Making a Statement With the Color of Your New Fixtures

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One of the big considerations when planning a renovation is what fixture finish you would like in your new bathroom.  We often spend a lot of time visiting showrooms and choosing the type and style of various items we would like in our space.  But just like the color of your walls, the color of your new fixtures can set the tone for your décor and become the “jewelry” of your room.  While polished chrome is by far the most economic and popular option, there are several other finishes that are worth consideration.

Brushed nickel is deemed a relative new choice in fixture finishes.   It offers a similar look to chrome but with a warmer, almost golden undertone.  Popular in higher end bathrooms, it costs more than polished chrome and has a beautiful soft depth and lustre that is sure to make it a timeless choice.

Unlike the old brass fixtures from days gone by, gold-colored fixtures have made a strong comeback in recent years.  With names like “champagne bronze” and “brushed gold”, this option has been made popular again by designers and homeowners alike. The rich warmth of gold fixtures, either brushed or highly polished, can add a sense of elegance and luxury to your new bathroom.  Remember that there are a great variety of golden shades available, (depending on each supplier), so if you go with this option, take time to ensure that all metal accessories in your bathroom will be close in appearance to the same golden hue.

Matte black is another trendy color choice that has gained strong popularity.  This fixture option can add drama and instantly give your bathroom a modern, industrial, contemporary flair.  Although cleaning can be a bit more difficult (matte black tends to show water spots and lime residue more easily), it is a bold choice that can greatly update the look of any room while complimenting nearly every design option.  Think classic black and white!   Another possible downside is that this finish may not be in current stock at every supplier (due to its surprising popularity combined with it being a relatively new look), but black fixtures can be readily ordered in.  So, a “word to the wise” …allow plenty of time for your matte black fixtures to be available when needed for your reno!

As mentioned, polished chrome has been the number one pick for fixtures over many years.  This bright metallic finish reflects light well, is undoubtedly the easiest to clean, and will match nicely with virtually any color palette, accessory, or design choice. Although it has been a common option for many years used by both builders and homeowners alike, the more angular styles that have recently come to market have given polished chrome a modern rebirth. This option is readily available, inexpensive, and widely recognized as a durable, stylish choice.

A final tip when making your decision about fixture finish color, keep in mind that coordinating all the metal accessories in your bathroom will result in a cohesive, polished look.  This means that items such as robe and towel hooks, drawer pulls, door hardware including hinges, the toilet flusher, shelving details, and even your over vanity light fixture, should technically all be chosen with the same finish as your sink and bathtub faucets and shower fixtures.  Possibly, the availability and cost of these items in your chosen finish may influence your final color choice.

 

Need A Little Inspiration?

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If you are considering a renovation for your home, please join us this weekend for the 51st Annual BC Home + Garden Show at BC Place Stadium!  You are sure to find some inspiration for those home projects you are considering in 2024.  Tickets are available online for the show, which runs daily until late Sunday afternoon.  You will find the WE DO BATHROOMS team at booth #1443, ready to discuss your ideas and plans for the bathroom renovation of your dreams!  Can’t make it to the show? Call now to set up a complimentary consultation (604) 807-0979 or email us anytime at info@wedobathrooms.ca. We look forward to meeting you!

A Great Year Ahead!

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Happy New Year to our wonderful clients and industry colleagues! The team at We Do Bathrooms is grateful for your continued support, and excited for the months ahead.

2024 is forecast to be another strong year for renovations.  With rising costs and inflation, it is more imperative than ever that we protect our biggest asset, which in most cases is our family home.  Addressing general house maintenance and tackling needed renovations, are two of the greatest ways to protect your home’s value in the marketplace.  Kitchen and bathroom projects continue to be top priorities as we move into the new year.  At We Do Bathrooms, we pride ourselves in providing quality, worry-free bathroom updates and that will be both cost effective plus add value to your home. 

Now is an excellent time to consider a bathroom renovation!  Even if you are planning your project for a few months down the road, this is an ideal time to start the ball rolling and begin the process.  We will be very happy to discuss your renovation options and give you all the information that you will need for a successful outcome.  We look forward to working with you on your perfect bathroom renovation this year!

