For over 15 years, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen has hosted free educational seminars to folks in Springfield, IL, and surrounding communities. We love sharing our passion for the home renovation industry and most of all, we love empowering homeowners to take their next steps towards accomplishing a stunning new kitchen or new bathroom!

More than 100 clients have told us that this was very informative and a fantastic first step in researching remodeling options.

Allow us to guide you through important basics of successful remodeling projects – design considerations, realistic budgets and production timelines, how to choose your remodeling team, and more.

Seminar FAQ:

Is Registration Required?

Yes, we do require that you register for the event since seating is limited. The week before each event, all who are registered will be emailed additional details and reminders. Registration form HERE.

What time will the presentation start?

Thursday afternoon presentations begin at 1:00pm and Saturday morning seminars begin at 9:00am. Arriving 10-15 minutes early will allow you time to find a seat, grab refreshments, and browse the Design Center if it is your first time visiting.

Which DreamMaker Team Members will be there?

Usually, the seminar material is presented by Curt Trampe, Owner (and the guy with the most white hair). Curt has worked in the remodeling industry for more than 30 years, owning his own business since 1998. He has earned certifications through both the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB):  Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer (CMKBD), Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) and Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS).

Also, other members from the Design Team will be present and available to dive deeper into your specific project questions. Snap pics on your phone and bring those along to explain your current space.

Will there be time to ask questions?

Absolutely!  We enjoy a casual environment where questions are welcomed during the presentation. Often, attendee questions prompt the best and most informative discussions. Making this relevant to you is our number one goal.

Can I see pictures of actual DreamMaker projects?

You read our minds. Yes, our presentation starts with great educational material and the second half of the presentation focuses on before and after pictures of work that we have completed right here in Sangamon County and nearby counties. This helps us illustrate previous points discussed.

What happens after the seminar?

We promise that this is a no-pressure, no obligation event. We would obviously love to talk more about your remodeling needs if you feel that DreamMaker would be a good fit for your project, your family, and your home. It is easy to set a next appointment for a Designer to visit your home, gather measurements, and conduct further discovery.

Additional questions? We also have a video of Curt explaining What to Expect at a Seminar, or just give us a call at the DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen Design Center, (217)529-9300, or stop Monday – Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm. We are located at 3730 W. Wabash Ave., Springfield, IL 62711.

There are some slight variances to the question, but it is common for us to hear at least one of these versions each day…

  • How much do you think it will cost to remodel my bathroom? or
  • How much will it cost to renovate my SMALL bathroom? or
  • What does it typically cost to remodel a MASTER bath?

(Just a quick note, master bathrooms are not always “large” and a “small” bathroom is a relative description)

These are legitimate questions, but a lot like asking… How much does a new car cost? How much does a house cost? Or how much does dinner costs? There are a lot of variables that go into providing a valuable answer.

Here is a look at some of those variables:

    • Type of materials chosen
      We all understand how buying works, in general high quality comes with a higher price tag and lower quality comes with a lower price tag. What most homeowners are not as familiar with is exactly where the bathroom fixtures that they like and gravitate to actual fall on that spectrum.
    • Your existing conditions
      (often behind the wall issues). Rotted floors or walls, existing plumbing issues, or dated electrical will increase the cost to renovate your bath as compared to a 15 year old home in which the current bath fixtures and cabinetry are simply dated in appearance.
    • Size of space
      The square footage of your bathroom does make a difference in the cost, however, probably not as proportionately as you might initially think. For example, a full bathroom will typically have a toilet, a shower, lighting over sink, at least one sink basin, a ventilation fan and flooring. A larger bathroom has more flooring, maybe an additional sink, and a larger vanity, but doubling the square footage does not always mean doubling the price.
    • Scope of work
      Keeping the same footprint and just “pulling and replacing” existing bathroom components is less expensive than reconfiguring the room, removing or moving a wall, etc. The least expensive remodels often fall into the category of a bathroom update, where some pieces of the existing space are not disturbed. Perhaps the ceramic tile floor is neutral in color and in great condition and you choose to keep it, that would be a huge savings.
  • How you plan to approach the remodel
    Labor is a significant part of the cost of remodeling. And simply put, DIY is very inexpensive labor and Design/Build will cost more (dollars) but you will likely incur less stress for sure. Learn more about 4 Ways to Remodel and the pro’s and con’s of each in our video.

