide you through each and every step with their knowledgeable assistance, you will feel relaxed throughout the remodeling process.

8. Flexibility

Design-build firm members can always handle unexpected and challenging situations better. Also, they can provide you with a quick solution if you want to add or remove anything from the planned project. Their flexibility makes the homeowner satisfied in any kind of situation.

9. Fewer Disputes

When work is not properly organized and there are miscommunications, disputes among the parties and workers arise. But when a centralized design-build firm handles the remodeling project, everything is properly organized and there are fewer disputes.

Is a Design-build Firm Right for Your Project?

Depending on your project’s unique requirements, you may want to explore the consideration of a design-build company. You should have an open and honest question with potential home remodeling design-builders and discuss your budget, timeline, goals, vision, etc. You can determine quickly if the project will be a match for the said contractor.

Advantages of Hiring a Design-Build Firm

Promotes continuity in the project’s goal with streamlined communication.
Legal and safety risks are reduced.
Quick response to handle unexpected challenges and changes.
Quality-control of the project is monitored.
Accountability is mandated.
More efficient project management can be achieved.

Hiring a design-builder is definitely a good idea for homeowners who want to partner with a company who cares about their reputation and the project itself. If you think about it, the design-builder has so much more on the line than a single contractor who comes in for a day, does their job, and leaves. If you’re considering a home remodeling project in the Kansas City area, reach out to Wineteer to see if we can answer your questions. We are there to help you bring your vision to life!

How to Evaluate Home Remodelers Before Hiring

Thinking of remodeling your house? Your kitchen, basement, laundry/mud room, bathroom, or outdoor space? Based on the scope of work, the design, and the budget, you will probably need a remodeler’s assistance. However, not just any home remodeling company, it must be the right fit. To hire a home remodeling company, there are many factors that the homeowner should consider, including a contractor or company who aligns with the intended design and build process, budget, timeline, and communication. Remember, only a good home remodeler can design a plan that fits your idea and budget perfectly.

Home remodeling companies can even identify the most cost-effective and resourceful methods for an expensive and elaborate project. Some homeowners receive the construction and remodeling company options from referrals, Better Business Bureau, or even simply on Google. It is overwhelming to look at an extensive list of companies, so be sure you have a thorough list of must-haves, nice-to-haves, and not important. Some considerations can include experience, design and employee rapport with homeowners, dedication, temperament and communication skills. Therefore, this article will outline some essential criteria on how to evaluate home remodelers before hiring. Let’s get started.

The Factors to Evaluate Home Remodelers Before Hiring

Remember, only an expert home remodeler can bring you success and make the most of your budget, while reducing the stress and anxiety throughout the entire process. Homeowners need someone reliable, trustworthy, and professional, so you’re comfortable with the team in your home for weeks or even months! Consider the below factors before hiring a home remodeler:

