Complete Bathroom Remodel
Bathrooms in many older Van Nuys residences are now dysfunctional. By undertaking a total bathroom makeover, you can update the floor plan, plumbing and finishes simultaneously. A full remodel covers all aspects of your bathroom, from demolition to the last tile. Residents near Kester Avenue and Oxnard Street will see this work. The difference between doing things all at once is the end result.
Master Bathroom Renovation
Your master bath should be your private escape. A renovation can turn that vision into reality when you're ready to upgrade. Many families around Woodman Avenue have opted for this type of renovation because the original bathroom is just too small. The change in the bathroom layout, fixtures and lighting makes every morning better.
Bathroom Walk-In Shower Remodel
Many Van Nuys homes have bathtubs that aren't really used anymore. Installing a walk-in shower instead of a bathtub can provide you with more useful space. Around Sherman Way, this remodel happens on a regular basis. Walk-in showers are often easier to install than people think and make your bathroom look great.
Custom Cabinetry
Custom cabinetry adds value, style and convenience to Van Nuys homes. Custom bathrooms are different than stock cabinets you would buy at the home center on Victory Boulevard. If you live near Van Nuys Boulevard, you could be interested in a bathroom renovation. Custom cabinets can be made to exactly fit the measurements of your home, which is impossible to do with stock options. Many homes built in the 1950's and 1960's have unusual wall shapes and angles. Custom cabinetry can also be made to go into nooks and around plumbing, and is much more attractive than stock options that leave a gap in the room.
The most popular wood species used in Van Nuys homes are maple, oak and cherry. They're durable and look great for a long time. High gloss lacquer and thermofoil are the best for a modern look. These are also moisture resistant. Many Van Nuys homes near Sepulveda Boulevard have bamboo cabinets. It's a more environmentally-friendly option. Most of the Van Nuys homes we visit are in need of custom cabinetry because stock cabinetry is just not as good. Custom cabinets can also be made to hold all your bathroom items and can easily handle all the shapes and angles a typical Van Nuys home may have.
Shaker style doors are the most popular style today. Flat panel design is great for modern homes. Raised-panel options would be best for Spanish styles. Many custom cabinet options are designed with storage in mind to give you more usable space, but also give them a more open feel and be easier to clean. Most Van Nuys home owners are interested in custom cabinetry because they just want the best look and functionality possible. Most Van Nuys homeowners prefer the quality and customization offered by custom cabinet manufacturers. A good cabinet contractor has the experience and knowledge to guide you toward the best custom cabinetry for your home. The installation process is efficient and results in a perfectly fitted, beautiful product. A contractor works with your existing design and offers ideas for maximizing your bathroom storage, style, and efficiency.
Seismic activity presents a real challenge in the city of Van Nuys. Cabinets that aren't secured properly to the walls during the construction phase could move and break plumbing connections in the event of a quake. Depending on the scope of your project, a permit might be required and will require inspection through the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. Custom cabinet projects in Van Nuys typically run between $3,000 and $15,000 depending on materials and complexity.
Currently, warm whites, soft grays, and navy blues are the most popular paint colors for bathroom cabinetry. Natural wood finishes are once again seeing a resurgence, too. Two-toned cabinets add depth to your bathroom and open shelves give you a way to display hand towels, specialty soaps, or even decor.
Quartz Countertop Installation
Quartz is one of the more resilient surfaces for a busy bathroom here in Van Nuys. This durable material resists stains, doesn't require any sort of sealing and looks great even with very little maintenance. Each slab gets cut and fit on site to a smooth, seamless finish for homeowners in and around Louise Avenue who are ready to make the switch.
Tile Floor Installation for Bathrooms
Installing tile floor material can completely change how a bathroom feels and looks from top to bottom. Floor tile gets installed throughout the greater Van Nuys area every day, from small guest bathrooms to large, expansive master bathrooms. Larger format tiles are popular right now in homes near Balboa Boulevard. They make tight spaces look bigger and grout lines easier to clean.
Bathroom Drywall Installation
Bathroom drywall installation is a critical phase of any bathroom remodel, as it requires specialized knowledge in order to avoid mistakes that are common with drywall installation in other rooms of the house. Moisture resistant drywall, moisture barrier membranes, and proper finishing techniques are essential in the high-humidity bathroom environment to a safe, structural and mold-free result.
The first step is choosing the right type of drywall for each area. Standard gypsum drywall should never be used in high humidity spaces or around wet areas in the bathroom. Moisture resistant green board is appropriate in rooms that only see some humidity from a shower. Cement board or fiber cement backer board should always be used around showers and tubs. These materials, such as Durock and Hardie Backer, will be waterproof, which prevents water from seeping through the wall and damaging the framing behind it.
In older homes in Van Nuys, along streets like Victory Boulevard and Sherman Way as well as the neighborhood around Van Nuys Boulevard that were originally constructed in the 1950s and 1960s, bathroom remodeling will often require removing older plaster and lath and sometimes even moldy or deteriorated old drywall in preparation for the new installation. A skilled contractor will know what to look for during demolition, inspecting and verifying that framing has no water damage or structural issues to be sure that the home's framing is sound.
The installation process begins with measuring out and marking off a precise and straight layout. Everything from outlets, switches, plumbing penetrations, exhaust fan openings and window frames has to be considered. Panels hang horizontally from the top, reducing seams and adding wall strength. Corrosion-resistant screws are placed every 12 inches along the studs. Seam treatment is what separates good work from poor work. Joints are taped and multiple coats of joint compound are applied. Many contractors skim coat the entire drywall with joint compound for a smooth finish, especially if semi-gloss or high-gloss paint is used. The coats need to dry thoroughly before being sanded, which can take two to three days depending on ventilation and air flow.
Waterproofing is more than material selection. Liquid membranes like RedGard or Hydroban are added to wet-area drywall before tiling for complete protection in the event the grout cracks down the road. Waterproof gaskets or silicone sealants are also applied around plumbing penetrations to create an additional watertight seal where the pipes run through the walls. Ventilation has a major impact on long-term drywall performance. Every time a hot shower is run, steam will saturate the wall if the bathroom doesn't have proper ventilation with an exhaust fan. An exhaust fan is needed in bathrooms without operable windows that are properly sized for the square footage of the bathroom and vented directly to the outside air. A good contractor makes sure your project meets building code requirements in Van Nuys when obtaining permits.
Ask your remodeler which brands of drywall and backer board they will use in your project. Ask if they will apply liquid waterproofing membranes and how many coats of joint compound will be used. A reputable Van Nuys remodeling company will be able to provide these answers confidently. Proper drywall installation and waterproofing will mean your newly remodeled bathroom stands the test of time for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a full bathroom remodel take in Van Nuys? Most full bathroom remodels take between two to four weeks depending on the scope of work. Some projects with additional work like custom cabinetry or layout changes can take longer.
Do I need permits for a bathroom remodel in Van Nuys? Permits are often required for plumbing, electrical and structural modifications. The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety issues permits for projects in Van Nuys.
What's the difference between cement board and green board? Green board has moisture-resistant properties but is not waterproof. Cement board is applied to walls in areas with direct water exposure like shower walls since the board will not disintegrate when it gets wet.
Can custom cabinets be installed in a small Van Nuys bathroom? Yes. Custom cabinets are designed and made specifically for your space. They are an ideal choice if you have a particularly tight space or nonstandard shape commonly found in older Van Nuys houses.
Is quartz or granite better for my bathroom countertop? Quartz doesn't require sealing and is more stain resistant than granite countertops. For high-use bathrooms, many homeowners in Van Nuys find quartz countertops more durable and easier to maintain over time.