Kitchen Remodeling: Where do I Start?

Kitchen Remodeling: Where do I Start? If you are a home owner and considering a kitchen remodel, it can be difficult to know where to start. Should you remodel the entire kitchen at once, work on a few affordable areas or do a little bit at a time? For your first ever remodel, it can be beneficial to work with a Los Angeles remodeling company in order to see what all is involved, an estimate for the job as well as timeline. These factors will vary depending on what you plan on doing to your kitchen. Learn how to get started below.

Tour Your Kitchen

To begin, you need to decide what you want to change. Start by taking a tour of the kitchen. Look around. What do you not like about the space? Is it simply the flooring and paint color? Or perhaps you are not satisfied with the cabinet wood, light fixtures and decorative elements. Whatever the case may be, make a list. Write down what you wish to change so you know what to price out and if you will be in need of a contractor of if you can do the work yourself.

Budget

Next, you will need to consider your budget. Do you have a small budget or a nice chunk of change set aside to spend on the remodeling project? You will need to compare pricing on materials and check to see if you have enough to do the entire project or if you should work in stages. In most cases, it is best to do the full remodel at one time. If you do not have enough money in the budget, take time to save and then complete the remodel all at one time. This will save time and money as well as help you to have a completely new kitchen to enjoy.

Choose Your Materials

Once you have decided on what you wish to change in the kitchen and have a budget set, you can work with a contractor to choose materials for your kitchen. Be sure to try and stick to your budget on each section of the remodel of you may have to make changes to the plans or choose different material types such as cabinets or flooring in order to make the budget work.

A contractor will be able to provide you with a variety of materials to choose from when it comes to flooring, cabinets, countertops, light fixtures, etc. You can go the affordable route in every area and upgrade certain items such as countertops and cabinets as you will be using these features the most and they are what gives the kitchen value.

Overall, it is recommended that you work with a contractor when it comes to any kitchen remodel. You want to have someone on your side who can provide you with insight to your project needs and wants as well as has the know-how to complete the remodel on time and on budget. By working with professionals, you can rest easy knowing that your remodeling plans are in good hands.

Mistakes to avoid in your Bathroom Remodel

Mistakes to avoid in your Bathroom Remodel Some things are meant for other rooms in your house, rather than your bathroom. Don’t waste your well earned money on your next bathroom remodel. Avoid bathroom remodel mistakes by avoiding these materials or colors.

1. Wall to Wall Carpet

Carpet is majorly discouraged by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  Yes this is one comfy flooring to rest your toes on after a long bath, but this material harbors mold, mildew and bacteria. Ultimately carpet in your bathroom is a health concern, more so than a decorating fail. 30 years ago this was a big trend in the remodeling industry, now we are more aware of the risks imposed by carpet in bathrooms. Skip the carpet and opt for a few bathroom throw rugs that can be washed and dries regularly. Tile flooring in bathrooms is a great surface to choose when remodeling your bathroom floor. Tile is easy to clean and disinfect, durable, there are a millions design and color options and will last as long as your bathroom.

2. Wall Paper

We all see the fancy bathrooms in the magazines that display lavish wall paper; fact of the matter is that any high moisture will cause the wall paper to peel eventually. Think about this, why use wall paper in a steamy room, when people use steam to remove old wall paper? Your bathroom produces the most moisture and steam in the whole house. If you must, absolutely must, have your bathroom wall papered – use a high quality, Vinyl wall paper. DO NOT attempt to use a peel and stick wall paper, this will be a waste of time and money. Peel and stick wall paper will bubble and peel within weeks if not days. Wall paper will last the longest in half bathrooms or bathrooms used less frequently.

3. Yellow paint

Avoid breaking out the Canary Yellow paint for your bathroom remodel, as this color is not a great choice for bathrooms. Yellow and yellow tones can make a bathroom look brash, and create a room that obscures your reflection. Ladies, note to self, don’t apply makeup in a yellow room. Choose colors that have a gray or blue tint to get that Spa like feel in your bathroom. Also consider the size of your room before picking a paint color. Darker colors are best suited for larger rooms, and light colors for small rooms.

Affordable Bathroom Remodel Design Ideas for Your Home

Affordable Bathroom Remodel Design Ideas for Your Home When it comes to bathroom remodeling, there is so much that you can do that costs very little. With simple changes, you can make your bathroom into a brand new space, an oasis where you can relax and unwind at the end of the day. Take one or more of the suggestions below and put them to work in your bathroom to have a nice place to relax as you finish the work day.

Paint

Paint can go a long way and is something you can do to change the look of the room for very little money. By simply taking a new paint color and applying it to your walls, you have a fresh color scheme that can be relaxing or bold, whatever you like! Find a color that speaks to you and apply it to your bathroom walls. Add new accent pieces in a varying color for a unique look.

Decorative Touches

If your bathroom is painted in a neutral tone, you can simply purchase new decorative touches to change the look of the space. A new shower curtain, window treatments and other décor items are affordable to purchase and when you go with a completely new color scheme, the bathroom will take on an entirely new look for very little money. By making these simple changes, it will seem like you have spent a lot of money but you really only did a few minor changes to get the new look.

