There are people who describe themselves as outdoorsy. And those who consider themselves to be more indoorsy. But what if you like them both? We know some homeowners who came up with the perfect solution: a screened in porch with some amazing features that beautifully bring the outdoors in and the indoors out.

These homeowners were smart about how they went about this renovation. They lived in the space for a bit before planning their home improvement project. This strategy gave them the opportunity to see where they like to spend time in their home and what renovation project would give them the most bang for their remodeling buck. The former screened in porch was a much used, much loved part of the home. It was small, dark, and a bit dated, but the homeowners found themselves spending a lot of time there with family and friends. Making it bigger and better seemed like a no brainer.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

First, the enclosed porch was extended and given a vaulted ceiling. A new masonry fireplace gave a place to gather on those cool, fall evenings. The extended space gave room for multiple seating areas, as well.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

This porch combines the best of the indoors and outdoors, with matching wooden floors and ceiling with exposed beams. Recessed lights, ceiling fans, and built in heaters, as well as the fireplace, make this covered porch a useable space for all four seasons. The house was given new sliding doors. The former door to the house was repurposed as the new door leading to the now attached garage/rec room space.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

New steps lead from the covered porch to the paver patio, providing a wider entry to the porch and some extra outdoor seating.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

The existing patio got a major upgrade in the process. The fireplace isn’t just for those sitting on the covered porch. Instead, a two-sided fireplace was installed, so it can be enjoyed from the inside or the outside. Double the cozy seating areas, which can be enjoyed no matter if you’re outdoorsy or indoorsy.

As the sun sets earlier and the nights grow cooler this time of year, it’s the perfect timing to post this project. You can imagine sunset happy hours at this home. With a little planning, we can create an indoor/outdoor oasis just as lovely in your home. The first step? Give us a call.

So many of you have a love of historic homes—and we’re with you there. We were lucky enough to be called into renovate a Tutor-style home in Avondale. Several areas of the home had already been tastefully updated, adding modern detail while preserving original elements, like rich woodwork and unique window hardware. Charm, however, only goes so far when you have to live in a home every day, and kitchens and bathrooms are two important areas of the home that just work better when they’ve been renovated. The English Contractor team worked with these homeowners, who happen to have a great eye for style and design, to modernize the home’s bathrooms.

We’ll take you through the owner’s suite bathroom, a space that had not been touched since likely the 1930s or 1940s. A home like this though, is a part of history, even through styles have changed and products wear out. You’ll be happy to hear that many of the pieces of this bathroom were salvaged and resold to collectors, so they will happily live on in another bathroom somewhere.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

The original bathroom had black tile with gold glazing that had worn away over time. One wall was covered in rose gold mirrors, with a convenient slot to dispose of safety razors (which we discovered during our renovation). A mint green Art Deco sink with chrome detail was centered on the wall.

The bathroom was carefully brought down to the studs. The basic layout of the space is the same, but is now brighter and seems bigger, with lots of extra storage. The black floor tiles were replaced with the Daltile Marble Attache in Calcutta Satin. The solo sink was replaced with a long vanity that can now hold two sinks, with a stone top to coordinate with the marble floor and shower tile.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

The commode previously sat behind a full wall, with frosted window. A new half wall gives some privacy and lets more light from the adjacent window into the space. We love the addition of a countertop to this half wall as well.

Yes, that mint green sink had a matching mint green toilet. It was replaced with a new Kohler, with an angular tank that still gives this bathroom a vintage-y feel. The mirror was deleted and the window extended, with a gorgeous, chunky sill.

Both versions of this bathroom had a built-in vanity. We preserved this idea in the new space. The new bathroom has a narrow cabinet, topped with stone, and a light up mirror behind it. The light up mirror keeps the space looking clean and modern, without the need for an additional sconce or light fixture. We love the addition of recessed shelves between the shower and the vanity—what a perfect place to keep towels and extra toiletries at the ready.

This was one of this projects where we loved seeing the “before” as much as the “afters.” It was a fun walk through history was we worked in this home. We’ve included lots of before and afters here, so you can fully appreciate the impact of this renovation.

The Details

Designer: Bluebird Cabinetry and Design

Paint: Benjamin Moore Crushed Ice Satin (Walls); Sherwin Williams White Flat (Ceiling); Sherwin Williams White Semi Gloss (Doors/Trim)

Tile: Daltile Marble Attache in Calcutta Satin

Countertops: Stone Statements

Toilet: Kohler

Sinks & Faucet: Kohler Caxton Undermount and Single Hole Bathroom Sink Faucet

Shower Fixtures: Kohler

Medicine Cabinet: Kohler Swing Door Medicine Cabinet

If you’re ready to transform a dated bathroom, we have just the team to help. We’d love to work with you.

The team at The English Contractor is proud to announce this special achievement. We have been named 2021 Contractor of the Year by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry in Greater Cincinnati.

Residential Bath Under $25,000

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

We worked on this project in collaboration with the team at Evolo Design, which included taking an awkward layout and making it amazing, with a corner shower tucked in between two separate vanities. Wrap around mirrors maximized the effect of pendant lighting. Quartz countertops and backslashes highlight the wall mounted faucets. The grey vanities offer plenty of storage, but really bring out the wow factor in the chevron-patterned marble floor.

Residential Bath $75,001-$100,000

Inspired by the homeowner’s love of horses, this owner’s suite bathroom takes farmhouse chic to an entirely new level. Our in-house carpenters crafted this custom vanity complete with a long trough sink and dual faucets. The custom-designed barn door mirrors slide on tracks to give additional storage. The floor adds incredible detail with black and white pattern, but is heated to provide additional comfort.

Residential Interior Under $100,000

This room might be small, but it packs a big punch, serving as a a backdoor entryway, mudroom, laundry room and dog wash. Our carpentry team designed custom cabinetry, which included plenty of storage and easily accessible cubbies. A new dog shower adds a special element for the four-legged inhabitants of this home.

Residential Interior $100,000-$250,000

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

We loved bring the plans made by drawing dept and Jamie McMillan Design to life in this Hyde Park home. The challenge was to modify the layout and add a modern kitchen that would pay homage to this home’s historic heritage. This project included opening up the back of the home, while maintaining special detail, like original wood trim and detailed windows.

Residential Kitchen $100,001-$150,000

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

We partnered again with Evolo Design to renovate this Terrace Park kitchen, which included new Subzero Wolf appliances, upgraded cabinetry, quartz countertops, and beautiful brass and glass open shelves.

