Category: Blog

Bathroom Remodel Ideas for Small and Large Spaces

01/02/2021

Bathroom remodeling is an exciting and fun home project to take on, and an activity you may be considering now that we’ve been spending more time at home. In order for your bathroom renovation to go smoothly and stay within budget, it requires a clear plan and established design. A bathroom makeover may be just what your home needs, whether you’re living in Cape Cod or the surrounding areas. Check out Cape Property Pros‘ insight and tips.

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas for Small Spaces

In a small space like a bathroom, every detail matters: The right wall color, tilework or lighting can transform a dull, dated bathroom into a bright, stylish retreat. It all comes down to making the most out of what you have.

Deciding what to do with your small bathroom space can be fun and exciting project for those that love design and home improvement. For those that struggle with creativity or that lack artistic flair, coming up with great design ideas for a small bathroom space can be a challenge. Luckily, working with a professional bathroom designer can make this part of the process easy. In either case, whether you’re a creative or not, here are some great ideas that you can use to begin dreaming up the perfect bathroom style for your home’s smaller bathroom.

Whether you can afford a full-scale bathroom remodel or you only have the funds for a few cosmetic touch-ups, there are a few things you can do to make your bathroom look much bigger than it actually is. Below Cape Property Pros share 8 of them.

Making Small Bathrooms Look Bigger

  • Floating Vanities – Minimalist and modern, floating vanities take up less space and can make the entire bathroom seem less crowded and larger. Freeing up the floor opens up a bathroom, creating more visual space and room to improvise.
  • Floating Toilets – In the same vein as floating vanities, floating toilets can make your bathroom appear larger than it is. Wall mounted toilets eliminate the need for a bulky tank and frees up much needed square footage. Bonus to freeing up all this floor space, showing off your updated flooring!
  • Bath Conversion – Removing a large, unsightly bathtub and replacing it with a sleek shower installation can add space and functionality to a tight bathroom layout
  • Recess Cabinets – These built-in structures rest inside your walls and provide you with ample storage space-all while keeping smooth lines across your bathroom walls
  • Pocket Door – Avoid the “small bathroom shuffle” of navigating around an open door in your small bathroom by switching to a sliding door. Pocket doors tuck away into the wall, allowing room to shift bathroom fixtures closer to the entrance. Barn doors also free up space while adding a rustic aesthetic.
  • Glass Shower Door – Clear glass shower door turns the shower into an extension of the rest of the bathroom rather than cutting it off the way a curtain or half wall might. If your remodeling plans allow, consider changing out a tub for a standing shower, and opt for a shower with glass sidewalls as well as a clear glass door. Replacing walls and shower enclosures with glass will also allow light through while visually opening up the space.
  • Mirror a Wall – Rather than just hanging one above the vanity, consider mirroring a whole wall of your tiny bathroom. The reflection of light and pattern (and, sometimes, that open door) will do the same good work a window does.
  • Backlight the Mirror – This can be a chic and modern way to amplify light, if you do not have room for sconces or simply want a more minimalistic look.

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas for Large Spaces

Renovating a large bathroom can also be quite tricky. Just because you have the space to spare in a big bathroom doesn’t mean you can place your fixtures just anywhere, or add any extra amenity to the mix. Careful planning is always required for any bathroom remodeling project—whether the space is large or small.

A professional bathroom designer can help you come up with the best ideas for your unique bathroom layout. Whether you’re adding in a new fixture, replacing an older one, or trying to reconfigure the layout of your entire bathroom to make it more functional or aesthetically pleasing, professional advice from a legitimate company is always your best bet.

In any case, here are some of the newest and most innovative ideas that Cape Property Pros will share for remodeling a large bathroom:

