Posts Tagged ‘bathroom design’
Dust Free Marble Cutting!
May 6th, 2010 | 
Author: Anyone who has ever built or remodeled a home knows that one of the biggest concerns is dust! Nothing is worse than having dust and debris all over your jobsite. The key to dust control is to minimize the introduction and creation of dust during the project. As a builder or remodeler, it is important to work with subcontractors that understand and respect your requirements.
IMI has recently acquired new, state of the art power tools that make cutting cultured marble wall panels, vanity tops, and shower bases virtually dust free! As you can see in the videos below, the dust that would normally be created, simply isn’t. IMI’s commitment to you, our customers, is to provide you solutions for all your bathroom building or remodeling needs!
Another benefit to our customers is that IMI is able to offer a knowledgeable staff who hold various industry specific certifications! IMI is a licensed General Contractor with a Licensed Plumber and a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) on staff. IMI also recently received the EPA-RRP Lead-Safe Certification. Whether your project is brand new construction, an older home or somewhere in the middle, IMI is poised to offer you a solution for all your wet-area needs! Including dust free cutting!
If you would like to visit our showroom we would love to show it to you! We are open by appointment from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Call us and we would be happy to give you a tour. Our phone number is 770.928.2252. We look forward to hearing from you!
In honor of earth day!
In honor of earth day today, IMI wanted to spotlight how we are always looking for ways to manufacture the best MasterCast Engineered Composites offering earth friendly options. Two things IMI is able to do in the manufacturing process is offer soy based resins and recycled glass.
Soy resins can be used in the manufacturing of kitchen and bath surfaces such as seamless shower pans and shower walls, countertops and other surfaces for commercial and residential construction and remodeling. One of the interesting facts about using soybeans for non-tofu-related purposes is that it isn’t a new concept. Henry Ford was widely known as a soybean fanatic in the 1930s when, in his efforts to meld America’s agricultural and manufacturing industries, he designed an entire car made with soy-based plastic panels. (source article)
IMI gets creative with backfill materials, using glass dust at times. Glass dust is the scrap of glass recycling. The U.S. generates 13.6 million tons of glass waste per year (EPA, 2007) with 24% of that number going to recycling uses. We have been experimenting with recycled glass and are pleased with our results! In fact the best way that you could see what the possibilities are is to schedule an appointment to tour our showroom and maybe take a peek at our plant! We are open by appointment from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday and you can reach us at 770.928.2252.
IMI’s newest combination!
Every bathroom may have the same necessities; a vanity, toilet, tub and/or shower. But everything else is the frosting on the cake! IMI’s frosting’s include different edges for vanities & tub decks, 6 Color Collections, tile-look shower/tub wall patterns and the ability to customize your shower base and drain location.
The pictures above show our 5’ Bath Tub with built-in armrests, Signature Granite Collection 12” x 12” Slate Tile-Look with Simulated Grout Line wall surrounds, and matching Signature Granite Collection Vanity Top. We produced the vanity top with a solid white integrated bowl to further enhance the beauty and style our MasterCast™ Engineered Composites provide.
IMI has a wide range of products that will suite your wants and needs! In a price that you can afford! To add some frosting to your bathroom such as our wall surrounds, in addition to the ones pictured above, we have several other designs to choose from. These surrounds can transform your bathroom, make it easier to clean, and eliminate your fear of water leaks all at the same time!
We understand that many times when you are remodeling your bathroom, it is because of a particular need. We strive to meet those needs and give you a finished product that is beautiful too! IMI is a licensed General Contractor with a Licensed Plumber and a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) on staff.
If you would like to schedule a time to discuss your bathroom remodeling needs, we are open by appointment from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Call us and we would be happy to give you a tour. Our phone number is 770.928.2252. We look forward to hearing from you!
Posted in Design, Gold Services, IMI Creations | 
Tags: bath trends, bathroom design, international marble | 
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Why Choose an Engineered Composite Over Tile?
Whether you’re talking about a bathroom or a kitchen, a floor or a countertop, a shower or a tub; tile has traditionally been a consumer favorite. Tile touts itself as easy to clean, durable, with low maintenance and in a variety of colors and sizes. But before we all start mixing up the grout, why not consider some alternatives. It seems like many clients, remodelers and builders look to tile simply because “that’s what they’ve always used.” This, of course, is a saying that never leads to improvement or discovery.
