Move it! Reconfiguring Spaces Part 2
The musical group Crazy Frog sang “I like to move it, move it.” Doubtful they were referring to moving a bathroom or kitchen to another part of a house, but when we sing “move it, move it” that’s exactly what we mean.
You may recall we said that many older homes were built during a time when heating, cooling and window technologies were not particularly efficient. Smaller, dark rooms were the norm, but that’s not how people want to live in 2019. House layouts were entirely different, too. Builders of yesteryear put powder rooms in some pretty strange places: dining rooms, stairway landings, awkward hallways.
Can you guess where the powder room once was in this space? Moving it allowed KitchenVisions to create a large island and great traffic flow.
When we’re looking to make traffic patterns flow more effectively, having a powder room or bathroom blocking the path just won’t work. There are many reasons for reconfiguring spaces beyond traffic flow. So we move it, move it. But what does that really entail?
If you’re going to undertake a renovation that involves moving the location of any major mechanicals: plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling.
1) Understand that it comes at a cost; but isn’t that the reason for this investment ? Especially if it makes a huge impact on the way you live in your home. However, consider the cost vs. value of your project.
2) You need to hire a trained designer who knows about mechanical systems and then work with a qualified contractor who can bring in the necessary subcontractors to execute the project.
3) When planning a project like this, consider this:
a. Will you move out of your home during construction?
b. If not, do you have an alternative space for bathing and toileting if you are doing more than one bathroom at a time (and that is the more economical way to go, especially when the pipe stacks are shared). If only a powder room is operable, would you shower at the gym or mother-in-law’s?
c. If you live in a multi-unit building, how does that affect your neighbors with shared walls?
d. If laundry location is moving, are you prepared to go to a laundromat or friend’s house temporarily?
e. When kitchens are moving, we always set up a temporary kitchen. But make sure any contractor you work with will do this for you.
4) In projects of this size, it often makes sense for economies of scale to look at all of your systems and plan to update your HVAC, your water heater or add a steam shower?
In older homes, to bring systems up to code, they need to be replaced regardless of your desire, but be aware because this will impact your budget. (There are no-interest loans and may be some tax-deductible benefits.)
INSPIRED BATHS IN WABAN
Creating a tub and a double vanity in a hall bath for three young children, was a very special task. We took out a closet in the hall bath to create the double vanity. KitchenVisions took some space from a odd-shaped master bath, and removed the bathtub, creating a luxury shower in the master bath. We also created a linen closet to serve both baths, in an adjacent hallway, taken from the area where the existing master tub had been. The master bedroom was generously sized. We removed a non-working, electric fireplace and flue to provide space for an alcove for a large single vanity with deluxe storage.
Family Bath before
Family Bath After - reflection in mirror of bathtub/shower shared wall
Master bath vanity and shower after reconfiguration - shower wall shared with family bath
Moving bathrooms and kitchens can seem daunting but with proper planning and budgeting, these projects go smoothly. The results often exceed expectations and are worth the time spent showering at the gym!