Our happy clients: they must be thinking about their new bathroom!

Some things take time. For these MainStreet clients, their bathroom remodel had been on their minds for about 20 years. When they were ready to “take the plunge” they called us to overhaul this space and create usable storage.

A brief description of the residents in your home:

Our busy family consists of two parents, a senior in high school and a lovable black lab.  We all go in different directions during the day and regard our home as a refuge from the outside world.

What prompted you to remodel?

For 20 years, we lived with a tiny master bathroom, which had been added by a previous owner under a sloping roof. The room was very dark and uninviting, yet the task of creating a wonderful master bathroom seemed incredibly daunting. We kept putting off the renovation partly because we had difficulty imagining how the space could be effectively remodeled.

As part of the remodel, we also opted to correct the limited storage space that had us inconveniently storing linens, towels and toiletries in various closets throughout the house.

What lifestyle changes or improvements did you hope to bring about through your project?

We wanted a more tranquil space in which we’d start and end our day; we wanted more organized storage, in the right places.

How long had you been considering your remodel?

We completed every home improve project we possibly could before we tackled this one, so, about 20 years!

Prior to your remodel, did you see friends’ homes where your type of project had been completed?

We mainly studied magazines, saw bathrooms in show houses and studied rooms on Houzz.  We wanted a fresh but traditional space, which would fit into our home that was built in 1946.

In addition to educating on about new products and finding appealing design elements, one of the best things we did was to consciously observe ourselves as we used bathroom spaces.  During our observations, we considered questions like, “Where was the best place to hang a towel when you walk into the shower?”; “What kind of light did we want in the middle of the night?”; “What toiletries did you want out in the open and how many do you want to conceal?”; “Would this new design accommodate us as we age?”

What were some of the challenges you faced during your project?

One night, after the roof and the walls of the old bathroom space had been removed, and three layers of protective tarp carefully installed, there was a huge rain storm.  At 2 am, we became very concerned about whether or not we would have rain damage.  Steve came over in the middle of the night, checked it all out, and we agreed that everything was working as designed.  NO water ever came into the space, even with the wild winds that followed in the next several days!

What did you like about remodeling?

We liked how the entire staff at MainStreet really listened to us and provided a design that accommodated our “must have” list and our “wish” list.  We also liked how MainStreet did not seem fazed by the very issues that had kept us paralyzed.

We enjoyed meeting every craftsperson and noticed the pride they took in doing superior work (we were also quite unaware of how many different people would be involved in our remodeling project). We enjoyed the fact that all of the craftspeople did fantastic job of managing the clutter and dust.

With our bathroom remodel, we discovered how important it is to pay attention to the details.  Christine was so helpful in reviewing design choices, taking the time to encourage us to see how the fixtures looked and felt, and reviewing how materials looked next to each other. We’re happy to report that all of our thinking was really worth it.

It’s also worth mentioning how much we appreciate that MainStreet seemed to know that the choice we were SO definite about on Thursday at 4 pm would be reversed and replaced Friday morning at 9 am, just before the order had to be placed!

Most of all, we loved seeing the progress: every step from the demolition to the rough carpentry to laying tile and painting moved us closer to our dream bathroom.

What was your happiest moment regarding your project?

We love experiencing how all features and elements of the newly remodeled space have worked together in the ways we hoped they would.  We are so impressed with the quality of the work and the details and we still can’t quite believe this beautiful and tranquil space is actually our master bathroom.

Wishing you the best remodeling,

Steve Ramaekers
MainStreet Design Build
Office: (248) 644-6330
Email: info@mainstreetdesignbuild.com
www.mainstreetdesignbuild.com

A MainStreet Design Build Bathroom Remodeling Project: The Rendering of the “His and Hers” Vanity Space

The master bathroom in our clients’ early 20^th century Cape Cod, located in the Poppleton Park neighborhood of Birmingham, MI, was calling out for help.  In the 1970’s, it had been remodeled with dark brown tile, oak cabinetry and laminate countertops, which had long since gone out of fashion and seriously aged in the 35 plus years.  However, the most challenging part of the bath’s structure was the existing dormer window that created slanted ceilings and stole space from the walk paths and head room areas. It was a conundrum, but a solution was in sight.