Let an engineered composite onto the playing field and you just might find that the tile you’ve always used is suddenly not the clear winner. MasterCast Engineered Composites from International Marble Industries, Inc. (IMI) are recognized as “Beautiful, Durable, Versatile, (and) Affordable.” Four values that are obviously in competition with everything we thought we knew about tile. MasterCast Engineered Composites encompasses cultured marble, cultured granite, solid surface polymers, and engineered quartz Bathroom & Kitchen products.
The beauty of a MasterCast engineered composites product is immediately obvious. Used in high-end hotels around the world and first-time family homes alike this product boasts beauty that cannot be found anywhere else. From color to shape, the MasterCast Engineered Composite fabricators like IMI produce custom Bathroom Vanity Tops, Kitchen Countertops, Tubs, Shower Bases, and Shower/Tub Surrounds especially for remodelers, builders, dealers and re-sellers.
Have you ever seen a tile curve? Have you ever seen a tile shower with no visible seams, no grout lines? Imagine the beauty of a product that could do both! Now imagine that same product needing no sealing, no special cleaners, which resists stains and mold and is antibacterial. If it sounds too good to be true then you are starting to learn why engineered composites are quickly becoming a top choice in today’s economy.
Homeowners want a product that will be durable, easy to care for and add value to their home. An engineered composite can suit all of those needs, which has the end result of making the builders and remodelers who use them very happy.
A final reason these users, owners and makers of engineered composites stay so happy is the longevity of the product. No warranty visits when the tile grout starts cracking or the tile shower base starts leaking. No spreading mold or mildew which can cause major health problems. Engineered composites are waterproof and a non-porous surface that deliver a warmer, softer feel to the touch than cold tile.
If you are a builder, remodeler, kitchen and bath dealer or re-seller and you know your clients would like this product contact IMI today. IMI professionals would be happy to provide you with an on-line presentation of the products. On IMI’s website you can find your Contractor Kit as well as information for Kitchen and Bath Dealers. Please visit IMI on the web at: http://www.intlmarbleindustries.com/
Posted in IMI's CEO Perspectives |
Tags: bath, bath dealers, bath trends, bathroom design, cultured granite, cultured marble, engineered composites, engineered quartz bathroom, grout, international marble, kitchen counters, kitchen countertops, kitchen dealers, kitchen products, luxury bath, master bath, mastercast, MasterCast Shower surrounds, remodeler, remodelers, remodeling companies, remodeling trends, serial remodelers, solid surface polymers, tile, tile benefits, tile pros and cons, tile usage |
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Top Ten Bathroom Design Mistakes
(By Jessica Brown For How Stuff Works/howstuffworks.com)
Even though outhouses are more or less an icon of the past, there are a few features that we can learn from their design. They were functional, could be created on a small budget and had good ventilation through the cracks in the wood. They were also inconvenient, poorly lit and frankly, not very luxurious.
Since the time of outhouses, bathrooms have moved inside and multiplied. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the number of homes with multiple bathrooms has increased more than 30 percent since 1973 [source: HUD].
Bathrooms are important to many people in the United States, which is why mistakes in their designs can be frustrating and costly. Bathroom designs vary, and just like with an outhouse, there are advantages and disadvantages to all the designs. In this article, we will discuss 10 common mistakes in bathroom design from layout decisions to design choices and even budgeting.
10. Small Budget for a Big Project
For those of us with limited funds, budgeting correctly can be a large part of actually being able to finish the job. Yet, it can be hard to make concessions when you’re dealing with a bathroom creation you’ve dreamed about for years.
Luckily, there are some ways to take a bit of the guesswork out of budgeting for your bathroom project. Due to the diverse nature of bathroom situations, it’s hard to give firm figures for a remodel. Yet, no matter what you have budgeted, it’s always a good idea to plan for unforeseen expenses. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry recommends saving 10 to 20 percent of your budget to allow for items added to the scope of the work [source: National Association of The Remodeling Industry]. So, only plan on using a portion of your budget upfront, then you have a cushion for those unexpected costs.
To decide how to spend your money, start by making a list of your priorities. Then make a list of must-haves based on the function of the bathroom. A large bathtub with super-powerful jets might be one person’s top priority, while double sinks might rank first for another.
After you’ve narrowed down your must-haves, a trip to your local home-improvement store or a chat with your designer is a good idea. This way you can start to put some tentative prices on some of those items on your list. For most products, you can choose from a range of price points. Take a bathtub; you could go with the deep-soaking version with jets, or you could opt for a more stream-lined model and save a few dollars.
