Installing customized built-in bathroom cabinets can provide some major advantages over traditional freestanding cabinetry options. As specialists in kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects across Orange County, we have seen the transformative impact built-in cabinetry can offer homeowners. Here are some of the top benefits to consider:
Space-Saving Design
Building cabinetry fitted precisely to your unique bathroom’s layout enables you to maximize every inch of available space. Custom sizes and configurations allow built-ins to neatly tuck into awkward nooks, use the area above the toilet tank, and make the most of narrow wall areas next to doors or windows. Through recent bathroom renovations in Anaheim, we created specialized drawers to fit perfectly around plumbing pipes while not losing an inch of needed storage capacity.
Customized to Exact Layout
In addition to filling every square foot possible, custom-built cabinetry solutions are tailored exactly to your bathroom’s distinct dimensions and specifications. Using precise room measurements, cabinets are sized and designed to align with the room’s angles, pipes, electrical outlets, windows, and more. This seamless integration is impossible to achieve with one-size-fits-all freestanding cabinetry.
Seamless, Integrated Look
The flawlessly fitted custom cabinetry flows together for a polished, built-in appearance that looks like an integrated extension of the room versus an add-on element. Trimwork and molding is incorporated for a high-end finish, and the cohesive overall aesthetic is popular in contemporary or minimalist designed spaces.
Increased Storage Capacity
Taking a custom-planned approach also enables identifying creative ways to build in storage that adds usable space beyond standard bathroom cabinet setups. Extra deep drawers for toiletries, pull-out hampers concealed behind doors, adjustable shelves to accommodate taller items – these purpose-driven compartments cater to your family’s specific storage needs.
Key Factors When Choosing Built-In Bathroom Cabinets
Once you decide to invest in built-in bathroom cabinets rather than free-standing options, there are a few important factors to consider that will impact your design selection:
Intended Use and Needed Features
Determine how you want to utilize the storage space and what specialty elements would enable maximum functionality. Common considerations include:
- Drawers for organizing toiletries and medicine
- Adjustable shelves accommodating tall bottles
- Integrated hampers for laundry or dirty clothes
- Charging station for electric toothbrushes/devices
- Specialized compartments for hair dryers, curling irons to prevent scorching
Carefully measure where plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets and other elements are located to optimize storage around them.
Available Space/Layout
Being meticulous with measurements is crucial for custom built-in cabinetry. Document the precise room size including walls, corners, ceiling height and protrusions like radiators or vents that impact installation space.
Note exact locations of doors, windows, existing lighting/plumbing fixtures. Account for any irregular angles or asymmetry. Knowing the finite spatial parameters allows designing cabinets tailored specifically for your bathroom’s unique footprint to capitalize on every inch while looking cohesive.
Design Aesthetic
Along with functionality, built-in cabinets should align with your desired visual style. Key aspects that impact overall aesthetic include:
- Door/Drawer Front Styles: Shaker panels, solid slab fronts, inset panels, louvered fronts
- Finish Options: Wood stains, paint colors, laminates
- Hardware: Knobs vs. pulls or handle-less
- Integrated Features: Interior lighting, electrical charging points
Reputable cabinet designers can show vast catalogs with multiple configurations to match any bathroom decor theme. Whether aiming for traditional warmth via wood finishes or sleek, contemporary styling with high-gloss lacquer fronts, select options suiting your taste.
Best Materials for Long-Lasting Built-Ins
When investing in permanent built-in cabinets, durability is paramount alongside functionality and aesthetics. Bathrooms inherently contend with moisture, humidity and heavy daily use. We recommend these material options, which we frequently install customized cabinetry with across bathroom remodels in Newport Beach:
Wood/Veneer
The warmth and classic beauty of wood never goes out of style. Opt for moisture-resistant wood species like maple, cherry or oak that withstand bathroom conditions. Modern water-based finishes also resist chipping, peeling and yellowing. We advise against plywood, which warps over time.