Lighting

Another great way to continue with bathroom remodeling is to change out the light fixtures of the space. Depending on how large your bathroom is or how many bathrooms you have in your home, you may need to change out several fixtures. Many older homes have outdate lighting that once replaced, breathes life back into the space. If you lack lighting experience, hire a Los Angeles remodeling contractor to do the job for you. After the new light fixtures have been added, you will be surprised at how different the space looks and feels.

Full Remodel

If you have the time and money, it can be worth the effort to consider a full bathroom remodel. By changing out old vanities and sinks, showers and tubs as well as lighting and décor, you can have a completely new bathroom with a new look and feel. This of course will be a great deal of work and you will need some help. Trying to tackle a full remodel with little to no experience can lead to trouble. By hiring a Los Angeles remodeling company, you will be able to have a team on hand who know just what to do and can bring new life to your bathroom space.

Overall, any change you do to the bathroom will help you to have a new space to enjoy in your home. Start with simple changes and work your way up to major remodeling projects in order to completely redo the space and enjoy a new bathroom in your home.

Luxurious Bathroom Makeover Ideas

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to get away and treat ourselves to a spa day, like every day of the week?  Well, if that dream is a bit out of your reach for financial or practical reasons, there are a few things you can do to your current bathroom to give it that spa feel. Most Los Angeles remodeling contractors will tell you the same thing, creating a spa bathroom of your dreams are practical and more affordable than daily trips to the local spa. Modern design and technology makes getting your own spa bathroom very possible. Here are the basic must haves in order to really have the spa bathroom you desire.

1. Extra-large soaking tub.

Many tubs are made deeper than previous models for prolonged soaking and resting. If this idea catches your attention, consider adding a stylish grab bar preventing unnecessary slips when entering or exiting. Along with these separate soaking tubs comes a growing request for shelves and spaces to place candles, decorative plants and handy baskets of towels and pampering lotions. Incorporating a TV in the bathroom for viewing from the tub is another amenity that is well liked and asked for more and more.

2. Steam room and Luxury Shower.

No more quick showers with this spa-like feature in your master bath.  With added space and multiple shower heads and built in bench, this becomes the ultimate way to pamper you.  Also, adding in glass panels and doors will help create an open and more spacious feel to the space.

3. Entertainment system with TV.

With the other features of your spa-like bathroom, it is obvious that you will be spending more time in the space.  Adding flat screen TVs and stereos in bathrooms is becoming more and more popular as homeowners are creating their ultimate oasis to soak away the day.  We’ve even seen small refrigeration units installed to have cold beverages readily available!

4. The right color!

Spas use neutral shades to keep the feeling of the room peaceful and relaxing. When introducing new colors, stick to neutral and earthy tones. Try using whites and light blue shades for a modern feel and light greens and wood for an earthier vibe.

5. Heated floors and a heated towel rack.

Every spa has those warm, cozy robes and towels – why not mock the idea and have a heated towel rack installed so that you never have to endure a cold towel again. And why go through the inconvenience of stepping onto cold bathroom tile floors when you can have heated floors?  Not only do they welcome bare feet but they make it easy to step out of the shower without getting chilled after you relaxed.

What You Need to Know About Starting a Bathroom Remodel

What You Need to Know About Starting a Bathroom Remodel

Remodeling your bathroom can be an exciting and stressful experience like any remodel. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could approach your project with the knowledge of the most experienced remodeling company?

Here you can get that confidence to hire great home improvement professionals, and avoid suffering a bad remodel job. Those horror stories about contractors leaving a house torn open and taking the homeowner's money...they don't have to be your story.

4 Questions you need to have answered before you jump into a remodel contract:

1. Who is the company, where is their location and what is their direct phone number? This information allows you to get a real insider look the professional once you’re off the phone. This can be done by viewing their profile on reviews pages and by searching for information on other sites like BBB and their social sites.
2. Are you and your subcontractors licensed, bonded and insured? The answer to this question should be yes! You need to know that you are in good hands, and that this isn’t a scam company that will leave you helpless after they get your money.
3. When would you be able to start a project and finish it? This is good information to see how available they are and as to how long you can expect them to have your home in remodel mode.
4. Would you be able to provide references for previous clients? If a professional cannot provide any references for clients, it is a bad sign. You want to see and hear from past clients that love their remodel and can give an honest review of the entire process working with the contractor – from consult, to design, to build. Also be sure to check their design pictured to be sure that your style could be recreated by the company. If they are not used to designing a style that matters to you, you may need to rethink whom to go with.

Now that you have the basics covered and know about your contractor, you need to know yourself.

Have you saved up money for this bathroom remodel, or are you going to need financing assistance?

Unless you are fortunate enough to be able to pay for the project out of pocket, you will now need to look into financing option. Luckily for you, Spazio LA works with the HERO program to make eco-friendly remodels affordable for everyone. Contact us to hear more about the program and other financing options!

5 Simple but Life-Changing Remodeling Ideas

5 Simple but Life-Changing Remodeling Ideas

Now that we are through the holidays and the New Year, it’s finally time to stop procrastinating and start turning the house remodeling gears. That long list of improvements you created last year has been gathering dust for far too long, and with spring just around the corner there’s never a better time to get remodeling.

While that list is probably long and distinguished, it’s important to narrow your scope down to a few projects to make sure you follow through rather than drowning in the overwhelming flood of ‘must do’ items. Keep it short. Keep it simple. Keep it on budget. With a streamlined set of tasks laid out with a clear budget and a clear schedule, you’ll be free to complete your remodels relatively stress free. Here are 5 simple but life-changing remodeling ideas to improve your house this 2017.

