Wildwood Bathroom Remodeling Project
It’s not that this master bathroom located in Wildwood, MO was terrible. The interior design of the bathroom was never the prettiest and it certainly wasn’t the most functional. After twenty years of use, this master bathroom was definitely in need of a remodel.
Existing Wildwood Bathroom Before Remodel
Built in 1995, this second floor master bathroom spanned 120 square feet and included many of the finishes that were common from the mid-90s era. The vanity tops, tub and shower were all made out of cultured marble. Both vanity cabinets were only 30″ high which is significantly lower compared the 36″ vanity height we build today. All fixtures were different finishes. The vanity faucets were polished chrome with brass accents and the shower door trim was brushed nickel.
The tile floor was showing it’s age and had several areas where cracks formed and the grout was discolored. The vent fans that are yellow in color, sound like an jet taking off and barely move any air. It was decided early on that we were basically starting over with this master bath remodeling project.
Proposed Wildwood Bathroom Design Ideas
Like all Thompson Price Kitchen and Bathroom remodels, our 4P Process was followed to help take kitchen from what it was to what we wanted it to become. Perfect Plan begins with a site visit performed by members the Thompson Price Design Team. We have multiple goals at this stage. The first is to take complete and accurate dimensions of the existing space. We also take around 100 photos of existing kitchen spaces so we can recreate the existing space along with the utilities to begin the design phase. In most cases, Perfect Plan starts with two complete new designs for each kitchen or bathroom remodel.
During our initial design conversations, the customer made clear that they never use the large corner bath tub and they would be open to eliminating it if we could show them an option without it. They also wanted to make the closets closer in size because one was a full walk-in master closet where the other was only a small reach-in closet. A modern bathroom and large shower were also high on the list for their new bathroom design ideas.
Design Plan A
Our first design, Plan A, focused on making better use of the abandoned tub area. In this bathroom design, we removed the tub along with the corner windows above it to make room for a full-length vanity that combined both vanities together. By combining the vanities, it allowed for a much larger shower in it’s original location.
You might also notice the entire doorway into the room was relocated. This was necessary to make both closets similar size but it also made more sense so you didn’t enter the bathroom right where someone might be standing at the vanity.
Design Plan B
Plan B, our second master bathroom design for this space, still had the tub and windows removed. We also kept the new closet configuration that same. However, we also showed the customer an option for relocating the shower to the corner where the tub used to be. This option allowed for the largest shower we could get into the space – almost 25 square feet. This shower option also required keeping the vanity areas separate.
Wildwood Bathroom Design Revisions and Product Specifications
This project only went through 1 revision before getting to the version we specified and priced. Once we have the design complete, we move into Perfect Products. Our design team specifies products based on design considerations, budget considerations, style-preferences. The goal is to give every customer multiple price points for each project. It’s like getting multiple bids but each price is based on the same design so we’re comparing apples to apples. Once specifications are completed, we move into Perfect Price which is the obviously the pricing stage of the bathroom remodeling project.
Wildwood Bathroom Remodel: Pricing and product alternatives
Bathrooms are expensive rooms to remodel. Bathrooms on a second floor are usually even more expensive. Think about it. First, we have to work within constraints of utilities that run from upstairs all the way down to the basement. Relocating these utilities to reconfigure the layout requires licensed professionals and can get costly really quickly.
Upstairs bathrooms are also more expensive because of the added time. Think about it. Everything has to come out, go down the stairs and out of the house. All of the new stuff has to go up the stairs and in place. Large items like shower panels, cabinets and countertops often require two people to maneuver the item up the steps without damaging walls. Trips out to the van for tools or trips to the garage to make cuts all add up to longer project duration which means more time and more costs.
We knew the existing corner windows over the tub area had to go. This was a challenge for two reasons.
1. This master bathroom was on the second floor so it’s not easy to get to them. 2. Finding a close match on the vinyl siding is always tricky. Manufacturers are always changing colors and the sun will make anything a different color different than it originally started after years of exposure.
All of these items are things that go into consideration when Thompson Price prices a project. Our goal is always to provide you with a complete installed price so you don’t have to worry about extras and unforeseen items after the project begins.
Wildwood Bathroom Construction & Remodeling Phase
Once the design, pricing and scope are agreed upon, Perfect Project begins. Perfect Project is our all encompassing term for everything from ordering, scheduling, delivering and installing each project. Thompson Price comes out to confirm all of the dimensions and site conditions. We totally agree with the measure twice cut once philosophy. All orders are written and submitted and all of the timelines are arranged with our installers and vendor partners.
This project features our custom cabinet line so shop drawings were created so everyone was on the same page with how the cabinets and related items would be built and installed. Permits are also filed with St Louis County and any other municipalities required for each project.
How Long Did This Wildwood Bathroom Remodel Take?
Demolition and removals for this bathroom remodel began in mid-July. Framing the new walls, roughing in the electric, plumbing, mechanical and passing inspections took about three weeks. The next few weeks were drywall hanging and taping.
Week six and seven was installation of the new tile flooring and shower. Week 8 was installing the new custom bathroom cabinetry. A vanity countertop template was scheduled for early the ninth week. Turnaround for this bathroom vanity counter was three weeks from template and the new quartz countertops were installed in the twelfth week. While we were waiting on the countertops, we installed the new vinyl siding, the new custom hinged heavy-glass shower door and the custom closet systems.
Week 13 was final plumbing installation, electric trim and mechanical final. We also removed any remaining trash and debris from the jobsite and passed final inspections. Our final walkthrough and completion took place the first week of October.
We probably don’t even have to say anything. The midnight blue custom cabinets against the light quartz and tile along with the gold fixtures makes this master bathroom a standout and another successful bathroom renovation by Thompson Price Kitchens, Baths and Home. Your bathroom could be next.
