Frequently Asked Questions
Bathroom Design & Remodel Questions
How do I begin my bathroom remodel?
Assemble a file with your plans (if you have one), pictures and rough measurements of your current bathroom. Make an appointment with a professional designer in our Manhasset showroom. In your first consultation, our designer will discuss your design and color preferences, lifestyle for functionality, floor layout changes (if any), contracting work necessary, your timeline and budget. If you have pictures of bathrooms you love, bring them too. Our project manager will visit your home to give you a construction estimate. Older homes may need electric and/or plumbing upgrades.
What are the first decisions I have to make for my new bathroom?
Decide if you are going to keep the same footprint or enlarge /change the bathroom layout. This is when you must decide how you want the bathroom to function and look. Do you want modern and clean lines or traditional, luxury? A make-up table? Double or single vanity? Utility closet? Storage needs? You must decide early on if you want a tub, shower, curbless, steam, etc…Choose your vanity size/style, flooring, wall tiles (or other material), shower door/floor and fixtures. toilet, bidet. A great deal of thought must go into your bathroom plan. Discuss your lighting and plumbing requirements based on your plan. Early visits to tile stores and plumbing stores are crucial to the timeline. Construction planning cannot begin until you finalize and approve the bathroom design and drawing.
Do you handle the entire project, or do I find other contractors/designers?
We are a full-service design and remodel firm. We will complete the design, cabinetry, remodel and installation from start to finish. We will help you choose every item that goes into your design. Our design and contracting teams will oversee every detail. One thing we don’t do is cut corners. We only design bathrooms if you hire us as the contractor.
Do I need a permit?
We understand all the local codes and will file for a permit if the work being done requires one.
What is the process to have my bathroom designed and remodeled?
After meeting with our designer and project manager, you will be presented with an initial bathroom design and budget. When you make the decision to hire us, we require a non-refundable retainer to continue the design process. The retainer is applied towards your bathroom remodel. At this point, our designer will visit your home and measure your bathroom space. The design process continues until you are happy with the final design. Once you approve the design, we require a deposit towards construction costs. When you choose each item such as tiles, fixtures, etc.., we ask for payment up front in order to purchase them. If you choose a custom vanity, we need 50% deposit to order.
When should I choose my fixtures?
You must choose your bathroom fixtures before the kitchen design is completed. It is important to decide what sizes and configurations you want so the designer can design the bathroom space properly. For example, do you want a toilet and bidet? Wall hung vanity/toilet? Curbless shower? Sliding or hinged glass shower doors? Do you want a hand held shower head or grab bar accessory? Bench? Niche? What kind of mirror do you want? Medicine cabinet? Sconces or overhead lighting? High hats too? Free standing tub? There are many combinations and your decisions will drive the design.
What other decisions do I have to make for my new bathroom?
Light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, flooring, backsplash, countertop, paint color, cabinetry hardware. The sooner you make these decisions, the better. Several items still have a leadtime.
What brands of cabinetry do you sell?
We offer three custom cabinetry lines and one stock line. We can also purchase online brands such as Restoration Hardware. Our custom brands include:
Rutt Quality Cabinetry - Made in America
Cesar Cabinetry - Made in Italy
Cuisine Ideale - Made in Canada
Ateliers Jacob - Made in Canada
We also offer Express stock line
How much will my bathroom remodel cost?
Construction costs vary. Typical bathroom gut remodels on Long Island and NYC range from $25K to $150K . It depends on your budget, size of your bathroom, layout changes, age of your home and desires. We carry exclusive luxury custom brands for individuals who insist on the best quality, design and finishes. You can choose high end stone such as water jet cut marble, luxury light fixtures and top quality plumbing fixtures,. You can choose luxury or mid level brands. The cost of finish materials can range from thousands to tens of thousands. It is best if you have a budget in mind to start. Some of your choices may be more labor intensive too. These are items to discuss with your designer.
How long will it take to remodel my bathroom?
The timeline begins after you approve and sign the drawings for your new bathroom design. Cabinetry is not ordered until you approve the design and place a deposit for the cabinets. The lead-time for our custom cabinetry brands has been running 12-15 weeks. Express is about a 2 week leadtime. Construction work for a complete gut is typically 2 weeks..
What if I am working with an architect or interior designer?
We work very well with your designer’s plans. We customize the plan to fit with the cabinetry brand you choose from our stellar selection. Partnering with your designer brings you a wonderful collaboration of professionals.
Do you perform remodels other than bathrooms?
Yes. We are a full service design and build firm. We can remodel your entire home, kitchens, design and construct an extension - pretty much any remodel need you have. We file for permits as well. We are a true turn-key business. We have 40 years of experience remodeling homes and co-ops.