Residential Exterior $50,000 - $100,000

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

This project located in a 100+ year old home in Madeira connected the indoors to the fabulous back yard, thanks to exquisite planning from the drawing dept. We added on a large covered porch with a two-sided fire place, and extended the existing patio, giving these homeowners lots of entertaining options. We also converted an existing garage into a fun bonus room, complete with a full bathroom.

Residential Kitchen $60,001-$100,000

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

We were thrilled to be call in to work with drawing dept to bring new life to this kitchen. One of our favorite details are the chartreuse cabinets, which highlight a coffee nook adjacent to the breakfast area.

Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living Under $100,000

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

Our final win for the Greater Cincinnati NARI awards was another great collaboration with drawing dept. We constructed an expansive deck, which gave these Hyde Park homeowners lots of outdoor entertaining options, including a gas-fueled fire pit.

The goal of each and every project is to totally delight our customers and show off the talent of our architect, design, and supplier partners. Awards like these are just icing on the cake. Is your home worthy of an award-winning project? We want to hear all about it. We can put together the team to make it happen.

The back yard patio is the new living room.

Let’s discuss.

If you’ve tried to purchase an outdoor, propane heater, new grill, or even outdoor seating in the past six months, this is not news to you. We’re all doing our best to manage through the pandemic while still enjoying social connections and time with family and friends. The solution that so many of us have adopted is to spend more time outside. There’s a Norwegian saying that says, “there is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” It’s a mantra worth adopting these days. We have a lot of customers who are ready to bundle up and enjoy their back yards as much as they enjoy their living rooms. But these lucky homeowners have had that opportunity for the past six months. Reading any further may make you pretty jealous, but we hope that it inspires you for a future project in your own back yard.

This stately Hyde Park, Cincinnati home was already a real beauty and the homeowners instantly saw its potential. The scope of our project included new paint, a new driveway, an expanded front porch with new front doors and then, the creme de la creme of a backyard, giving this home garage space, privacy, extra parking and outdoor living space—all elements that it had previously been lacking.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

Architect: drawing dept

The home received an instant update with a new coat of paint and a new front door. A new, enlarged porch was added that expands the entire front of the house, allowing for two seating areas. New lighting and ceiling fans make it a wonderful place to sit and watch the world go by.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

Architect: drawing dept

Of course, the front of the home looks beautiful from a distance, plus, the closer you get, the more stunning it becomes. The stained headboard ceiling adds a gorgeous custom detail. The composite flooring give the space low maintenance durability.

A new poured concrete driveway now extends from the street to the backyard, not only offering additional parking, but also giving an impressive gated access to the backyard. As the gates swing open, you can see an expansive paver patio—beautiful enough for entertaining and durable enough for even more parking, when necessarily. The addition of a two-plus car garage, gives a place to park cars and is large enough to accommodate additional storage.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

Architect: drawing dept

The backyard provided a blank slate and the perfect spot for a new two-car garage, a rarity in a community of older homes. In addition to adding more storage and lighting, the new structure gives more privacy from neighbors for the new entertaining and outdoor living space.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

Architect: drawing dept

If you were to look up “outdoor oasis” in the dictionary, this picture would surely be right there. What used to be an empty back yard is now a multi-level living area, with easy access to the street, house and garage. But why would you ever leave this cozy little nook. The paver patio includes a grill and refrigerator, plus a gas fire pit. Custom built planters add an extra bit of privacy and some seasonal color.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

Architect: drawing dept

The composite deck extends this entertaining space and is maintenance free, to boot. Instead of railings, it includes beautiful built in planters and a built in bench. Take note of the outdoor television. We’re sure this family doesn’t miss going out because they have it all right here.

And you can too. Give us a call to get on our schedule to upgrade your own backyard.

Quarantine caused a lot of us to change our plans. Working from home, stockpiling supplies, with frequent hand washing and face masks as the new norm, life looked a bit different. Without a commute to the office and free time spent at home, it was also a time for people to take up new hobbies. Some learned a new language. Some started baking bread. Some purged every closet and drawer.

And some people’s productivity put us all to shame. Like this homeowner, who designed and renovated an entire home. We were proud partners in the process and are still in awe of her style and design sense.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

The English Contractor team was originally tasked with a simple kitchen remodel and we were well into that project as the world slowed down. With proper precautions in place, we just kept going, until this house was entirely transformed. We’ll take you through this project in three parts over the next few weeks: kitchen, dining and living area; bathroom, and basement. Prepare to be inspired.

You might describe the house in its “before” state as a scoop of vanilla ice cream. In a dish. No cone. No whipped cream. Certainly no rainbow sprinkles or a cherry on top. It looked just fine. It was in good working order. But when you have a vision and a team with a talent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is not for you.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

The new space is a vision to behold, in each and every corner. Gone is the small breakfast bar in favor of a wide opening into the newly repainted dining room. Hughes of pale blue and brass accents repeat throughout the home. These are at the same cabinets, repurposed with a coat of light blue paint and door knobs and pulls from Restoration Hardware.

Photo : Ross Van Pelt

This cozy kitchen once had a second opening into the hallway. In the reconfiguration, that doorway was closed off in favor of some contiguous counter space, a luxurious marble. The backsplash is marble, too, adding a layer of richness. New new range is from Samsung, topped with a custom wood ventilation hood. The dishwasher and refrigerator were reused in the remodel.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

A door once separated the kitchen from a steps leading to a back door and the home’s basement. With the door now gone, the kitchen is washed with light and the basement seems less like a basement and fully integrated into the flow of the home. The existing flooring remains, with the kitchen floor patched where cabinets were removed and reconfigured.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

The new sink is an elegant white porcelain, sourced from Wayfair. It’s paired with a Kohler deck-mounted, bridge kitchen sink faucet with level handles and side spray in a polished nickel. Here you get a close up of the marble counter and backsplash. Under cabinet lighting is paired with a flush mount from Circa Lighting to further brighten this rejuvenated kitchen.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

The kitchen flows into this elegant dining space. The blue hues from the kitchen repeat here, thanks to a gorgeous Sisal wallpaper from Schumacher. The texture and color add to the richness of this space. The ceiling was painted in an Alabaster semi-gloss with matching crown molding. The floor trim was installed and painted in Stonybrook from Benjamin Moore, an unexpected detail that adds to the elegance of the room.