Years of Business
A factor to consider when thinking about How to Evaluate Home Remodelers Before Hiring is the contractors business history. It is essential for you to find out how long the potential home remodelers you are considering have been in business. Someone new, of course, can prove to be efficient, but someone years into this business will have a deeper understanding, and have more depth to the design and build process. Therefore, prioritize the ones who have worked in this field for a longer period of time. Expect experienced teams to have more familiarity with past and present market scenarios, broader connections, resourceful design elements, and valuable insights. By now, experienced home remodeling companies have learned from each project. At this point, home remodeling contractors with years of experience should be pros at seeking the best subcontractors. However, it would be a plus if the remodelers have experience working on projects similar to yours.
License and Insurance
It is absolutely crucial to verify whether each remodeler you shortlisted is registered as a home improvement contractor. What certifications do the potential home remodeling companies hold? In addition, when interviewing the final candidates, ask for a copy of the contractor’s workers’ compensation and liability insurance policy. Make sure the home remodeling company’s insurance policy is active.
Experience and Portfolio
Experience is one of the vital factors to look for in a kitchen and bathroom remodeler. Only an experienced remodeler can offer the best ideas on a budget, critical perspectives, help with complexities and efficiently handle unexpected events. Initially, when researching remodelers, you should look for their recent work portfolio which should be on their website. If not, feel free to ask them for some before/after pictures, and they should be able to showcase their best skills. This will give you a rough idea of how they handled their past projects.However, when the number is narrowed down to a few, you must ask for their experiences in detail and portfolio during the interview. The portfolio must reflect all the details of their previous projects. Additionally, you can request the few selected candidates to drive you to their previous project sites.
Communication and Compatibility
Proper and transparent communication is a must when it comes to an expensive home remodeling project. Remember, remodeling may be something very new to the homeowner, so it can be a process that requires hand-holding. Therefore, if the remodeler is impatient, or fails to communicate and cannot give you a detailed view of each step of the process, then mistakes (and frustrations) are inevitable. Additionally, a good contractor will keep you updated on the progress, from design to build. While interviewing each potential home remodeling company, note your feelings and first impressions. Typically, as the saying goes… trust your gut. It is essential to understand if you can keep up with their temperaments and style of conducting business. Look for someone who listens and responds to you, communicates clearly, and is focused on you in each step of the way. To give life to your vision, you must understand each other and have a compatible work relationship.
Check for Online Reviews and Seek Recommendations
One of the first things you do as the homeowner when researching remodelers is visit their website or social media pages. This is where you can find a section featuring testimonials from previous clients. Besides, you can also check out popular websites such as Angi, Google Business Profile, Yelp, and Facebook. These platforms have lists of contractors, their details and reviews from their clients.To get more recommendations, you can also speak with friends, neighbors, and relatives who have recently had remodeling work done. They can give you an accurate picture of the work’s quality, price and integrity based on their first-hand experiences.
Contract and Written Estimates
Before you decide on the remodeler, you should ask for a written estimate. It could be in the form of a bidding document. The document tells you what to expect, with details on inventories and the expected prices. Do you choose the one that has the lowest estimate? No, the lowest estimate does not necessarily mean the best offer, but the contractor may often come out as inefficient. Or the contractor will inundate you with change orders, which will end up costing you more than a higher budgeted amount to begin with. Instead, try to choose based on pricing that is fair, both with respect to your budget and market price. When both parties agree, you must create a contract paper describing every aspect. You may hire a lawyer to outline each of the segments, plans and discussions in detail. Make sure they should comply with local and international laws.
Timeline and Schedule
Setting a timeline and scheduling the work requires a discussion with the selected remodeler. Firstly, check for their availability. They may be equipped with other projects as well. If you have a contractor who is ready to begin the work tomorrow… run! Contractors should set a specific timeline and schedule dedicated to your project. The contract should specify the start and end dates. When going through their portfolios, if you find that a remodeler exceeded the completion date on some projects, you shouldn’t assume they are inefficient. This could be a result of unfavorable events.
Payment Terms
With a mutual agreement, you must discuss payment terms and schedule. The payment schedule should have tentative dates. It must be presented on the contract. All in all, you should have a clear and transparent understanding and agreement of the payment terms so none of the parties has any objection during the process or in the end. Note that, when a remodeler asks for all or a large down payment, this may indicate a problem. In such cases, you may have to consider another contractor.

Questions to Ask Your Home Remodeling Contractor at the First Meeting:

Here is a list of some possible questions to consider in the design and build consultation:

What type of experience do you have managing this type of project?
Do you have a license and certification?
Do you have workers’ compensation and liability insurance?
Does your company handle building permits?
Can you provide references?
Does the project involve a dedicated team and subcontractors?
What is the cost estimate?
Can you give me an idea of the timeline for this project?
Do you have insurance?
How do you deal with budget overruns, change orders?
Do you run multiple projects at the same time?
What measures will you take to prevent damage to my property?