  • Shower Bench – Make your walk-in shower stand out with custom seating. A built-in shower bench is a great way to improve the luxury of your bathroom while also getting more in-shower storage. In addition, it makes your bathroom more accessible for future buyers.
  • Add a Soaking Tub – With free-standing tubs, homeowners can create a luxurious, spa-like experience in their master bathroom remodels.
  • Double Up on Sinks – Looking for master bathroom remodel ideas? If you only have one sink currently, add another! This will create more counter space, helping to eliminate some of the morning chaos that comes with a shared bathroom. This renovation is also sure to add value if you decide to sell your home!
  • Install a Makeup Vanity – Make your master bathroom remodel one of a kind by creating a custom spot to get ready! A built-in makeup vanity will provide ample counter space for storing perfumes, lotions, and skincare products. Whether it’s between two sinks or standing on its own, you can solve bathroom storage problems by making your current vanity longer!
  • High-Tech Super Toilet – high-tech toilets are engineered for comfort, convenience, cleanliness, and sometimes just plain fun. Available in a range of prices and styles, some innovative features to look for when you’re shopping for a new toilet are: comfort stool height,  dual-flash action, heated seats, integraded bidets, motion activated seats, automatic deodorizer and no-touch flush.
  • Maximize Natural Light – Natural light never goes out of style! Brighten and modernize without creating privacy concerns by installing a skylight. Tempered or stained glass windows are also great options to make getting ready easier while ensuring your bathroom stands out!
  • Spa Bathroom Upgrades – Improving your master bathroom? One of the biggest trends that’s been popular for decades is transforming the master bathroom into an area of relaxation and pure luxury. Think of a spa tub addition, a beautiful glass enclosed shower, a couch area for lounging, and an oversized mirror with LED mood lighting for different needs.
  • Wet Rooms – Instead of a shower stall, consider separating your giant bathroom space into two separate rooms—the vanity and toilet, and a wet room with a beautiful glass door that opens up to an open shower and bathtub area.
  • Sauna or Steam Room – An ultra-luxury touch we love is building a sauna or a steam room construction right into your large bathroom space. While this addition isn’t exactly the most inexpensive option on the list, it can add serious value to your home—while providing an enormous opportunity for rest and relaxation, right in the comfort of your own home.

 

Start with these ideas to rethink your bathroom, big or small! We’re always coming up with more tips to make the most of your space.

At Cape Property Pros, our experts can help you design and build the ideal bathroom for your Cape Cod home. As an experienced, top-rated bathroom remodeling company we’ve handled countless renovations, transforming old out-dated spaces into fresh and relaxing new bathrooms for many homeowners.

Request a free in home or online consultation with one of our bathroom remodeling contractors to see how you can implement these ideas to create your ideal bathroom. To discuss your renovation goals call Cape Property Pros at 508-292-1562 or contact us online.

Wood Vs. Composite Decking

12/18/2020

As you plan your dream deck, one of the key choices you face is what type of decking to use. Here is Cape Property Pros‘ advise on some factors to consider when comparing wood vs. composite decking.

You have two main categories of deck materials to choose from: natural wood or manmade (wood-plastic composites) products – but there are lots of options within each of these categories. The most popular wood products are treated lumber and cedar. Manmade deck material products include composites, PVC and vinyl from manufacturers such as Trex, Fiberon, Timber Tech and Azek.

Most decks use treated lumber for the framing, which is the structural part of the deck that you don’t usually see unless you’re underneath it. So the decision process usually involves only the materials that will make up the decking surface and railings.

Wood Decking Options

Probably the most difficult decision to make when building a wood deck is what type of decking to use. Many different wood species are available for use as decking and railing. Common options include cedar, redwood and pressure-treated pine lumber. For homeowners interested in exotic wood species, tropical hardwood decking options include tiger wood, ipe and mahogany.

  • Cedar Wood Deck – If the natural look of wood is tops on your list, use cedar for wood decking. Cedar doesn’t readily absorb moisture— and, since moisture is what creates twisting and splitting, cedar wood decking tends to lie flat and straight. Lifespan of 15 to 20 years for cedar wood deck boards, but it can deteriorate faster when used for ground-level decks and for shaded decks that are slow to dry out.
  • Pressure-treated decking – If economy and longevity are your bag, go with pressure-treated wood. It’s stainable, hard enough to resist abuse. But beware, not all treated woods are created equal. We suggest you buy “choice,” “premium” or “select” treated boards. At about 40 percent more per linear foot, you’ll pay more, but the boards have fewer knots and straighter grain. And, since many of the higher grade choices are kiln-dried both before and after pressure treatment, they have less tendency to warp.

