Bathroom remodel

What Are the Most Common Mistakes Made During a Bathroom Remodel?

Posted by Jordan Beissel on

Updating your old bathroom is an exciting project—one that is well worth getting just right. With so many options to consider, however, the remodeling process can feel overwhelming, which can lead to costly missteps if you are not careful. 

How do you ensure your bathroom remodel achieves all your goals—without losing time or spending more than you should? To help you stay on track, our renovation pros have put together a list of things to be aware of as you renovate your bathroom.

Seven Ways a Bathroom Remodel Can Go Amiss

Avoiding renovation mistakes begins with pinpointing and tackling challenging issues head-on. These seven areas are the most common problems we see arise in bathroom remodels—and our suggested solutions: 

1. Failing to Plan Thoroughly

While your bathroom may seem like a small space, it contains many important elements—from plumbing and electrical systems to finish materials and spa-like splurges, and everything in between. If you are not careful, you could overlook details that can lead to delays, extra labor, and other issues.

What to do:

Consider all the details before beginning the renovation. Peruse websites, magazines, and showrooms to gather ideas—then work with an experienced design team (like ours) to clarify your remodeling plan.

2. Overlooking Budget

A well-defined budget guides the design choices you make throughout your bathroom upgrades. It allows you to identify what you want to spend more on, as well as areas where you can compromise. If the budget is unrealistic, you could end up overspending on some areas and underspending on others—which can lead to a remodel you are not happy with.

What to do:

Set a budget ahead of the project’s launch. Include additional funds to cover unexpected expenses or surprise repairs—ten to thirty percent extra is a reasonable cushion.

3. Forgetting About a Practical, Accessible Layout

Giving your bathroom a visual makeover can be thrilling—but its functional design matters greatly too. If the bathroom is laid out inefficiently or lacks accessible features, it may be hard to use and enjoy the space fully.

What to do:

Think about the room’s floor plan, fixture layout, and maneuverability. Choose features that give you ample room to move and enjoy the space. Consider installing accessible features such as slip-resistant flooring, grab bars, and lip-free doorways for those who may wish to age in place.

4. Neglecting Storage Space

Insufficient storage can limit how comfortable it is to use your bathroom. Cluttered counters are unsightly, while a lack of cabinets and shelves can mean having to walk down the hall to get towels and other supplies. 

What to do:

Take time to consider how you use your bathroom and what you would like to store within it. A well-designed bathroom makes it easy to have everything you need within convenient reach. Wall hooks, towel racks, cosmetics drawers, medicine cabinets, and shelves are all good options—and tailored cabinetry can be built to customize your storage options.

5. Ignoring Good Lighting and Ventilation

Aging bathrooms often suffer from a lack of airflow and adequate lighting due to issues such as a broken window, lack of a fan, or an old-fashioned light that does not illuminate everything evenly. Insufficient lighting makes it hard to prepare yourself for your day, while poor ventilation leads to a humid space susceptible to moisture damage.

What to do:

Incorporate windows, fans, and light fixtures into your design plans. Strategically place sconces and lights around the room and consider task lighting to make it simple to apply makeup or shave. Install proper vents to encourage airflow and reduce condensation.

6. Choosing the Wrong Materials and Finishes

As you envision the possibilities for your new bathroom, you may find yourself looking at many attractive materials—but not all of them may be practical for the damp environment. Luxury photos of bathrooms steeped in wood and natural stone may look beautiful, but materials like these are less resistant to moisture and bathroom cleansers. Also, lower-end products may save on costs initially, but they may wear down quicker, requiring you to make repairs or replacements sooner than you would like.

What to do:

Work closely with your remodeling team to weigh the pros and cons of every fixture that will be installed in your new bathroom. Being well informed can help you to make the best choices for you and your home. Focus your splurges on features that you can enjoy for many years—such as cozy, heated flooring, or ceramics with a specialty finish for long-lasting performance.

7. Doing It Yourself

It can be tempting to take on home renovations yourself, but keep in mind—a bathroom remodel is a complex project that can be hard to complete on your own. While painting and hanging towel racks may be doable, other tasks, such as laying tile, are labor-intensive and difficult. If you lack experience, the results can look unprofessional and lackluster—and may lead to a costly redo.

