A Special Bathroom Story: A Customized Remodel to Meet Your Needs

For most of us, our bathrooms may not to be the centerpiece of our homes. However, a larger bathroom that is more spacious and designed for someone who may be aging in place and have mobility issues, can make a huge difference to their quality of life.

Bathroom Remodel Case Study
One recent client became interested in installing a “curbless” shower when remodeling their bathroom due that very reason: mobility concerns. The couple’s home, a custom-built charmer circa 1970 nestled in the Oakland hills, was already equipped with many interesting features before the work began: an open floor plan, a flat lot that was perfect for indoor-outdoor living, and a modern design’s breezy speciousness, among other features.

The bathroom itself was large (8″ x14”) with a separate dressing area. The existing bathroom had sunken bath tub that was removed once the remodeling began. The goal: make it roomier, more functional and safer, and reflect the owner’s sophisticated tastes. But there were some potential challenges right from the start. For example, the city of Oakland strictly reinforces their code for curbless showers –a minimum of (42 x40 or 30 x38) and other requirements. Fortunately, that was not an issue here.

Still, the new remodel required two linear drains, and a potentially more troubling alteration, dropping the subfloor– a seemingly indestructible 6″ slab of concrete. In spite of this, every logistical challenge was met and the owner happily selected some stylish materials and design elements: large tiles, which are very popular these days though requiring a very flat surface; and a stunning white porcelain tile floor, to simulate wood plank, and high-quality cabinetry manufactured by “Wet Style,” a Canadian company that produces furniture-grade case work. The execution of this unique bathroom required time and precision, but when completed met with the client’s total satisfaction.

Bathroom Remodel Value
A bathroom addition or remodel often provides great financial value. While the cost to remodel a bathroom in San Francisco Bay Area is higher than the rest of the country, the good news is that the average return on investment is over 90 percent. In fact, some bathrooms that represent mid-range projects see a 110 percent return on investment while high-end remodels see nearly 95 percent.

Refinancing rates are expected to stay low throughout 2021, so if you’ve been thinking about a bathroom remodel now may be a good time to put your plan into action.