9. Improper Installation
Everyone has heard at least one horror story about projects that have gone very wrong. From leaks to structural integrity, improper installation can end up costing you a great deal of money and trouble to correct the problem.
Besides the repairs involved with poor installation, there can also be safety issues. Cutting through framing to repair a problem can leave structurally weak spots that can damage the room and possibly hurt someone.
Another safety issue to think about is electrical installation. A television set mounted above the tub may allow you to multi-task, but it can also be a safety hazard if the television should ever fall. And improper outlets and light switches could be a fire hazard.
8. Uncomfortable Spacing
Some bathrooms may be just plain small, but sometimes the configuration and spacing in the room are actually making it seem less functional. Building codes do require a certain amount of space in front of and around toilets, tubs and shower entries along with many other space requirements throughout the room. While you have to conform to minimum requirements, adding more space to certain areas of your bathroom might be required by angles in the room or personal preference.
Evaluating exactly what you must have in the bathroom will allow you to utilize your space effectively. If you don’t take baths, forget the tub and expand the shower area. If you don’t need a place for setting curling irons or shaving cream, you can opt for a pedestal sink instead of a large sink with a countertop.
7. Lack of Storage
From shampoo bottles to towels and cleaning products, bathrooms require a lot of equipment. Yet some bathrooms only boast a small medicine cabinet and an approximately 2-foot by 2-foot (approximately 607 mm by 607 mm) closet. That might work for a bachelor, but try adding stuff from two or three people, and you have a storage nightmare. While most people’s storage issues might not be that extreme, more storage space is always a plus for a bathroom.
Some storage issues stem from limited space, but others are hindered by square footage. For those with limited floor space, move to the walls with hanging cabinets or wall shelves [source: Roney]. A mirrored medicine cabinet doubles as storage for small items. Several manufacturers make wall-mounted toothbrush holders, soap holders and soap dispensers, freeing up counter space for other items [source: Harrison and Lynch].
When making a storage plan, keep in mind the difference between hidden and exposed storage. For those who don’t want their towels and cosmetic bottles on display, planning for more hidden storage might be the correct use of space. Those with beautiful perfume bottles or monogrammed towels might want to utilize them as elements to enhance the bathroom’s overall look by displaying them on exposed shelves or in glass-front cabinets.
6. Thinking Short Term
Not planning for the future can leave homeowners with a less-than-effective bathroom. Designing for longevity also means versatility. It can be creating a child’s bathroom that can grow with the child or planning for your needs as you age.
Some parents want their kids’ bathrooms to be a children’s oasis with kid-sized everything and playful fixtures. But having a kid’s bathroom doesn’t have to mean remodeling when they hit puberty. Sarah Barnard, owner and interior designer for Sarah Barnard Design, recommends keeping surface materials simple and adding personality with removable items such as bath mats and shower curtains. This philosophy can also work for those who like to change colors or themes often, but need to stay on a budget.
Planning ahead can also make for a smooth and more aesthetic transition for those who are planning on aging-in-place or who just want the option for an accessible bathroom. This forethought can mean a great deal during a transition period.
Some ideas for planning ahead include reinforcing walls to the standards needed for grab bar installation. By creating an open floor plan with, among other space requirements, at least 32-inch (approximately 813 mm) doorways and 30 inches by 48 inches (approximately 762 mm by 1,219mm) of clear space around the sink, the bathroom becomes more accessible for a wheelchair user [source: Fair Housing Accessibility First]. Adequate lighting and the option of a nightlight can help to prevent falls for both young and old.
5. Going Too Trendy
While peach tile with teal accents may have been trendy about 60 years ago, it’s certainly not going to appeal to a broad spectrum of the general public now. Staying away from very trendy materials and design elements can give a bathroom a much longer life. While trends do differ by region, there are some items you might want to think twice about putting into your bathroom regardless of where you live. This includes ultra personalized items such as decorative motif tiles with images [source: Barnard]. While you might think that a tugboat tile for your son’s bathroom would be charming, your son may not agree with you in 10 years.
Choose items that have stood the test of time. Go with neutral colors. When choosing the color palette and materials for your room, think about the size of the room. A bold color might look great as a paint sample, but painting the entire room that color could be overwhelming [source: House Beautiful]. The same goes for flooring and tile.
Trendy choices may go out of style quickly, but if you don’t use moisture-resistant materials, you may be forced to replace them before they go out of fashion. Let’s explore some materials to avoid using in your bathroom.