What to do:

Find a bathroom renovation crew that you can count on to do the work right the first time. Let them do what they are experts at doing—so you can relax and enjoy your beautiful, luxurious new bathroom!

Prevent Bathroom Remodeling Mishaps with Pro Planning and Execution from Beissel Renovation

A lovely, well-designed bathroom can truly invigorate your home and make it easier to pamper yourself. New bathrooms also appeal to buyers, meaning they are a practical investment to increase your house’s overall value. 

Of course, it pays to do the work right—from planning to execution—so you achieve superior results. At Beissel Renovation, a part of Beissel Window & Siding, we provide a seamless design-build approach that streamlines the remodeling process. Discover how a new bathroom remodel from our team can bring a wonderful, spa-like experience to your daily life.

Pros and Cons of Walk-in vs. Cabinet Pantries

Pros and Cons of Walk-in vs. Cabinet Pantries

Posted by Jordan Beissel on

As you plan and envision your kitchen remodel or addition, one of the most important questions to consider is how you will create and use your kitchen storage. The most common options are cabinetry and a full walk-in pantry. Both offer pluses and minuses to weigh.

To help you decide which option fits your new kitchen better, our team has put together this handy list of pros and cons for both walk-in pantries and cabinetry. These informative tips can make it easier to firm up your kitchen’s design:

Walk-in Pantries: The Advantages and Drawbacks

A walk-in pantry is a closet or room set off the kitchen as a separate storage space. These spaces can be customized with built-in shelves, drawers, and other special features that can help streamline your kitchen activities. 

Pro: Roomy Storage Available

One major plus of investing in a walk-in pantry is its spacious storage. Walk-in pantries are filled with shelves from floor to ceiling and can accommodate not only food items, canned goods, and spices—but also small appliances, extra dishes and serving pieces, cleaning supplies, food storage containers, and more. This simplifies where you store items, and it helps keep counters free of clutter.

In addition, a walk-in pantry is set apart from the main kitchen, so it does not take up precious floor space. This gives you more room for splurge features such as a butcher block island and seating.

Pro: Versatile and Flexible Organization

When it comes to storage options, walk-in pantries make it easy to get creative. You can build in a wide range of customized shelving and drawer options to suit your personal needs. A few of our favorite examples include:

  • Cut-out or U-shaped shelves that enhance convenient access to small items, like spices
  • Internal drawers with different heights to maximize your available space
  • Adjustable shelves that can be rearranged anytime to adapt to changing storage needs
  • Motion sensor lighting that automatically turns on and off when you use the pantry

 

To add more convenience, you can use clear storage containers, labeled jars, door hangers, pegboards, and other organizational features. Our team can design and install any unique features you may dream of.

Pro: Handy for Hiding Small Appliances

Keeping your toaster, air fryer, mixer, and espresso machine on your counters can contribute to a cluttered, messy kitchen. A walk-in pantry creates room to store these appliances when not in use. This gives you more space on your counters and helps prevent these appliances from gathering dust by keeping them more accessible.

Con: Added Room Required for Installation

Walk-in pantries need a lot of room, which means they may take away space from the rest of your kitchen’s layout. If square footage for your new kitchen is limited, a walk-in pantry may not be the best option. 

Con: High Maintenance Involved

With numerous shelves and drawers, a walk-in pantry can need frequent cleaning to stay dust-free. Also, it can be tempting to let the space get cluttered, so you may find yourself investing time in reorganizing it.

Con: Occasional Inconvenience

Since a walk-in pantry is set apart from the rest of your kitchen, the items within it may not be “at hand” when you are in the middle of cooking. If the space is not well organized, you may spend more time searching for ingredients you rarely use. 

Cabinet Storage: Pros & Cons

A cabinet pantry is a part of your kitchen’s overall footprint. Rather than having a separate room for storage, the cabinet is built directly into your kitchen’s walls. The cabinet typically runs floor to ceiling with shelves for you to store items within.

Pro: Efficient Use of a Small Space

Cabinet pantries are compact and efficient, and they are especially useful for small kitchen layouts that do not have the square footage to add a separate walk-in pantry. Pull-out drawers and u-shaped cutout shelves can be included to make a cabinet pantry easier to organize.

