Bathroom FAQs

Here we address common concerns related to bathroom remodeling.

How can I organize my small bathroom to make better use of space?

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There are several organizational tricks we can utilize to maximize a smaller hall bathroom or powder room (aka half bath). The first is fairly obvious — a vanity with enough cabinets, shelves, and drawers to store your essentials.

Where we can get clever is by capitalizing on vertical space — floating shelves (mounted to the wall), recessed shelves (built into the wall), or over-the-toilet cabinets are a few nifty ways to add storage without clutter.

How do I prevent mold in the shower?

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The best way to prevent mold in the shower (and the bathroom in general) is proper ventilation. Venting that air outside — rather than into the attic or soffit — is the best way to limit the accumulation of condensation that fuels mold growth, rust, and peeling paint. Moisture in a bathroom is inevitable, but deterioration as a result of it can be avoided.

As an added failsafe, Ayars often installs timer switches that run the fan for a full hour after the shower is done, drying things up and preserving your investment. Another of our standard inclusions with bathroom remodels is the Schluter System — a series of waterproof membranes applied as a substrate to all tiled floors, shower walls, and shower pans. This prevents moisture from penetrating into floors, ceilings, and walls — which can be problematic and potentially destructive over time.

How can I increase water pressure in my shower?

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You can increase the water pressure — as well as the volume of the water flow — with a new showerhead and transfer valve. Many of our customers pair these upgrades with a handheld shower wand and drop ell, giving themselves access to a fully customized shower experience. (Precision temperature control and steam settings add another layer of luxury!)

How big should a master bathroom be?

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Ideally, a master bathroom should be big enough to allow you to spread your wings a little — that’s kind of the point! We prefer to leave enough square footage for:

  • A well-appointed walk-in shower enclosure
  • A comfort-height double vanity (sometimes referred to as “his and hers” or “jack and jill”)
  • A comfort-height elongated toilet
  • Ample storage space (linen closet, etc.)

If we have the room and budget for a more extensive master bathroom buildout, we can look to incorporate separate “zones” for a more personal, spa-like experience:

  • Bathing (we prefer a freestanding tub)
  • Showering
  • Toileting
  • Grooming
  • Linens and laundry

Do I need a permit to remodel a bathroom in New Jersey?

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A permit is needed to remodel a bathroom in New Jersey if:

  • Plumbing or electrical work is required
  • There will be structural changes to accommodate the footprint of the remodeled bathroom (e.g. knocking out a wall, absorbing closet space, etc.)
  • You’ll be adding skylights or windows (this means cutting into walls and framing)
  • You’re installing a new water heater

The Ayars team will acquire all permits necessary to realize your bathroom remodeling goals.

How long does a bathroom remodel take?

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A bathroom remodel can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the size and scope of the project. At Ayars, we emphasize preparation and organization to shorten the timelines of all of our remodeling projects — ordering all materials well in advance of our start date so our craftsmen have everything they need to hit the ground running.

How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom?

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The cost of remodeling a bathroom is highly variable — the size of the bathroom, the quality of finish materials and fixtures, and the number of customized or smart features will all play a role in the project cost. Plumbing and electrical complexities can significantly escalate the overall expense, so it’s important to exhaust all the possibilities with your current bathroom layout before reconfiguring. On average, our bathroom remodeling projects run anywhere from $35,000 to $60,000.

We will talk you through these things extensively during the consultation and design phases to ensure full transparency before beginning work.