4. Choosing the Wrong Materials
One of the biggest enemies to materials used in the bathroom is humidity. Choosing products that can stand up to the rigors of a wet and steamy environment is a major key in safeguarding your investment.
While to some it may be common sense, carpet is not a good option for the bathroom. It can soak up moisture and hold it. You may also want to think twice before you use wallpaper. Although, wallpaper might be a good choice for a half-bath, because it won’t have to put up with the constant steam from the shower [source: Harrison and Lynch].
As far as materials that do work well in a bathroom, nonporous surfaces are at the top of the list [source: Barnard]. Ceramic and porcelain tile work wonderfully for a bathroom. But if you’re going with semi-porous surfaces such as natural stone or hardwood, make sure to have them sealed properly. A great wood choice for the bathroom is teak because it is naturally water-resistant [source: Harrison and Lynch].
3. Ignoring the Environment
From saving the environment to reducing costs, environmentally responsible options abound when it comes to bathrooms. Water conservation is a big part of being Earth-friendly in the bathroom. Some communities are even requiring that home sellers retro-fit their homes with low-water use fixtures before they can change ownership [source: City of Arroyo Grande, California and Grillo]. Changing these fixtures ahead of time lets the homeowner reap some of the benefits instead of making the home more efficient only for the buyer’s use.
Tankless water heaters are another great option for the bathroom [source: Coleman]. While a regular water heater will consume energy throughout the day to keep the water in its tank hot, a gas tankless water heater only heats water as needed. An ENERGY STAR qualified whole-house gas tankless water heater can cut water heating expenses by 30 percent [source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ENERGY STAR].
For both an eco-friendly and healthier bathroom, choose materials that have no or low VOCs (volatile organic compounds). These compounds are emitted as gasses from certain solids and liquids and some of these compounds can have adverse health effects [source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Indoor Air Quality]. Low or no VOC paint is one way to reduce these compounds in your bathroom. Also, as mentioned earlier, if using semi-porous materials such as natural stone or hardwood, they need to be sealed [source: Barnard]. Consider using nontoxic sealers.
2. Inadequate Lighting
When thinking about bathroom design, most people might not have lighting as a top priority, but it can greatly affect the functionality of the space. When choosing lighting for a bathroom, a homeowner can go wrong in two general ways: incorrect positioning or poor choice of lighting.
For overall bathroom lighting, overhead recessed can lights are a good option [source: Coleman]. When thinking about the rest of the room, lighting should reflect how a room will be used. If you plan on using the vanity to put on makeup or shave, lighting over the vanity is critical.
It’s also important to not forget lighting in or near the tub and shower. Not including enough light in a shower can be a safety hazard. Choose these lights carefully; they must fit with building codes and should be rated for wet locations [source: Coleman].
Regardless of where you position the lights, you should also think about the type of light you need. When choosing light bulbs, think about going with halogens, which offer a full spectrum of light that closely mimics sunlight [source: Coleman]. Another way to adjust light levels is to put lights on different switches. This allows you the freedom to turn on only the light in the toilet area instead of lighting the entire space. A dimmer on one of the lights offers the option of a nightlight for late-night trips to the bathroom.
1. Improper Ventilation
While ventilation might not be the most glamorous area of a bathroom project, it can become a real problem if not given the attention it deserves. Moisture and steam need a way to get out of the bathroom, or they’ll collect, which can cause biological pollutants, such as mold, to grow [source: EPA].
To increase air flow, an operable window is always a good choice. It also has an added benefit of adding light into the room. For those bathrooms in an area of a home that can not accommodate a window, mechanical ventilation must be added to help regulate the room’s humidity levels. Knowing the total cubic footage of the room, refer to state and local building code requirements for information on the size of windows needed for proper ventilation and the correct mechanical ventilation device.
Ventilation fans can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. New models take into account noise and also ease of use with automatic shut-off options. Other ventilation fans offer the ability to place many vents throughout the bathroom, such as over the sink, tub and shower, pulling all of that air through one central bath exhaust fan [source: Contant].
Whether it’s improper ventilation or incorrect budgeting, mistakes in bathroom design can cost homeowners time and money, while adding worries. Being educated on the areas to watch can hopefully prevent you from making these common blunders during your next project.
Posted in How Did Our Marble Get So Cultured? -Quips From IMI |
Tags: aging in place, bath, bath trends, bathroom, bathroom design, bathroom storage, bathrooms, building materials, caps, design mistakes, design trends, green, green building materials, installation, top ten, top ten mistakes, trendy, ventillation |
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