Pro: Convenient Access

Because a cabinet pantry is incorporated into the layout of your kitchen, it can be positioned where it will be easiest and quickest to grab ingredients while you are cooking. The efficiently designed space helps to ensure your storage does not become cluttered or unwieldy. The use of pull-out shelves makes it less likely you will lose items in the back of your cabinet pantry.

Pro: Ideal in Small Kitchens

Cabinetry does not require as much square footage as a full walk-in pantry. With a cabinet pantry, it becomes easier to maximize existing floor space. This can be especially advantageous if you are remodeling a small kitchen without adding more square footage to your house.

Con: Limited Storage

Cabinet pantries, by nature, have fewer, narrower shelves than an expansive walk-in pantry. As a result, you may find yourself with less room for keeping grocery items. Rather than stockpiling groceries and other supplies, you may have to shop a little more often.

Con: Lack of Room for Large Items

If you want to hide bulky toasters and bread machines when not in use, a cabinet pantry may not be spacious enough to allow that. Those items may need to remain on counters or be placed in cabinets beneath counters, reducing storage for other items like pots and dishes that you would like within easy reach when cooking.

Con: Less Counter Space

A cabinet pantry takes up wall space, which means you cannot use that area of the kitchen for additional counter space. Many homeowners help to offset this issue by making room for a kitchen island, which provides additional workspace on top and more storage underneath..

Envision Your Kitchen Redesigned to Perfection with the Design-Build Expertise of Beissel Renovation

Walk-in pantries and cabinetry both offer distinct advantages. Ultimately, the right choice depends on how you plan to use your kitchen and what your house’s footprint will allow. We can help you get abundantly creative with the space you have!

As a part of Beissel Window & Siding, our team at Beissel Renovation has years of experience and a keen design eye for reimagining kitchens in the Twin Cities area. Reach out anytime to set up a consultation—and discover how a customized kitchen remodel can make your home lifestyle more functional and enjoyable.

Proven Solutions to Reduce Bathroom Humidity in Twin Cities Homes

Proven Solutions to Reduce Bathroom Humidity in Twin Cities Homes

Posted by Jordan Beissel on

Frustrated by a bathroom that feels constantly damp? While a little moisture is common in any bath space, too much humidity can be uncomfortable—and a precursor to costly damage too. Mold, mildew, wood rot, and other problems can all arise with excess moisture, and that added humidity sure feels unpleasant as well.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the moisture in your bathroom, so you can enjoy a healthy, cozy, fully-functional space. Here are several approaches to help you solve the issue:

8 Solutions to Minimize Excess Moisture in Your Bathroom

A combination of smart habits, regular upkeep, and moisture-repellant materials all work together to help reduce excessive dampness.

1. Invest in an Exhaust Fan

One of the most practical methods to manage moisture is to ensure your bathroom has good ventilation. Older homes in the Twin Cities often lack exhaust fans or have one that performs poorly. Updating to a new fan with a higher capacity is a good place to start. In the Twin Cities region, our climate can be fairly humid, so consider installing a humidity-sensing fan that turns on and off automatically. You can also add a timer to your fan so that it turns off after a set amount of time, which makes it even easier to use your fan.

For best results, turn on your fan while you bathe and then keep it running for 20–30 minutes afterward to pull the extra moisture out of the air. Clean it regularly to remove dust and replace its air filter as needed.

2. Use a Dehumidifier

Another handy tool to consider is a dehumidifier, which pulls air into it and collects the excess moisture in a reservoir that can be emptied regularly. There are systems that work for your entire house if needed, or you can use a portable dehumidifier strictly in the bath area. 

Look for a unit that collects up to 40 pints of water daily for small rooms, or 40-60 pints for medium-sized baths. Select a product that uses HEPA filters, has an automatic shut-off, and lights up when the reservoir is full.

3. Open Windows and Doors

When the weather is mild in the Twin Cities and you are not running your heat or air-conditioning, why not open the windows? Allowing outdoor and indoor air to circulate is refreshing, and it also quickens the evaporation process.