Thermofoil
This affordable, versatile material entails applying vinyl film onto medium density fiberboard substrate under high heat/pressure. The resulting boards offer design flexibility with attractive wood grain patterns or solid color options. Thermofoil is waterproof and resists scratches, dents and stains.
Laminate
Laminate fuses decorative, plastic resin paper layers to wood substrate boards. The protective coating resists scratches, moisture and daily wear-and-tear while providing a budget-friendly option available in over 1,000 diverse colors/finishes. Modern laminates mimic wood, stone, metal and other high-end materials at a fraction of the cost.
Storage Solutions to Include
Custom built-in cabinets present an invaluable opportunity to design specialized storage tailored exactly for your family’s day-to-day needs. During your design consultation, we will identify helpful elements that could integrate seamlessly into your custom cabinetry plan:
Medicine Cabinets with Mirrors
Reclaim prime real estate often occupied by cumbersome freestanding medicine cabinets. Recessing mirrored cabinets into the wall regains visual space while still providing enclosed storage for medical supplies and toiletries. Interior/exterior electrical outlets add convenience for plugging in grooming devices.
Towel Storage Cubbies
Keep towels readily available yet out of sight via dedicated cubbies built right into cabinetry box frames. Optimal for families, multi-tier slots neatly store stacks of washcloths, hand towels and bath towels.
Enclosed Cabinets for Toiletries
Designate drawers or shelves for organizing all shower needs from shampoos to razors. Containing these daily items in one enclosed spot prevents cluttering sink counters while keeping private items concealed.
Pull-Out Trays/Drawers
Maximize every cavity by having cabinet interiors outfitted with smooth-gliding trays, slim drawers and vertical partition systems suited for your specific belongings.
Waste Bin Compartments
Carve out discreet areas for housing waste bins whether for facial tissues, personal feminine products or diaper pails. Keep these necessary items handy yet out of sight.
Cost Breakdown of Built-In Bathroom Cabinets
Given the high level of customization and professional work involved, built-in cabinetry represents a significant yet worthwhile investment that boosts home value. Here is an overview of typical pricing components:
- Materials and Labor
- As permanent custom elements crafted on-site, extensive labor and high-end materials (woods, finishes) comprise the majority of project costs. Built-in cabinetry pricing often starts around $2,500 ranging up to $5,000+ depending on size/scope.
- Demolition & Installation
- Construction process requires extensive expertise to precisely measure, demolish existing cabinets, build new frameworks secured to studs, integrate storage elements, install countertops/sinks, apply finishes.
- Design Expertise
- Reputable contractors provide consultative design process including 3D renderings to ensure desired layout and features before finalizing plans.Expect to pay 10-20% margins for their design acumen.
- Scope of Project
- More cabinets/elements like integrated lighting or charges stations increase overall price tag. Refacing existing boxes versus building new also impacts pricing.
In our experience, the upfront investment pays long-term dividends for years adding functionality and value.
Hiring Professional for Built-In Bathroom Cabinetry
Given the complexity of constructing fully customized built-ins combined with navigating permits, sourcing specialty supplies and refined finishing skills needed, it makes sense to hire professional help. Seeking out an experienced local bathroom remodeling company in Irvine offers multiple advantages:
Complex Project with Custom Work
From carpentry, plumbing and electrical across demolition, building and installation phases, reputable firms like ours have specialized expertise across the multifaceted spectrum of skills needed to actualize the most well-built finished products.
Ensures Proper Installation
Precision is paramount so cabinets integrate seamlessly while avoiding problems like buckling or cracks over time. Pros have honed process for securing cabinets firmly to reinforce structural integrity in line with regulatory building codes.
Get Design Ideas and Material Recommendations
We provide consultative design/planning support showing clients the latest trends and construction recommendations based on over 25+ years improving Orange County homes. Our remodeling credentials offer insider advice homeowners can’t glean from internet searches!
Provide Measurements for Exact Fit
Hiring a contractor removes the guesswork of assessing your distinct bathroom’s size and specifications so cabinets maximally utilize every inch possible. We generate floor plans with exact room dimensions ensuring built-ins align perfectly within the existing layout.