Two More Days For the 2023 Vancouver Fall Home Show

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Only two days left to visit the We Do Bathrooms booth at the 2023 Vancouver Fall Home Show!  We are excited to meet you and discuss your bathroom renovation plans.  Please find us at Booth #636 to talk about how to get your project started!  There is still time to get your project completed before the holidays, or book now for the new year.  We look forward to meeting you!

This is the Year to Renovate Your Bathroom

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It’s hard to believe we are already well into the new year, and of course a fresh opportunity to rethink home projects for the year ahead.  Perhaps this is the year you will finally proceed with your bathroom renovation.  Studies show that a bathroom renovation is not only a wonderful way to improve the day- to-day enjoyment of your home, but also it can make financial sense.  In fact, the National Kitchen and Bath Association states that bathroom remodels can have a 72.7 percent return on investment – the highest of any home renovation project! 

So where do you start?  Firstly, consider who will be using the room… is it a guest bathroom, a main bathroom, or the primary ensuite?  Most times the largest renovation budget is allocated to the primary ensuite bathroom, as this is likely the most used, intimate, personal space in the home.  It is also the area to allow the biggest splurge (perhaps a heated floor, enlarged shower or freestanding bathtub).  Powder rooms tend to be the other statement bathrooms, as they are typically smaller, without a tub or shower, and used by both family and guests.  Here you can experiment with trends in color, texture, or maybe an extraordinary sink or fixtures.  Guest rooms, children’s bathrooms and main bathrooms shared by everyone don’t need be as personalized.  In these bathrooms, function and cleanability are key considerations. 

Once you establish a general bathroom renovation budget, it’s time to call in the professionals.  At We Do Bathrooms, we offer full complimentary consultations.  A member of our team will visit your home and review design and product options with you plus get a feel for your renovation vision and style.  We will then provide a quotation for your renovation that will include all products, labour and materials.  That’s right!  We provide everything for your project in a fixed price quotation, so there are absolutely no surprises regarding costs or quality.  You will have the opportunity to choose exactly the fixtures, tiles, and products you want from our suppliers and customize your cabinetry, so the result will be a beautifully updated bathroom that you will love, at a price that works with your budget.

We totally understand that rising costs and availability of product has discouraged some people from making the decision to renovate over the past months.  You can be assured that We Do Bathrooms will give you professional, efficient service, and competitive, realistic pricing for your project.  We offer solid references from recent clients and will work closely with you from the beginning design to the final clean up of your renovation!  Make 2023 the year you renovate your bathroom.  It will greatly add to your daily enjoyment plus it will be an excellent investment in your home for years to come!

Staying In Your Home For the Long Term

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What would make your bathroom more user-friendly, safe, and convenient as you look forward to the possibility of aging in your own home? There are several considerations when thinking about the scenario of staying in your familiar, cozy living space as long and as comfortably as possible. 

One popular suggestion is to convert that seldom used bathtub into a large, open walk-in shower (easily accessible with a walker or a wheelchair). Adding a built-in bench and an easy-to-reach shampoo niche provides convenience and comfort. The addition of a shower wand on a sliding bar makes showering, shampooing hair and cleaning surfaces considerably easier. When it comes to choosing surface finishes, larger sized porcelain tile is not only attractive, but simple to keep clean with minimal grout lines and a larger surface area.  On the bathroom floor and for the shower base, consider a non-slip natural finish, which has a more granular feel and often comes with complimentary wall tile for a stylish, uniform look.

When choosing fixtures, opt for a raised “comfort height” toilet, a slightly lower acrylic bathtub, and single lever fixtures which are naturally easier to turn on and off.  At We Do Bathrooms, we custom design and make all our vanities individually, to ensure that they are constructed to exactly the right height for the client (most are about 36” including the quartz countertop).  They feature soft close drawers and doors, configured precisely to personal specifications for convenience and versatility.  Our cabinetry is built to last, skillfully made of 5/8” plywood with maple doors and drawers that are painted or stained to the exact color our clients choose.

