A previous remodeling experience with another contractor left these Katy clients feeling once burned, twice shy. However, their master bath, bedroom and other parts of the home needed updating. So, they made up their minds to find a professional they could trust.
By the time they contacted TriFection, they already had received another contractor’s quote to remodel their master bath and flooring throughout much of the house. And, as it would turn out, they’re relieved to have taken time to get still yet another quote – this time from TriFection.
Master bath bidding trickery
During the initial consultation with TriFection owner Jeff Reina, these clients were surprised to discover how many key elements were missing from the other low-ball quote. The contractor either intentionally omitted these items (only to add them as surprise change orders later) or was ignorant of the requirements for high-quality remodeling.
Unfortunately, we encounter this scenario all too often in competitive bidding situations. As it turned out, the other quote was actually from a flooring company portraying itself as capable of executing a full bathroom remodel.
Following an honest budget discussion and detailed review of TriFection’s comprehensive proposal relative to the other quote, these clients determined Jeff must be right. There was no way the cheap quote could include the same custom craftsmanship, high-quality materials and expert design assistance as TriFection offered. So, they chose TriFection for the project and slept well at night knowing they had found a trustworthy contractor who wouldn’t cut corners or simply tell them what they wanted to hear to get the job.
Top-down remodeling begins
Our clients’ builder-grade off-white carpet that covered the entire second floor had clearly outlived its use. Our first assignment was to replace it with new Sahara Sand carpet from ProSource. The light brown color added some character to the home without overpowering the existing paint colors.
With the new carpet installed, our clients moved upstairs so we could remodel the master bath and bedroom without impeding on their daily lives.
Master bath renewal
Work began by tearing out the furdown above the shower. Doing so provides a more spacious look and feel. In the process, we relocated plumbing and AC lines that had been running through the furdown into the walls and elevated ceiling.
Our clients’ new shower design would feature a knee wall for added privacy, a bench seat for comfort, handheld showering unit, recessed shampoo niche and frameless glass. The shower walls were covered with Royal Travertino Walnut 16”x24” tile in a broken joint pattern while we used 2”x2” Walnut mosaic on the shower floor, both from InterCeramic. As a design accent, we added a liner of Lucente Zanfrico 4″ linear glass from Emser.
The clients found their plumbing fixtures at Ferguson, including the shower head, handheld unit and faucets from Delta, all with an oil-rubbed bronze finish. They also chose one more important addition….
The new bathroom design featured a deeper American Standard soaking tub to replace the cracked jetted tub that was leaking water. For easier entry and exit, we added a step on the front of the tub deck. As a final touch of elegance, we installed a hanging light fixture above the tub, with new GFCI protection for safety.
To help fit the clients’ desired budget, we decided to paint the existing vanity cabinets in a French Roast color from Sherwin Williams instead of building new custom cabinets. However, for added storage, we built a matching headknocker cabinet in the water closet. We topped the newly repainted cabinets and window sill with a flowing Spectrus Black granite from Omni Surfaces.
Finally, we completed the floor with Royal Travertino Walnut 24”x24” from InterCeramic in a diagonal pattern that extended into the large clothes closet. We painted the walls a complementary tan, which continued into the master bedroom.
Completing the master bedroom
We replaced the same dated carpet in the master bedroom with Hertiage Handscraped Acacia engineered wood flooring from ProSource. This beautiful flooring grabs your eye upon entering the room, giving the bedroom its own special customization.
Bringing together Form, Function and Fit
Our client was delighted to witness the dramatic transformations of their master bath, bedroom and upstairs flooring. They were particularly pleased with TriFection’s design, color and style recommendations. But, our proudest accomplishment is that our honesty, transparency and execution from start to finish restored our clients’ faith in the remodeling experience.