MainStreet immediately corrected the ceiling situation by adding a 2’ deep x 13’ long dormer to the back of the house, re-framing the roof line, creating full ceiling height and adding usable floor space. The new dormer was designed and built to tie seamlessly into the rear elevation of the home and appears as though it was part of the original structure.

Once the flat ceiling was in place, the bathroom opened up and offered a fresh canvas.  Plus, the additional two feet of width maximized the opportunities to integrate greater storage, vanity space and a super shower!

• At the entry of the newly remodeled room, there’s useful, attractive storage, which includes furniture style cabinetry with closed storage below and open shelving above. The new storage area also creates an effective transition from the master bedroom, which adjoins the bath.
• Once inside, the eye is immediately drawn to the far wall with furniture style “his and hers” vanities, enhanced by beautiful sconce lights and individual framed mirrors.
• Our client had longed for a large walk in shower with room to sit and move; this new element shows off classic subway tile and fun metallic decorative pieces add dimension. The European glass surrounding two walls of the shower adds spaciousness and the toilet now recesses into a new, smaller window dormer.

The moral of this master bath remodel is that by simply adding a 2’ x 13’ dormer off the back of this house, we created a retreat that can be enjoyed for years to come.  Thinking “outside the box” created a world of opportunities!

Wishing you the best remodeling,

Steve Ramaekers
MainStreet Design Build
Office: (248) 644-6330
Email: info@mainstreetdesignbuild.com
www.mainstreetdesignbuild.com

A bathroom renovation by MainStreet Design Build. See more photos in the Bathroom Gallery.

Clients frequently ask this question and we’re excited share this summary on how a bathroom renovation unfolds.

A: There are a variety of ways to update and/or remodel your bathroom. An older bathroom suffering from bad plumbing, cracked tile, mold problems, outdated fixtures and finishes is often suited for a complete overhaul. A newer bathroom may undergo aesthetic improvements with fewer structural adjustments and changes.

In either type of remodel, you’ll spend time with a qualified designer who will create plans for your new layout, style, fixtures and finishes and, for a renovation of an older bath, your plan will include cabinetry elevations, tile elevations, lighting design and electrical plans. Once your design is selected, your construction will be mapped out.

In total or partial remodel, your bathroom will be likely be out of commission for 3-6 weeks, depending on the scale of work. Demolition will be the messiest phase and will be planned with major dust protection to safeguard your home. Also, in lieu of small dumpsters and trailers, new portable “bagsters” offer a convenient and less expensive option for removing the debris from smaller jobs. In a full demolition, the entire room will be gutted down to the existing wall studs, but don’t be intimidated by a gutted bathroom: it’s like a blank canvas for remodelers who will transform it into the space you envision.

When the construction begins, the electrical, plumbing and HVAC will be updated and possibly relocated according to your new floor plan. Next, your room is insulated and then finished with drywall, greenboard or cement board, depending on your final finishes.

Once these elements are complete, other fun changes take shape! New finishes will start to appear, including plumbing, cabinetry, countertops, lighting and final wall finishes. Your designer will be with you all the way, through to the final selections of decorative hardware, colors and even window coverings.

Your spirits will lift as your bathroom emerges from the construction phase and starts to look like a place you and your family can actually use! And, as the space emerges, many homeowners realize the value of the investment they’ve made and understand the potential ROI they may gain at their home’s resale.

Lastly, your project will “round the bend” and be nearly complete as the small details and behind the scenes work gets finished, including the installation of molding and other items.  And, finally, your bathroom is complete and life resumes as normal – only better, as you enjoy your new sanctuary from the world!

Wishing you the best remodeling,

Steve Ramaekers
MainStreet Design Build
Office: (248) 644-6330
Email: info@mainstreetdesignbuild.com
www.mainstreetdesignbuild.com

Out happy clients: more space is great!

MainStreet Design Build is excited to announce another new blog series that will showcase a featured client and their most recent home improvement project with us. We hope you enjoy learning about your Detroit metro area neighbors projects and remodeling experiences. We’d love to hear your comments about these projects or your projects, so please share them!

In this post, we’re featuring a basement project completed for a family in Birmingham whose goal was to create a remodeled space that their friends and family could enjoy.

Tell us about the residents in your home:

“We are a family that likes to entertain.  Our daughter says, ‘We are fun to be around, we are very active and love to play.’  We really are more ‘homebodies’ than not and the idea of having a place entertain family and friends with a focus on the kids was our goal.”