1 | Exterior Siding Improvements You’ve probably been yearning to take this task on since you purchased the home and decided to ‘live with’ the pink board and batten siding with bright purple trim. Well, now’s the time to stop yearning and start doing. It’s never been more affordable to bite the bullet and re-side your home. Not only will you increase market-value and weather protection, you’ll have full creative control to give your home the curb appeal you imagined it having.

2 | Flooring Updating your flooring is a no-brainer, and should be considered to be a worthwhile improvement for anyone’s first project. It’s a great way to ease yourself into the ebb and flow of a remodel project without breaking the bank (or more importantly, your spirit). Just like with exterior siding, there are unlimited options, so it’s best to agree upon a general aesthetic first and look at specifications later. Hardwood flooring is the most ubiquitous material choice, whether solid or engineered hardwood. If you’re looking to re-floor your home on the cheap, manufacturers are working magic these days with engineered hardwoods. Bamboo is a great option too because it’s sustainable sourced, easy to install, durable, and comes in a wide range of finishes.

3 | Build a Fireplace Not too long ago adding a fireplace to your home meant ripping up some exterior walls, calling the town mason, and applying for a second mortgage to pay for the thing. Thankfully, times have changed, and adding a warm fireplace to your living room has never been easier. If your home is already stubbed out for gas, this proposition becomes a slam dunk, and there are a variety of ways you can finish the feature out – whether it be with brick, stone, or blackened steel. If you don’t have a gas hook-up, there is a growing list of wall mounted fireplace options.

4 | Make a Space for a Home Office You should look into sourcing some commercial grade hardwood floors, plenty of natural light (and ideally a view), and a desk that makes you feel like some work is about to get done. Be deliberate about every piece of furniture, and if you are creating this space by adding new walls, be sure to consider how you will be using your home office so you get things perfect the first time. You might even consider talking to an architect to make best use of your existing space.

5 | Rear Deck or Patio The backyard is the homeowner’s best friend. Host BBQs, a backyard is nothing without a proper place to flip burgers and kick up your loafers. Before you dive those loafers into the deep end, however, you might want to consider how the topography of your yard might determine going with a deck vs a patio. If your yard is sloping away from the house, a deck is going to be your best option. For flat yards, or yards that slope towards the home, a patio is the way to go.

Give us a call for help; you will be enjoying a margarita under your veranda a lot faster than the DIY way.

12 Must-Haves for a Designer's Dream Bathroom

12 Must-Haves for a Designer’s Dream Bathroom

The Los Angeles home design trend you need to know about

The Los Angeles home design trend you need to know about  

Los Angeles is known for the glitz and glam, and in recent news the city is taking the same route when it comes to home design. Los Angeles home remodel companies are seeing more bold and innovative designs.

Bold and Innovative

Mixing materials and colors is a bold way to leave your mark on your home design and cater to your personal style. Some of the hottest looks today, such as the blending of unfinished industrial materials with modern floors and cabinets, would have been considered outlandish only a few years ago. We have learned over the years that matching everything precisely is not the way to go, not all the time at least.

Utility Meets Swag

We want things to be functional and make sense in our own homes, this is yet the biggest challenge Los Angeles remodel and interior design firms are faced with. Parents understand this, they want a home to work and look good – but be safe and kid friendly at the same time. Opting for materials that are durable and adding in those that are more for sparkle can create a space that never lacks taste. Design is evolving as life changes take place; therefore our designs are becoming stylish AND functional for your everyday life.

Built In Comfort

Another home design trend that is buzzing in Los Angeles is Built-Ins! This does not mean add some built in book cases around your TV in your living room remodel and call it a day. This means that wine cooler you have been dreaming about or that espresso machine will be custom built into your remodel. They will now be designed into the remodel and even save space. This is great news for those who lack space or just want more for their LA remodel.

For design tips and your free in home consultation, contact us today!

9 Tips to Revamp your bathroom without a Remodel

9 Tips to revamp without a remodel Maybe you don’t have the budget to fix up your guest bathroom, or maybe you are just trying to save that budget – either way you came here because you want ideas to revamp without a remodel. Even without a bathroom remodel, there are still plenty of things you can do to make your bathroom a new sight to see. Here are nine ideas to spruce up that guest bathroom that gets no love.

1. Paint your bathroom a bold color. For the cost of a can of paint, you can take your bathroom from boring to energizing. With a little elbow grease of course. You would be surprised how much a new paint color can really make a difference and create an almost remodeled appearance.

2. Transform your space with textiles. Beautiful towels don't have to cost a lot of money, and displayed prominently, they can really change the look of a space. Add funky towel holders that aren’t the typical ones you see in bathrooms. A boldly patterned shower curtain can also make a big difference!

3. Add an unexpected rug. Try an oriental or fancy rug in the bathroom, because why not? No one said you must to stick with basic bathroom mats. Change it up! Check out DIY river rock mats for the bathroom for a taste of nature in your bathroom.

4. Add some shelves into the empty spaces. Add decorated shelves for extra storage space, and a little architectural interest, too. If you have no extra space for shelves, pick up a wheeled storage cart.