Composite Wood Decking

If near-zero maintenance is your goal, buy composite wood decking. Invented in the late 1980s, wood-plastic composite decking (also called “composite wood decking”) is made of wood fibers encased in plastic. Composite decking materials have low, mid and high quality varieties which correspond with cost. Quality affects the lifespan and durability of the product, as well as its resistance to fading and scratching. Before you choose a composite decking material, consider your lifestyle needs. Composite is scratch-resistant but it can still be scratched, so if you have pets, be sure to choose a scratch-resistant variety that can stand up to Fido’s claws. The good news is that even if your deck does get scratched, you can easily sand the scratches out. It’s more expensive than cedar for a wood deck, but once it’s down, it won’t rot, splinter or twist.

So what’s the best outdoor decking material?

Weigh the pros and cons for wood deck material options to determine what will work best for your home.

Wood Vs. Composite Decking – The Pros & Cons

There are numerous factors to evaluate before making a decision so when evaluating wood vs. composite decking, here are key issues to consider:

  • Appearance

People simply love the look and feel of wood for a variety of good reasons: aesthetic, tactile, and psychological. While early-generation composite decking tended to look artificial and plastic-y, some modern composites are available with a variegated appearance, and randomized embossed grain pattern so no two boards are alike. The result is composites that more closely resemble wood deck boards.

  • Moisture

A key wood decking problem is that boards readily absorb water. Without the regular application of stains, sealers or paint, wood decking is susceptible to warping, splintering, cracking and rotting. In contrast, composite decking are fully moisture-resistant to the core, which allows them to be installed in high moisture conditions without decaying.

  • Maintenance

To extend the life of a wood deck, homeowners must regularly paint, stain or seal the decking to defend against moisture. Composites, on the other hand, only require sweeping or washing to keep the boards looking good.

  • Insect Damage

Unlike most wood decking, composite decking is not prone to damage from termites and other wood-destroying insects.

  • Splinters

While all-wood decking will eventually splinter, composite decking is made with small wood fibers encased in plastic, so it won’t splinter. This is especially important for walking on the deck barefoot, and for children and pets, whose feet are sensitive.

  • Price

Among wood decking’s pros and cons, affordability is a decided benefit. Typically, wood decking is lower cost to purchase than composites, especially in the initial purchase. However, although the initial cost of wood is less, composite usually ends up paying for itself within 2-3 years when including the cost of annual maintenance. The price differential also depends on the wood species chosen versus the brand of composite decking, and local market conditions.

  • Workability

Both wood and composites are easy to cut and fasten using common tools most homeowners have. One area where composites come out ahead is they can more easily be bent (by heating them) to form curved deck sections

  • Surface Temperature

Wood decking has historically had an advantage over composites when it comes to summer weather, as composites can become uncomfortably hot in direct sun, give their density. If you’re planning on walking on it with bare feet, choose a light color that will retain less heat, or a less dense material that won’t reflect so much heat back. If your deck is in direct sunlight, then look for materials with higher UV protection, or consider covering it with a pergola or other overhang.

Understanding your budget, lifestyle and weather conditions will help you choose wisely.

If you’re thinking of replacing an old wood deck with a new composite deck, or perhaps installing a deck for the first time, you can rely on Cape Property Pros, your local skilled deck builder. Our team has decades of experience building and designing decks throughout Cape Cod and the surrounding areas. Call us at (508) 292 1562 or contact us online and we’ll visit your home for a free consultation and estimate.

How To Select The Best Siding Materials

08/27/2020

Whether you’re thinking about building a new home, doing a home renovation or adding a home addition, selecting the right siding can enhance the visual appeal and value of your home. However, the appearance is not the only thing you should look out for with siding. Be sure you consider factors such as weather, durability and maintenance, as it is important to be informed of the different options.

The Pros and Cons of the Top Siding Materials

At Cape Property Pros, we offer professional recommendations and solutions. More than any other home feature, 61% of homeowners ranked “overall exterior appearance” as the most important renovating decision according to Professional Builder Magazine Survey. Take a look below at just a few of the popular siding options.