What prompted you to remodel?
“We have an 11-year-old daughter and, as she grows up, we want to provide the ‘cool hangout’ for her and her friends, which ensures a safe, fun place for the soon-to-be teenagers to have fun. It worked!”

What lifestyle changes or improvements did you hope to bring about through your project?

“Included in our basement remodel is a new and improved workout room. I hoped that I would want to spend more time down there trying to stay fit! Our daughter and her friends love to hang out in the basement and, when kids come over (and the weather isn’t great), they head straight for the ping pong table!”

How long had you been considering your remodel?

“We’d been wanting to upgrade our lower level for a few years and, as we firmed up ideas and saved money, it became a reality.”

Prior to your remodel, did you see friends’ homes where your type of project had been completed?

“We did, but we like OUR REMODEL better! Based on the age of our home and the space we had to work in (there are no 10 foot ceilings in our basement), the transformation was incredible.”

What were some of the challenges you faced during your project?

“We wanted to be able to enjoy the new space before it was complete. Our two cats made their adjustments to the remodeling work as it progressed and I still remember when the egress window was installed, Coco found her way downstairs and sat on the window sill as the work was going on all around her….she wasn’t fazed at all. Or, the day the carpet company came up carrying Coco since she was attempting to walk on the floor with glue!”

What did you like about remodeling?

“It was great to see the transition from OLD to NEW! Team MainStreet is like no other…creative, friendly, professional. We have done two remodeling projects and both of them were with MainStreet…it’s a no brainer!”

What was your happiest moment regarding your project?

“Seeing it complete! We love our new space. One of our favorite times is ‘family movie night’, which tends include just the three of us and often happens on Friday nights after long weeks of school and work. We get dinner ready and take it downstairs and it’s way better than the movie theater! We have our own space, a large screen with great surround sound, room to cuddle, a cat or two and a glass of wine……and we smile and say, ‘Thanks MainStreet!’”

Wishing you the best remodeling,

Steve Ramaekers
MainStreet Design Build
Office: (248) 644-6330
Email: info@mainstreetdesignbuild.com
www.mainstreetdesignbuild.com

MainStreet Design Build Basement Remodeling Project – Rendering of the Bar Area

Have you considered finishing your basement? You’re not alone: many Detroit-area homeowners are opting to make use of this valuable space in their homes, bringing new life to their lower levels with well-planned remodeling projects.

MainStreet is currently finishing a walk-out lower level space in a lake front home for homeowners looking for a comfortable, appealing and year-round entertaining space. Along with the homeowners, we’ve had a lot of fun working on this project. Perhaps remodeling a basement takes us back to our youth when we spent time “hanging out” downstairs in our family home or at a friend’s home.

Finished basements give adults and kids a place to retreat from the world and enjoy a little relaxation, sports TV or a good game of pool; this project includes wonderful specialty items and features, which energize and enhance the space.

The specialty items include:

• Full, walk-in wet bar/kitchen area with beverage refrigerator, dishwasher, sink, decorative storage and raised seating area around the perimeter
• Large flat screen TV in the bar that can be viewed while sitting or standing
• Entertainment area with an additional flat screen for relaxed viewing, which can also be seen from the pool table area
• Open staircase into the basement, creating an inviting environment
• Decorative wine room
• A full bathroom with steam shower
• A large, enclosed area for organized storage

The specialty features include:

• Custom stained concrete floor
• Multi-tiered U-shaped bar top with six centimeter granite edging
• Significant use of LED lighting to highlight the bar, entertainment and wine areas
• Custom ¼ sawn oak framing around the bar area

We’re excited to be working with the homeowners on this basement renovation and look forward to upcoming basement remodels with area homeowners. If you have questions regarding a lower level remodel you’re considering, contact us today.

Wishing you the best remodeling,

Steve Ramaekers
MainStreet Design Build
Office: (248) 644-6330
Email: info@mainstreetdesignbuild.com
www.mainstreetdesignbuild.com

This month, we’re launching a new blog series highlighting “A Day in the Life” of Steve Ramaekers, our President and fearless leader. We’ll share insight on the inner workings of his days and the happenings at MainStreet Design Build. As always, we welcome your questions and comments!