Another consideration when thinking about safety in your bathroom, is accessibility of plugs and adequate overhead lighting. Many clients opt for energy and cost saving LED pot lights, and often add additional lighting over their bathing or shower areas. Heated flooring with a programmable controller certainly would add to the enjoyment, comfort and practicality of a newly renovated bathroom.  The simple addition of strategically placed grab bars will provide both convenience and safety to your bathroom.

For some folks, the idea of tackling a renovation is a daunting, worrying concept. At We Do Bathrooms, we will work with you from start to finish on your project.  We will visit your home and provide you with a fixed price quotation so there will be no surprises about the cost. Our team will assist you with design choices, organize and purchase all necessary products, provide you with any documentation needed for your strata council and oversee every part of your bathroom renovation. We are experienced, reliable professionals in the construction field, with years of knowledge and expertise.

So, what items in your bathroom would you like to consider changing, allowing you to remain in your current home as long as comfortably possible?  Sometimes a few simple modifications are all that are needed to greatly improve your personal convenience, safety and enjoyment.  At We Do Bathrooms, we promise to make your bathroom renovation as easy and efficient as possible.

It's the Perfect Time for a Bathroom Renovation

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Fall is such a great time to plan a renovation to your bathroom.  The seasons are shifting, and perhaps it’s time to consider a change to one of the most used rooms in your home!  Call us today to book a complimentary visit from one of our experienced team members who can help you understand all of your bathroom design and product options.  We will provide you with a fixed price quotation for your renovation, meaning no future surprises for you!  Book now to get on our pre-Christmas schedule!

Vancouver Fall Home Show is just around the corner!

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My goodness, how time has flown over the past several months, what with a busy summer, many new projects, and of course the pandemic slowly winding down. Our We Do Bathrooms team is delighted to once again attend the Vancouver Fall Home Show October 20 - 23, 2022 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. This is always an inspiring event, and a great time to book your fall or winter bathroom renovation. Please visit us at our booth #634. We look forward to meeting you and discussing your project!

Good to Know Information About Renovation Grants and Tax Credits in British Columbia

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If you are a senior (aged 65 or older) or a person living with disabilities, you may be eligible for a home renovation tax credit from the Government of British Columbia.  This grant covers certain permanent home renovations to your bathroom, including wheel in showers, raised toilets, grab bars, handheld showers on adjustable rods, non-slip flooring, touch and release drawers and cupboards, and other specific items.  Check to see if you qualify for this tax credit!

Similarly, BC Housing offers (on a “first come” basis) funds for property adaptations promoting continued safe and independent living within the home, through the BC RAHA Program.   These may include upgrades such as wheel-in or low barrier showers, installation of shower benches, walk in tubs, handheld shower heads, etc.  New funding for the year will be available in April 2022, and program details and application information will be available on the BC Housing website then.

The We Do Bathrooms team looks forward to assisting you with your bathroom renovation plans!

BC Home + Garden Show is Nearly Here!

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The BC Home + Garden Show is just around the corner once again!  Join us March 10-13, 2022 for a wonderful, inspiring event.  The WE DO BATHROOMS team will be at BOOTH #533, waiting to talk to you about your bathroom renovation plans!  Please stop by to chat about your project or to book a complimentary consultation in your home.

Please remember that by order of the Provincial Health Officer, proof of vaccination and masks are still required.  Tickets can be easily purchased online, and all other information for the show is on the BC Home + Garden website.  Don’t miss this opportunity to get motivated to make the changes to your home that you have been considering!  We look forward to seeing you there!

Important Considerations for Your Shower Renovation... Tile vs Acrylic Walls

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Do you wonder if an acrylic bathtub or shower surround is a better choice than using tile for your bathroom renovation project?  Would you save money or maintenance by choosing this option? 

At We Do Bathrooms, we use the Schluter membrane system in our showers, and we always prefer to use porcelain tile.  The Schluter system offers superior waterproofing, as the membrane extends from the shower base up the walls of the shower.  This is unlike an acrylic base pan that would be secured with caulking at the seam where it meets the walls.  In this case, the silicone could eventually crack and deteriorate allowing for mold growth, and in a worst-case scenario water penetration (meaning leaks!).  Acrylic surrounds are designed and built to fit standard size openings for your tub or shower and are affixed to your wall with adhesive.  One of the great benefits of using tile and the Schluter system is that the shower can be created to virtually any size or shape to accommodate your unique space. 