5. Work some wallpaper into your bathroom.  Not cheap, but cheaper than remodeling – wallpaper can really change your bathroom. And if you pick really crazy prints or textured wallpaper, people won't be looking at much else.

6. Add a little art. Nothing transforms a bathroom like a little art or custom decor. Just save your precious pieces for spaces with a little less humidity.

7. Paint the ceiling. Painting the ceiling makes for an unexpected, dramatic look, and draws the eye upward. You can even get ceiling tiles for that antique look!

8. Pick out interesting fixtures in bright colors. Your necessities don’t have to be boring; you can supplement your basic colors for cheerful colors and prints. Try painting your fixtures an unexpected color – for instance mustard yellow!

9. Add a statement mirror.  An interesting mirror is sure to draw the eye — and brighten up the room as well. Without breaking the bank you can find a second hand antique mirror or even try framing your current mirror to save money.

Money saving tips for your Bathroom Remodel

Money saving tips for your Bathroom Remodel

• The best place to start with any remodeling project is the budget. Not only will it have a big impact on the type of materials you select for your bathroom renovation, it will also help you set the boundaries of your design. Knowing your budget before you have to suffer a broken heart when you can’t buy that fixture you have been eyeing, will save you in the long run.

• Going "green" is not only good for the environment; it’s also good for you. Green products have great design, tend to function better, which lowers utility bills, and they’re also chemical-free, making them better for your health. Having an eco-friendly approach to remodeling isn’t just about buying new products, doing something "green" can be as simple as painting a cabinet instead of tossing it in a landfill. Not to mention “Green” remodels are eligible for the HERO program. Ask us today about this amazing program.

• Want to save some big bucks remodeling your bathroom? Consider refinishing the existing tub and sink, versus buying a brand new one. Refinishing may not be an option in every case, your design team will be able to access your current tub and sink.

• Don't move your plumbing. On the surface, switching your sink and toilet around may look easy enough, but the problem lies underneath and all the costs involved in moving that plumbing. A remodel and design team will be able to keep your existing layout, without boring you with the same old bathroom you are tired of.
• DIY bathroom remodels end up costing you more than you expect. Our advice is to leave the remodeling to the professionals who do this kind of work every day.

• Changing out all the hardware, such as drawer pulls, faucet handles and shower heads, can make a big impact. Small cosmetic changes will save you money and help give you a new looking bathroom.

• Don't underestimate the importance of lighting in a bathroom. Sconce lighting at the vanity is the ideal way to get even lighting on your face, and installing it at eye level will help diminish unflattering shadows. Dim lighting is nice for a relaxing bath; bright lights are great for shaving or applying makeup. Adding more overall lighting can make a small bathroom seem larger.

• Ventilation. Ventilation. Ventilation. Moisture is your bathroom’s greatest enemy. Mold and mildew will make quick work of any renovation you’ve done so be sure to install a vent fan of appropriate CFMs for the square footage of your bathroom. The rough guide is one CFM per square foot for bathrooms of one hundred square feet or smaller. New designs are quieter and more stylish than ever and are a must have for any bathroom remodel; they even have stereo speaker ventilation systems.

9 Tips to Revamp your bathroom without a Remodel

9 Tips to revamp without a remodel Maybe you don’t have the budget to fix up your guest bathroom, or maybe you are just trying to save that budget – either way you came here because you want ideas to revamp without a remodel. Even without a bathroom remodel, there are still plenty of things you can do to make your bathroom a new sight to see. Here are nine ideas to spruce up that guest bathroom that gets no love.

1. Paint your bathroom a bold color. For the cost of a can of paint, you can take your bathroom from boring to energizing. With a little elbow grease of course. You would be surprised how much a new paint color can really make a difference and create an almost remodeled appearance.

2. Transform your space with textiles. Beautiful towels don't have to cost a lot of money, and displayed prominently, they can really change the look of a space. Add funky towel holders that aren’t the typical ones you see in bathrooms. A boldly patterned shower curtain can also make a big difference!

3. Add an unexpected rug. Try an oriental or fancy rug in the bathroom, because why not? No one said you must to stick with basic bathroom mats. Change it up! Check out DIY river rock mats for the bathroom for a taste of nature in your bathroom.

4. Add some shelves into the empty spaces. Add decorated shelves for extra storage space, and a little architectural interest, too. If you have no extra space for shelves, pick up a wheeled storage cart.

5. Work some wallpaper into your bathroom.  Not cheap, but cheaper than remodeling – wallpaper can really change your bathroom. And if you pick really crazy prints or textured wallpaper, people won't be looking at much else.

6. Add a little art. Nothing transforms a bathroom like a little art or custom decor. Just save your precious pieces for spaces with a little less humidity.

7. Paint the ceiling. Painting the ceiling makes for an unexpected, dramatic look, and draws the eye upward. You can even get ceiling tiles for that antique look!

8. Pick out interesting fixtures in bright colors. Your necessities don’t have to be boring; you can supplement your basic colors for cheerful colors and prints. Try painting your fixtures an unexpected color – for instance mustard yellow!

9. Add a statement mirror.  An interesting mirror is sure to draw the eye — and brighten up the room as well. Without breaking the bank you can find a second hand antique mirror or even try framing your current mirror to save money.

