Category: Home Makeovers

3. Aesthetics: Style and Substance

Fiber Cement Siding
✔ Offers refined, architectural appeal
✔ Can mimic wood grain, board and batten, or smooth contemporary finishes
✔ Paintable in any color — highly customizable

Vinyl Siding
➖ Limited in visual depth and texture
➖ Many color options but lacks the high-end aesthetic of fiber cement or wood

Wood Siding
✔ Unmatched natural beauty and texture
➖ Over time, weathering can either add character or require restoration

Stucco
✔ Clean, modern, or Mediterranean appeal
✔ Texture and pigment options, but not as versatile as cement or wood

Engineered Wood
✔ Attractive and warm, mimicking traditional wood
➖ Less customizable than cement siding in finish and format

Winner: ✅ Cement siding delivers beauty, variety, and longevity — a designer’s top pick for upscale curb appeal.

4. Cost: Upfront and Long-Term

Fiber Cement Siding
💰 Mid-to-high initial cost
✔ Excellent return on investment (~70–85% ROI in resale value)
✔ Lower cost over time due to durability and fewer repairs

Vinyl Siding
💰 Most affordable option upfront
➖ Lower resale ROI and shorter lifespan
➖ Aesthetics may limit value in high-end neighborhoods

Wood Siding
💰 High initial and maintenance costs
➖ Maintenance adds long-term expense
✔ May appeal in specific markets for its character

Stucco
💰 Comparable to fiber cement in cost, but climate-dependent
➖ Repairs can be labor-intensive

Engineered Wood
💰 Generally more affordable than fiber cement
➖ Requires consistent upkeep to avoid degradation

Winner: ✅ Cement siding balances cost, performance, and resale value — ideal for homeowners seeking long-term benefit.

5. Value Retention: What It Means for Your Investment

Fiber Cement Siding
✔ Ranked as one of the top remodeling investments by cost-vs-value reports
✔ Boosts curb appeal and attracts buyers with its longevity and low upkeep

Vinyl Siding
➖ ROI varies by market and home value tier
➖ Often seen as a budget choice

Wood Siding
➖ Can add charm, but maintenance concerns may reduce buyer appeal

Stucco
✔ Marketable in appropriate climates
➖ In wetter regions, may be seen as a maintenance risk

Engineered Wood
✔ Middle-of-the-road in perceived value
➖ Depends heavily on brand and finish longevity

Winner: ✅ Cement siding consistently ranks as one of the highest-value exterior upgrades.

Final Verdict: Cement Siding Earns Its Place at the Top

If your goal is a refined, long-lasting exterior that blends architectural appeal with proven performance, cement siding leads the pack. It’s a smart choice for homeowners who want a beautiful facade today — and peace of mind for decades to come.

🤝 3. Service: Consultation, Expertise, and Project Support

Service is often the deciding factor in whether a remodel runs smoothly or becomes a costly, time-consuming challenge. Exceptional showrooms offer more than transactions—they provide design consultation, technical insight, and long-term support.

Key Service Features to Compare:

• Complimentary or paid design consultations

• Knowledgeable staff with interior design or architectural backgrounds

• Transparent pricing and itemized quotes

• Coordination with contractors and installers

• Post-sale support (e.g., warranty handling, installation tips)

Local Trends:

• High-end showrooms in Sacramento increasingly offer full-service experiences, pairing in-house designers with contractor networks to manage projects from planning to installation.

• Mid-size showrooms may refer you to outside trades but still provide comprehensive guidance and product education.

• Some large retail-based showrooms lean toward a self-service model, offering competitive pricing but limited personalized assistance.

📊 Summary Comparison Table

🧠 Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Showroom for Your Project

When selecting among bathroom showrooms in Sacramento, the ideal choice depends on your project’s complexity, budget, and design goals. Style should speak to your vision, selection should support your function, and service should simplify your journey.

Investing time in comparing showrooms—visiting them in person, speaking with consultants, and asking the right questions—can lead to a smoother renovation and a bathroom that not only looks exceptional, but also performs with lasting quality.

Because in great design, what’s behind the walls matters as much as what’s in front of them.

