Luxury Baths for the Rest of Us
By Buddy McMahon Fall 2006
http://renovationtherapist.blogspot.com/
Let’s see if this sounds like you. You are thinking of remodeling that ‘quaint’ 5x7 bath in your apartment. You’ve “had it up to here!” with how “yukky/70’s/pink/etc” it looks and something needs to be done. You’ve seen it done on Trading Spaces, Flip That House, even Extreme Makeover; how hard could it be
You start searching books and magazines for ideas and fall in love with many items, fixtures and features that you see. In reality, your small space seems to be a big problem, right? Are those lovely bathrooms HUGE, with picture windows overlooking the ocean or mountains? We can’t change the view, but with expert insight, you too can have a luxury bath “oasis” to relax in.
The space problem is common in this country, especially in urban areas. I made a career of working on 5 x 7 baths and I’m happy to say there are many, many wonderful and pleasing solutions to this problem. Let’s address a couple of myths that you have probably heard about bathroom renovation.
1. You MUST have a bathtub in the residence for resale. Read: Don’t change a bathtub to a custom shower stall.
I say NONSENSE! The majority of Americans take showers; converting a tub to a custom shower is totally acceptable, especially with more than one bathroom in the residence. Potential buyers will be thrilled that you expended the money and stress on renovation. There is little risk in changing your tub to a shower; one tub in the residence is enough.
2. You will never recoup your entire investment.
The good news from the real estate industry is that you more than recoup your investment. In New York City, reports indicate you can get up to 136% of your investment back upon the sale. How’s that for money well spent!
Now back to the original point. What can you do to the average 5x7 bathroom?
Convert a Tub to a Shower
Converting a tub to a shower stall is one way to maximize space. Typical tubs average 27” x 57” x 12” of soaking space, great if you are 4’7”, but most people are taller and can’t relax in 12” of water! If willing to swap tub-for-shower, you can add conveniences to enhance the shower experience, including a shower bench and hand shower. Ladies, how nice to sit on a shower bench while shaving your legs, a hand shower within reach for rinsing off?
Get Creative With Plumbing Options
There are many interesting plumbing options that can economically upgrade your shower experience. His & her thermostatic faucets allow you to set the water stream to multiple fixed temperatures; body sprays (up to six sprays or the “full tilt boogie/ car-wash”); rain-type showerheads (rainbar or large disc showerheads); and the ULTIMATE feature – a steam shower.
Let the Light Shine In
Believe it or not, illuminated showerheads are in demand. The water stream is lit from above: WILD! Only ONE brand is “UL-Approved”. “UL-Approved” means the product meets international safety standards. Viabizzuno is Italian made, yet 1/3 the cost of the non-UL Approved competition. [call for more information 917 771 8776]
You probably know that the bathroom is the new oasis for busy workaholics, just as the kitchen is the social hub in the modern home. OK, NYC baths are HARDLY an oasis, but you can use some of the ideas above or pictures from the Rocky Mountain magazines as guidelines. The Renovation Therapist can adapt your ideas and guide you to products that have the desired look but actually fit in your space.
Now, sit back (obviously not it the tub, it’s too small!), take a deep breath, close your eyes and imagine walking into your beautiful, soothing bath ‘oasis’ after a long hard day’s work. Turn on the steam shower, [maybe some aroma therapy as an option?], enjoy the fixtures and accessories you’ve chosen to GIVE you the relaxing experience, sit down on the bench and let the steam melt away the stress of the day.
Sound good? Give a call.
Providing guidance through this often overwhelming process is vital to a successful, on time, within budget and time frame project…as ‘hassle free’ as is possible. . Call now and let’s get started!
http://renovationtherapist.blogspot.com/
917-771-8776
WELCOME!
Thanks for stopping by.
(you are in a safe place!).
If you don't care to read the whole blog at this moment, please feel free to call and I'll happy to discuss your needs with you and what services I might be able to offer you based on our conversation.
917 771 8776
Thanks!
Buddy
(you are in a safe place!).
If you don't care to read the whole blog at this moment, please feel free to call and I'll happy to discuss your needs with you and what services I might be able to offer you based on our conversation.
917 771 8776
Thanks!
Buddy
How it's been done traditionally vs. No Vested Interest/ Expert -HomeOwners Coach & Advocate
Traditionally, many usually ethical, and often excellent firms send out estimators a.k.a. remodeling consultants.
For a fee...sometimes for free...yet all have a vested interest in selling you on doing the job with them.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with that; quite logically, they aren't showing up just to be nice...they want your business.
Except...what's been lacking from this traditional approach:
Unbiased Professional Advice — Without Vested Interest
Until now, there hasn't been a fair,
Such an evaluation, specific to small spaces in old buildings, and the unique demands of existing conditions dictated by original architecture i.e. immovable objects. These spaces offer up their own specific challenges and when renovated have fixed parameters of previous architecture and intended function.
