Editor's note:  This is the third article in a three-part series about a home renovation in Bronxville.  The first article focused on the Open Concept.  The second article focused on Functional Living.  This article will focus on Updating the Upstairs Bathrooms

By Tisha Leung, Sweeten.com

Oct. 9, 2019:  Sara and Mike moved to Westchester so their family of three (now four) could enjoy more space, indoor and out. They found a lovely Tudor home in Bronxville, but it needed a renovation.  

They started by creating an open plan, along with a pantry, mudroom, and powder room, on the first floor, which gave the home a modern refresh. Click on these links to read Part 1 and Part 2 of Sara and Mike’s renovation. They then moved on to the second-floor bathrooms.

The master bathroom received a facelift, including a large walk-in shower, high-end fixtures and tile, and a large niche for holding toiletries. They opted for a sliding barn door to allow room for a double sink, which has been a lifesaver for many a marriage.

The kids’ bathroom has a more rustic look, with oil-rubbed bronze hardware and a copper sink. A low wall between the tub and the toilet provided the perfect space for a built-in toilet paper shelf, while the crawl space behind the bathroom was made accessible for more storage.

Kids' bathroom before renovation

Kids' bathroom after renovation

Now that they’ve been through the process, Sara and Mike recommend that renovators focus on the long term. “It is so easy to get caught up in permits and deliveries being delayed, little problems here and there, budget inflations, or finding out your chimney has collapsed right as you were paying the final bills, but in the end, it all came together,” Sara says. “We are absolutely in love with our final space. We are so excited that we get to live here!” 

Updating older homes is an everyday occurrence in the U.S.-- 40% of the 137 million homes in the U.S. are 50 years or older, according to the National Association of Homebuilders. 

Below are tips when renovating an old house:

1. Focus first on the larger aspects of the home, such as structural integrity. 
2. Prioritize your budget and scope, keeping in mind what will elevate your everyday life and give you the best return on your remodeling spend.
3. If your budget is tight, seal your roof or your unfinished attic. 
4. Invest in a good electrical system to handle all modern appliances.

Sweeten is a free service that matches homeowners with vetted general contractors, monitoring the renovation until completion.

Photos courtesy Sweeten.com

Editor's note: As a public service, MyhometownBronxville publishes articles from local institutions, officeholders, and individuals. MyhometownBronxville does not fact-check statements therein, and any opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the thinking of its staff.