Here is a quick 2.5 minute video on some inexpensive bathroom design ideas, including bathroom vanities.
Bathroom Design Ideas with Julia from UniqueVanities.com
May 26th, 2010Bathroom Faucet Installation with Randy from UniqueVanities.com
May 25th, 2010In this video, Randy demonstrates simply bathroom faucet installation. Enjoy!
Use Vessel Sinks in Your Bathrooms for a Contemporary Style
April 1st, 2010Sometimes it can be difficult to figure out just what you can do to make your bathroom look more unique and interesting. Most people just get the standard bathroom sinks with the cabinets underneath. However, there are other options available, and they are becoming a lot more popular lately. One option that you might not have thought of for your bathroom is the use of vessel sinks.
Vessel sinks are similar in looks to bowls that are placed on top of counters. They are a bit reminiscent of the basins people used to use to wash with before the use of running water in homes. However, they are used in conjunction with faucets and work just like regular sinks. The main difference is that they sit on top of your counter instead of being dropped into the counter.
These sinks can be made out of all sorts of different materials. You can get glass vessel sinks, as well as those made out of stone, various metals, ceramic, and even wood. They can also be very decorative, since they are meant to be seen. Some have designs painted on them. You can even match the color of the sink to your decor since these sinks come in all different colors, from the neutrals to very bright color options. For those with a lot of money to spare you can even get sinks made out of gem stones. These sometimes have really unique free form shapes and look gorgeous.
Unlike regular sinks for the bathroom, which are pretty much all the same shape, with vessel sinks you can get many different shapes of sinks. There are square sinks, round sinks, oval sinks, even sinks with fluted tops for a little something different. There are free form options as well in a number of different materials.
Choosing this type of sink gives you so many different decorating options, since you can choose a sink that really suits your style. Besides the sink, you also have more options for the base cabinets that you put your sink on. This can lead to your having a really unique bathroom that people will comment on.
Average Bathroom Remodel Costs
March 22nd, 2010Today we’re going to discuss the average cost for remodeling a bathroom. From simple things like accessories or adding a vessel sink all the way to a complete remodel, we have the answers for you. Please keep in mind the information presented here are just averages but we do get this question quite often from our clients. So it seemed like a great topic to discuss and walk you through all the things to take into consideration just so you can get an idea of what to expect if you’re going to remodel your bathroom.
The first thing to consider is cabinetry. If you have custom built cabinetry you can expect the low end to be about $75 per linear foot for paint grade cabinetry up to $250 per linear foot. Again that’s for custom vanities. To have that finished to put the paint or stain on it, you can expect that to be around $100 dollars per linear foot additional.
The thing to take into consideration with plumbing is whether or not you can use the existing plumbing lines or are you going to be doing a major renovation meaning you’re going to relocate the toilet to a different part of the bathroom or you’re going to relocate your shower. If you are just changing out fixtures as an example like your faucets and shower head you can expect that to be around $600 for the entire bathroom.
However if you’re doing a major renovation changing out the layout of your plumbing. You can expect that to be about $2600. In addition if you want to add a Jacuzzi tub, the average cost of adding that is about $1000. For mirrors budget between $200-500 dollars. That’s a good amount of money to get a high quality mirror.
Lighting and electrical run very similar to plumbing. Can you use your existing fixtures and electrical lines or are you going to need to move your existing layout? If you’re just changing out existing fixtures and hang up new lighting fixtures, you can expect an electrician to cost between $75 -$100 dollars an hour. If you’re going to totally revamp your lighting design and add things like recessed lighting or an exhaust fan, you can expect that to cost an average of about $1500.
The next thing would be flooring, there are two pieces or two components to your flooring. You need to think about labor and material. Your labor install will really depend on the area you’re working in, but we have found that the average cost is between $4-6 dollars a square foot. Then obviously the tile material or whatever you choose for your flooring can range between $2-$20 per square foot. Tile is the most popular but there are other things to consider like wood.
Moving on to the shower, if you were just going to add a once piece around shower you can expect that to cost around $400. If you want a tiled shower you can expect those costs to be similar to the tile costs that we had talked about with flooring for example.
Drywall and paint: budget about $600 for basic textured walls. But if you decide to go with something fancy like an artistic plaster finish you can go up to as much as $2500 dollars.
Counter tops also vary. If you go with something popular like granite or marble you can expect to pay anywhere from $40-$60 dollars per linear foot. And that’s really dependent on the material you use.
Accessories range from about $100-500. Accessories would be all the little stuff that you’re going to add to your bathroom remodel project. It could be the hardware on your vanity or your towel bars just to name a few ideas.
Just keep in mind that these are average costs. If you have any questions visit our website www.uniquevanities.com, we’ve got a lot of information there. Also feel free to call us anytime 866-526-1843. We have highly trained staff that are available to answer your calls. We are also a general contracting company here in Dallas, Texas so we know what it costs to remodel bathrooms. Give us a call we’d be glad to answer any of your questions.