And here is we make the extraordinary happen together.
With my experience and knowledge of how to work within such constraints, as a knowledgeable, nationally known, veteran professional in this industry, I will help give you the confidence to create your game plan as well as make design decisions that manifest your vision.
For a fee...sometimes for free...yet all have a vested interest in selling you on doing the job with them.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with that; quite logically, they aren't showing up just to be nice...they want your business.
Except...what's been lacking from this traditional approach:
Unbiased Professional Advice — Without Vested Interest
Until now, there hasn't been a fair,
un-biased - 2nd professional opinionavailable to the homeowner; an assessment where the client’s best interests are mission one without the confusion of vested interests e.g. commissions, kick backs, finders fees, etc.
Such an evaluation, specific to small spaces in old buildings, and the unique demands of existing conditions dictated by original architecture i.e. immovable objects. These spaces offer up their own specific challenges and when renovated have fixed parameters of previous architecture and intended function.
And here is we make the extraordinary happen together.
With my experience and knowledge of how to work within such constraints, as a knowledgeable, nationally known, veteran professional in this industry, I will help give you the confidence to create your game plan as well as make design decisions that manifest your vision.
The Therapy Session Service
Overwhelmed? Confused? Scared? Don't have a clue how to begin?
From fear to confidence.....from stories to facts:
Now, you can access the accurate information re:
-How to begin the process,
-What you can and can't accomplish in your space.
-What you need to know before interviewing and hiring a designer or contractor.
-How to interview your perspective designer, contractor with confidence and clarity.
-How to simplify this process and maximize your benefits.
*** Get grounded in reality.
*** Knowledge is power.
(your sister-in-law's horror story not withstanding).
-The truth about the hassles & inconveniences you will encounter.
-How to get more of what you want within your budget.
-and more.
The "Ah-Ha" factor : NO VESTED INTEREST
I have developed a :
no vested interests , 'pick the expert's brains'
consulting service to accomplish all this and more ...
1st- a job site inspection with you at the proposed job site (your apartment, one you are about to purchase , etc.)
We will discuss what you wish to accomplish....
and how much you intend to budget...
and anything you aren't completely sure and confident about in order to proceed....
(even if it's everything).
Often, the most important factors, the meat and potatoes of a direction / design / game plan emerge from this one meeting.
Depending on your specific needs ....and requests for additional services:
You may receive a written report:
some design ideas/suggestions, if applicable....
more information about hiring the appropriate professionals to be involved....
some material sourcing information....
and a suggested / typical / realistic start to finish time frame, and more...
This invaluable service cannot help but to pay for itself many times over- with just the information learned through just the job site inspection alone.
Architect's hourly fees, designer's hourly fees, contractor's minimum estimate fees , etc. alone could easily add up - and fast.
While I completely support the belief that you should utilize the services of the appropriate professionals needed 100%
.......getting all your ducks in a row first will save you time , money , and STRESS once those meters are running.
PLEASE NOTE:
If you have a specific need , smaller, different, than the one about to be outlined...e.g. just some professional help with a do-it-yourself-plan...just CALL..we'll be happy to structure any package you need and quote you first. You are in no way bound to the following format, we've simply found it to be more the norm. Hence we defined a standard package.
THE STANDARD PACKAGE:
1st Step:
1st meeting
We will meet at the proposed job site and determine exactly what you want, need and perhaps a few more things you may not have thought of yet.
This initial meeting is, just that, for you & I to meet.
And for me to see the architecture and observe your space and note a few particulars , and an initial understanding of what you want to accomplish.
Then, detailed walk thru of the jobsite. Discussing specifics relating to your desired renovation ideas & wishes.
Digital pictures, measurements, etc. [as deemed necessary for a possible second meeting]
This is similar to a house inspection as well, as I will point out anything I discover or observe that may be of concern to you, whether it involves my services or not.
Plus: you will have some homework assignments to complete before our 2nd meeting.
Budget about 1. 5 - 2 hrs on site.
If you wish to proceed further, from this meeting I will develop a personal package for you of suggested services and costs and schedules, etc.
Recommendations for any other professionals needed.
Essentially a game plan on how to proceed.
2nd Step
2nd meeting:
Thorough presentation of proposed game plan on site, preferably for final fine tuning and discussion of proposed services and estimated costs and scheduling , etc. AND discussion of addition services you may wish to proceed with.
* Discussions of any future meetings needed and any remaining business not addressed up to this point.
Budget approx. approx. 45 mins.- 1 hr. On site.
After 2nd Step-
A.) You may wish to just proceed from this point on your own...or call me in on an as needed basis ,
Any additional services or experts needed to proceed will be presented in the form of a written estimate and definition of scope of work / services.
Note: Some individual professionals may deal with you directly at this point, with me overseeing the overall process.