🛁 3. Product Quality and Material Options

Costco Program
The remodels feature Jacuzzi® brand products, known for quality in bathtubs, walk-in tubs, and accessible shower systems. Materials are durable, easy to clean, and designed for performance — but the selection is largely focused on acrylic and composite materials.

Custom Remodel
A custom route opens the door to natural stone, porcelain, designer tile, floating vanities, underfloor heating, and architectural lighting — all of which elevate the experience and overall property value. However, quality varies greatly depending on who you hire and where materials are sourced.

✅ Material Range: Custom Remodel offers broader (and often higher-end) product options.

⏳ 4. Timeline and Installation Speed

Costco Remodel
Because the program uses a pre-selected range of materials and certified installers, projects typically move faster. Some installations can be completed in as little as one week, especially for straightforward tub-to-shower conversions.

Custom Remodel
Custom projects may require 4–8 weeks or more, depending on availability of materials, contractor timelines, inspections, and design iterations. The planning phase alone may take several weeks.

✅ Speed Advantage: Costco Remodel is ideal for time-sensitive projects or secondary bathrooms.

🧠 5. Warranty and Support

Costco Remodel
The program includes limited product warranties and installation guarantees, with Costco backing the service via its vendor partnership. This can give homeowners peace of mind, especially for basic remodels.

Custom Remodel
Warranties vary by contractor and product. While many pros offer 1-year labor warranties and longer manufacturer coverage, you’re responsible for vetting and coordinating multiple parties.

✅ Warranty Reliability: Costco Remodel offers consistent post-installation support under one roof.

🏠 6. Impact on Home Value

Costco Remodel
Efficient upgrades, especially in guest bathrooms or aging-in-place scenarios, can enhance daily living and boost resale appeal — particularly when done cleanly and with reputable brands.

Custom Remodel
For primary bathrooms or luxury listings, a custom design can significantly increase perceived value and attract higher offers. Buyers often pay more for distinct, high-quality finishes and layout upgrades.

✅ Resale Value Winner: Custom Remodel, particularly when aligned with the home’s overall style and market expectations.

🧾 Final Thoughts: Which Remodel Is Right for You?

Choosing between a Costco Jacuzzi bath remodel and a custom remodel ultimately comes down to priorities.

• Choose Costco if you want a fast, functional, and cost-efficient upgrade with reliable results and minimal decision-making.

• Choose a custom remodel if you’re designing your forever bathroom, want total creative control, or are upgrading for long-term value and luxury.

Both paths offer smart solutions — and neither is wrong. The key is aligning your remodel with your budget, timeline, and lifestyle needs.

💡 Functionality: Looks vs. Livability

House A
The open shower concept looked high-end but caused water to splash onto the vanity and required frequent floor mopping. The LED-lit mirror they loved online had no dimmer—bright at 2 a.m. was… not ideal.

House B
They focused on function first:

• Built-in linen cabinet

• Lighting on dimmer switches

• A curbless shower with a glass door for warmth and containment

Every element supported how they actually lived, not just how they wanted the space to feel.

🧱 Materials: Showpieces vs. Substance

Sophia & Marcus splurged on a single slab of exotic quartzite for the vanity but cut corners on plumbing and waterproofing.

Karen & Glenn skipped the wow-factor stone but upgraded:

• Subfloor for heated tile

• Quiet, efficient ventilation

• High-quality fixtures with lifetime warranties

The difference? Long-term performance. One space needed repairs in under a year. The other? Aging gracefully.

📊 Outcome: Aesthetics, Function, and Value

✅ Final Thought

A bath remodel in Sacramento isn’t just a before-and-after moment. It’s a decision that shapes how you begin and end your day—every day.

Both remodels had beauty. But only one had balance: of personal taste, practical design, and emotional connection.

Nate Berkus reminds us: “Your space should reflect your journey, not someone else’s highlight reel.” Whether you’re designing with bold confidence or quiet intention, make choices that feel like home—not just for now, but for the years to come.

🧰 CALL TO ACTION

Planning your own bath remodel in Sacramento?
Let our design-build team help you create something personal, purposeful, and built to last—because the best space is the one that tells your story.

