Master bathrooms have become a retreat for pampering and relaxation. Even if you’re on a budget, these three features can be included in your remodel to transform your bathroom into a private spa.

Double Vanity Sinks – Fighting for sink or vanity space in the morning is never a good way to start the day. A vanity cabinet of at least 60” will allow for two sinks and separate storage – giving both you and your partner plenty of elbow space to primp and prep in the morning.

Double Vanity Sinks

Double Vanity-L-Shaped w/Bench

Freestanding Tub – Older master bathrooms often host a bulky corner whirlpool tub, and most homeowners never used these tubs. Additionally, their oversized shape means there is only a small space leftover for a shower. Today many are opting for a freestanding tub, which takes up less space and provides a stylish design feature. Freestanding tubs can be heated, bubble message, whirlpool, or just soakers. The smaller footprint of these tubs then leaves for more space for a walk-in shower.

Cozy space with Freestanding tub

Large Walk-In Shower – When remodeling a master bathroom, large, well-lit walk-in showers are a feature that appeal to many who are looking for a soothing sanctuary. Multiple shower heads, rain shower head, and body sprays are luxury add-ons that are well worth the expense for those who like to ease the day’s stress under a steaming spray. Clear glass panels and walls open the shower to more natural light and make the space feel even larger.

If your budget and space allow for it, some other features to consider in your master bathroom remodel are extra storage with a linen cabinet or closet, proper lighting with dimmers and recessed lights, decorative tile or mosaic elements, heated floors, or a heated towel rack.

Call our designers today to discuss how we can help you design your perfect master bathroom retreat. (262) 696-8131

Whether you’re looking to build a home addition, finish your basement, or remodel your living room, kitchen, bathroom, an Interior Designer can be a real asset to your project. A designer can help you make the hard decisions and even introduce you to styles and concepts that you may not have thought of on your own. Still not sure? This post discusses the many benefits you’ll enjoy when working with a professional Designer. But first – What is Interior Design?

What is Interior Design?

Collaborating with an Interior Designer

In short, interior design is the art and science of understanding a client’s personality and lifestyle and using that information to plan functional spaces within their home. A designer will spend one-on-one time with a client determining their needs and style, consider the existing structure and features of the home, and develop solutions to create aesthetically pleasing rooms.

What Are the Benefits of Working with an Interior Designer?

The skills of an experienced designer can save you time and money and help you to complete your project with a level of precision that is difficult to do on your own. From kitchen and bath design to basement finishes and additions, interior designers draw on current elements in and around your home and open your eyes to what is possible while being honest about what will not work.

An interior designer can ease your stress. They will take your ideas and craft a space that will make your vision a reality. Their trained eye can ease the worry of indecision and the stress of wondering if selections will look good together. And their professional experience will alleviate the concern over style and materials standing the test of time and years of use.  They often create Design Portfolios to keep your selections in one easy document so you can see your vision as it comes to life.

Kitchen Interior Design

An interior designer offers both time and money savings benefits. They do the leg work for you, tracking down materials, colors, and products to fit your envisioned space. They also anticipate obstacles and work to find a solution before you even know they exist. Utilizing a designer’s experience is a smart financial investment too. They can find styles and suggest products that will fit into your budget without skimping on the wow factor.

After the final design is decided and selections are made, the designer will streamline the communication with your General Contractor. A great designer knows how to speak the lingo when it comes to communicating with architects and contractors. Things you might not even consider, such as vent and outlet placement, really make a difference in the room. Addressing these types of needs before construction begins saves times, avoids hassles, and eliminates extra charges in the future.

Bathroom Interior Design

Our designers look forward to the opportunity to work with you. Give us a call today at 262-696-8131 or use the contact form to the right to schedule your initial complimentary consultation. Please visit our “Remodeling Process” page to learn how Interior Design services fit into GMH Construction’s overall process.

We are currently living in a seller’s real estate market. Home prices are climbing ever higher and are selling within hours of being put on the market. These challenges often cause an ideal home to slip through your fingers.  With these ever-present realities, many current homeowners are looking into building additions (up or out) or changing the floor plan of their current home to make it more suitable for their needs (tear down this wall, shift that wall, remodel and expand the kitchen, finish the basement, etc.)

What needs to be considered when adjusting your floor plan?