Mistakes to avoid in your Bathroom Remodel

Mistakes to avoid in your Bathroom Remodel Some things are meant for other rooms in your house, rather than your bathroom. Don’t waste your well earned money on your next bathroom remodel. Avoid bathroom remodel mistakes by avoiding these materials or colors.

1. Wall to Wall Carpet

Carpet is majorly discouraged by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  Yes this is one comfy flooring to rest your toes on after a long bath, but this material harbors mold, mildew and bacteria. Ultimately carpet in your bathroom is a health concern, more so than a decorating fail. 30 years ago this was a big trend in the remodeling industry, now we are more aware of the risks imposed by carpet in bathrooms. Skip the carpet and opt for a few bathroom throw rugs that can be washed and dries regularly. Tile flooring in bathrooms is a great surface to choose when remodeling your bathroom floor. Tile is easy to clean and disinfect, durable, there are a millions design and color options and will last as long as your bathroom.

2. Wall Paper

We all see the fancy bathrooms in the magazines that display lavish wall paper; fact of the matter is that any high moisture will cause the wall paper to peel eventually. Think about this, why use wall paper in a steamy room, when people use steam to remove old wall paper? Your bathroom produces the most moisture and steam in the whole house. If you must, absolutely must, have your bathroom wall papered – use a high quality, Vinyl wall paper. DO NOT attempt to use a peel and stick wall paper, this will be a waste of time and money. Peel and stick wall paper will bubble and peel within weeks if not days. Wall paper will last the longest in half bathrooms or bathrooms used less frequently.

3. Yellow paint

Avoid breaking out the Canary Yellow paint for your bathroom remodel, as this color is not a great choice for bathrooms. Yellow and yellow tones can make a bathroom look brash, and create a room that obscures your reflection. Ladies, note to self, don’t apply makeup in a yellow room. Choose colors that have a gray or blue tint to get that Spa like feel in your bathroom. Also consider the size of your room before picking a paint color. Darker colors are best suited for larger rooms, and light colors for small rooms.

What are the advantages of using a DESIGN BUILD company?

 

Most people when they want to remodel their entire home or just one specific area such as the Kitchen, or the master bathroom, they call up a general contractor or a home improvement company to get bids.  Little do they know that, in most cases, contractors or home improvement companies have no experience in designing spaces.  They will rely on the client to tell them what to do in terms of finishes and overall look.  This is where it gets tricky for the clients, most people don’t have the vision to successfully create a new space from scratch, let alone tell a contractor what to do.  So things can get out of hand and usually projects will take longer than normal leaving the clients very frustrated at the end of the project.

When people hire a Design Build company like Spazio LA , clients get a full team of experts.  In other words, a Designer in charge of absorbing all your design wishes as well as incorporating functionality within the overall design; a contractor with a full team of professionals to work on the project, and an onsite project manager that will, periodically, inspect the progress of the project.  Design build companies also have a number of highly qualified architects that work in conjunction with the designer in the cases where new additions, structural changes or even new construction building permits are required.

Designer:

A designer is a professional with a degree in art and design that has the tools to come up with ideas and put them on paper or computer so that it can be transformed into reality.

What kind of services does a designer provide to my home remodeling project?

For one, you can actually look at your designer as your personal assistant and best friend throughout your remodeling process.  Your personal designer will listen to your ideas, will share inspirational pictures, and will try to put together your perfect space just like you have dreamed it; and in most cases, even better than your dreams.  Your designer will also take you to showrooms to select finish materials such as, tiles, wood floors, fixtures, curtains, and even furniture and art work.  A designer from Spazio LA will also visit the project on a regular basis to make sure his designs are well executed by our builders.  In sum, your designer is the go to person throughout your entire project and is an immeasurable value to the success of your project.

Contractor:

As licensed general contractors, Spazio LA can build and remodel anything that we set our minds to.  From complete home remodels to room additions, to kitchens, bathrooms and even outdoor spaces such as pools and patios; Spazio LA has done it all. Different from most home improvement companies, that in order to cut on costs, they would bring a crew that will basically start and finish your project.  The same crew that does your demolition will also be doing your plumbing, and your electrical as well as your drywall and tile installation.  This been a normal practice among home improvement companies, at Spazio LA we run the show in a different manner.  Every crew that comes to our client’s projects is specific to their trade.  The demo crew does only demolition and cleaning of all trash and debris.  We only use license electricians and plumbers and our tile installers are exclusively doing that for us.  This guarantees our clients that the project is done right by a trade professional and with the highest of qualities.

Project Manager:

Why is important to have a project manager at my home remodeling project?

Think of your project manager as your quality control guy, as well as your problem solver.

We all know that no matter how good a construction crew is, there are always surprises along the way.  A project manager is the one that is there to take care of those problems when they arrive.  A project manager makes sure to schedule each crew according to the progress of the project in a seamless way so that there are no intermissions in the job, guaranteeing the early completion of the project.  Our project managers have worked in the construction field for over a decade and are very knowledgeable in all aspects of the construction process.  Between your personal designer and your project manager, you can make sure you can sleep well at night; your house is in great hands.

Spazio LA, was born with a single great goal in mind “customer satisfaction”.  By providing a full design build service, we are able to get close to our clients in ways that the home remodeling industry has been lacking.  We take pride in our work and are fueled by our client’s satisfaction.

