Top 5 High Dollar Bathroom Updates to Ask Your Contractor About

As an experienced home remodeling contractor in North Phoenix, Valcon General has seen it all. Typically, homeowners have plenty of trouble with updating and renovating their bathrooms, and often ask our experts for direction and advice. If this is you, continue reading for some North Phoenix bathroom remodeling ideas that will have a drastic, positive effect on the bathroom you’ve always despised in your home.

>> Before Starting

Before making a final decision about your bathroom renovation, there are several factors your contractor will need to discuss with you. These include:
– Your budget range
– Your current fixtures
– If you are adding on to the space or tearing down any walls
– What plumbing work will be required
– Any extra additions in the shower area (such as shelves or seats)
– The size of the bathroom
– Desired time frame
– Your ideal results

Each of these aspects will help your contractor at Valcon General design a well-rounded, comprehensive plan for your residential or commercial remodeling project in North Phoenix, and ensure that your top wants and needs are covered. Below are some common bathroom updates that add high value to any home, and are options you may not even realize are available to you.

1. Add a Walk-In Shower

Typically, walk-in showers cost anywhere in the range of $800-$10,000. The final cost is completely dependent on multiple factors, such as size, material, custom tiling, lighting, shower fixtures, shelving, seats, and any necessary plumbing changes. While the initial cost may seem overwhelming, try to look past it to the many benefits of having a walk-in shower.

These are highly favored by elderly or those with a disability, as they are easy to access and clean. There is no high ledge to step over when entering (which is a tripping hazard), and cleaning is simple due to the straight lines and simple tile patterns that usually makeup a walk-in shower. Lastly, these showers are highly praised for their excellent drainage quality, because the water flows down toward the center and out the main drain, rather than pooling in the corners (which encourages mildew growth and slippery floors!).

2. Replacing a Tub with a Shower or Vice Versa

Perhaps your bathroom only has a tub, but you would much rather have a shower so that the bathroom actually gets used to its full potential. Or, maybe you only have a shower but would much prefer a fancy, claw-foot tub instead. Valcon General can easily make the switch for your North Phoenix residential or commercial & tenant improvements! The overall process is the same in either situation: turn off the water line and plumbing, remove the current tub or shower, extract the water line from the space, and prepare the walls and flooring for the new replacement. While this can be somewhat pricy, the final cost really depends on any required plumbing changes, and the material you choose for the replacement. Continue reading for some examples of customization.

Shower Choices:
– Tiling – Ceramic tiles, hand-crafted tiles, intricate pattern or design
– Door – Clear glass, frosted, rain glass, curtain
– Head – Eco-friendly, high-flow, detachable handle, large or small, etc
– Jets – Multiple jets installed at various levels for a full-body experience
– Extras – Custom shelving for storage, seating options

Tub Choices:
– Standard – Basic bathtub with no extras
– Soaking – Deeper than usual, extra space for soaking and relaxation
– Walk-in – Popular with elderly or handicapped, with a door for easy access
– Spa/Whirlpool – Large space for relaxing, several jets for added massage

Tub Material Choices:
– Acrylic – Non-porous, easy to clean, scratch-resistant, stands up to daily use.
– Cast-Iron – Heavy, durable, holds heat, excellent for soaking, but need structural support underneath.
– Marble – Colorful, stylish, beautiful, but very heavy (even without water) and easily scratched.
– Steel – Strong, durable, similar to cast-iron but much cheaper.
– Fiberglass – Extremely affordable, typically used for standard tubs.

As you can see, there are quite a few options to choose from for your new shower or tub, and each comes with its own style, price tag, and special installation requirements. Discuss these options more in depth with your contractor at Valcon General.

3. Re-Tile the Bathroom

Sometimes, the bathroom layout and current appliances are perfect for the needs of your family, but the whole area just needs a facelift. There are quite a few ways to do this, including simple updates of fixtures, lights, curtain, décor, or new rugs. However, another option is to re-tile the shower, the floor, the backsplash, or all of the above.

Price point will be entirely dependent on the type of tile you choose (marble, travertine, ceramic, granite, or limestone), but the most important aspect is choosing a skilled contractor to head up the project. It is critical that the tile be installed, grouted, and sealed appropriately, or the excess moisture in the room will begin to cause mold, mildew, or tile and grout breakdown. Visit with the team at Valcon General to learn more about the options we have available to you, the estimated cost breakdown, and their various maintenance and cleaning needs.

4. Add a Small or Open Shower

If you are very limited on space and do not have the option to expand your bathroom, a small shower might be just the answer you need. Seamless glass enclosures easily boost the visual appeal, keep the space looking open and bright, and yet are functional and simple. You also have the option of just skipping any sort of enclosure and opting for an open shower. While this may not be ideal for every lifestyle, for some it is a perfect way to open up a tiny bathroom without knocking down walls and infringing into other areas of the home.

5. Update the Fixtures

Lastly, a simple way to improve any bathroom without breaking the bank is to update the lights, faucets, cabinet handles, and other fixtures. Perhaps a new vanity would open up and lighten the whole space. Consider investing in a new shower head, and a fresh faucet or sink basin. While price ranges are all over the map for these fixtures, depending which ones you choose, a small investment can make a drastic difference in a dull bathroom. Discuss available options with your contractor to see what may liven up your space.

Being sure to hire the right contractors is critical to getting the job completed correctly in a timely manner. At Valcon General, we are committed to the highest standard in our work, and always work closely with our clients to ensure 100% satisfaction. Our contractors have been providing excellent, reliable services throughout Phoenix and the surrounding areas for almost 15 years, and are the best in the industry. Our unmatched attention to detail has earned us a five-star reputation. To discuss details and price estimates for your bathroom remodel, visit Valcon General today!

Published By:
Perry Villarreal – Valcon General
18631 N 19th Ave #158441
Phoenix, AZ 85027
Office: 602-518-5624
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://valcongeneral.com/