Friday, March 16th

It’s 6:30 a.m. and the alarm rings in our quiet house. Even Izzy (our dog) hasn’t opened her eyes.  Today, my wife Christine, is on kid patrol and will get our two boys off to school.  It’s going to be a busy day for all of us and I’m mentally gearing up for the meetings and office work that lay ahead.

The first order of business is an early jobsite meeting on Greenwood Street in Birmingham, where the homeowners are ready to begin their full-blown bathroom renovation.  Around 7:45 a.m., Kurt, our architect, and I meet up at the MainStreet Design Build offices before we head out to the new jobsite.

At the jobsite meeting, we speak with the homeowners, listen to their thoughts and concerns, examine the space, take thorough measurements and capture lots of photos. Afterwards, Kurt and I head back to discuss the meeting and dive into other tasks.

At the office, the coffee is brewing and everyone’s day is underway. While Fridays are great, they’re sometimes my least favorite day of the week because I sign a lot checks and Kim, our office manager, has a pile for me to go through! Fridays are also a day when I take stock of what’s happened during in the previous four workdays and think about what’s ahead. With multiple projects in the works, an interesting item on tap includes:

• We’re in the second round of design for concepts that will be presented to the Birmingham Historic District Commission in early April for a downtown (circa 1880) historic home.  This is a unique challenge because we’re working under The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, which are guidelines that are established nationally for all historic restorations. There is a strong need to respect the character of this old home, yet still satisfy the modern needs of a growing family in the 21^st century.
• We are also gearing up for a start next week on a finished basement in Poppleton Park; this is the 3^rd project we will be completing for this client. We’ve previously built a laundry and mud room addition along with a beautiful custom kitchen.

By lunchtime, half the staff is looking forward to a break at our favorite eatery on Frank Street and we head over together to grab a bite. After lunch, meetings, phone calls and conversations with the office and field staff unfold. We’ve accomplished a lot and a busy afternoon is par for the course at MainStreet.

As the day winds down, I get ready for next week’s meetings and finally, by 5:30 p.m., I’m ready to head home to my family for an evening of youth soccer and hockey. Family time and activities are what we all look forward to and it’s what makes everything we do worthwhile!

Wishing you the best remodeling,

Steve Ramaekers

MainStreet Design Build
Office: (248) 644-6330
Email: info@mainstreetdesignbuild.com
www.mainstreetdesignbuild.com

An in-progress basement remodel by MainStreet Design Build

Clients in the Detroit metro area come to us for a host of remodeling projects, including finished basements.  Often, they have questions about this type of project and will likely ask the big one: Do finished basements really add more living space?

A: If you’re considering this type of remodel, this is a worthwhile question to mull over. According to Wikipedia: “Finishing the basement can add significant floor space to a house (doubling it, in the case of a bungalow).” And, based on our experience, our clients have had similar results. Many homeowners can be sitting on a goldmine of space, which can be used in a variety of ways.

The Wikipedia article goes on to state, “[T]he space has been designed, either during construction or at a later point by the owners, to function as a fully habitable addition to the house. Frequently most or all of the basement is used as a recreation room or living room, but it is not uncommon to find there (either instead of or alongside the living/recreation room) a guest bedroom or teenager’s room, a bathroom, a home office, a home gym, a home theater, a basement bar, a sauna, and one or more closets.” These may illustrate some of the ways you’ve been thinking of utilizing your lower level space and the ways our clients have used their basements.

If you’re considering a basement remodel, contact us to discuss your “whys” and “hows” of your project. We’re glad to listen to your questions and assist you in any way we can.

Steve Ramaekers

MainStreet Design Build
Office: (248) 644-6330
Email: info@mainstreetdesignbuild.com
www.mainstreetdesignbuild.com

Camille Dunn DuBois, an experienced realtor with SKBK-Sotheby’s Birmingham, MI office, says it’s a great time to invest in your home.  “In the current market, I encourage all home homeowners to keep improving their home.  The market is in a state of change right now, and even if you plan to stay in your home, an opportunity could present itself that you would not want to refuse.  Sellers are prepared when they have taken  pride in their home  and continued with renovations and updates. Working with buyers daily, I hear what they are  looking for and they want quality.  Quality home improvements definitely win out over simply updating.  High quality remodels and attention to details do not go unnoticed,” says DuBois.

