Modernizing Mad Men Era Bathrooms
After spending nearly two decades in her condo unit, Hope decided the time was right to update the master bathroom and powder room. The project presented an interesting challenge in that Hope’s condominium building was built in the 60s in a curved shape. According to Hope, who had previously remodeled her kitchen, “I’ve learned the hard way that everything is crooked, and working here is always a challenge.”
When she started the process, Hope did not have a particular vision for the remodel. The master bathroom had a drop ceiling with fluorescent lighting, which she knew she wanted to change. She had seen some features in a design book that she liked for each room, but relied on One Week Bath owner Matt Plaskoff to help solidify her design views. “Matt was really helpful and extremely patient in meeting with me a few times to help with the decisions,” Hope explains. “He made it easy by having all kinds of samples and assisting with the selection. I can’t stress enough how patient he was because I didn’t have a vision, but knew when I did or didn’t like something.”
Ultimately, Hope decided on two sleek designs blending black, white and grey with modern fixtures for the master bath and pale grey with dark wood and black accents for the powder room. “Matt went out of his way to find a tile that I felt comfortable with,” says Hope.
One Week Bath Builds Bathrooms and Relationships
Hope opted to have both bathrooms done at the same time and was able to leave her condo during the beginning of the remodeling process, but received regular progress updates from the One Week Bath team. According to Hope, “There were constant challenges for the workers in dealing with the building staff and the challenges of the building itself, as well as the limited hours they were allowed to work.
Because of all this, my job was longer than one week, but I wanted things done right and was more concerned with that than with speed. I was very happy with the crew – they were detail-oriented and kept in contact when necessary.”
In addition to the unique and beautiful elements in her new bathrooms, Hope also appreciated the personal service offered by One Week Bath. “I love the concept that Matt has developed. I especially love that he has a person like Oscar, who comes back after the rest of the crew has moved on to another job.”
Satisfaction Guaranteed is Not an Empty Promise
Hope had some second thoughts about the shower frame in her master bathroom because she originally wanted a frameless door. One Week Bath advised against it because of potential leakage problems related to the angle of the enclosure. She received reassurance from the team that they would work out any issues to make sure she was completely satisfied. “Ultimately, I chose to live with a semi-frameless door and to accept that there were limitations due to the condo footprint. Most companies are gone once they have your money, but Matt and Brian are dedicated to client service and will keep at it until you are satisfied.”
Hope was so pleased with her One Week Bath experience that she hired the company to remodel two bathrooms in her father’s home in Laguna Woods incorporating Universal Design features. Once again, Matt helped her find just the right fixtures and features to make the bathrooms attractive and accessible for her 96-year old father. (Learn more about One Week Bath’s Universal Design and Age in Place bathrooms here.)