Performance Backed by Technology

Here’s where Lioher stands out in hard numbers:

• Scratch Resistance: Rated 4.5/5 for surface durability (based on 2023 IFA surface impact testing)

• Moisture Resistance: Surfaces show <5% swelling after 24-hour exposure (ideal for kitchens & bathrooms)

• UV Stability: Rated to maintain color in both high-sun and artificial light conditions for 10+ years

Translation? These cabinets are not just beautiful—they’re built for real life.

Sustainable Manufacturing Process

Lioher’s commitment to eco-friendly materials includes:

• CARB2-compliant panels (low formaldehyde emissions)

• 100% recyclable components

• Water-based finishes where applicable

Why It Matters: For homeowners prioritizing both design and responsibility, DreamLine Lioher offers style without compromise.

Versatile Applications

While Lioher is often seen in kitchens, it performs just as well in:

• Bathroom vanities

• Laundry rooms

• Home offices

• Closets and mudrooms

Design Tip: Use matte white Lioher in high-traffic utility spaces for a clean, contemporary look that hides fingerprints and enhances light.

Cost and Value Considerations

While pricing can vary by installer and region, most homeowners find that:

• Lioher cabinets offer 20-30% savings compared to full custom millwork

• Lead times are shorter due to pre-fabricated panel systems

• Long-term durability offsets higher upfront cost compared to low-end stock cabinets

ROI Insight: Kitchens with modern flat-panel cabinetry (like Lioher) see an average resale value increase of 6-10% in urban markets, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

Final Thoughts

DreamLine Lioher cabinets are more than a design choice—they’re a declaration of modern living. With durability, sustainability, and undeniable beauty, they empower you to create spaces that reflect your lifestyle and your values.

Whether you’re renovating for resale or redefining your forever home, let these cabinets be the foundation of your story.

Call to Action

Curious if DreamLine Lioher is right for your project? Our design consultants can walk you through samples, performance data, and layout strategies that bring your vision to life.

Step 3: Design the Layout with Intention

Sophie wanted a bench. Mark wanted dual showerheads. They both wanted more elbow room.

Their solution:

• A 60″ x 36″ open walk-in shower

• Recessed shelving for shampoo and soaps

• A floating bench with built-in support

• Rainfall and handheld showerheads for versatility

David’s Design Rule: Make every square foot count. Smart storage and layout upgrades are just as important as style.

Step 4: Choose Materials That Combine Style and Function

They selected:

• Large-format matte porcelain tiles for the walls

• Pebble mosaic flooring for added texture and grip

• Brushed nickel fixtures for timeless appeal

• Frameless glass to keep the space open and airy

Why it worked: These materials offered durability, low maintenance, and visual impact—without overwhelming the space.

Step 5: Trust the Process

There were delays. A custom glass panel arrived cracked. A plumbing valve needed replacing. But Sophie and Mark stayed patient.

Lesson Learned: Remodeling isn’t perfect—but the end result is worth every minor delay and tough decision.

Final Thoughts

Sophie and Mark’s walk-in shower remodel wasn’t just a fix for a leak. It was a lifestyle upgrade. With thoughtful design, a clear plan, and a willingness to adapt, they created a space that feels like a spa and functions like a dream.

Call to Action

Planning a walk-in shower remodel? Our team is here to help guide you every step of the way—from design to installation, and every beautiful detail in between.

3. Choose the Right Materials for Pipes

PEX, copper, or PVC? Each has its place.

• PEX: Flexible and great for remodels.

• Copper: Long-lasting and classic.

• PVC: Often used for drain lines.

Martha’s Tip: Don’t mix pipe materials without proper fittings—it can cause corrosion or leaks.

4. Always Install an Air Gap (or High Loop) for Dishwashers

An air gap prevents dirty water from backing into your dishwasher.

Why It’s Urgent: It’s required by code in many places, and skipping it can lead to health hazards and inspection fails.

5. Don’t Forget Venting

A drain without proper venting will gurgle, drain slowly, and eventually smell. Every fixture needs a vent—period.

