Master Bathroom- Before and After

While we loved the size of our Master Bathroom, we knew that the baby blue paint, look-alike marble tile and black accents and granite counters weren't the airy, bright, more sophisticated look we were going for.  The space is the same layout but feels much larger.  We ripped out the built in raised tub and added a stand alone tub with mini chandelier.  We took out the dated stain-glass window and did a rain window (so it's not see through) and made it much bigger.  The light is so bright in there during certain months, we also got black-out roman shades made to fit the huge window.  But I love all the natural light!  We opted for real marble stone through out and chose Calacatta Gold in honed.  I loved it because it not only had the grey and white colors we love, but also veins of cream, tan, and gold all mixed throughout.  This really helps tie in the beachy creamy colors happening in the master bedroom and throughout the house.  We opted with a more creamy paint color for the walls  (Fine Grain, by BM), with white ceiling to pull that cream color in.  

After.

Before in Blue, After in Cream.  Same view.

Updated lighting, larger window, tub, and did the marble tub surround.  We used smaller rectangle pieces subway style, then pencil liner on both sides of small square accents near the top.  We used large rectangle pieces of marble for the shower and main floor, with herringbone accents for the shower floor, and by the sinks.

Before.

After.  I love the herringbone accents in the floor, and the stone baseboards.

Before in Black and White.

After in creams.  We chose a quartz countertop (Dreamy Marfil) in cream to help pull out more of the creamy tones in the marble and did matching marble backsplash around the top.  We went with an off-white cabinet with custom mirrors, and cabinets in the middle.  We love all the storage and added outlets in the cabinets for plugging in toothbrushes and curling irons, etc.  New Kohler sinks, new lighting, and brushed nickel hardware finished off the space.

We love the results.  It feels so warm and inviting but also very elegant and simple.   

Home Inspections are for Everyone

Photo By: Robert Peterson; Rustic White Photography

You have 8-12 days (depending on State and negotiations) to inspect the home you're buying or have your home inspected to sell after going under contract.Here's how to make it count.

Home Inspections for Buyers:  Your home inspections are critical.  First decide what inspections you need.  Besides a full home inspection, do you want a sewer scope, pool inspection, a separate roof inspection?  Make sure it's a licensed home inspector that's going to be checking out the entire house (not just electric and plumbing).  Make sure your inspector is going to provide you with an extensive report, including photos, as soon as they can after the appointment.  Go through all of the disclosures before the inspection and let the inspector know if there was any reported damage or issues to the house so he can dig extra deep in those areas and make sure all necessary repairs were actually made.  Get going on your inspections as soon as you can so you have enough time to get your repair list together and respond in a timely fashion.  

Home Inspections for Sellers:  Home inspections range from $250-$450 in Arizona, depending on sq. ft.  It can be a great tool for sellers to get a home inspection done before listing your home.  This will give you a full list of anything/everything you may want to fix prior to listing your house.  If you want to get top dollar for your home and are listed in an upper-end price range, this can be an especially great tool for you.  If your buyer comes through and does their inspections and finds a long list of repairs or issues with the house, they will definitely be asking you to fix a lot of things, or ask for credit at close.  They always want licensed sub-contractors working on it, will want to track all your receipts, etc.  The process becomes a lot more work for you, all while you're trying to pack up your house and get moved.  You can avoid the hassle, by knowing and fixing what you plan to fix in advance.  You can be upfront and address any issues you don't plan to fix as well.  Disclosure is everything.