Typical large master bathrooms are typically 100-120 square feet or larger. A functional South Jersey master bathroom accommodates a walk-in shower, a comfort-height double vanity, a comfort-height elongated toilet, and dedicated storage. A more generous master bathroom includes separate zones for bathing (ideally a freestanding tub), showering, toileting, grooming, and linen/laundry storage.
It depends. A permit is required in New Jersey if the bathroom remodel involves moving water supply & drains, new electrical work, and structural changes, which may include adding windows or moving a bearing wall. Ayars pulls all permits required for each project as part of the standard scope.
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.
Our design team creatively uses soffits, tray ceilings, and strategic layout planning to hide unsightly ductwork and steel beams without sacrificing the overall ceiling height of the main living areas. This requires diligent planning to re-route and move plumbing and electrical lines.
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
Adding a bathroom to a basement living space is a frequent request but there are a couple of conditions to consider:
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.
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.
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.
The cost of a basement remodel varies widely (on average, we see project costs in South Jersey between $60,000 and $75,000), 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.
n 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Due to the amount of communication that our clients receive daily, punch lists are rarely a thing for our team. We are constantly in the know of any areas of concern and address them as we work through the project.
We maintain strict quality control by employing skilled professionals, using high-quality materials, and conducting regular inspections throughout the project. Our lead carpenter oversees all work to ensure it meets our standards. We are huge advocates of reading documentation and following manufacturers guidelines and installation methodologies.
Ordering materials in advance gives us the ability inspect them and store them in our warehouse so they are ready for reinstallation. This is the primary obstacle that many remodeling firms fail to overcome and we believe has led to our success. Schedule slippage is minimal with the amount of oversight and attention each project gets with a dedicated lead carpenter.
Changes are managed through a formal, written change order process, with all details itemized and approved before proceeding.