Photo: Ross Van Pelt

The dining room opens up to this beautiful living space. We can’t take much credit for this room, beyond some paint and crown molding, but we wanted you to see the new flow of this home, made possible both through the kitchen reconfiguration and the home owner’s sense of style. If she ever decides to open up her own design business, we want you to remember that you learned about her from us!

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The front of the house came together so beautifully that we all just kept on going. The project was small enough that only one or two (socially distanced) team members were ever on site at a time. Quarantine has added on some delays to product sourcing, but luck was on our side when it came to ordering. So we kept on going. There’s more to come and you won’t want to miss how this whole home remodel came together.

In the meantime, if you’re inspired to start renovating your own home, send us a message today. Many suppliers are still experiencing product delays from the shut down this spring, so extra advance planning is necessary to keep projects moving smoothly. We’ll walk you through the process, every step of the way.

Craig Russell, the founder and CEO of Cincinnati-based custom home building and contracting firm, The English Contractor and Remodeling Services, is the focus of a new home improvement show. The six-episode, unscripted show starts on Saturday, May 23rd at 7am and will air for six consecutive weeks on Destination America. Each episode features one of The English Contractor’s custom remodeling projects, in partnership with Signature Hardware.

Craig Russell made his television premiere during the production of HGTV’s Urban Oasis 2018. As the general contractor for the show’s renovation of a home in Cincinnat’s Oakley neighborhood, Russell found himself spending a fair amount of time in front of the camera, where his skill as a builder and natural teacher was captured for the small screen. Shortly thereafter, he joined forces with TGS Productions and Signature Hardware to start work on a show fully focused on Craig and his team as they manage different home renovation projects around the city.

For the past year, The English Contractor team and customers have grown accustomed to cameras in the office and on the job site. Viewers of the upcoming show will see highlights of residential building projects in Indian Hill, Hyde Park, Sycamore, Oakley, Terrace Park and downtown Cincinnati. “This show captures what we do every day,” explains Russell. “We take pride in our work and are perfectionists, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t have fun along the way,” he said.

Viewers can tune in starting Saturday, May 23rd at 7am to catch glimpses of some of their favorite CIncinnati neighborhoods, home renovation ideas, and DIY-instruction, all peppered with Russell’s building expertise and quick wit. Each episode follows some of his favorite projects over the past year. Programming highlights include:

• May 23: A palace fit for the Queen. Craig and the team transform a dark and dreary kitchen into a stunning masterpiece.

• May 30: Mac’s speedy pizza delivery. The clock is ticking as the  team helps transform their local waterhole in record time.

• June 6: If these walls could talk. Hidden home issues have the potential to throw this home renovation off track. Craig and his crew pull out all the stops to finish this project on time.

• June 13: Right at home. Moving isn’t the answer as a homeowner enlists Craig to expand their family home.

• June 20: Backyard bliss. Past customers call in The English Contractor team to transform their backyard into an outdoor oasis.

• June 27: Polishing a diamond in the sky. The team takes their eyes to the skies as they work on a home with a penthouse view.

If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, you have more to think about than new appliances and countertops. You need to plan for several months living through a renovation. If you decide to stay at home during your renovation, you’ll need to think about daily life without a kitchen. Keep on reading for some tips on managing daily life during a kitchen renovation.

• Check That Calendar.

  Most kitchen remodels take about 12 weeks, although sometimes that timeline can be condensed or expanded based on the extent of your remodel or any underlying issues that are uncovered during demolition. You might want to time your remodel for a time that fits into your family’s schedule, keeping in mind holidays, celebrations and plans for entertaining. One of our customers planned a kitchen renovation during soccer season, knowing that her family spends a lot of time eating on the go and traveling for tournaments, making it a little less painless to go without a kitchen for a few months.

• Purge, Baby, Purge.

  Before a kitchen renovation can begin, those cabinets have to be emptied. Invest in some clear, plastic containers as you clean out your kitchen, so you can see exactly what you’re stashing away. Be sure to label, too, so you can easily locate any items you might need to unpack during your renovation. This step, while time consuming, will help when it’s time to load everything back into your kitchen, following the remodel. Think of it as your first step in organizing your new kitchen.

• Set Up A Temporary Kitchen.

  No matter what, you’ll need some type of temporary kitchen during your remodel. A coffee pot is enough for some of our clients. Others use a small microwave and hotplate. Still others get more creative, making use of their Air Fryer and InstaPot. Many of our customers rely on paper plates and disposable cutlery to make clean up easy. A dishpan is helpful to collect dirty dishes, since you may have to transport them into another room to get them washed.

• Make Your Plan B.

  Come up with an overall meal plan for how you’re going to prepare meals without a kitchen. With a new Whole Foods opened in Kenwood, Cincinnati, many of our clients are making use of their prepared meals, along with those from nearby Fresh Market or Trader Joes. A quick zap in the microwave, and you’re good to go. Another option are prepared take out meals, with The Wheel, Daveeds Culinary and La Soupe offering some great meals here in here Cincinnati. But bringing prepared meals in is not your only option. Going out to dinner will seem like a very special treat, so make the most of it.

  You might find that you miss cooking after a while. See if you can enlist a friend to help. You do the cooking and cleanup in their kitchen both your family and theirs. Win win!

  If you’re a lover a kitchen gadgets, now’s a time when you’re Air Fryer and InstaPot are going to shine. Both of these small appliances have some great utility in these situations and are real powerhouses in preparing great meals without a lot of space. If weather permits, commit to the grill. Every night can be a cookout during a kitchen reno.

• Dream!

  At times, a kitchen remodel may seem to drag on forever. But it’s only temporary. Take a deep breath, close your eyes and take a minute to dream of your new space. Before you know it, you’ll be back to your regular life, this time in a sparkling new kitchen.

Are you ready to take the next step in your kitchen remodel?

Here’s a home that now checks all of the boxes, inside and out. Chef’s kitchen with ample storage, an enviable mudroom, a sunroom outdoor living, not to mention new siding, windows and doors. The list goes on and on, including phase two of our project, which includes a grand master bathroom renovation.  And that’s before we even get to the brand new garage. The coup de grace. The icing on the cake. The feature that made us feel so especially lucky that we got to be the home builders who got to bring it all together.  These homeowners are really happy with their new space. But you know who else is happy—we are because this space takes our portfolio to the next level.