Some individual professionals may contact you directly for discussions of your needs with them.
An incredibly minimal investment for gaining peace of mind and invaluable knowledge and a clear understanding of possibilities, costs, time frames, and how to proceed with confidence.
Call all for more information: 917-771-8776
no vested interests , 'pick the expert's brains'
consulting service to accomplish all this and more ...
1st- a job site inspection with you at the proposed job site (your apartment, one you are about to purchase , etc.)
We will discuss what you wish to accomplish....
and how much you intend to budget...
and anything you aren't completely sure and confident about in order to proceed....
(even if it's everything).
Often, the most important factors, the meat and potatoes of a direction / design / game plan emerge from this one meeting.
Depending on your specific needs ....and requests for additional services:
You may receive a written report:
some design ideas/suggestions, if applicable....
more information about hiring the appropriate professionals to be involved....
some material sourcing information....
and a suggested / typical / realistic start to finish time frame, and more...
This invaluable service cannot help but to pay for itself many times over- with just the information learned through just the job site inspection alone.
Architect's hourly fees, designer's hourly fees, contractor's minimum estimate fees , etc. alone could easily add up - and fast.
While I completely support the belief that you should utilize the services of the appropriate professionals needed 100%
.......getting all your ducks in a row first will save you time , money , and STRESS once those meters are running.
PLEASE NOTE:
If you have a specific need , smaller, different, than the one about to be outlined...e.g. just some professional help with a do-it-yourself-plan...just CALL..we'll be happy to structure any package you need and quote you first. You are in no way bound to the following format, we've simply found it to be more the norm. Hence we defined a standard package.
THE STANDARD PACKAGE:
1st Step:
1st meeting
We will meet at the proposed job site and determine exactly what you want, need and perhaps a few more things you may not have thought of yet.
This initial meeting is, just that, for you & I to meet.
And for me to see the architecture and observe your space and note a few particulars , and an initial understanding of what you want to accomplish.
Then, detailed walk thru of the jobsite. Discussing specifics relating to your desired renovation ideas & wishes.
Digital pictures, measurements, etc. [as deemed necessary for a possible second meeting]
This is similar to a house inspection as well, as I will point out anything I discover or observe that may be of concern to you, whether it involves my services or not.
Plus: you will have some homework assignments to complete before our 2nd meeting.
Budget about 1. 5 - 2 hrs on site.
If you wish to proceed further, from this meeting I will develop a personal package for you of suggested services and costs and schedules, etc.
Recommendations for any other professionals needed.
Essentially a game plan on how to proceed.
2nd Step
2nd meeting:
Thorough presentation of proposed game plan on site, preferably for final fine tuning and discussion of proposed services and estimated costs and scheduling , etc. AND discussion of addition services you may wish to proceed with.
* Discussions of any future meetings needed and any remaining business not addressed up to this point.
Budget approx. approx. 45 mins.- 1 hr. On site.
After 2nd Step-
A.) You may wish to just proceed from this point on your own...or call me in on an as needed basis ,
Any additional services or experts needed to proceed will be presented in the form of a written estimate and definition of scope of work / services.
Note: Some individual professionals may deal with you directly at this point, with me overseeing the overall process.
Some individual professionals may contact you directly for discussions of your needs with them.
An incredibly minimal investment for gaining peace of mind and invaluable knowledge and a clear understanding of possibilities, costs, time frames, and how to proceed with confidence.
Call all for more information: 917-771-8776
The BIGGEST investment you will EVER make....isn't it worth some expert advice?
Do yourself a favor and gain all these benefits and more immediately, as well as alieviating a lot of the stress you face tackling a renovation project.
Give yourself the opportunity to get a reasonable grasp on this vastly complex process and industry.
Know that you don't know!
There is far too much conflicting, confusing, false and frighteneing information floating about
This will probably one of the largest investments of your lifetime.
Isn't THAT worth an experienced, unbiased, expert 2nd opinion?
Call now to arrange for your appointment.
Give yourself the opportunity to get a reasonable grasp on this vastly complex process and industry.
Know that you don't know!
There is far too much conflicting, confusing, false and frighteneing information floating about
This will probably one of the largest investments of your lifetime.
Isn't THAT worth an experienced, unbiased, expert 2nd opinion?
Call now to arrange for your appointment.
Additional Services available upon request
Some of our many additional professional services available:
- interview contractors / designers with you,
- project coordination (oversee that your proposed plans are being adhered to)
- design services
- material procurement, advice or direct assistance
* a more comprehensive list plus services specific to your project to be made available at 2nd visit.
-call to inquire.
- interview contractors / designers with you,
- project coordination (oversee that your proposed plans are being adhered to)
- design services
- material procurement, advice or direct assistance
* a more comprehensive list plus services specific to your project to be made available at 2nd visit.
-call to inquire.