How to reduce splashing with vessel sinks
March 14th, 2010Today let’s take a few minutes to talk a little bit about vessel sinks and coordinating vessel faucets. Whether you are working with a ceramic or stone vessel or even a glass vessel sink, a common problem that we hear about our clients encountering is that after they have installed their new vessel sink and faucet is that the water splashes a little too much. Well, fortunately there are a couple of very simple solutions to this issue. Read on for the answers.
The first solution is to choose a faucet that sits a little bit lower or closer to the sink bowl. And, if your counter top allows for it, move the faucet back a little bit. This all has to be done obviously during installation. This is a good fix if you are working with a slightly smaller vessel sink. For instance, if you were using a smaller sink and an average height faucet, you will end up with more space between the two, making splashing a distinct possibility. So if you opt for a shorter faucet at the beginning, you can avoid this issue. Talk to and work with your retailer to help you make certain the faucet isn’t too tall and that the sink bowl you choose isn’t too small.
The other possibility in a case of too much splashing is that the water pressure is a bit too high. When the faucet is turned on you can go underneath the sink and turn the shut off valves down just a little bit so you are not getting quite so much volume out of there. Simply go under the sink cabinet, locate the water shut off valve, turn on the faucet full blast; with a pair of pliers gently turn down the water pressure. Adjust as needed until the water pressure is just right for your sink. This will keep the faucet from blasting too much water from coming out of the spout which will prevent the splashing.
So, hopefully these two very simple solutions have helped you either with your existing vessel sink and faucet combo or will help you with your impending project. As always, we are here to answer all of your home remodeling and decorating questions. Just email uniquevanities@msn.com or call us, even if you haven’t made a purchase, we’re here for you.
Vessel Sinks are a Great Investment for Your Home
March 8th, 2010When you want to invest in upgrades for your home, the kitchen and the bathroom will bring in the most return for your investment. Buyers are more sophisticated these days and they appreciate your careful attention to detail. That is why bathrooms that pamper your body and your mind are popular. You will want to spend your money on items that are in style and items that are timeless, so that you are maximizing your dollars. The elements that you choose will bring the buyers to your door and improve the worth of your home. You may not be thinking about selling your home now, but adding a vessel sink to your bathroom will still increase the value of your home. These projects can be done by an expert or you can manage them with some effort. No matter what design style you are going for these sinks will be the jewel in the bathroom, which you can build off of.
These sinks offer drama and appeal to people that love enriched design elements. They are not your typical sink, which is inserted into the counter. These sinks rest on top of the counter in the same way that a bowl would set on the top of a counter. They come in many different types of materials and color choices. They can be found in stone, copper, ceramic, porcelain, glass, and more. The glass vessel sink would be great for a contemporary designed bathroom. The stone and ceramic vessel sinks, often times, will offer you a more rustic look. You can match these sinks to your color pallet or go off your color pallet to bring some drama into the room. These sinks will bring value to your bathroom and you will enjoy the design features.
After you have decided to purchase a new sink for your bathroom, you will need to review the choices in materials, textures and style. You will find that there are a wide variety of price points to consider. You can shop online and review each selection. You will want to take not of the measurements to ensure that you have enough counter space for the new sink. The vessel sinks will add the beauty and value that you want in your bathroom. Today is a great day to start the selection process.
Pros and Cons of Vessel Sinks
February 28th, 2010Today’s article dives into the advantages and disadvantages of adding a vessel sink to your next bathroom remodeling project.
One of the biggest advantages is style. Adding a vessel sink really is something very unique, it has that wow factor when you see it. It’s not something that you see in every bathroom. In addition, they are very easy to install. It’s simply cutting a hole into the countertop, depending on what kind of countertop you have. For most projects it’s a very easy project for the do it yourselfer.
You also gain counter space by having the sink mounted on top. What’s really neat about is that because it’s so easy to install, you can easily change out the vessel sink in a year or two years down the road if you just wanted to change up the style of your overall bathroom.
A couple of things to take into consideration, some disadvantages. Some designers consider it a fad that might not be around for the long term. At www.UniqueVanities.com, we disagree but it is something to take into consideration. There can also be water and dirt that can get stuck in between the base of the vessel sink and the countertop. So that too is just something to take into consideration.
There can also be durability and sustainability issues. With vessel sinks, the edge is exposed. If it is a sink that you use day in and say out it may be more prone to potential cracks or damage. This is very rare, however.
A few other things you need to be aware of, they do require a special faucet. You will need a faucet that is tall enough for the water to fall into the bowl. Also you should consider the height of your vanity. You want the sink to be easy to reach. If the vanity is a standard size, some sinks may end up being too tall and a little difficult to use. But you can find vessels in all kinds of shapes and styles. At Unique Vanities we have vessel sinks in glass and stone, including marble and granite. We also have a unique line of ceramic vessel sinks.
If you have any questions, feel free to call at 866-526-1843. We have a trained knowledgeable staff. We also have contractors available that can discuss any of your installation needs if needed and we’re here to help. Thanks and have a great day.