 Let’s start outside and then work out way in. (We’re saving the garage for last, so keep reading!) This Hyde Park home got quite the facelift, as well as a spacious new addition. It went from white to grey with siding from LP Siding, for renewed curb appeal in an instant. Our partners at Marvin provided the new windows and doors from their Marvin Essentials line. The good bones of this house really shine through with new windows and siding—all the character and none of the “old house” maintenance. A stroll around to the back of the house reveals a new, low-maintenance, IPE deck. The stone accents, provided by Semco Outdoor, and the deck railing, from EADS Fence Company, makes this outdoor space seem more like a roomy extension of the house than a run-of-the-mill deck. The steps of the deck lead to a new patio, perfect for grilling and dinner al fresco.

But be careful when you walk through the Marvin Essentials doors. You’re going to have house envy. The new deck leads to a brand, new kitchen. And it is a stunner to say the least. Custom cabinets, finished in a crisp, clean, white, reveal tons of organized storage, with pull out drawers and an appliance garage. The central island is painted with a custom Sherwin Williams grey, which makes the apron front farmhouse sink from Kohler really stand out. 

Glass-paneled upper cabinetry flanks the impressive ventilation hood, for a modern farm house look. The commercial-look range is from Thermador, as well as the paneled dishwasher, which beautifully blends into the cabinetry. The granite countertop from Ohio Valley Stone ties the grey of the center island and the white of the surrounding cabinetry together perfectly. 

A special nook in the kitchen can become a bar for entertaining—just add an ice bucket! The undercounter beverage refrigerator from Thermador is nestled in this corner next to a pull-out cabinet, which houses libations now, but could also store glass drinkware or serving pieces. The lighted cabinet above makes this corner is a great detail, making it a focal point during parties or special occasions. 

 From the kitchen, the layout of this addition flows into a cozy, light-filled sunroom. Serving as a connector to outdoor living or family space, this kitchen now truly is the heart of the home. If you can pull your eyes off the kitchen long enough, check out the room’s vaulted ceiling with exposed beams. We love adding these types of custom detail to our homes.

 People always say that a kitchen is what makes a house a home, but we all secretly know that it’s really the mudroom, right? With a spare refrigerator, washer and dryer and plenty of cabinetry that complement the kitchen, this room really keeps this house in business. The secret here is that this room used to be the kitchen. We modified the homeowner’s existing cabinetry to continue the look and feel of the kitchen. The additions of new countertops, a sink, cubbies and a built-in desk make this room a real workhorse. 

Pretty much a dream house, right? 

And we haven’t even gotten to the garage yet.

The English Contractor team built this new structure from the ground up. It’s a 3-car garage that actually can fit 6 cars. How can that be? Magic? 

It’s magic, all right. The magic of car lifts. Just when you thought the garage space couldn’t get any better, take a look at the epoxy floors, courtesy of American Sealing Experts.

The lush landscaping so beautifully accentuates the details of this home. We wish we could take credit for that, but this homeowner is a talented landscape architect—and it shows. New home amenities with real character.

 It may look finished, but we’re still working away on this home. It could be that these clients love us enough that they never want us to leave. Or it could be that this house has such a special place in our hearts that we’ll keep taking new projects. Either way, this project continues. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better.

Are you ready to turn your house into your dream home?

It’s not like what you see on TV, where a glamorous host seems to magically transform a house before your eyes. It takes several weeks or even months, depending on the size of your project. And it takes blood, sweat, tears and lots of dust. Of course, with a little bit of preparation, those tears can be tears of joy once you see your newly renovated home. We manage home remodels of all different sizes, from whole home renovations to projects that stay in just one room, most commonly a kitchen or bathroom. We’ve also lived through these renovations in our own homes. A whole home remodel typically means that you’ll need to temporarily relocate. But plenty of our clients stay in their homes during a renovation. We’ve gathered our best tips of what you can do to live through a home remodel while keeping your sanity.

1.     Prepare, Prepare, Prepare.

Embarking on a home renovation project is exciting! You’ll start imagining yourself cooking in your new kitchen or putting your feet up in front of the fireplace of your new home addition. You’ll want to drop off that deposit check and have us start demo right away. But not so fast. The planning and preparation can take several weeks or months while we source your products and start placing orders. In stock tile or fixtures can be at your front door within a few weeks. But something custom made or in a specialty finish can take over 8 weeks. The last thing we want to do is to demo your kitchen and then have you live amongst the rubble for weeks with nothing to show for it. We’ll work with you to determine all we need to order for your new space. You can help keep the process moving by approving selections and costs as we give them to you. We don’t like to do demo until we have everything we need to put it all back together. This part can seem like an eternity, but trust us when we say it is worth the wait and will save time in the long run.

A renovation project can seem like hurry up and wait. You’ll have a flurry of activity at your house, only to then have weeks where nothing seems to happen. In a typical kitchen or bathroom remodel, demolition will take a few days. You’ll hear lots of noise and see lots of dust. But then, it’s going to be quiet for a while as our plumbers rough in plumbing and our electricians do their thing. This behind-the-scenes effort takes some time.  Sometimes, their work is not immediately evident either. But it is an important part of making your new space functional and safe. After plumbing and electric, your room will start to come together again, as you see tile, cabinetry, faucets, appliances and more. The space will start to look like the kitchen or bathroom that you have dreamed of. Understanding the basic timeline will help you see the progress over time.

 Of course, a schedule is not set in stone. When you’re undertaking a large renovation, you never know what is lurking behind your walls. Sometimes, we find electrical, plumbing or structural issues that need to be addressed before the project can go on. 

2.     Know the Schedule.

A renovation project can seem like hurry up and wait. You’ll have a flurry of activity at your house, only to then have weeks where nothing seems to happen. In a typical kitchen or bathroom remodel, demolition will take a few days. You’ll hear lots of noise and see lots of dust. But then, it’s going to be quiet for a while as our plumbers rough in plumbing and our electricians do their thing. This behind-the-scenes effort takes some time.  Sometimes, their work is not immediately evident either. But it is an important part of making your new space functional and safe. After plumbing and electric, your room will start to come together again, as you see tile, cabinetry, faucets, appliances and more. The space will start to look like the kitchen or bathroom that you have dreamed of. Understanding the basic timeline will help you see the progress over time.

 Of course, a schedule is not set in stone. When you’re undertaking a large renovation, you never know what is lurking behind your walls. Sometimes, we find electrical, plumbing or structural issues that need to be addressed before the project can go on. 