Bathroom remodel nightmares that you can avoid

5 Common Bathroom Remodel Mistakes and get a dream bathroom like our master spa retreat:

Building a better bathroom might look easy, but when you are revamping a small space – it only takes a few mistakes to end up with a disaster. Bathroom remodeling is a complex design process with lots of moving parts and ideas floating around.  Just like remodeling any part of your home, bathroom remodeling is no easy task. These 5 common bathroom remodel mistakes are easy to avoid, yet many make. Don’t fall victim to the bathroom remodel fails!

1. Skimped on Skilled Labor! – Books and TV shows make anything look DIY possible. Bathroom remodels are one of the worst first time DIY remodel project you will ever endure. Save yourself the trouble and financial loss, avoid a DIY Bathroom Remodel.  Start by researching local remodel pros and contractors in your area to find the best team for the job. It is easy to hire a company that offers a big time discount, but are they really the best? Remember that you get what you pay for, and good quality work can be expensive. Read the prospective remodel company reviews and ask what their warrantee policy is before signing on the line.

2. Skimped on storage! – This is the worst mistake to make. Why? Because there is never enough storage and if you fail to plan storage you will end up throwing bathroom goods into the hall closet. Use your bathroom space to its fullest potential. Consider niche shower storage spaces for soaps and shampoos. Build custom vertical storage shelving or cabinets to house your towels. Main point, don’t skimp or forget about bathroom storage.

3. Lacking light! – There is nothing worse than a dark and freakishly claustrophobic bathroom. Lacking light or even a view out of the bathroom could put you on the list of bathroom remodel fails.  If you have the opportunity to add a window in the bathroom but are afraid of privacy, opt of  a small horizontal window above the shower or even consider special tint that allows you to see out and not in. If you do not have the luxury of adding a window – play up the light with cool fixtures, light color paint and mirrors to reflect what light you have.

4. Bad location! – Location is more important than you think. I couldn’t imagine having to use bathroom that is attached to the kitchen, let alone when a meal is being cooked. Never locate the bathroom, if you can help it, off the kitchen, living room or any other highly public room. Keep the bathroom located in a place that won’t embarrass anyone for having to do the inevitable.

5. Porcelain throne misplacement! – Last on our 5 common bathroom remodel mistakes is the toilet location. Don’t make the toilet the first thing when you walk into the door! Eye sore! Toilet location and spacing is something important in your bathroom remodel design. Give plenty leg room between the toilet and any close by walls, keep the toilet paper holder within reach as well. If you are a believer in fengshui – the toilet must not face out of the door either.

Now that you know the 5 most common bathroom remodel mistakes – enjoy your remodel project.

To get help with your remodel, contact us today!

5 Common Bathroom Remodel Mistakes

5 Common Bathroom Remodel Mistakes Building a better bathroom might look easy, but when you are revamping a small space – it only takes a few mistakes to end up with a disaster. Bathroom remodeling is a complex design process with lots of moving parts and ideas floating around.  Just like remodeling any part of your home, bathroom remodeling is no easy task. These 5 common bathroom remodel mistakes are easy to avoid, yet many make. Don’t fall victim to the bathroom remodel fails!

1. Skimped on Skilled Labor! – Books and TV shows make anything look DIY possible. Bathroom remodels are one of the worst first time DIY remodel project you will ever endure. Save yourself the trouble and financial loss, avoid a DIY Bathroom Remodel.  Start by researching local remodel pros and contractors in your area to find the best team for the job. It is easy to hire a company that offers a big time discount, but are they really the best? Remember that you get what you pay for, and good quality work can be expensive. Read the prospective remodel company reviews and ask what their warrantee policy is before signing on the line.

2. Skimped on storage! – This is the worst mistake to make. Why? Because there is never enough storage and if you fail to plan storage you will end up throwing bathroom goods into the hall closet. Use your bathroom space to its fullest potential. Consider niche shower storage spaces for soaps and shampoos. Build custom vertical storage shelving or cabinets to house your towels. Main point, don’t skimp or forget about bathroom storage.

3. Lacking light! – There is nothing worse than a dark and freakishly claustrophobic bathroom. Lacking light or even a view out of the bathroom could put you on the list of bathroom remodel fails.  If you have the opportunity to add a window in the bathroom but are afraid of privacy, opt of  a small horizontal window above the shower or even consider special tint that allows you to see out and not in. If you do not have the luxury of adding a window – play up the light with cool fixtures, light color paint and mirrors to reflect what light you have.

4. Bad location! – Location is more important than you think. I couldn’t imagine having to use bathroom that is attached to the kitchen, let alone when a meal is being cooked. Never locate the bathroom, if you can help it, off the kitchen, living room or any other highly public room. Keep the bathroom located in a place that won’t embarrass anyone for having to do the inevitable.

5. Porcelain throne misplacement! – Last on our 5 common bathroom remodel mistakes is the toilet location. Don’t make the toilet the first thing when you walk into the door! Eye sore! Toilet location and spacing is something important in your bathroom remodel design. Give plenty leg room between the toilet and any close by walls, keep the toilet paper holder within reach as well. If you are a believer in fengshui – the toilet must not face out of the door either.

Now that you know the 5 most common bathroom remodel mistakes – enjoy your remodel project.

