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.

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

What should I consider when contemplating a wet bar vs. dry bar in my basement?

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The main challenge to consider is utility hookups, especially if you favor a wet bar. Bar areas and kitchenettes have many of the same plumbing complexities as the bathroom. The pump system can often be hidden under the sink in the cabinet, but depending on the layout sometimes we create a small closet to house the pump system to not steal cabinet space. Beverage fridges, ice makers, small dishwashers have all been more common requests in these areas as clients want all of the creature comforts of the main floor brought into the basement.

Can you finish a basement with low ceilings?

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With some creativity, a basement with low ceilings can be finished. Low ceiling heights in a basement in certain key areas are inevitable unless it is a new home construction with engineered joists and mechanicals were carefully considered to maximize ceiling heights. The trick in basements is to move the things you can and what makes sense in terms of electrical and plumbing, work around key ductwork and use light colors and good lighting to maximize the feeling of space.

Are basement egress windows required in New Jersey?

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Currently New Jersey building codes only require that egress windows be installed in basement bedrooms — so if you’re hoping to add an in-law suite or give your teen their own space, they’re a must.

Nonetheless, we consider egress window wells essential for any finished basement — not only for a safe route of egress (escape) in the event of an emergency, but also because they allow for natural light and ventilation that would be impossible to achieve otherwise. You can be assured of a quality install through our trade partner just down the road in Mullica Hill, Egress Solutions

Can you put a bathroom in a basement?

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Adding a bathroom to a basement living space is a frequent request but there are a couple of conditions to consider:

  • Septic Systems – Septic systems have specific requirements when adding a basement bathroom since the waste water is discharged with a pump and a separate dosing tank is required. There is often an additional requirement to enlarge the size of the septic field and both of these items combined can be extremely expensive and often take away this possibility.
  • Pump System – Most bathrooms create a significant amount of waste water and require the installation of a croc/pump system in the floor to handle the water, which is then eliminated by a specialty pump designed to handle the volume. The pump has to push the water up to the sewer line so that it can then run out to the street with the rest of the waste water. This also includes check valves so that water can’t come back into the system, dedicated circuits for the pump, and dedicated circuits for the alarm system so that the client is alerted to a failure. These pumps are laborious to install and require cutting up concrete and running all of the drain lines to the system below the concrete slab.
  • Exhaust Fans – Required by code, exhaust fans must be present for both powder rooms and full bathrooms alike. The size of the fan is critical to evacuate the air and the path to the exterior can also be challenging.

 

How can I prevent moisture and water issues from surfacing in a finished basement?

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Making sure the basement does not have any water issues before finishing is paramount. If there are signs of water in the basement, we’ll often make a referral to a local basement waterproofing company and recommend you get that work done a year in advance of your remodel to ensure that the problems have been properly remedied. An ounce of medicine is worth a pound of cure!

Because humidity can be a concern in the summer months, we’ll talk to you about considering steel stud framing over wood framing for added moisture resistance. Supplemented with proper insulation and ventilation, you can be assured your finished basement will stay dry for years to come.

How do you soundproof a basement ceiling and walls?

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To soundproof a basement ceiling, we often apply soundproofing insulation such as rockwool. For walls, we employ an alternating stud design to help decrease the transmission of sound through vibration. We’ll also take care to seal off all penetrations, including electrical outlet and switch locations. If air can pass through it, so can sounds. If this is a critical component for your basement design, then time will be spent to create a sound plan.

Do you need a permit to finish a basement in New Jersey?

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Yes, New Jersey requires a permit for finished basements — this is because the insulation, electrical work, and framing that goes into creating an enclosed living space creates the potential for a fire risk. One of the most misunderstood and often overlooked components which separates Ayars is our understanding of fire blocking and draft stopping parameters. There are specific requirements to ensure that air is blocked from feeding the flames if a fire were to start, and we take every precaution to make sure these are handled properly in order to pass inspection.

How much does a basement remodel cost, and what can be done to mitigate unforeseen expenses?

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The cost of a basement remodel varies widely, depending on how ambitious your goals are. That’s why budgeting and planning on the front end is everything. Ayars goes through the due diligence to create a budget range to make sure we are first in alignment. An extensive amount of work is done after the design agreement is signed to make sure that all of the details are clear prior to the final contract signing. This often requires a site visit from our electrician, plumber, and HVAC trade partners if there are noted complexities. Our goal is NOT to have change orders on all of our signed projects.

What warranties or guarantees do you offer?

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We provide a written 1-year warranty at the completion of the project but most of our products have limited lifetime or lifetime warranties. If any issues arise, regardless of how many years beyond completion always call us so that we can investigate the issue.

How do you handle permits and inspections?

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We manage all permits submissions and coordinate inspections, ensuring compliance with local codes. Permit fees are paid in advance by Ayars prior to the start of the project and invoiced for reimbursement.

How do you manage timelines and keep the project on schedule?

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We use detailed project schedules, coordinate with trade partners, and plan materials in advance. Our team monitors progress daily to stay on track and adapt if adjustments are needed.

What happens in case of an emergency during the remodel?

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Safety is our top priority. We have protocols in place for emergencies and maintain insurance coverage. Any incidents are addressed immediately, and homeowners are kept informed.

How do you handle cleanup during and after the project?

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We clean up daily to minimize disruption and ensure safety. At the end of the project, we perform a thorough cleaning to leave the space ready for use.

What should homeowners do if they have concerns during the project?

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We encourage open communication. Homeowners can speak directly with the lead carpenter or contact the office to address any concerns. We prioritize resolving issues quickly and professionally.