3.     Drop It Like Its Hot.

Drop those drop clothes all over the place. Renovation is a messy job. Or crew is meticulous, but dust and dirt is inevitable. We’ll seal up the room where we are working as much as we can. Plus, we clean up before we leave each day. Protect your belongings by packing up what you can and covering up larger furniture items in adjacent rooms. If you decide to stay in your home during renovation, pick a place where you can cook, eat and just relax that is far from the demo debris. Many of our clients do stay put during construction, but some find temporary housing elsewhere. 

4.     Channel Your Inner Marie Kondo.

If you’re clearing out a room to make space for renovation, use this time to declutter and organize. Are you surprised by the number of boxes you’re packing up as you’re clearing out your kitchen? Before you pack it away  (only to unpack it a few months later), take stock of the appliances and cooking tools that you’re holding on to. You’ll love your new space that much more if it is organized off the bat.

 5.     Don’t Demo What You Can Donate.

Talk to your contactor about what can be reused or repurposed. So many of our clients want to minimize the environmental impact of their renovation and do some good for their community. In the Cincinnati area, we work with Restore to come and pick up cabinetry, appliances, and plumbing fixtures to be sold in their second-hand store, proceeds of which benefit Habitat for Humanity. Check your own community or Habitat for Humanity website to see what is available in your area. Many of our clients find the process of donating their old appliances and cabinetry therapeutic. 

6.     Keep Talking.

Start with a preconstruction meeting before anyone starts swinging a hammer. Make sure you are on the same page as your contractor.  Our clients receive a weekly email, so that they have the big picture week by week of what is next in the construction process. Before a major milestone, we’ll schedule face to face meetings as well. And we’re always just a text or phone call away. 

Above all, before you start the process, make sure you have a contractor you like and trust. After all, for a major home renovation, a contractor could be in your home for weeks or months—or longer. Our goal is to have you miss us when we’re gone!

Are you ready to get started?

Give us a call and we’ll work with you to put together a plan.

Remember our bathroom remodel with the beautiful blue accent tile with walls painted a serene blue to match? Our work with this homeowner went far beyond a bathroom renovation. These clients also worked with The English Contractor team to turn their existing family room into a new dining room. And then we added a completely new addition to the home to create a beautiful space for this family to spend time together.

And who wouldn’t want to spend time here? The kitchen now opens up to the family room, with a bar that not only provides a great space for a quick breakfast but also is the perfect serving spot for drinks and snacks when entertaining. A natural extension of the kitchen, we know this family room will be the place to be during a party.

 This addition is large enough to accommodate a comfortable seating area. New windows, from the Marvin Integrity line, offer plenty of natural light, but as evening approaches, the room is illuminated by recessed lighting. The space was completed with French doors, also from Marvin Integrity, provided, along with the windows, by Marsh Building Products

 Our carpenters outdid themselves with the beautiful fireplace surround, offering niches for family photos, books and accessories, as well as pull out drawers for some extra storage. What’s more, these built ins offer extra seating, too, with window seats that offer a cozy nook to sit with a book.

 A gas fireplace provides both atmosphere and warmth. This beautiful focal piece is accented by stone and a stained wood mantle. The English Contractor team completed this space with gorgeous wood flooring, stained to match the mantle. 

The special details our team added to the space are almost too many to count. Are you looking to add some upgrades to your home? Give us a call and let’s talk.

There are lots of options to think about when preparing for a kitchen remodel: appliances, countertops, lighting and flooring. These are the big picture items that make up the total aesthetic of your remodeled space. 

But another aspect to consider when preparing to renovate your kitchen: functionality and organization. 

And while we love Marie Kondo and the idea that every object has its place, we take it a bit further when helping our clients plan a kitchen renovation by considering mis-en-place.

Mis-en-place is a French culinary term. It literally means “put in place” and is a term that chefs use to have everything at hand to prepare a meal before the cooking begins. In a commercial kitchen, where hundreds of meals must be prepared quickly with streamlined efficiency, without sacrificing flavor or appearance, mis-en-place ensures that the chef has everything prepared and within easy reach.

The basic concept of mis-en-place is that planning, preparation and organization ahead of time results in a better finished product. To make that concept a reality at the dinner table, The English Contractor worked with these homeowners to create a kitchen that is a model of efficiency and functionality.  Kitchens are in our wheelhouse for sure—but not just designing cabinetry on the outside, but also what they will look like as well as what they will hold on the inside. We go beyond the hailed work triangle to really think about every inch of functionality within the kitchen.

On the surface, you can see that these homeowners wanted a kitchen that was an elegant extension of the house and a model of efficiency. Designed to allow easy access to the primary dining area and the family room, this kitchen allows multiple people to work while still having access to the action in the rest of the house, ideal for family dinner and entertaining larger parties. 

That’s not where it stops. This room has been transformed into a chef’s kitchen with tools and ingredients close at hand, without sacrificing design or style.

Between two SubZero refrigerators, both beautifully concealed with antique white wood panels, lives a custom-made appliance garage, with the drawer microwave located conveniently below.

No more searching in a deep, dark pantry for ingredients. This narrow cabinet was created to keep everything in view, making the most of this corner of the kitchen.

But not everything in this kitchen was designed to be immediately visible. Electrical outlets were placed underneath the upper cabinetry, out of view so as to not disrupt the tile backsplash.

The dishwasher was given a custom-made wooden panel to look like drawers to balance with the drawers at the other end of the cabinet run. Now you see it, now you don’t. The only downside of this symmetrical design is that the children in the household have a valid excuse for not loading the dishwasher if they can’t find it. 

In addition to offering abundant storage and counter space, the center island also houses a Wolf warming drawer, to make every day cooking and more formal entertaining a breeze. 

From continues to follow function in this remodeled kitchen. The Wolf range is surrounded by all the necessary cooking and meal preparation supplies, neatly organized so beautifully in drawers that each one is a work of art in itself. From spices to cooking tools, each drawer is customized to both organize and display its contents. 

Peg organizers in deep drawers give the homeowners a way to store dishes that keeps them well organized and close at hand. In every inch of this space, these clients have maximized storage space. Upper cabinetry allows some storage, but also glass doored shelves allow for display of decorative items.

Stylish organized continues in the adjacent dining area with coordinating custom cabinetry. 

This panoramic view of the kitchen highlights the gorgeous cabinetry in antique white and stained cherry finishes. Looks beautiful, doesn’t it?  The kitchen is the heart of the home. But now you know hidden behind those beautiful cabinets are the organizational bells and whistles that make this space a workhorse, too. 

Are you ready to add custom organization to your kitchen?

Give us a call.