Opening the bathroom door also encourages humid air to move out of the bath, which can enable moisture to dry up a little faster.

4. Hang Live Plants

Green plants add a touch of beauty and natural elegance to any bathroom, and the right ones can help dehumidify the space. Choose plants that are known to thrive on humidity, as they will absorb moisture and help create crisp, fresh air. A few types that do this well are aloe vera, bamboo, cactus, English ivy, Boston fern, orchids, and begonias.

Note: Not all plants can reduce humidity—some increase it instead. Double check with your florist or garden center to be sure the plants you choose will not add excess moisture to the air.

5. Wipe Down Wet Surfaces

Bathing, shaving, and other self-care tasks can leave little puddles of water in sinks and drains. Simply taking a moment to wipe down (or squeegee) these surfaces helps any remaining dampness to evaporate more quickly. This, in turn, impedes the growth of mold and mildew, and lessens the risks of slipping on slick flooring.

6. Take Short, Cool Showers

Updating your bathroom routine can make it easier to maintain a comfortable, dry space. Shorter showers and baths reduce the amount of steam in the air. Keeping water temperatures cooler also reduces steam and is more energy efficient too. Hang wet clothes and damp towels outside the bathroom instead of inside it.

7. Perform Maintenance and Make Repairs

When your bathroom fixtures leak or are in disrepair, issues like mold growth, mildewed grout, rotted flooring, and more can crop up. It is vital to fix these problems and stay proactive in maintaining your bathroom to keep moisture damage from taking root. If you notice wet pipes or defective faucets, have them checked and fixed as soon as possible.

In addition, repair any damaged seals around windows, doors, the shower stall, and the tub. Replace missing or old caulking to ensure a watertight seal. These simple methods of upkeep lessen moisture’s damaging effects and help your bathroom to stay in excellent shape longer.

8. Remodel to Address Larger Concerns

A little humidity in your home from time to time can be annoying, but when the problem persists, it may be a sign of lingering moisture damage that should be addressed. After all, too much dampness may lead to issues such as structural rot, which can be costly to repair.

Signs that a renovation may be in order include peeling paint, crumbling plaster, broken pipes, a sinking floor underneath the shower, tub, or toilet—or simply an older layout that no longer meets your needs. If you are considering a renovation, these tips can help your bathroom be less humid:

  • Choose replacement windows that increase ventilation, such as awning, casement, or double-hung windows. These window types are easy to operate and to leave open for more air-flow.
  • Update window frames to non-porous materials that resist moisture, such as vinyl or fiberglass instead of wood. 
  • Replace tile and grouting with seamless shower panels to reduce the places that mold can begin to grow.
  • Remove any materials that capture moisture (like carpets!), and update them with other options that are more water-resistant.

Achieve Your Dream Bathroom with a Beautiful, Efficient Remodel Crafted by the Experts

A comfortable, humidity-free bathroom is worth pursuing. Taking steps today to create your dream space is a smart way to give yourself years of enjoyment—without having to worry about the problems caused by moisture damage.

At Beissel Renovation, our team takes pride in creating lovely, practical bathroom designs that delight you! As a part of Beissel Window & Siding, we draw on decades of expertise to ensure your home remodeling suits your vision and your goals. Discover how we can solve your humidity concerns and transform your bathroom into an inviting, soothing oasis.

Best Flooring Options for Radiant Heat in Kitchens and Bathrooms

Best Flooring Options for Radiant Heat in Kitchens and Bathrooms

Posted by Jordan Beissel on

Are you less than thrilled with feeling cold floors as you move about your house? Radiant floor heating offers an appealing way to enjoy comfortable, warm and soothing living spaces during the Twin Cities’ frigid winter months.

Of course, to make the most of your investment, it pays to select the right flooring material—and you may not be sure just what to choose. If you are remodeling your bathrooms or kitchen, consider these materials that handle radiant heating well:

Which Flooring Features Are a Good Fit for Radiant Heating?