When seeking a construction and remodeling contractor, you must know how to evaluate them to sift out the best among the many. The process involves learning about their experiences, expertise, integrity, communication skills, and availability. Of course the number of years in the home remodeling business matters, however you should also consider the remodeling design creativity. Plus, One of the ways to find a home remodeling company that has a similar project to your own is to find neighbors, friends, or family who have worked with the home remodeling company you are considering. Homeowners in the Leawood, Olathe, Overland Park, Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, Parkville, and all of Kansas City are looking to Wineteer for their superior kitchen, bathroom, whole room, aging in place, and outdoor remodeling projects.

Why Consider Heated Floors in Your Bathroom Remodel

Heated bathroom floors are becoming more and more popular when homeowners consider upgrades for their bathroom remodel. With several competitive advantages, heated flooring is a very good alternative to the conventional heating system requirement in the bathroom.

In this case, electric in-floor mats or hot water pipes are installed underneath the bathroom flooring. This special arrangement dissipates heat and keeps the flooring surface dry and warm.

In this article, Why Consider Heated Floors in Your Bathroom Remodel, you will learn all about heated floors in the bathroom, including the installation process, associated costs, advantages, disadvantages, etc.

Are Heated Floors in the Bathroom Worth It?

The heated floor in the bathroom offers many advantages. Some must-mentions are that this type of floor circulates a sense of luxury, reduces energy costs, offers health benefits, increases property value, and more. Companies like Wineteer Construction in Kansas City offer many heated flooring solutions when completing bathroom remodels. Below outlines some benefits and considerations with heated floors.

Luxury

The heated bathroom floor creates a sense of luxury, and high end comfortability. It symbolizes your taste for exclusivity. Stepping on the respective fully dry and warm bathroom covering is a satisfying experience. Many homeowners who are considering a higher-end bathroom remodeling project budget for heated floors.

Saving Energy Costs

In cold regions, house heating cost minimization is always a challenge. The same goes for the winter seasons in almost all climates across the United States. In this case, keeping the bathroom warm consumes enormous energy due to the unavoidable watery context.

Heated flooring restricts the need for conventional heating arrangements in bathrooms, saving considerable money. We must mention that the costs associated with operating the heated floor are far less than those associated with the traditional heating arrangement. The surface area for a heated floor is much less than the area of the entire bathroom.

Health Benefits

Heated floors eliminate cold-related discomfort. Suppose you or your family members have health issues like allergies, inhalation problems, arthritis, etc. Heated flooring can be a solution that will help with many of these ailments. The heat not only removes the wet feel of the bathroom, but it also eliminates the chance of dust circulation. As there are no forced-air heating systems, there is no dust circulation.

Moisture Control

Obviously we use a lot of water in the bathroom. The associated wetness eventually hosts mold and mildew growth. Heated floors in the bathroom restrict such happenings and ensure a more hygienic environment. The reduction of moisture in the bathroom will reduce the potential mold/mildew growth, so the house will circulate healthier air.

Increased Property Value

In the real estate market, installing heated flooring in the bathroom is considered a valuable addition. It provides you with a bargaining point in the case of selling or renting the house. To cut a long story short, a bathroom remodel that included heated floors will increase the property’s overall value.

How to Install Heated Floor in the Bathroom

OK, you’re sold on integrating heated floors in your upcoming bathroom remodeling project. But, how does this work? One way to ensure the heated floors are done properly is to work with your design and builder during your bathroom remodel. If you’re considering DIY, below are guidelines for installing in-floor electric mats to heat your bathroom floor.

Step 1: Identifying Electricity Source

First, locate the suitable electricity output unit to power the electric mat. We also suggest you get a programmable thermostat to restrict the wastage of electricity. This thermostat will deactivate the electricity supply at night and at non-use times.

Step 2: Formation of Cement Slab

On the main surface of the bathroom, you have to create a 0.15-inch thick cement floor. Just purchase an appropriate amount of cement and mix it with water (proportion 1:3). And lay the mixture on the main surface. Let the layer dry properly. We suggest you follow a proper curing process. Now, on top of this thin cement layer, install factory-made cement boards with associated screws.

Step 3: Preparation of Power Inlet

Place a wooden plank (10 inches X 6 inches X 3 inches) on the newly created subfloor. It should be near the power outlet unit. Now, install power conduits with connectors and create notches to lay the power cables nicely.