Interior walls often have multiple purposes. Some walls are structural or load bearing, others are used to house water and drain lines or large HVAC vents and runs. Most contractors do not have X-Ray vision to see through your walls to find these hidden features, but the more experienced ones will be able to investigate in the attic or basement to find these issues before a home remodeling and design project starts. Infrared devices or scoping equipment are also on the market to see the finer details. Knowing the secrets in your walls will ultimately affect the final design.

Relocated Mechanicals for Flush Ceiling

Hidden Mechanicals Discovered at Demo

Why work with a designer or architect?

Three words: vision, talent, and expertise. A good designer or architect is knowledgeable in the basics of building construction. He or she can think creatively to picture the space in a way you may not have considered. They can draw on current elements in your home and surrounding and open your eyes to what is possible while being honest about what will not work. A designer can also smooth the process of selecting specific design elements and give you the confidence that the final plans will fit your every need and wish.

Midnight Blue Island – After

Midnight Blue Island – Before

Gathering Space with Wet Bar

Living-in-place is an increasing trend. With fewer available events and extracurricular activities, families are spending more time together at home. Looking for a new retreat in your house? A fun place to hang out with family and friends? Or just somewhere to give the kids more room to play? Many people overlook a basement remodel when they plan to add space to their home.

Yet, with the right remodeling contractor, your unfinished lower level has the potential to be whatever you need.

What are the Advantages?

When you close your eyes, what “dream room” do you imagine your basement becoming? An entertainment room with rustic wood bar; a flashy, fun game room; a multi-screen man-cave with a beer fridge; a comfy, large-screen theater room; an eclectic, uber-organized craft room; a spacious guest suite with full bathroom for the in-laws; or a cozy personal hide-away with a fireplace?

Comfy Rec Room

Chic Extra Bedroom

Bathroom Retreat

When planning how to finish your basement space, upfront cost and long-term investment value need to be part of the consideration. Keep in mind that, not only can you take advantage of the space while you live there but, on average, a homeowner can recoup between 60%-70% of the cost.

For example, a 1000 square foot finished basement with bath and bar might cost you $85,000 or more, but it could add $55,000 of value onto your home and bring additional resale appeal.

Important Factors to Keep in Mind

To make your basement a safe place to hang out with the family, it needs to be dry, clean, and up to local building code standards. Always work with a basement remodeling specialist who is licensed in your state and will obtain the proper permits.

Bedroom with Egress Window

The first step is to waterproof and repair any foundation issues. That will prevent your beautiful new rooms from experiencing unwanted water damage. Depending on how you plan to use your space, an egress window may be required for a second exit point and the additional natural light that it will provide to a room. Proper insulation on the walls and in the ceiling will help with any noise dampening and HVAC ducting will keep your entertainment areas warm and comfortable.

When all the planning and construction is complete, you’ll be ready to gather your closest friends and family for a party! It’s gratifying for everyone to see a beautifully finished basement filled with people enjoying themselves, especially if one reason for the renovation was to entertain!

Built In Entertainment Center

Bathroom w/Walk-In Shower

So, you’ve met with Greg or Dane a few weeks ago and have been (patiently?) waiting to see what ideas they may present for your kitchen or bathroom remodel project. Depending on the size of the project, you will be presented with either a Design Retainer or a Proposal. This article will focus specifically on the Design Retainer process.

If your project is larger and requires walls to be built or removed, a Design Retainer will be your next step. This could be the case for basement finishes or when a kitchen remodel requires adjusting the layout on the first floor. A Design Retainer allows us to design intelligently and accurately estimate the project cost. The important work completed in the design process leads to more accurate budgets, a design you envisioned, maximum return on your investment, and better planning by us.

If you decide to work with GMH on your project, we will set an appointment for a field measure. Depending on the scope of work, we may bring in a designer whom we think is best suited for your project. During the measuring meeting, we review the project goals, measure the rooms, and photograph the existing layout and features, including the mechanicals such as electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems.

After the field measure and site review, there will be a few design review meetings starting with a review of the basic proposed layout options.  Over the course of these meetings, your design will evolve from a general concept to specific details. Floor plans, elevations, and perspectives help you visualize your project.

After creating a plan and design matching your vision, the scope of work and project budget are refined. You will then receive a list of selections and allowances to begin meeting with our local vendors and interior designers to finalize selections of finishes, products, and materials.

By the end of these meetings, you will have a completed design and selections that you absolutely LOVE and can’t wait to live in!

Design Rendering

Final Project