Smart Solution: If traditional venting isn’t an option, consider air admittance valves (AAVs).

6. Consider a Hot Water Recirculation System

Hate waiting for hot water? A recirculation pump can solve that.

Efficiency Boost: Reduces water waste and enhances convenience—especially in large or open-plan kitchens.

7. Hire a Licensed Plumber for Critical Installations

DIY is great for organizing a pantry. Not so much for moving gas lines or drain pipes.

Safety First: A licensed plumber ensures everything is to code—and avoids expensive rework down the line.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re updating fixtures or planning a full kitchen renovation, understanding your plumbing essentials is critical. Addressing these seven points up front keeps your kitchen functional, beautiful, and safe.

Call to Action

Need expert plumbing advice or help planning your remodel? Contact our licensed professionals for fast, elegant solutions that keep your kitchen flowing smoothly.

🔧 Step 2: Rethink the Layout—Start Small

Instead of blowing out walls or chasing an open concept, we started with micro-efficiency.

They didn’t need a massive island.
They needed a mini work zone—a prep and coffee bar combo off to the side, tucked into an unused wall.

We carved out a 5-foot stretch and installed sleek kitchenette cabinets in a soft gray finish. Shallow drawers, vertical dividers, a slim pantry pull-out. Hidden outlets for appliances. Boom—instant functionality.

🔧 Step 3: Keep Materials Tight, Not Cheap

A lot of people think “small” means “basic.” Nope.

We still used high-quality finishes:

• Soft-close hinges

• Moisture-resistant interior panels

• Under-cabinet lighting

• Quartz countertop with waterfall edge for a luxe touch

This tiny addition became their most-used zone—and a major visual win.

🔧 Step 4: Update the Main Kitchen Around It

With the new kitchenette in place, we could breathe a little life into the main kitchen:

• Shifted appliance placement for better flow

• Replaced old uppers with deeper, lower-installed units

• Matched the kitchenette cabinets for consistency across the space

No trendy gimmicks—just smart storage, modern lighting, and materials built to last.

🔧 Step 5: Finish with Function in Mind

Every element had a reason:

• Toe-kick drawers = bonus storage

• Lazy Susan corner = full access

• Trash and recycling built into the new kitchenette = no more ugly bins

“It’s like we got a new kitchen and a butler’s pantry,” Derek said.
“And it’s still under 150 square feet.”

✅ Mike’s Takeaway: Small Doesn’t Mean Simple

This remodel didn’t make the house bigger—but it made it smarter.

That’s the lesson. You don’t need to knock down walls or start from scratch.
Sometimes, all you need is a few well-placed kitchenette cabinets and the right plan.

If you’re ready to make your space finally work for you, start with what matters:

• Storage

• Layout

• Longevity

And as always—build it right, or don’t build it at all.

Popular Finishing Styles

Whether you’re aiming for a modern aesthetic or a classic appeal, there’s a refinishing style for you:

• Natural Wood Stains: Enhance the natural grain for a timeless and elegant look.
• Painted Finishes: From crisp white to bold navy, painted cabinets add personality and style.
• Distressed or Antique Finishes: Perfect for rustic or farmhouse-inspired spaces.
• High-Gloss Seals: Create a sleek and modern appearance with a polished finish.

Maintaining Your Refinished Cabinets

To keep your refinished cabinets looking their best:

• Regular Cleaning: Use a soft cloth and gentle cleaner to avoid damaging the finish.
• Avoid Moisture: Wipe up spills immediately to prevent water damage.
• Polish Occasionally: Apply furniture polish for added shine and protection.

Why Choose Rocklin Kitchen Reface PRO?

At Rocklin Kitchen Reface PRO, we combine craftsmanship with attention to detail to deliver exceptional results.

• Expert Techniques: Years of experience in wood refinishing ensure flawless execution.
• High-Quality Products: We use top-tier stains, paints, and sealants for a durable finish.
• Personalized Service: Each project is tailored to your vision and needs.

Refinishing your wood cabinets is more than just a makeover; it’s an investment in the heart of your home. Let us help you transform your space with elegance and care.