Step 4: Installation of an In-Floor Electric Mat

In this step, install two-way adhesive tape on the floor at a 1-foot interval. Now, install the mat. We suggest you keep a 1-inch gap between the corner of the mat and eternities like bathtubs, showers, wash basins, etc.

Step 5: Fixing the Wires

Use glue to fix the mat’s loosened parts and the wire’s extended portion. Now, connect the wire with the power conduits’ connectors.

Step 6: Final Work

Again, form a mortar layer on the mat. The thickness should be 0.5–1.0 inches. On top of this layer, place the final covering, like tiles, etc. You have successfully installed heated floors in the bathroom.

Seem a bit too advanced for your DIY abilities? Reach out to your local bathroom remodeling company for design and pricing suggestions. Residents in the Kansas City area find Wineteer as their go-to for all elite bathroom remodeling projects.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Heated Floors

The table below elaborates on the pros and cons of heated floors in the bathroom.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Facilitates greater comfort	Installation requires specialized knowledge and expertise
More room space as there is no need for radiators	Some may find the additional cost is pricy
No wetness	For larger bathrooms, the cost matters
Facilitates hygiene and health benefits	Faulty in-floor materials replacement is critical
Cost-effective	Not compatible with every type of floor finish

Should You Consider Heated Floors in Your Bathroom Remodel?

When thinking about the question presented in this article, Why Consider Heated Floors in Your Bathroom Remodel, we would like to highlight three particular points.

Installing heated floors in the bathroom won’t break the bank.
The heated floor installation takes a small amount of time.
It offers advantages like energy cost reduction, property value increment, etc.

If you’re in the Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe, Parkville, or Lee’s Summit area, and considering a bathroom remodel contractor, reach out to the Wineteer team today!

Timeless Fallbrook Multi-Project Updates: Fireplaces

Our final project for this couple was to remodel three different fireplaces. We wanted to work with the wood, which we determined was from the 80’s and 90’s eras, but we wanted to give the tile work a much-needed update.

For the client’s entertainment center we removed the upper cabinets and replaced them with 12 x 24 large format tile in slate gray. We also replaced the countertops with a gray-black granite slab, titled Saratoga Silver, choosing colors that would help to modernize the look of it overall. The countertop is unique as we selected one that has white streaks throughout the granite. We also chose to add a secondary TV near the kitchen to provide entertainment in multiple points in the home.

For the basement fireplace work, we again focused on the tile-work and left the wood as-is. The new tile has a chipped, sawtooth look to it with white veining throughout. This is definitely a unique and different tile to include! While all of the design selections are influenced by our owner and designer, Nick McIntyre, this tile was a special recommendation.

While these fireplace updates were simple, they certainly made the fireplace look more modern and elegant, while keeping the integrity of the original woodwork. This was a fun set of updates for us to include in the work for this customer’s portfolio!

Timeless Fallbrook Multi-Project Update: Bathroom Part Two

For this project, we built a new vanity and brought in completely custom cabinets. Our recommendations for cabinetry work, to create an elevated and elegant look, is to add inset doors and drawers. Quartz countertops were selected for the vanity. We also chose to use more modern, sleek fixtures throughout. We added framed mirrors for a striking look and raised the sconce lights to include taller mirrors. The client liked their crystal chandeliers in their bathroom so we made sure to keep those in the space.

The tub area, as mentioned previously, was changed from a built-in to a freestanding tub. We added a tiled wainscot for both accent and personality. The fixtures on the tub area are matte black to coordinate with the drawer pulls, tying everything together. We kept colors in the gray and white family for a modern look in the space.

We also added a Wineteer Construction specialty: the zero-entry shower. Our zero-entry showers instantly make a space more elevated, by removing the barrier and creating an inviting, welcoming space. For this shower we chose to use a large format 12 x 24 tile. We elected to stack it vertically instead of horizontally as it was the design-choice that made the most sense for the space. It also brought in a unique design for the shower. At Wineteer Construction, we always think outside-the-box and work to bring unique design elements to your space so your project is uniquely yours. We added an inset shower caddy in the shower that matches the wainscot tile, which provides a striking accent. The doors are frameless shower doors with matte black handles.