Even if you plan to stay in your home, making a smart renovation investment is a good idea.  So, what aspects are buyers seeking when searching for a new home?  Ms. DuBois says “The master suite with a master bath continues to be a highly sought after appointment in a house.  The second on the list in my opinion is a remodeled kitchen that opens up to a family room.  Once again, the buyers focus on quality construction, especially when the renovation is done on an older home. These highly sought after older homes have character that buyers yearn for, and the amenities that the modern day buyers need.”

Another point of consideration is the enjoyment experienced while living in your updated home. Perhaps you are happy with your current neighborhood and schools, but long for additional living space, a more functional kitchen or better curb appeal.   Instead of moving to another house, many people are choosing to enlarge and update their current homes.   “Most of our clients have a significant emotional investment in their home and surrounding neighborhood,” says Christine Ramaekers, Vice President and Certified Kitchen Designer at MainStreet Design Build.  She continues, “Our goal is to help our clients realize their dream of staying in  their current home, by creating the space they need for a growing family and integrating the updated amenities they desire”.

It’s clear that although the real estate market place will have ups and downs, quality construction and remodeling are always a good choice.  Whether you plan to stay in your home or are thinking of selling in the future, a quality  investment will offer you enjoyment now and flexibility down the road.

NKBA Certification

The premiere hallmark for kitchen and bath professionals, NKBA Certification is based on proctored examinations and extensive industry experience. NKBA Certified Designers must also meet annual continuing education requirements annually.

The NKBA certifies kitchen and bath design professionals in various stages of expertise:

AKBD® Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer

• Minimum 2 years industry experience
• 30 NKBA Education hours
• 2 affidavits

CKD® or CBD® Certified Kitchen Designer or Certified Bath Designer

• 7 years industry experience
• 60 NKBA Education hours
• 2 affidavits, 2 client references

CMKBD® Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer

• 10 years industry experience*
• 100 NKBA Education hours
• 3 examples of 3rd party endorsements
• * after attaining initial certification

Selecting a Designer

Choosing a design professional can be a difficult decision. By selecting an NKBA Certified Designer, you will be working with a professional who:

• Has demonstrated comprehensive knowledge in kitchen and bath design, as well as construction, mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems
• Adheres to a strict Code of Professional Conduct
•   Is an expert in the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines & Access Standards, which recognize the importance of consumer health, safety and welfare in kitchen and bath design
•   Is a member of the NKBA, a professional organization that provides them with the training and tools needed to succeed
• Is skilled at assessing consumers’ individual needs and wants and creating designs that meet and exceed these requirements
• Remains current on local building codes, safety and environmental regulations and the wealth of new products and equipment on the market

The Design Process

When selecting a design professional:

• Ask for references and visit their showroom or store, if possible.
•   Involve the entire family in the process and discuss any special needs.
• Pick the designer that satisfies your taste and style most. You should not be persuaded to do anything you don’t
  like or that doesn’t fit your budget.
• Trust an NKBA Certified Designer to help make your dream kitchen or bath a reality.t

Source:  National Kitchen and Bath Association

Design Build companies offer several advantages over the multiple-company model:

One Resource for All of Your Needs

1. Working with one company from start to finish means that the responsibility and accountability lies with one firm for all of your design and construction work
2. One point of contact for all questions and communications as the project moves forward
3. Less chance of confusion between the person that designed the space and the contractors that will construct the space.  No finger pointing between multiple parties if something goes wrong or doesn’t
   make sense.
4. Redesign work tends to be minimal as much of the work is done up front.  Any project refinements during the construction phase can be quickly discussed and appropriately addressed or implemented.

More Experience with Both Phases

1. Design Build firms know the cost of materials and labor.  They take these costs into consideration as they develop a design that works within your budget range. Surprises and budget overruns are less likely
   due to detailed planning.
2. They are accustomed to being “in” the space, not just creating blueprints.  A construction background gives the designer a better perspective on the use of the space.  They are experienced in creating “the
   final result” of their designs.
3. Design Build firms understand project timing and scheduling.  They are familiar with permits, lead times and how long each task should take to complete.  These firms also have relationships with suppliers and tradesmen they can refer to during the design process.  All of this adds up to better timing for the completion of your project.

MainStreet Design Build is a full service design build firm.  We’re with you every step of the way.  From project concept to completion, you deal with just one company, committed to quality and excellence in your project.