Benefits of Vessel Sinks
February 19th, 2010Kitchen and bathroom sinks can be found as single bowl, double bowl, under mount and various other styles. They are probably the most overlooked but often utilized appliance in the home. Sinks can be constructed with a wide range of materials, including enameled cast iron, vitreous china, porcelain on steel, stainless steel, natural stone, cast aluminum, and much more. Sinks generally cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands, and the price tag usually relies on the material, size and features. Vessel sinks are becoming more popular these days due to their interesting designs, overall look, and range of cost.
Of all the materials that are utilized in constructing kitchen and bathroom sinks, ceramics and metals are known to be the sturdiest and most common. There are various kinds of metal and metal coated sinks found in the market today that are constructed from stainless steel, brass, copper cast iron, cast aluminum or a mix of these metals. You will also be able to choose from stone, porcelain, and many other materials.
Vessel sinks have a number of advantages. The materials generally costs a little less. Also, they can be easier to maintain, and therefore costs less in the long run. Vessel sinks are extremely versatile. They are available in creative styles and interesting forms. Some manufacturers even offer making molds so that you can have a custom designed vessel sink.
If you choose to go with an aluminum or copper vessel sink you must keep in mind that it has a tendency to develop a protective oxide coating or patina when exposed to the atmosphere, it’s not necessary to have additional treatment in ordinary surroundings unless you want to keep the original finish and coloring. Special alloys and anodic coatings are applied in extra-corrosive surroundings. Talk to your manufacturer or retailer about this and they will guide you in how to care for your metal sink. A good retailer will be there for you for many years to come with your new sink.
Because of the vessel sinks amazing versatility, these sinks offer homeowners more options when it comes to design and style. Vessel sinks have more design options compared to other traditional under mount sinks because they are so truly unique and really create an interesting design for your space. So if you’re searching for something more intricate, a vessel sink may be the best choice for you and your project.
Create a Contemporary Look with a Vessel Sink and Faucet
February 15th, 2010Contemporary is a big word in the decorating world. Many folks have chosen this beautiful look for their homes. The straight and clean lines and simple flavor makes this a very popular style to work with. When the word simple is used it does not mean that it is unsophisticated. It means that it is clean and direct, giving your home an uncluttered feeling and a purposeful design. A design touch you can use to make the bathroom in your home feel beautiful and contemporary is the by adding a vessel sink and faucet, a unique look of simple design with a classy modern feel.
What are we talking about are vessel sinks that have the appearance of a bowl that sits on the counter top instead of under the counter. They come in a variety of shapes, round bowls, square, custom shapes, and many others. They can be purchased clear, colored in just about any design, and any thickness you may like. If you look at an internet site that offers pictures of these bowls, you will have a lot of considering to do. The options just go on and on. You can buy these in marble, stone, ceramic, china, and just about any other hard, durable material. Glass is popular for the clear look. Enamel is also used frequently. White is used most often, offering that contemporary feel, and matching any bathroom scheme you have created.
Each different material used for these vessel sinks will have its pros and cons. You will want to make sure you follow all the care instructions that may come with your particular choice. Marbles and granites are strong and make for a good sink; however, if they chip it will need to be repaired, a good retailer will be there to help you find a stone craftsman to help. This is not too difficult to do, it just takes time. You will find that the materials used to make vessel sinks are very strong when put into sink form, removing most of this worry. Do not be afraid to try a few different looks before settling on the one you like best. Make sure when you buy your sink, that there is a return policy. Most online retailers, especially a good one, will help you and work with you until you find the perfect item for your space and design. Look into some of the beautiful faucets that are available as well. Getting that purchase right will make the right statement in your bathroom.
Get Organized with a Double Sink Vanity
February 5th, 2010It is early Monday morning and you pushed the snooze alarm twice. Now you are running late and you have to fight for space in the bathroom. Maybe it’s time to install a double sink vanity. You will have fun shopping all of the varieties of bathroom vanity choices available today, especially online. You need to determine your budget and whether or not you want to do a total remodel of your bathroom, or just add a bathroom vanity that will fit into what you already have. You should be able to find some reasonable prices if you search the internet. Plus you can get some ideas of the styles of double vanities that are available.
A modern type of double sink vanity available that seems quite attractive is one that stands on legs. These are also known as furniture style vanities. The vanity tops come in a variety of hand polished stones for exquisite smoothness and style. The cabinets are available in multiple finish options too. The doors are often mounted with stylish hinges and pulls. Faucets are not typically included. Most online retailers will also offer a variety of faucets for you to choose from and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance on selecting just the right one for your new vanity.
The same types of vanity are also available with a unique twist. Vessel sinks that sit on top of the vanity or partially sunk, rather standard under mounted sinks. This look adds to a modern look and creates a stylish look that you will enjoy for years to come.
No matter what your style, a double sink vanity is sure to add the storage space you need to get organized as well as giving you and your partner the space needed to use the bathroom at the same time in the mornings and during the prep routine. You will each have your own personal organized space which will surely improve the efficiency of your mornings.
So, shop around and figure out what style suites your personal taste. Remember, before you start shopping, take all of the necessary measurements in the room and keep them by your side while you shop. It will make the process much easier for you. Ask questions of the vendors, they will be more than happy to help you find the perfect double sink vanity for your project.