Did you know that The English Contractor is a Marvin Authorized Replacement Contractor? We’re proud of our relationship with Marvin and to install their windows and doors in so many of our projects—as well as in our own homes.

We’ve been installing Marvin windows and doors for years, so it’s a product line we’ve come to really know and trust. True, there are lots of contractors or builders can install your windows and doors. The English Contractor team, however, goes the extra mile to receive additional training and education about the products we really believe in. We never stop learning or getting better—and we never want to—so we can deliver meticulously well-crafted whole home renovations and new builds with the best possible products around, time after time. 

In addition to being well-built, durable and energy efficient, Marvin products are a thing of beauty. When evaluating new products to use in our clients’ home renovations and new builds, we look for a company with staying power. Marvin is a family-owned company that has been in business for over a hundred years—and counting. They stand behind their products, and so do we, from the selection through to the installation and beyond.

 Every home renovation project is unique. If your home renovation includes new windows, we’ll help guide you through what can seem like a complicated process. Marvin windows are available in both full-frame replacement and insert replacement versions. With availability in custom sizes and the Marvin guarantee of quality, leading technology and lasting dependability, we know that no matter your style or the scope of your project, Marvin has an option that will work in your home.

 Of course, if the scope of your project is just to replace your windows and doors without a full scale renovation, we’ll give you the same guidance, customer service, attention to detail as we would on a whole home renovation, taking into account your home’s esthetic, the intricacies of installation and budget. With any project, we treat your home like we would our own.

 Are you ready to renovate?

Is it time to replace your windows and doors?

Do you want to learn more about our partnership with Marvin?  

We build houses. We build additions. We remodel. But sometimes, we get to help accessorize a home, as we did with this house in Mount Lookout, Cincinnati, with the addition of a a stunning new front porch.

This home already had plenty of curb appeal, if you ask us, with its stately brick, dramatic black shutters, and lush landscaping. These homeowners partnered with an architect to take their vision for their home to the next level. We were happy to be called in to help bring the plan to life, making this home the new shining star of the neighborhood. 

 The short story is that these homeowners added a covered porch to the front of their home. However, to call this masterpiece a covered porch is truly not doing it justice. Look up. Look down. Look all around. No detail was left unnoticed in this outdoor space that makes an impressive, welcoming entrance to this house. 

 The crowning glory of this space is the stained bead board ceiling that adds a beautiful detail. The new door was stained to match, creating a unified, well-designed look to the entire space. 

 The door hardware is from the Baldwin line on build.com. We love how this darker finish compliments the existing shutters. The sconces and ceiling-mounted fixture, from Rejuvenation’s Thurman collection, tie it all together.

Are you ready to add some curb appeal to your home?

The English Contractor team can help.

There’s a certain beauty to a work-from-home day. Not only can you throw on a load of laundry between phone calls and emails, skip cafeteria lines when it’s time for lunch, and stay cozy in your slippers all day long, but you also keep to take a break from harsh overhead lighting, uncomfortable furniture and the buzz from the photocopier. If you’re spending the day at home to get some work done, why not make the process a little bit fun, just like these homeowners did. 

 You may feel like you know these homeowners already, since this is our hattrick project for them. Remember that amazing outdoor room? What about that spring-like bathroom? Kind of makes you want to meet them in person so you can be invited over for drinks. This space won’t change your opinion of them at all. 

We’re not interior designers, but we sure do get to have some fun when our homeowners pick out some extra special finishes. That isn’t a really precise gallery wall—it’s wallpaper! Wallpaper is back and it is more fun than ever. We had a blast installing this wallpaper, which gives that English hunt feel with the dark, subtly patterned wallpaper, filled with ornate gold picture frames.  But the animals inside each frame, all dressed in their Sunday best, show a bit of whimsy and a good sense of humor. Look up from your laptop to see this view, and you’ll surely smile. And, if you remember from their bathroom project, this family wants to update their space, while paying homage to the home’s history. This fun wallpaper certainly does the trick, that takes an antique-look and presents it in an entirely new way.

 The hunter green painted walls add to the English hunt feel, with a collection of framed photos and artwork to complement the playful adjacent wallpaper. 

 No industrial carpeting in this office. This home office was completed with new hardwood flooring. The combination with the oversized chair and tufted ottoman that the homeowner selected could help this space swing into happy hour as a comfy den for after work drinks. And isn’t that how we’d all like to end the work week? By putting up our feet, and relaxing with a beverage of choice. If you’re going to work from home, might as well do it in style? 

Do you have a space in your home that is need of some sprucing up? Give us a ring? From cosmetic touches like painting, wallpaper installation and hardwood flooring, to bigger renovations, home additions and new builds, we can help you transform your home room by room. 

You may have fallen in love with the whimsical bathroom that we just shared, a beautiful melding of modern aesthetic with the historic bones of an older home. We loved working on this project, in part, because it was such a fun challenge. But we have a special place in our heart for these homeowners, who called us back into work on this space a year after we completed another project for them: an outdoor room.

This project began as a concrete slab. And while that makes a fine place for holding a barbeque grill and maybe a table and some chairs, at the end of the day, it’s just a concrete slab. These homeowners wanted to extend their living space and transform it into an outdoor room, complete with all of the comforts of the indoors. 

A roof both adds protection from the elements, but also makes this space look like a natural extension of the house. To us, that’s a barometer of a project well done—one that, once it is complete, you can’t imagine what the house looked like without it. 

 But it wasn’t enough to add just a roof and screens. The tile flooring is both durable and stylish. A gas fireplace with wall mounted television above it gives another taste of the indoors. 

The grill still has a place in this space, with an inviting table nearby. Add some good friends and you have an instant party, all in one space.

See more of this beautiful space and hear more about the specifics of this project from The English Contractor himself, Craig Russell. 

Do you have an outdoor space that could use some attention? Are you imagining an outdoor room all your own? Give us a call today.

“You may think that spring showers bring May flowers. But in this case, spring showers brought us very happy homeowners.”

Don’t you love those beautiful spring mornings? The ones where you wake up to beautiful sunshine. Flowers are in bloom. The birds are singing. The kind of morning where you just can’t wait to leap out of bed and greet the day? 

 For some lucky homeowners, with a creative vision all their own, that’s every morning, every season of the year.

 The English Contractor was contacted by these Milford homeowners to remodel their bathroom, after we’d successfully worked with them to create an outdoor room, that you can see here. Of course, one of our most frequent requests is to help refresh and renew a bathroom. But this one was special and our task was specific: remodel this bathroom to make it modern and new while paying homage to the legacy of their historic home. 

