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Pro Spotlight: Banish Your Boring Bath
Updating your bathroom offers a lot of value at a relatively low cost, a Tampa Bay expert says
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Who: Jeff Akins of DCI Home Improvements
Where: New Port Richey, Florida
In his own words: “Bathroom remodels are a great way to update a space you spend a lot of time in, for a reasonable price.”
If you’re looking to make a big change in your home without a major upheaval or expense, your bathroom is a great place to start. “The bathroom is a really important room in your house, and a remodel can make it beautiful and functional,” says Jeff Akins, a co-owner of DCI Home Improvements in New Port Richey.
Where: New Port Richey, Florida
In his own words: “Bathroom remodels are a great way to update a space you spend a lot of time in, for a reasonable price.”
If you’re looking to make a big change in your home without a major upheaval or expense, your bathroom is a great place to start. “The bathroom is a really important room in your house, and a remodel can make it beautiful and functional,” says Jeff Akins, a co-owner of DCI Home Improvements in New Port Richey.
A family affair. Carpenter Pete DeCillis, Akins’ father, started the company in 1980. “He has had a passion for home remodeling all his life,” Akins says. “I carry that same passion. I joined the company in 2015 as a way to bring my business and leadership skills to the company and take it to the next level.”
Inspired by innovation. “This job gives me the opportunity to bring joy to my clients,” Akins says. “It’s a great feeling to take an idea that they have and bring it to life. I’m always inspired by seeing what other contractors are doing and what’s new and innovative in the industry.”
Ready for a bathroom remodel? Akins’ tips below will help you get started.
Ready for a bathroom remodel? Akins’ tips below will help you get started.
1. Choose Function Over Form
Many homeowners are opting to replace their bathtub with a larger shower, which creates more room. “Typically clients aren’t using their tub at all,” Akins says. “Contrary to popular belief, removing a bathtub doesn’t affect the resale value of a house. If you plan to stay for quite some time, make the space work for you.”
The owners of a Palm Harbor vacation home never used the bathtub, so they decided to remove it to maximize their shower space, seen here. “Now they really enjoy their home,” Akins says.
See more of this project
Many homeowners are opting to replace their bathtub with a larger shower, which creates more room. “Typically clients aren’t using their tub at all,” Akins says. “Contrary to popular belief, removing a bathtub doesn’t affect the resale value of a house. If you plan to stay for quite some time, make the space work for you.”
The owners of a Palm Harbor vacation home never used the bathtub, so they decided to remove it to maximize their shower space, seen here. “Now they really enjoy their home,” Akins says.
See more of this project
2. Make Space for Your Stuff
Don’t forgo storage space in your remodel, especially in showers. “We often advise clients to consider storage of toiletries, such as bottles and soap, when they convert a bathtub to a shower,” Akins says. “Similarly, make sure that you have ample space under sinks for things like makeup, first aid and towels.”
The bathroom in Clearwater seen here was remodeled with the clients’ young children in mind. “The shower has a fun, playful pattern with tiles in different shades of blue, which add a nice pop of color,” Akins says. “The built-in shelf is a convenient height for children, and plenty of drawers under the sink provide ample storage.”
See more of this project
Don’t forgo storage space in your remodel, especially in showers. “We often advise clients to consider storage of toiletries, such as bottles and soap, when they convert a bathtub to a shower,” Akins says. “Similarly, make sure that you have ample space under sinks for things like makeup, first aid and towels.”
The bathroom in Clearwater seen here was remodeled with the clients’ young children in mind. “The shower has a fun, playful pattern with tiles in different shades of blue, which add a nice pop of color,” Akins says. “The built-in shelf is a convenient height for children, and plenty of drawers under the sink provide ample storage.”
See more of this project
3. Pick the Right Tile
Akins has plenty of advice when it comes to choosing bathroom tile. “Wall tile can be anything you like; the style is up to you, but we recommend ceramic tile,” he says. “On the floor, don’t go larger than 2 by 2 inches, which ensures there are enough grout lines for proper grip. River rock is a great way to create a rustic feel that won’t slip.” He also uses glass tile for beautiful accents.
The owners of the Davis Island contemporary bathroom seen here selected a neutral palette with blue tones, inspired by their proximity to the beach. “Bringing the outdoors inside is a great way to create a sense of seclusion and appreciation for nature,” Akins says.
See more of this project
More: For more information on Jeff Akins and examples of his work, visit DCI Home Improvements’ Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Akins has plenty of advice when it comes to choosing bathroom tile. “Wall tile can be anything you like; the style is up to you, but we recommend ceramic tile,” he says. “On the floor, don’t go larger than 2 by 2 inches, which ensures there are enough grout lines for proper grip. River rock is a great way to create a rustic feel that won’t slip.” He also uses glass tile for beautiful accents.
The owners of the Davis Island contemporary bathroom seen here selected a neutral palette with blue tones, inspired by their proximity to the beach. “Bringing the outdoors inside is a great way to create a sense of seclusion and appreciation for nature,” Akins says.
See more of this project
More: For more information on Jeff Akins and examples of his work, visit DCI Home Improvements’ Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
In business since 1980, DCI Home Improvements have the knowledge that it takes to do a project correctly. Pete... Read More
Review by Dave &Caroline Charpie:
Quality work and excellent communication! DCI has a business model that makes you feel special. All the work is handled by their own people less a plumbing or electrical sub. And in those occasions t...More