  1. Vinyl
    Vinyl siding is becoming one of the popular choices for home additions and even the construction of new homes. The best attributes of vinyl siding include being weatherproof, fade-resistant, and extremely durable. Vinyl siding offers a spectrum of fade-resistant colors and there are quality manufacturers that even offer Lifetime Limited Warranty . Homeowners can select one of many maintenance-free styles such as classic clapboard, shiplap, beaded, shakes or shingle profiles in many styles, widths, and textures. Vinyl siding is becoming increasingly more popular due the price and top of the line performance, not to mention quality manufacturers such as CertainTeed that offer Cedar Impressions™ & Certaplank™ vinyl siding with the authentic appearance of wood siding without the hassle of real wood siding! The price is also attractive, so it is a great value for homeowners. Vinyl siding may require power washing over the years to prevent grime or mold, but it is considered low maintenance compared to other products on the market.
  2. Wood
    Wood is a popular choice for siding since there are many different options to choose from. Wood is very trendy on coastline homes because if offers a rustic but elegant curb appeal with great durability plus, you have the option of staining it different shades or painting it a specific color. Wood is natural and  beautiful, which makes it a highly sought-after siding option for use in traditional architecture. While the type and style chosen can cause the cost to vary significantly, wood siding will always cost more than your traditional vinyl siding. If wood siding is maintained every five years or so, it can last for 20 to 40 years or more. However, if not well-maintained, its lifespan decreases. There are six different kinds of wood not including the engineered-wood alternative. They are a mixture of hardwoods and softwoods, with some variation in the density of the wood. When searching for wood siding, be sure you research the highest grade of wood siding possible and ask your Cape Property Pros Remodeling Specialist about wood or wood-like products that are insect and rot resistant.
  3. Brick
    Brick siding is very common because it is aesthetically pleasing, durable and more energy efficient than other siding materials. You won’t have to maintain brick siding much at all, but the masonry may eventually need some work many years down the road. The main negative about brick siding is the price, as it tends to be much more expensive than other types of siding.
  4. Stone facade
    Stone facade veneer delivers the beauty and craftsmanship of natural ledge stone in an affordable, easy-to-install panelized system. One of the most modern siding materials used today is a manufactured architectural stone veneer. It has been known to add striking curb appeal as it offers dimension and character to any house. Many homeowners select this product for their home additions and renovations because of the attractive appearance and because it works well on “portions” of the home as an at tractive accent. The price of stone facade itself is not too expensive, and recent research shows that stone veneer has one of the highest returns on investment of any home remodeling upgrade – over 90% according to the Professional Builder magazine survey.

Cape Property Pros provides premium residential roofing & siding options to homeowners throughout Cape Cod and the surrounding areas. We have the experience in remodeling and constructing homes, so we can answer all your questions about the types of siding materials. From the appearance to the maintenance and everything in between, we will ensure you are comfortable with your decision. When you’re ready to tackle your next home renovation, contact us at (508) 292-1562 or book a consultation to learn more.

3 Bathroom Features to Prioritize During Your Custom Remodel

08/25/2020

The bathroom and kitchen are the two most common rooms homeowners want to renovate. There’s nothing like walking into a beautiful bathroom at the end of a long day, so you owe it to yourself to have one. Many times a one day bathroom remodel is the way to go to transform your existing bathroom into a luxurious space.

The bathroom and kitchen are the two most common rooms homeowners want to renovate. There’s nothing like walking into a beautiful bathroom at the end of a long day, so you owe it to yourself to have one. Many times a one day bathroom remodel is the way to go to transform your existing bathroom into a luxurious space. You can choose the features you want and can afford now, while saving the other upgrades for a later time. These bathroom features should be at the top of your priority list, as they offer the most bang for your buck and create the biggest visual appeal instantly.

Cabinets and Countertops

Not only are cabinets and countertops aesthetically pleasing, but they can also go through some abuse over the years. Installing well-built cabinets as part of your home renovation may be costly upfront, but you’ll have to perform very little maintenance on them. At Cape Property Pros we offer Custom Cabinets for the kitchen, bath and storage which are crafted by dedicated with the utmost quality and care. Sturdy countertops with classy finishes like quartz, granite and even Onyx Collection are also built to last and can handle items getting dropped on it without any damage.

Accent Tiles

Accent tiles as part of your backsplash or in areas that border your shower or in other key areas can add a lot of luster to your bathroom remodel. Floor tiles aren’t necessarily as important, but you can include quality or top of the line selections if your budget allows for it. Different colored accent tiles in the shower will also create a more luxurious feel bringing dimension and character to your space. Your bathroom should be a place where you can relax at the end of a long day and the aesthetics of accent tiles will give the entire room a more comfortable look and feel.

Bathroom Fixtures

Many people only think about the major renovations as part of a one day bathroom remodel. However, the small details in the bathroom fixtures can bring the entire renovation together. Think about what finish you want your faucet, dials, shower head, handles and anything else. The good thing about bathroom fixtures is they aren’t incredibly expensive and even the more inexpensive models still look great. It’s all about the look you want to achieve that makes you feel most comfortable when you walk into your bathroom.