 If you’ve ever lived in a historic home, you know you are much more than a homeowner. You are a steward of a domicile that was home to many families before you. And, thanks to your caretaking, will likely hold many other families under its roof for decades to come. A house like this has a personality, even a spirit, all its own. Your job is to keep this home a representation of the time period in which it was built, while gently and carefully welcoming the modern era in. 

 We wax poetic, but it’s true. 

 Take a look at these photos and see for yourself. This free-standing soaker tub with elegant claw feet is reminiscent of another era. The original home likely had a bathtub just like this. It makes a statement. It screams personality, acting as a piece of furniture in this perfect nook. The deck mounted faucet with cross hatch handles screams vintage, while at the same time gleaming shiny and new. Both the bathtub and the faucet are from our friends at Signature Hardware.

 We’re so in love with the tile floor from Ann Sacks, a chevron pattern given a new look with an elegant curve from the Benton Mosaic collection. The shades of gray add some interest to the area and are a beautiful, modern juxtaposition against the stately, vintage-look bathtub.   

 But let’s talk about that shower. The subway tile here, with grey grout, adds a nice, neutral backdrop for the rest of the space. Three recessed shelves add plenty of storage. It’s the brass shower fixtures that really makes this space sing. We love it when the most functional item is also beautifully decorative.

And when we say sing, we mean sing like the birds on that cheerful wallpaper. Talk about bringing the outside in. So many of our homeowners have embraced the “everything old is new again” wallpaper trend. We particularly like this one, selected by these clients. It’s so cheerful and happy, a modernized toile that once again takes a vintage space and makes it more current, with a slight nod to the home’s heritage. The stained-glass window is the icing on the cake, letting in plenty of natural light while beautifully reflecting the design of this space, both inside and out.

This sweet pedestal sink is just so perfect for this space, with the brass faucet with cross hatch handles reflecting this mix of new and old, both from Kohler. The white chair rail and detailed paneling lend a crisp and clean feel to the space. And isn’t that just how a new bathroom should feel.

Is your bathroom ready for a transformation? We’d love to tell you more about this project, as well as some of our other recent bathroom remodels that you can preview here and here. Give us a call. We’d love to show off our latest work—and talk about how we can help you.

Your home is likely your biggest investment. And it’s not a one-time cost, either. It’s one that requires maintenance and upkeep as well. As a homeowner, this is an exciting time. Inspiration and ideas exist every step of the way, thanks websites like Pinterest and Houzz and networks like HGTV and DIY. 

 We’re inundated with step-by-step demonstrations of home improvement projects. We’re taking it all in, right along with you. We take learning about the latest trends one step further, as we partner with different suppliers to continue our education on best practices for products and installation throughout the home. Our certifications and training help us provide you with a renovation that is managed efficiently with masterful craftsmanship and expertise. We’re respectful of our clients’ budgets, too, and are skilled at providing advice on when to splurge and where to save. 

 However, there are some costs that are unavoidable when planning a home renovation. In fact, it is more expensive to remodel an existing home then it is to build one new. A home remodel goes beyond picking out appliances and final finishes. We love showing off our latest projects. Gorgeous millwork. Shiny new appliances. Beautiful, custom details. But what these photos don’t show is all the behind-the-scenes work. There are other important cost considerations when planning a remodel or renovation of any size and scope. Read on to see if you’re ready for a major renovation in your home.

Demolition Day!

Pick your favorite home improvement show, and they all have a fun montage of demolition scenes. Most major home remodeling projects require some type of demolition, from flooring and cabinetry to walls and ceilings. It may seem like any homeowner can just take a sledge hammer to their space to save costs. Yet this stage isn’t quite the fun and games we see on TV. Demolition has to be done skillfully and carefully to avoid damage, which can add up to substantial costs.

Coping with Construction.

We’re neat freaks by nature, and even as hard as we try, the job site can be messy. And noisy. Any major renovation comes with some disruption to your daily routine. Projects can be completed more quickly in a new build than in an occupied home. We work hard to take the steps to minimize the disruption to your life, taking the time to clean up each day when our work is done. However, dust, tools and disruption of water and electrical service are all to be expected with any major renovation.

Demo Detective Work.

We’re home contractors. We’re remodeling experts. But did you know we’re also detectives. We have a pretty good idea what’s behind your walls, but the only way to know for sure is to carefully do a little demo. Cost and approach of a project sometimes has to be modified while we’re in process, depending on what surprises are lurking behind your walls, floors and ceilings. We’ll keep you apprised every step of the way to manage this process, but discoveries beneath the surface can add to the total cost of a project. 

Behind the Scenes.

A kitchen or bathroom renovation often requires just as much behind the scenes as it does for the final finishes. Pipes and wires are what keep these spaces running. It is much easier to plumb or wire a new build before the drywall has been added. Changes to plumbing, electric, or HVAC in an existing home are slightly more complicated and require a bit more in terms of budget.

Balancing Act.

A home renovation is one-part construction and one-part logistics. Especially when you consider the scale of projects like a full kitchen remodel or a new addition, there are many moving parts and pieces, including different specialized trades people who have specific tasks to perform at precise times during the project timeline. In addition, projects require the incredible amounts of products, from the behind-the-scenes elements for electricity, plumbing and structure of the project, as well as appliances, fixtures and all the finishing touches. Sourcing all of these products includes soliciting pricing, communications to confirm product type and coordination of delivery. On top of all of that is project oversight and price management. The project managers at The English Contractors are skilled at taking care of these logistics behind the scene. They make it look easy, but many of our clients are surprised to learn that a remodel of an existing kitchen takes just about as much time and energy as totally building a new home. 

Let’s Get Started.

Are you ready to renovate? Reach out to the team at The English Contractor and we’ll partner with you to walk you through the process of what these details will look like in your own home. Each and every project is different. Our team will provide you with the guidance you need to add custom details that will truly make your home your own. Contact us today.

When touring the HGTV home, many people ask us specifics about the finishes and furniture. From working on the project from the beginning to end, we can answer a lot of these questions. When it comes to the nuts and bolts of the HGTV Urban Oasis home, we can take a lot of credit for the craftsmanship of the project. But our job was really to bring the vision of the designer, Brian Patrick Flynn, to life.  And while our project managers receiving training from all different suppliers—from Subzero, Wolf and Cove to Marvin Windows—and have exquisite taste to match, our job is to our job is to listen carefully and lend our expertise to give structure to a designer’s or home owner’s plans. 