Looking for even more detailed information regarding kitchen and bathroom remodeling ideas specifically for your home? We invite you to visit our showroom in-person and then talk one on one with one of our experienced designers. They would be happy to help you understand realistically, how much you can expect your bathroom remodel to cost. Set up an appointment with us today to start the conversation and learn more!

 

To see real remodeling case studies with real bathroom remodeling budgets, enjoy the video below.

 Note: video may refer to pre-pandemic costs.

Bathroom remodeling has continued to increase in popularity. As many homeowners travel and stay at high-end hotels and resorts, they notice and appreciate high-end bathroom designs, plumbing fixtures, countertop materials, lighting, showerheads, and tubs. Additionally, real estate agents say bathrooms are the second most important room of the home (following kitchens) when it comes to resale. Regardless of the motivation to remodel bathrooms, homeowners see baths as special rooms.

Bathrooms are also spaces where guests will visit at some point. As a result, many homeowners are keenly aware that powder rooms and guest baths make impressions on guests.

There many design and material options to choose from. We’ve gathered some of the latest bathroom trends we’ve seen in the Springfield area to help you make the best decisions thinking about your new bathroom.

 

Floating Vanities

Modern Primary Bathroom Remodel

Floating bathroom vanities have increased in popularity. A floating vanity is a bathroom cabinet that is anchored to the wall; in other words, it doesn’t extend all the way to the floor. A floating bath vanity creates the “illusion” of a larger and more spacious bathroom. Many homeowners select them for their clean and modern look.

With its unique floating appearance, a wall-mounted (or floating) vanity makes a bold and stylish statement in any bathroom. They are available in single and double sink varieties and like traditional bath vanities, they are available in all the same cabinet finishes.

 

Modern Bathroom Styles

Bathrooms are becoming less utilitarian and more spa-like retreats for homeowners. We are seeing bathroom styles trend towards a sleek, modern look with clean lines. Dark wood custom cabinetry, contrasting with lighter flooring and walls, can create this contemporary feel. The dominant style in bathroom design is transitional. A transitional bathroom design blends a few traditional style elements with clean contemporary bath designs.

 

Hi-Tech Bathrooms

Homeowners want to incorporate the latest technology into their bathrooms. There are a number of technology innovations that can be integrated into a bathroom (they are always easiest to integrate when remodeling a bathroom). Multiple showerheads can be operated from a touchscreen panel. Audio/visual components are also being included in master bathrooms with controls in or out of the shower or tub areas. These new electronic systems allow for the ultimate personalized experience, all at your fingertips.

 

Tubs are becoming the Rock Star of the Bathroom!

Over the last few decades, it seemed like many homeowners were eliminating their older jetted or deck tub because they were rarely used. Today, master bathrooms are becoming luxury spa-like retreats. A freestanding tub can be a striking focal point of a master bath, as well as a peaceful place to relax. From traditional claw-foot tubs to sleek new designs, there seems to be a tub for everyone’s taste and style.

 

Glass Enclosed Showers

Bathroom showers have come a long way from the showerhead installation over a standard 5-foot tub. From integrated shower seats, multiple shower heads, custom niches, body sprays, and rainfall showerheads there are so many options. Regardless of what goes inside the shower, frameless glass shower enclosures are a very popular option. They create openness and an illusion of larger space in bathrooms. Tile patterns, or other materials, used inside the shower can serve as a focal point in the bathroom that can be seen through the glass, too.

 

Blending Materials in the Bathroom

You don’t have to limit the bathroom surfaces to tile. Mixing materials like metal, tin, natural stone, wood-look tile, marble, granite, limestone or travertine can create a natural feel and look in your bathroom. There’s an aesthetic appeal to mixing hard materials (tile) with soft (textiles) and warm materials (wood). This trend can bring the outdoors in, while still maintaining an updated aesthetic.