Best Bathroom Remodel Ideas and Tips

Best Bathroom Remodel Ideas and Tips Of all the bathroom remodel ideas and tips the very first thing you need to think about is your budget. This will be the first tip and the most important. You can’t plan a bathroom remodel without first knowing your budget for the project and how much of that you will need to spend on each aspect of the remodel. The budget will tell you if you will be able to move plumbing, purchase new or refurbish your old items, as you can see the budget is very important. Set your budget ahead of time to avoid overspending and major disaster. Of course there will always be a chance of unexpected changes, but having this budget in play will be a great guide and tell you if you can get that fancy light fixture you have been idolizing.

BUDGET A few ways to save money from this set budget will be to keep the existing plumbing in the spot that they are in currently, this means no redesigning the layout of the shower or sink. You can also save money by refinishing your tub, sink and cabinet. This costs you about a tenth of the new purchase price. Talk about savings! In some cases you will need to replace your existing tub and cabinet, especially if they are damaged due to moisture and mold. Ventilation is a MUST in order to avoid mold and mildew. Don’t forget to add ample ventilation to your bathroom remodel.

DESIGN In the design stages remodel experts stress the importance of proper use of lighting. Dim lighting is great for relaxation and baths, though for shaving and makeup application bright lighting is much needed. The use of windows, lighting and mirrors to reflect the light can make a small bathroom seem larger. Tip: Stay away from dark colors when remodeling a small bathroom. Installing a pedestal sink or floating vanity can save flooring space and help when space is limited. No matter small or large – a bathroom should have an abundance of storage. When designing storage space opt for shower niches to harbor soaps, and consider vertical storage units outside of the shower. Utilize all of the space even those areas that are empty. If you are looking to include extra drawers in your vanity, try adding a vessel sink! Installing your flooring at a diagonal angle can give the illusion of more floor space as well. Use a textured tile or matte tile if you are worried about non slip, also try porcelain or glazed tile for easy care.

EXTRAS Water efficiency can get displaced off the list of remodel items, but should not be forgotten. Fixtures and toilets are no made to be the upmost water efficient. Look for a toilet with a MaP score of 500 or higher to ensure you are saving water with every flush. Not only is water important, energy is as well. Upgrade your bathroom remodel wiring and change out your old amp circuit for a 20 amp. Include plenty of outlets to accommodate your electrical items like razor, curling iron, and tooth brush and so on and so forth.

Forget what they told you, this is really how long a remodel takes

Forget what they told you, this is really how long a remodel takes The common misconception is that remodels have to take forever long and always drag on and on after numerous issues. The stuff you read online when you search, “how long does a remodel take?” is downright frightening.   Who would want to remodel their house after horror stories and a super long time line? We are going to break down the remodel myths and get you on the right track to remodel facts.

Let’s talk about remodel issues foremost. It is true what they say about issues, they can pop up at any time, but the key is having a great remodel team like Spazio LA, behind you to solve issues fast or prevent them in most cases. No remodel team can see the future, but there are some that are specialized in the industry and know what signs to look for to prevent failure.

Now let’s talk about how long a remodel takes. A good remodel can take anywhere from 1 month and up – all depending on the size and complexity of the remodel. You can’t give an average time estimate when no two remodels are the same. No two remodels will require the same materials, same design and have the same team running them – therefore there is no average number of days or months that a remodel takes. But, we can talk about our remodel experience and how long it took our experienced team to complete our Spazio LA design projects.

To give you an idea of how long a remodel takes, we would love to share our Culver City remodel with you. This remodel took 10 weeks to complete from the time demo started to the time we were able to showcase the finished project. We remodeled 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a full kitchen, two living rooms, an office and a laundry room. That's 11 rooms remodeled in 10 weeks, all thanks to great coordination and planning by our team of experts. Here are a few of the rooms, before and after remodel

This is Culver City kitchen before any remodel had taken place. You can see the layout of the kitchen is tight, and the existing color nor materials did it any justice. The design made the kitchen cramped and cut off from the rest of the house.

This is Culver City after a kitchen remodel! What an amazing difference without completely moving the kitchen. We created a larger kitchen by designing a small opening from the kitchen into the rest of the house and went with a two tone cabinet color scheme.

You can tell from these before images that the flooring material was used throughout the entire house, from kitchen and into the bathrooms. This Culver City bathroom went from outdated to...we you can see in the next image what we transformed it into. Hello beautiful! Now this is a remodel design that is bold and classy. Do not be afraid to use different floor materials in any of your remodel rooms.

Carpet may be one way to date a home, but it definitely is not child friendly. This living room needed a facelift if any room ever needed one.

Removing the carpet, and painting the walls a bold color gave this room a sleek style and focused attention toward the fireplace which was updated with a neutral color stone.

As you can tell from the few pictures we shared, beautiful remodels do not have to take forever and a day. To see the rest of this project and others just as perfect - check out our website.

