Remodeling a 5’ x 7’ Bathroom in Parma Ohio Now Feels like a Luxury Hotel Bath

“Our small 5’ x 7’ bathroom was in need of a major overhaul. The toilet didn’t flush well, the cast iron tub didn’t drain properly and the finish on the tub was peeling off, and the pink and gray tiles created an outdated look. A few cosmetic touches just wasn’t going to cut it, said Margie Kalkbrenner of Parma Ohio.” The Kalkbrenner’s not only wanted a bathroom that was nice to look at, but also one that used high quality construction methods to ensure the long term performance of the space (with an eye towards keeping the budget in check as well).

Learn below how Margie and Carl Kalkbrenner (with the assistance of Cleveland Design and Remodeling) turned this small space into one that Margie says feels like a fancy hotel today.

Cosmetic Changes to Create the Luxury Bathroom Look

Choosing the right product selections can make a huge difference in the look and feel of a finished bathroom remodeling project. Some of those key selections included:

• Durable ceramic tile floor, walls and accent trim border – Margie really loves the look of ceramic tile so in conjuntion with the design and selection at The Tile Shop she selected larger 12” x 12” tiles for the floor (to make the space appear bigger), and 12” x 18” tiles with an accent trim border to create an architectural contrast in the room.

• A 30” x 60” smooth front American Standard tub – The new Americast tub is not only a warmer surface when you get into the tub – with Americast tub the Kalkbrenner’s will not have about the peeling that occurred with the old cast iron unit.

• Moen fixtures – As Margie says, “You can’t go wrong with Moen products.” She chose the traditional Moen Brantford series chrome fixtures for the vanity and tub.

• Basco clear frameless tub doors – To keep the views of the tile work front and center high-quality clear frameless Basco doors where chosen. Since these doors don’t have a track at the bottom they will also be easy to maintain.

Construction Choices and Methods Make the Bathroom Perform Well

While most visitors will focus on the cosmetic appearance of a completed bath remodel – the Kalkbrenner’s know it’s often what you don’t see that will make the space work well over the long haul. With the assistance of John Fronek (Operations Manager of Cleveland Design and Remodeling – also known as “O.J.” to the Kalkbrenner’s) the following construction choices and methods will make the long-term difference:

• Wedi extruded polystyrene wall backer board – Behind the tile John’s team installed polystyrene backer boards which are completely waterproof – ensuring no water will get behind the walls.

• Install new hardi backer subflooring for the tile floor – Many tile jobs fail when tile is installed directly on the wood subfloor. The hardi backer board provides a better bond between the thin set adhesive and the tile floor.

• Add wood blocking behind the walls for future safety grab bars – John made sure to add wood blocking behind the walls to provide the necessary support for grab bars – should the Kalkbrenner’s need them in the future.

• Install a quiet Fantech exhaust fan – Moisture in a bathroom can be a problem! A Fantech fan was installed to remove the excess moisture without the loud noise associated with cheaper fans.

• Rework plumbing to accommodate a recessed waterproof wedi soap and shampoo niche – In smaller tub spaces the need for storage is paramount – and putting a soap and shampoo niche inside the walls (vs.on a wall surface) can save needed space. Since the niche needed to be put on the shower head wall John and his team had to lay out the pipes to go around the niche.  

Margie was not only happy with the cosmetic changes and construction choices – but was ecstatic about the people who performed the work. As she said, “The entire team at Cleveland Design and Remodeling was so well prepared. They didn’t start until they had all the products needed and planned for a couple of unforeseen challenges we ran into as well. They even cared enough to be meticulous in putting towel bars in the exact spot I wanted for my holiday decorations!”

What do you think about Margie and Carl’s project? Please comment below.  

Learn more big or small bathroom remodeling or to get a free estimate by calling (216-658-1270) or visiting Cleveland Design and Remodeling.