Cape Property Pros offers complete interior and exterior home remodeling and specialize in projects of all types and sizes. However one of the most common services we offer at Cape Property Pros is the bathroom remodel. It is a customizable renovation typically ranging from 1-5 days or less and allows homeowners to choose the features they want to stick within their budget and time frame. We have worked with bathrooms of all shapes and sizes and are confident we can transform yours into the space you have always desired. To learn more about our bathroom remodeling in Cape Cod,  contact us today to book a free consultation.

Is Now The Right Time To Expand Your Current Home

08/03/2020

Turning an unfinished basement into livable space is one of the most affordable ways to boost your home’s usable square footage — and your home’s overall value at future resale.  Imagine gaining an attractive new bathroom,  home gym or recreation area downstairs before the winter sets in and weather limits our ability to be outside together. You will appreciate the bonus space whether family members must quarantine or just need some alone time from the rest of the clan.

Do you wish you had improved or enlarged your home before Covid-19? After weeks of constant togetherness and constant activity throughout the home,  a few more walls or a private work space designated for a home gym, home schooling or working remotely may sound like absolute dream come true!

You might think that it is an unusual time to consider a home renovation during a national health crisis, but at Cape Property Pros, we have been hearing from people that they have set their sights on home remodeling projects with laser-like focus. Many homeowners are evaluating the areas in their home that just don’t work for them amid Covid-19, with the stay at home guidelines.  Let’s face it, being confined in one place with the entire family for a few weeks or months is a sure-fire way to get you thinking how you’d like to modify your house so everyone has room to work, study, exercise and relax!

At Cape Property Pros, our first priority is the health and well being of our clients, our team and our community. As a construction company, we are considered an essential business and we remain open for business. We’re working hard employing innovative tools to deliver the same excellent customer service and beautiful home remodels while practicing social distancing and following CDC guidelines. Therefore, we have continued to offer complete interior & exterior home remodeling  services and amid Covid-19, we are using video calls, teleconferences and virtual conversations to help get the conversation started for many homeowners taking precautions.  There is a noticeable shift however that we are beginning to see, in what homeowners are seeking as far as, home renovations. Due to the social distancing, homeowners are exploring basement renovations, side additions, sunrooms and exterior exteriors. All of these renovations are geared towards increasing the living or recreational space in a cost efficient way and improving the functionality of the home.

Rethink the Space
Turning an unfinished basement into livable space is one of the most affordable ways to boost your home’s usable square footage — and your home’s overall value at future resale.  Imagine gaining an attractive new bathroom,  home gym or recreation area downstairs before the winter sets in and weather limits our ability to be outside together. You will appreciate the bonus space whether family members must quarantine or just need some alone time from the rest of the clan. Untapped basement space can be converted into any type of room, from a wide-open floor plan to multiple smaller rooms for a gym, home office, and kids’ play area or even make shift classroom.

Investing in Yourself: Find Your Zen
Maybe it’s because we have all be sheltering in place, but being outside right now seems extra special.  Our team is building several sunrooms for families who have made a commitment to enjoy the fresh air while increasing their homes square footage. The concept of adding an enclosed porch or a three season room has given some families the chance to enjoy the fresh air regardless of the extreme weather.  No better way to enjoy the upcoming fall season in a mosquito-free space,  where you can study,  work or reflect and find your zen. Call today to chat about how we can help you enclose your current deck or build a sunroom or two season room.

Many people have been displaced from their gyms, bringing into question how they will continue to maintain a a regular fitness or training regime. Often, home gyms are typically installed in the “leftover space” in a house, like an attic, a corner of the basement, or a spare room or nook. When designing a home gym, functionality often trumps beauty and aesthetics. Many homeowners will add a mirrored wall since it makes you feel less closed in and wall mounted a TV so you can enjoy your favorite show while on the elipical or attend a virtual exercise class. At the end of the day, it’s your personal space that should be tailored to your favorite workouts.  You won’t regret investing in your health and wellness.

Call today at (508) 292-1562 to discuss how we can help remodel your current home whether its converting a deck to a screened porch or renovating your basement. If you call this summer, and get the remodel in motion, you will be able to enjoy your newly updated space before winter!