Which one of these look pretty in pink? Select all that apply.
- Stuffed animal
- Barbie
- Molly Ringwald
- Flamingo
- Bathroom sink, toilet and tub
When your grandma or great grandma had her house built or remodeled in the ’50s, pink was all the rage. Appliances, tile, fixtures, paint, wall paper. You name it and it could be pink just like the flashy plastic pink flamingos that sprouted up in lawns. And while you may have fun dressing up in a fashionable pink poodle skirt, it’s quite another thing to be greeted every morning when you brush your teeth at a pink vanity. So what’s to be done with that retro bathroom? How can you turn that into a modern bathroom?
Where do I start?
The internet abounds with bathroom renovation ideas. And once you have some inspiration, it’s time to seek out a qualified contractor who can help identify other infrastructure upgrades you might want to consider in addition to new fixtures and flooring. Whether you want to simply rip out the vanity or you want to go all the way to the studs, there’s a bathroom remodeling plan for you. Some less flashy considerations you might want to make in your remodel include:
- Tankless water heater
- Low flow toilet
- Water saving shower head
- ADA features in the shower
What About My Kitchen?
Contractors for a kitchen remodel can help guide you to the kitchen renovation that fits your budget. Once again, there is a wide range. You can swap out appliances for more energy savings or you can tear it all out down to the studs and rearrange and have all new cabinets, counters and flooring, and that may or may not include linoleum. Some more modern textures include:
- Granite
- Concrete
- Metal
- Stone
Skilled contractors for a kitchen remodel should be able to guide you through your options in terms of cost and time to install. You will be in good company if you choose to embark on a kitchen or bath remodeling project. In fact, contractors in 2015 reported that the top two projects they were contracted for were baths (81%) and kitchens (79%).
What Will the Remodeling Process be Like?
First, if you can spend some time away from your home, that would be ideal, but in all likelihood, you will be living in your home while it’s under renovation. If you do not have a second bathroom, some homeowners install one in the basement or other reasonable location before ripping out the old one. As for the kitchen, plan to set up a kitchen area and become creative with microwave cooking and a hot plate or griddle. Remember college? Take out and meals to go from your local grocery might be an option. Basically you’ll need patience and a lot of flexibility when working with contractors for a kitchen remodel. Keep your eyes on the prize, which will be a newly remodeled bath or kitchen that will increase the value of your home. The average return on investment on a minor kitchen remodel is 83%. Contractors for a kitchen remodel will suggest that you budget 15% to 20% more than you think you will need. This will ease your mind as sometimes unexpected infrastructure expenses arise during the process if you’re dealing with a vintage home.
Feeling a Little Sentimental Are We?
It’s understandable that you might want to maintain that vintage feel in your otherwise vintage home with its crown molding and glass door knobs. Fear not. Modern fixtures with a vintage feel are readily available. And if you’re dying for a little pink, you can always accent or even go so far as to buy a little pink hand towel. Put on a little Doris Day and bathe in your brand new soaker tub with jets. Merge your spa bathroom with vintage bathroom decor. And in your kitchen, you can easily give a nod to Grandma’s pink paradise by serving up some spam or popping a tv dinner into the microwave. Seriously, though, make her signature banana bread in your brand new convection oven or swing open that beautiful new side by side refrigerator and mix yourself a fruity pink cocktail.