Then there are the many virtues of tile… endless colors, patterns, shapes, sizes and textures!  Our tile setters can create a one-of-a kind look for your project, and give you a stunning customized bathroom design.  Tile can be colorful or monochromatic, providing instant drama and beauty to any renovation.  For those who dislike the upkeep of grout, tiles are typically set closer than they used to be (about 1/16“apart), so grout lines are minimized.  Choosing larger format tile provides a modern, stylish look and also keeps grout to a minimum. 

The installation of tile is undoubtedly longer than a standard acrylic insert would be, but consider how important and focal this element of your renovation is! The time taken by a professional tile setter is well worth the wait for your lasting enjoyment and investment.

We would invite you to peruse the many exciting tile options at a local showroom, and we are confident you will find the perfect look and design for your bathroom renovation project.  We recommend visiting Julian Tile at one of two locations in the Lower Mainland for inspiration!

Join Us At The 2021 Vancouver Fall Home Show

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After so many months of home show cancellations due to covid, we are so excited that We Do Bathrooms will once again be an exhibitor at the upcoming 2021 Vancouver Fall Home Show!  Please join us at our booth #634 to discuss all your bathroom renovation plans from October 14-17th at the Vancouver Convention Center.  For more information and show details, visit the Vancouver Fall Home Show 2021 website online.  We would love to help you achieve the bathroom renovation of your dreams!

Happy Summer!

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These beautiful, long summer days can be scorchers!  It made me chuckle when I was chatting with a client who remarked that the show room at Splashes was such a cool, comfortable temperature, she didn’t want to leave!  Even though the weather is oh-so hot outside, it is always the perfect time to renovate your bathroom.  Our suppliers have air-conditioned show rooms that are ideal for browsing through and making your product choices while enjoying a break from the sunshine.  We are happy to book your autumn or winter bathroom project now, to guarantee your spot on our schedule for the busy renovation season ahead!  Call or email us today to book your complimentary consultation.

A Beautiful New Bathroom

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After living in our home for nearly thirty years, my husband and I recently finished a major renovation in our ensuite bathroom.  This probably sounds odd given that this is the business we are in, but like many others, renovating our bathroom was never a top priority.  Sure, it was a thing we knew that we could do that would not only increase the value of our home, but give us daily satisfaction and enjoyment.  Still, we procrastinated until one day during our covid “home stay” we decided the time had come.

It is difficult for me to say what element of our bathroom renovation is my favorite upgrade.  I love the custom built vanity, designed exactly to my specifications (we had pedestal sinks and no storage previously).  The solid quartz countertop is so pretty, and really gives the bathroom a “spa-like” appearance.  I am also very pleased with the gorgeous “wood look” tile we chose, and the heated floor is absolutely decadent first thing in the morning!  We upgraded our shower too, with two heads and a handheld sprayer that makes both showering and cleaning so much easier.  Funny how these relatively simple upgrades can make such a difference!  Perhaps the biggest pleasure for me is the elegant free-standing bathtub, perfectly situated where I can enjoy a view through the window of my lilac bush, under dimmable LED pot lights that can be set for sumptuous “mood lighting” when I’m ready to relax in some hot water and bubbles.  Even though the original footprint of the bathroom remained has the same, all of the wonderful new fixtures and modernized elements create a room that is way beyond my expectations.

I ask myself almost daily, why we waited so long for such a wonderful bathroom.  I would encourage anyone considering a bathroom renovation to move forward with your project!  You will be delighted with the end results!

An Update On the 2021 Vancouver Home and Garden Show

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This past week we learned that the Vancouver Home and Garden Show, previously scheduled for spring 2021 has been unavoidably canceled due to ongoing covid restrictions.  Although this is highly disappointing to many, it is a necessary reality of the current times we are in.  Obviously, meeting potential clients face to face to discuss their projects at the home show is always an exciting and useful tool towards planning any bathroom renovation.  Although we won’t be seeing you at the home show this spring, we continue to service our clients during this challenging time and to provide the excellent, reliable service we are known for at We Do Bathrooms.