Thinking of remodeling your master bathroom? Contact the bathroom remodeling experts at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Springfield.

Call us at (217) 529-9300

or stop by our Bathroom Showroom & Design Center at

3730 Wabash Ave. Springfield, IL 62711

Master bathrooms have become the ultimate oasis destination to reward yourself after a long day. At DreamMaker Bath of Springfield, we’re seeing homeowners throughout Chatham, Sherman, Jacksonville, Taylorville, and even Lincoln want to make significant improvements to their master bathrooms. Creating a master bath oasis starts with planning, design, professional guidance, and creativity.

It’s important to understand the differences between a master bath and a “master bath spa”. Many master baths are spacious, warm, inviting, but also air on the side of utilitarian. For many homeowners in the Springfield area, that may be all they want and need. Master bath spas, on the other hand, are often viewed as an oasis; they are used as places to decompress, relax, unwind and even recharge. Master bath spas are places where the mind and body can escape from a busy and hectic lifestyle.

While everybody’s interpretation of their ideal master bathroom spa will vary, our bath designers have outlined a few features that categorize master baths as master bath spas:

 

The Bathtub as the Ultimate Luxury

Bathtubs come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can include a number of amenities.

A deep soaking tub with contoured back can provide you with the warm relaxing soak you may need at the end of a long day. From a design perspective, many homeowners have been adding soaking tubs to their master bathrooms as a visual focal point. Tubs have once again started to return as the Rockstar of the master bathroom.

Some tubs may also be air-jetted to provide a gentle massage or constant stream of water, with various settings.

A new master bath spa will accommodate the homeowner, whenever the mood strikes. With a few scented candles and good bath salts, your oasis is only a couple of feet from your bed.

Added Tech Features

Spending added time in a luxurious master bathroom spa makes entertainment a natural extension of the space. Adding stereos and flat-screen TVs (specifically smart TVs which respond to voice command), in the bathroom is a great way to keep happy and entertained.

Shower Spas

While some homeowners want tubs to be incorporated in the design of their newly remodeled master bath, ALL master bath remodels include a well-designed shower. The shower is where homeowners start their day and it is the closest thing to a spa day that can be experienced without leaving home.

As with baths, there are plenty of options for a new shower. An example of a high-end option may include a programmable shower and a variety of showerheads or sprays programmed to suit individual bathers in the household. Another example may be a hand-held, multi-use shower head with multiple settings and various water sprays. If you enjoy a great steam shower, then that is a must in your new spa bathroom.

 

Choose Color Carefully

A master bathroom spa is expected to exude peace and calming factors. That being said, a warm neutral color palette is enough to set the tone with a relaxing feel that doesn’t overwhelm the eyes.

Light the Bathroom Mood

As much as bathroom lighting affects the mood, it has other benefits.

Install side lighting around the bathroom or vanity mirrors, as above mirror lighting throws shadows on the face, which creates a better physical appearance while lighting at eye level is better for grooming.

Vanity sconces at eye level, both to the right and left of the bathroom mirror should do the trick.

Cozy Toes with Heated Floors

Stepping out of the bath or shower is something to look forward to with heated floors that keep the feet toasty year-round. Porcelain floor tile is an excellent alternative to ceramic because it is not as cold. Feel free to include a wall-mounted, heated towel rack to keep towels nice and warm.

A home master bathroom spa has special touches that exceed the ordinary. Discover how an experienced bathroom designer can creatively turn your master bath into the spa oasis you can relax in at the end of a busy day. Whether it has a walk-in shower with multi-level jets mounted in the wall, or an extra-large soaking bathtub next to a fireplace, the master bathroom spa transforms that which is common into that which is extraordinary.

Thinking of remodeling your master bathroom? Contact the bathroom remodeling experts at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Springfield.

Stop by our Bathroom Showroom & Design Center at

3730 Wabash Ave. Springfield, IL 62711