That’s the beauty of working on a team of contractor, architect and designer. All of us have the goal of ultimately making the homeowner’s dream come true. As contractors who specialize in high end home renovations, we are constantly exposed to best practices in kitchen and bathroom finishes. We can make recommendations on a counter surface—marble, granite, soapstone, or butcher block—depending on your kitchen use. We’re up to date on the latest technology in the loo—from electronically controlled showers to touchless toilets. By attending trade shows and training, we know what’s coming down the pike. So it’s not all about swinging a hammer. We can certainly work with you and your designer to help you build your dream home—from the studs down to the paint.

Are you ready to tackle a major renovation? The team at The English Contractor is here and ready to help. Let’s connect to discuss your plans. We’d love to be part of your dream team to make the magic happen.

We’ve discussed that the role that each partner plays in a home renovation or custom build. But what if you have a smaller project, like updating a bathroom or renovating a kitchen? How do you know who to call to help with your project? There are many projects that only require a builder or a contractor, like The English Contractor. There are plenty of times, though, when it makes sense to call in the additional professionals, like an architect or an interior designer. Here in the Cincinnati area, there are so many talented professionals. We are here to help you navigate your home renovation projects and are happy to make recommendations when additional partners are needed to manage your new build, addition or renovation.

Do you. . . 

• Know what you want to accomplish?

• Want to update your existing finishes and maybe replace some cabinetry and appliances? 

• Feel confident in selecting finishes, hardware, appliances and more? 

• Generally, want to keep the structure and function of the room the same? 

• Have a general idea of budget and timing? 

• Just want to add bespoke detail to an existing room or structure?

• Have a home problem that you’re trying to solve? 

Then give us a call! We’re a perfect first call to make when you start thinking about a home renovation project. We have a keen eye for design and detail, yet we know when to call in additional professionals.

Do you. . . 

• Want to make a major layout change, like moving the location of a kitchen? 

• Have an idea for a project that may involve moving gas and plumbing lines?

• Want to make major structural changes to your home, like changing the footprint, height of ceilings or grade of the property?

• Own a landmark or historic home?

Then it may be time to call in an architect. An architect can help you identify your approach, solidify an initial budget and create thorough drawings to help your contractor both price out, manage build your project. Do you need a recommendation for an Cincinnati-based architect? Give us a call!

Do you. . . 

• Need help selecting finishes? 

• Want help in planning the functionality and layout of a room? 

• Want to make small tweaks to your layout? 

• Want a professional to help you with interior design? 

You may want to add a designer to the mix. They can help guide you, along with your contractor, in the final finishing touches for your project. We’re happy to help you find a great interior designer to work along side us as we begin your remodel.

Depending on the size, scope and scale of your project, the perfect mix may very well be an architect, contractor and designer. But there’s more to the process than a simple check list. Let us understand your project more and we’ll point you in the right direction. Give us a call and lets get started!

It is time to refresh your master bathroom? Is your hall bathroom looking a little dated? Does your powder room need a little love? It may be time to talk to The English Contractor about a bathroom remodel.  According to Zillow, a bathroom remodel can add to overall value of a home. Just replacing the fixtures, toilet and upgrading the vanity can result in a $1.71 increase in home value for every $1.00 spent on the project. Even if you have no immediate plans to move, an updated bathroom can improve utility bills with more water-efficient shower heads, faucets and toilets, can add more space for organization and can just make you feel good by incorporating some up-to-date style into your space. Before you start dreaming about a new bathroom, here are some considerations to keep in mind.

What’s Your Motivation?

There are many reasons why a homeowner starts to plan remodeling a bathroom. Are you planning a move? Does the space need to be more functional? Are you hoping to make your space bigger? Are there accessibility issues that must be addressed for those with limited mobility? Or is it just time for a change? These are questions that can help guide your selections and the scope of the project. If you’re planning a quick remodel as part of the process to prepare your home for sale, you might just want to consider quickly switching out more decorative items. Adding square footage to your space might require moving around plumbing, which will require more time and money. Share your overall plans for your lifestyle and the home with us and The English Contractor project management team can help guide you through the process. 

Beer Budget, Champagne Taste?

The English Contractor team always suggests starting with a budget number in mind. Even in a small space, all the choices you need to make can quickly add up. We suggest looking back to your overall goals to help you set your budget and prioritize the space. If improved organization is your goal, you might want to consider spending more to add in a closet or a new spacious vanity. Is the overall aesthetic driving your overhaul? Then maybe your splurge is in the details, like upgraded tile or stylish new hardware. Are you trying to enlarge or move the space? You may need to save budget money for some of the behind-the-scenes work, like moving plumbing. Renovating a bathroom is not an inexpensive proposition, but The English Contractor team will work with you to help you make sure you’re spending your money wisely. 

You’ve Got Style.

No matter your motivation for a bathroom remodel, you need to take your own personal style into account. Bathrooms are no different than any other room in your home and you’ll have lots of different elements to think about that will add to your overall aesthetic. This is a time to start thinking about colors. Do you go for a spa like neutral or a bold pop of color? Are you looking for industrial chic or modern farmhouse? Choices of vanity, shower, tub, tile and even mirrors and towel racks are décor elements as much as they are functional pieces of your bath.

New Additions.

There are lots of trends to take to consider when remodeling a bathroom. Frameless showers doors, hidden drains, exposed shower plumbing, threshold free showers and freestanding are all new trends in bathroom design. Do you want to incorporate any of these concepts into your space? Time to start browsing pictures to see which new trends match your overall aesthetic and plans for the space. 

Form and Function.

Take a look at how you’re currently using the space. Does your bathtub go unused? Maybe it’s time for a bathroom renovation that deletes the tub and includes an oversized shower. Are you feeling crowded in the morning? Maybe it’s time to consider a double vanity? Do you have stuff everywhere? How about included more storage in your newly designed space? Is this a place for kids? Let’s take a look at some indestructible options. Are you constantly tripping over piles of dirty clothes? How about included space for a laundry hamper? Let us know about any current issues with your space and we can help you solve them!

What’s Next?

The English Contractor is here to help you create a space that is both useful and beautiful. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from aesthetic appeal to functionality. A bathroom remodel is a big undertaking and requires a big investment of both time and money. Our expertise will guide you through the process, leaving you with a space that you will love. Do you need inspiration? Visit our Pinterest page to see some of our latest projects. Ready to get the process started? Drop us a line today!