We loved designing this bathroom for our client! This project had a specific request to update their bathroom to create a more modern look and feel. We accomplished this by adding modern design elements, but we also chose classic grays and whites with matte blacks to keep the look timeless. Check out more of our custom bathroom remodeling projects here.

Optimizing a Spacious Master Bathroom: Part Two

The story of the luxury spa bathroom continues! If you haven’t yet, check out part one here where we discuss the tub area and vanity remodel. Our couple also needed help organizing their closet space. We made some simple updates by adding hardwood floors and new lighting in the ceiling. While the overall layout and function of the closet worked for this client, they didn’t like that they couldn’t close off the space, bringing the clutter of the closet into the bathroom. To combat this the Wineteer team added new barn doors, a simple way to section off the closet from the rest of the suite. These simple white barn doors with matte black fixtures bring a coziness and warm feel to the environment. While the doors are certainly a functional element of the room, they also bring in an organic and earthy vibe, making the bathroom truly an oasis.

For the couple’s new shower, we repurposed the area which previously held the toilet closet to install a new barrier-free shower. While the couple previously had an extremely small shower area, by taking over some of the spacious bathroom we were able to create a luxury shower experience in their bathroom remodel. The toilet then moved to the space where the previous shower lived. We also installed a pocket door to close off the shower and toilet area from the rest of the bathroom and suite to create privacy.

The new shower is gigantic and a much better use of the suite real estate. We used 4 x 16 subway tile in white for a simple design throughout, but we added matte black edge profiles to add a striking design element. This complements the matte black fixtures in the shower, vanity, and tub area. The shower door is a frameless shower door, standard for our barrier free showers. The floor and shower caddy both feature a black penny tile for a contrasting design element. Overall, this bathroom remodel transformed from spacious but awkward to a complete luxury spa experience!

Optimizing a Spacious Master Bathroom: Part One

Traditionally our bathroom remodeling clients come to us with a problem that some people try to solve with Space Bags (or another vacuum sealing bag) – too much stuff, not enough space! With this client’s master bathroom suite we had the unique problem of tons of space that was not being used well. They had a plethora of square footage but had no clue how to optimize the space to create a spa-like oasis. That’s where Wineteer Construction comes in. We’ll take you through this project by sharing about the vanity and tub area first, then we will wrap up by giving you details on the closet and new barrier free shower. You’ll have to come back for part two!

When you look at the new vanity you’ll be inspired to create your own luxury spa environment in your own bathroom! For this remodel we chose to add backsplash tile all the way up to the window to break up the height of the space. We mounted the beautiful open Edison bulb sconces directly on the backsplash for a completely different look. The twin round mirrors add dimension to the space and coordinate with the matte black fixtures and long hardware drawer pulls on the vanity. The under-mount square rectangular sinks ensure a seamless look on the quartz countertops. To keep everything modern and chic we stuck with whites, blacks, and grays for our color scheme. The marble-looking hexagonal tile mimics Carrara tile and is extremely modern. Specialty features on this vanity include a hot drawer, which is a drawer complete with outlets for curling irons, straighteners, blow dryers, and other hot tools.

The tub area of this bathroom remodel makes us feel like we stepped straight into an all-day spa experience, but our clients have this as their everyday bathroom. What a dream! We chose to remove the built-in tub and added an elegant white free-standing tub. The wall-mount faucet is in matte black, coordinating with the vanity fixtures and hardware. The tub is a jetted tub and includes many features that provide a luxury spa experience at home.