Call with any questions...
The Renovation Therapist
About Me
- Buddy The Renovation Therapist
- New York, New York, United States
- I have been in the renovation business all my life. I have owned design/build businesses, kitchen & bath showrooms and more. I am a published bath designer a published showroom designer, and a 4th generation Master Plumber. I love sharing my expertise, meeting new clients, seeing new projects...., even as an experienced veteran in these fields, I am still amazed at how one can never stop learning. I love this industry, difficult and complex though it may be, as well as maddening. Long ago, I recognized the HUGE psychological impact and realities , especially for the client/ home owner, (starting with my OWN house!). The dust, the delays, the increased or unexpected costs, the tediousness of local government ,building management companies' processes, ....ALL of that is simply part of a day in the life. What's much more important to me, is that my client is thoroughly prepared for these things and I attempt to bring as much clarity in English, not 'technical-ese' - and peace of mind to the table as is possible under such circumstances.
Credentials
Owned & Operated The McMahon Plumbing Company in Washington, D.C. from 1976 to 1993.
Became involved in Design / Build Concept in the 1980's.
Designed and built a Kitchen and Bath showroom in addition to our Plumbing contracting business and became a Niche/ Specialty Kitchen and Bath Design & Build Business.
Specializing in older architecture and smaller spaces.
Was involved in several professional organizations in D.C. for many years.
NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry).
NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association)
and many others.
Won the COTY award : (Contractor of the Year) Award presented to NARI members for 5 straight years in late 80's / early 90's.
Won numerous awards and had several baths win national design contests in connection with professional magazines and or organizations and also had winning designs published in The Washington Post, Southern Living and other local newspapers as well as several industry magazines and publications.
Wrote a monthly column for two years in a trade magazine on remodeling.
Sat on panels , did public speaking, gave seminars nationally, for Professional Organization Conventions , etc.
Presented a seminar to architects and Designers at Chicago's Merchandise Mart.
More Recently: 1998-2002 opened and worked in management on 5 Expo Design Centers: Plano, Tx., Fairfax, Va., Union, N.J., Paramus, N.J., and Queens, N.Y. Worked on design, layout and construction of the bath & kitchen showrooms in these, pre-opening. Then, supervised the Design Staff and the Bath Showroom Staff working in upper management.
In 2004 , I presided over the design & construction of a small showroom for Central Plumbing Specialties on the corner of 97th and Park and my team and I were awarded a 1st place national award by Kitchen and Bath Design Magazine for that specialty design.
Since then, I now reside and work in Manhattan, as a manufacturer's representative for high end plumbing products, working strictly with higher end showrooms and directly with architects and designers.
I also do freelancing as a project manager, a project coordinator and a consultant in these fields.
As Seen on DelightfulBlogs.com
Became involved in Design / Build Concept in the 1980's.
Designed and built a Kitchen and Bath showroom in addition to our Plumbing contracting business and became a Niche/ Specialty Kitchen and Bath Design & Build Business.
Specializing in older architecture and smaller spaces.
Was involved in several professional organizations in D.C. for many years.
NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry).
NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association)
and many others.
Won the COTY award : (Contractor of the Year) Award presented to NARI members for 5 straight years in late 80's / early 90's.
Won numerous awards and had several baths win national design contests in connection with professional magazines and or organizations and also had winning designs published in The Washington Post, Southern Living and other local newspapers as well as several industry magazines and publications.
Wrote a monthly column for two years in a trade magazine on remodeling.
Sat on panels , did public speaking, gave seminars nationally, for Professional Organization Conventions , etc.
Presented a seminar to architects and Designers at Chicago's Merchandise Mart.
More Recently: 1998-2002 opened and worked in management on 5 Expo Design Centers: Plano, Tx., Fairfax, Va., Union, N.J., Paramus, N.J., and Queens, N.Y. Worked on design, layout and construction of the bath & kitchen showrooms in these, pre-opening. Then, supervised the Design Staff and the Bath Showroom Staff working in upper management.
In 2004 , I presided over the design & construction of a small showroom for Central Plumbing Specialties on the corner of 97th and Park and my team and I were awarded a 1st place national award by Kitchen and Bath Design Magazine for that specialty design.
Since then, I now reside and work in Manhattan, as a manufacturer's representative for high end plumbing products, working strictly with higher end showrooms and directly with architects and designers.
I also do freelancing as a project manager, a project coordinator and a consultant in these fields.
As Seen on DelightfulBlogs.com
January 29, 2007
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2 comments:
Some mothers of young children have objected to the idea...saying they needed a tub to bathe the small children. My answer: there are plastic tubs that you can set inside the shower stall. The 'tiny' children, sadly, will only be 'tiny' for three blinks of an eye!
Hey Buddy --
Love this space.
Looking forward to catching up Tueday.
Best!
Shane
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