Certain traits make it easier (or harder) for different types of flooring to pair well with radiant heating systems. Look for the following features:

  • Safe, reliable heat conduction — The flooring must warm up and hold heat consistently. Some materials (like stone and tile) do this better than others. Thin floors conduct warmth better than dense ones.
  • Resistance to expansion and contraction — Radiant heating exposes your flooring to changing temperatures. Materials that expand and contract (like wood) may warp or break as a result.
  • Resilience against moisture — Thermal systems come in two types: electric and hydronic (water-filled tubes). If you choose the hydronic type, there is a possibility the tubes could leak, so select flooring that resists moisture damage.

How Different Styles of Flooring Perform with a Radiant Heating System

When choosing your floor material for the kitchen, bathroom, and other spaces where you want warmth underfoot, weigh appearance, performance, and other factors to determine what matters most to you. Below, you will find a list of flooring styles and how well they handle radiant heating:

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are ideal for use with radiant systems because their thin, mineral-based makeup conducts heat with ease. They will not rot or deteriorate if heating tubes leak. Also, tile heats up quickly and stays warm for a while after the system is turned off, which is a nice plus.

Natural Stone

Another excellent choice is authentic stone. It can be exposed to hot temperatures safely since it will not expand and contract. It holds onto warmth even longer than ceramic or porcelain, though it also takes longer to warm up.

Laminate

This material is thin, which helps with thermal conduction. There are a few challenges to be aware of, however. First, laminate is susceptible to moisture and may be damaged if the heating tubes leak, so it works best with an electric system. Second, most laminates only tolerate temperatures of up to 80–85 degrees, setting a limit on how high you can turn up the heating system. Finally, laminate tends to be comfortable even without heat, so you may want radiant heating beneath it only in rooms that get very cold.

Vinyl

Many types of luxury vinyl, sheet vinyl, and vinyl tile can be used with radiant heating systems because this material has good thermal conductivity. It also resists moisture and does not contract or expand much. Like laminate, however, it has a maximum temperature of 80–85 degrees or less. Use only vinyl products that are rated safe for use with floor heating.

Engineered Wood

Engineered wood is made of a high-performing plywood base, topped with a layer of hardwood veneer. It is sturdy and unlikely to expand and contract, so it can handle temperature changes induced by a heating system beneath it. However, it is also thicker than other flooring types, so it may not warm as quickly or completely as other materials, and it can be damaged should the heating tubes of a hydronic system spring a leak.

Carpeting

Carpets are rarely ideal in kitchen and bathroom settings, but you may wish to install it in wardrobe closets and bedrooms. If so, a radiant heating system underneath your carpet can work, but only if you use a thin, low-ply fabric. Note that thick carpeting with heavy padding can insulate against the radiant heating, making the system less effective.

Cork

Used for its sustainability and cushioned feel underfoot, some types of cork flooring can handle being heated. Check manufacturer guidelines first to ensure your cork floor will work with a radiant heating system.

What Flooring to Avoid if You Desire to Use Radiant Heating

While many types of floors can work well with a heating system, there are a few materials to stay away from:

Solid Hardwood

Natural wood may look lovely, but it is not ideal when paired with radiant heating. This is especially true with dense hardwoods, which expand and contract when exposed to heat. As the wood cools, it can be vulnerable to humidity and moisture.

Concrete

Radiant systems are normally placed between the top layer and bottom layer of flooring, but since concrete is laid as a single, solid block, it has no place for radiant heating to be installed. If, however, you add a top layer such as tile, the heating tubes can be placed on top of the concrete and underneath the tile.

Thick, Glued-Down Carpet

Adhesives such as tape and glue lose their stickiness when exposed to hot temperatures, so avoid glued-down carpeting if you are also using radiant heating.

Rubber

Rubber flooring can emit an unpleasant odor when exposed to high heat, so it does not pair well with radiant systems.

Enjoy Luxuriously Heated Floors Installed with Precision Craftsmanship in Your Twin Cities House

Heated floors offer a wonderfully relaxing way to keep your house warm and comfortable year-round, especially in your kitchen and bathrooms. Of course, to make the most of your investment, it pays to choose the right flooring material for your taste and preferences.

At Beissel Renovation, a part of Beissel Window & Siding, our team values the personal touch and is happy to help you find a customized flooring solution that meets all your goals—radiant heating included. We invite you to browse our recent floor installations and picture the possibilities for your home!