We elected to add a small wainscot wall behind the tub that matches the backsplash wall behind the vanity. This ties various elements together and provides a cohesive design experience. We also added built-in cabinets below the fireplace where the built in tub used to be so the client had storage options in the bathroom. Built-ins, when done right, provide an elegant storage solution. To provide a striking design we added a wrap-around mantle in a dark wood finish. The mosaic small stacked marble around the fireplace was selected to completely separate the fireplace from the wall and create a distinct look. We also installed a chandelier and a TV, contributing to the luxury experience. We loved the work we got to do on this vanity and tub area – stay tuned to learn about the shower and closet modifications for this spa-like experience!

Storybook Brookside Home: Guest Bathroom Updates

Our other projects as part of this whole home remodel project for this Brookside family were two bathrooms: the guest bathroom that the young girls share and the couple’s master bathroom. In the guest bathroom, space was the main concern. The bathroom needed to be designed so both girls could use it at once without feeling so cramped. It also served as the guest bathroom and we wanted to make the new layout accessible for when the grandparents came to visit.

We chose to take the wall out and push it back into one of the girls’ bedrooms which allowed us space to add two full-size vanities, two large mirrors, and even a new linen stack in between the two vanities for additional storage. We were big fans of Quartetto for this project and used it again on the bathroom floor. It’s hard not to be a fan when it allows for cool and interesting designs that are less labor-intensive than traditional tilework. Plus the tiles are matte and not sealed so they make for good flooring !

We installed a brand-new tub and tiled the shower with large format subway tile (which is longer and taller than traditional subway tile). We used a slate tile because of the wash of color in the cabinets and floor. By using the chalkboard slate color we contrasted the room and added a dramatic element. We kept the shower curtain as our clients didn’t want to add tracks to the bathtub. The toilet maintained its location but was replaced with a new toilet.

One of the girls had lots of indoor plants, so we created a shelf specifically to be installed in the bathroom window to allow space for then to get sunshine, while not cluttering the vanity countertop. We also installed medicine cabinets above the sinks framed with crown molding with outlets inside the cabinets. This is a custom design from Wineteer that we like to include in bathroom remodels whenever possible to create a sleek look.

We loved these simple touches to this Kansas City bathroom remodel that elevated the space, made it accessible for guests, and ensured the young girls would have a space to grow into. Stay tuned for the final part of this series where we share about the master bathroom renovation!

AIP Bathroom Design Part Two: Features and Fixtures

As part two to our recent accessible bathroom remodel, today we’re sharing about the other accessible features in the space. These include a high-end and aesthetically pleasing flip-up-flip-down shower seat, a shower caddy that is reachable by the patient when they are in the seat, and several towel bars and grab bars (both within the shower and outside the shower). These grab bars support the weight of a patient but look elegant enough to just appear as a towel bar. To ensure natural light comes through the space we included a glass block window and made the shower wall half-glass so light can continue through. This was not a feature that was in the space previously and was custom-designed by Wineteer Construction. In fact, the space previously hosted a Whirlpool tub where the shower lives today.

This master bathroom includes a Wineteer custom feature: outlets inside the cabinets so all small appliances (such as toothbrushes) can be permanently plugged in and hidden from view. Little details that make life easier are Wineteer’s specialty! The medicine cabinet is 6 inches deep and is hidden behind the mirror. We added brand-new lighting to the ceiling and walls with a new chandelier, sconce lighting, and specific lighting for the shower.

The toilet closet was made larger to accommodate a walker or wheelchair. The doorway was opened up and made into a 36-in door (standard for accessible spaces). We also added an outlet by the toilet and a bidet toilet seat. These were all features that our client didn’t have to think of as we are experienced with creating AIP master bathrooms. This took one more thing off the client’s plate and made it so the remodeling process was as easy as possible.

For faucets and features we included polished nickel (which is like chrome but has a gold-like stainless steel finish). This bathroom features cabinetry work from Decker with inset doors and drawers and also includes a roll-under vanity for the patient’s wheelchair. (This doubles as a makeup vanity if you add a chair beneath it.) The floor-to-ceiling linen cabinet we installed was designed specially to house the patient’s totes of medical supplies. We placed this where the previous shower lived in the original design as it made the most sense for how the couple uses the bathroom today. This is a great example of how we design to make the space work for you and your needs, both today and in the future.