Decorating Small Bathrooms

So many people are into the DIY remodeling mode these days. Just look around if you have cable and you will be able to see program after program dedicated to remodeling the home. There are even channels out there that have nothing but remodeling advice. Many of the programs are niche related programs that deal with how to remodel bathrooms or kitchens or basements. Well, once you remodel these rooms you will eventually have to accessorize. But how do you do that? Don’t Over Do it

The key to remodeling and accessorizing small bathrooms is to not over do it when you are planning on filling the space with different items, and large items at that.  You want to have just enough accessories in there that are needed but not too many these that will just end up cluttering the space. Here are a few items that may look great in a small bathroom, that you probably never thought about. Remember to keep it simple, avoid clutter, add personality and save space. Some accessories to help you do this are:

Paper Towel Holder

You always want to make sure that you have the nice and expensive hand towels that are just for display but you have to remember that people will need to dry their hands after washing them. Fir this you will need a paper towel holder to dispense disposable hand towels. This type of accessory can be screwed into the wall or just rest on the counter top. They actually make very decorative paper towel holders that rest on the counter top these days. They are much better suited if you are going for a certain style or decor in your bathroom. The paper towel holders that are screwed into the wall are sort of a thing of the past.

Tooth Brush Holder Sets

These types of sets can also be very decorative, even if they don’t contain tooth brushes at all. For example, if you were going for a nice seasonal theme such as winter or fall, you can probably find a nice tooth brush holder set that will match these themes. Pair these with your soap dishes, makeup storage and things of that nature and your counter top is set.

Small Pictures and Mirrors

It is always a good idea to include pictures and mirrors on the wall of your small bathrooms. This is a way for you to show off your personality a little and give the room some life. This is also a way to incorporate more theme type items into the room.

You can create a one of a kind bathroom no matter the square footage.

Take your new bathroom and turn back time to Vintage bathroom remodel

Take your new bathroom and turn back time to Vintage If you are searching for great vintage bathroom remodel ideas you are in the right place. Remodeling any room is difficult when you love more than one style, but vintage bathrooms are even harder to recreate when you have so many small details to remember. With this vintage remodel you will have to worry about everything matching so perfectly.

Mix and match storage units in your vintage bathroom remodel. The distressed table fits perfect into this retro bathroom.

Arranging a mixture of different size and shaped antique mirrors is a fabulous way to draw in light to your small vintage bathroom remodel.

Vintage bathroom designs, which are easily adapted to showcase the style of one or more eras, are equally at home in historical mansions, coastal cottages, city brownstones, and suburban ranches. Explore our vintage bathroom ideas to find inspiration for crafting bathrooms that spill over with collected charm and period-perfect profiles. Take a look and see how beaded-board wainscoting separated from painted upper walls by substantial chair rails partner with floors crafted from tiny octagonal porcelain or marble tiles to set the stage for early-20th-century bathroom designs. Take vintage bathrooms to the retro side by using floor patterns of 1950 and claw foot tubs.

The fastest way to get that vintage bathroom remodel look you desire? Install vanities crafted from vintage dressers or antique sideboards, and use heirloom armoires or weathered farm cabinets for linen storage. You can easily create your own vanity with a vintage dresser, porcelain sink and vintage mirror. Vintage doesn’t have to mean old, you can choose stock or custom vanities that sport decorative moldings, raised embellishments, and distressed finishes such as the chalkboard effect. Cast-iron towel hooks, porcelain-handle faucets, and reproduction lighting -- along with antique bathroom fixtures like refurbished claw-foot tubs, pedestal sinks, and stainless-steel medicine cabinets to will help you recreate a vintage bathroom's age-old leanings and ageless attitude.

Pictured above is an antique serpentine dresser and mirror purposed into a vintage vanity.

Guest bathroom remodeling decoded

Guest bathroom remodeling decoded When designing a guest bathroom you should think of comfort over style, or is it style over comfort? How about you get both with a custom bathroom design! Don't lose out on a great looking bathroom for the fact of comfort, get both all in one space.

How to achieve a great guest bathroom?

1. Style and Paint color:  Think of the style you are trying to achieve before you set your heart on a paint color. Is this bathroom going to be styled after the Zen theme, modern, contemporary, spa like,  or are you completely lost? Get a feel for the style you want to create with this space, try getting your favorite bathroom pictures and inspiration together and pinning down what you like and don't like.

2. Layout/Design: Do you want or have space for a full tub and shower? Double vanity?  You will need to carefully consider your budget and what you are wishing to do with this guest bathroom. If you have a view from the bathroom you will want to postion the bath in front of this to make for a peaceful bath experience. Proper ventilation is very important, heat and moisture can lead to mildew and mold growth. The trick is to blend a bathroom design that appeals to you with the needs of future guests. "Make it as big and as roomy as you can," says Kristen Zwick, designer with Kitchens by Teipen in Greenwood, Ind.

3. Lighting: You may opt for a glorious  crystal chandelier for the master bathroom, but your budget may only allow for certain lighting. If you are on a tight budget, don't over look bargain or second hand lighting fixtures. Mirrors can add reflect lighting in a darker space and add the illusion of more room.

4. Storage: A small linen closet stocked with extra necessities like towels and tissue, a drawer or two where guests can stash their personal items, a few hooks to provide a handy spot for hanging clothes and towels, and a hamper for used linens can make guests feel at home.

5. Accessories: After construction wraps up, dress up a basic bath is with accessories. Splurge on thick, soft towels and hang a cozy bathrobe on a hook. Provide an assortment of French-milled soaps, a fragrant candle and a carafe of water with a glass for a welcoming touch.

6. Materials: No matter if you are going with Eco friendly or not, materials of choice matter.  You will need to find materials that are durable, moisture resistant and safe for the bathroom. We have talked about carpet in the bathroom before and this is still a no no.