Please visit the Vancouver Home and Garden website, which will showcase (virtually) a variety of vendors and products, even though the show itself will not be happening.  You will find there a link to our We Do Bathrooms website and other information that will be useful when considering your bathroom renovation.  Of course, scheduling an appointment to have a team member visit you at your home is as simple as emailing us at info@wedobathrooms.ca or calling (604) 807-0979.  We will follow all necessary covid protocol when meeting with you, including wearing masks in your home.  Alternately, some folks find it convenient and easier to email a few photos of their current bathroom to us, with a brief description of the renovation work to be completed.  Often, we can provide an accurate quotation for you from this simple information, without the need for an initial home visit.

Although a lot of things continue to look and operate differently as we begin this 2021 year, you can feel confidence in knowing that our dedication to providing quality bathroom renovations is unchanged. 

We look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss your project!

Create the Bathroom Retreat of Your Dreams by Using the Perfect Paint Color

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A common dilemma when embarking a bathroom renovation, is choosing the color of paint to use on the walls.  Current trends are leaning towards colors that calm and sooth, such as warm greys, soft beiges, earthy greens and watery blues.  However, there are a host of darker, brighter shades that can showcase a vibrant, show-stopping bathroom.  So how does one determine the best choice for their room?

Firstly, determine the overall feeling you would like to create in your space.  Do you want a dramatic, eye-catching room, or are you looking for more of a peaceful, spa-like oasis?  Next, take cues from other key elements in the bathroom.  Fortunately, paint is one of the last components of any renovation.  Consider the tile, countertops, flooring, cabinets, accessories and even lighting.  These key elements can direct you towards a suitable palette for the walls.  For example, choosing a color already featured in your floor or shower tile will help pull the room together.  It needn’t be the same color intensity as the tile, but in the same color family.  A softer, quieter version of the tile color you wish to accentuate will give your room lasting appeal.   

Perhaps surprisingly, one of the most popular bathroom color choices is white.  Offering a sense of cleanliness and spaciousness, there are many lovely shades of white ranging from those with cooler, blue undertones to warmer, creamier shades.  White walls will not compete visually with other components of your bathroom, but keep in mind that most fixtures (such as toilets and sinks) are also white.  Consider either balancing the room with a similar, monochromatic hue, or accent the fixtures with an intentionally different shade of white for added interest.

Gray has become the “go to” neutral in recent years.  It gives a sense of balance and calm to any room, and goes well with white fixturing and most tiles.  I have recently discovered a Benjamin Moore color called “Revere Pewter”, which tends towards a brown/grey but changes depending on the lighting in the bathroom.  It is particularly lovely when paired with white trim. 

Of course, beige is another relaxing, timeless neutral, allowing you to easily inject a variety of accent colors by using accessories such as towels, rugs or toiletries.  

If you want to add a little more drama or excitement to your room, opt for a soft green or a watery blue tone.  Magnolia Home Paint (by Joanna Gaines) offers excellent choices in “mineral green” or “stoneware pieces”.  It is interesting to note that recent studies have shown that homes with blue bathrooms tend to sell faster and for more money, than those painted with other hues! 

Whatever color you choose, the right shade can help create the bathroom retreat of your dreams.  Have fun, experiment, and remember, it’s only paint!

 

The End of Memorable Year...

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As we say good bye to a year that was very challenging for many, we look forward to a happy, healthy and successful 2021!  Wishing all of our many clients, associates, suppliers and friends a very happy new year from the We Do Bathrooms team. Best wishes to all, and we look forward to working with you in the months ahead! There has never been a better time to plan for your bathroom renovation. 

Grateful Thoughts from We Do Bathrooms

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This last month has been all about being thankful.  It has been a time for us to reflect upon all that we have been blessed with, which in the midst of a pandemic, is not necessarily easy to do.  For us at We Do Bathrooms, at Thanksgiving and always, we really do have a lot to be grateful for.  We have had another successful year, worked with many wonderful clients, continued to be inspired and encouraged by our hardworking, dedicated team, and most importantly, we have all stayed healthy. 

We wish you and your family continued good health.  We look forward to serving you in the months ahead, whenever you are ready to move forward with your bathroom renovation.  Stay safe!