Davis Avenue: A Bathroom Remodel in Ann Arbor, Michigan

The clients on Davis Avenue had an older Ann Arbor home with one tired bathroom and a kitchen that was too small. We revised the second floor bedroom layout to make room for a new full bathroom with a walk-in shower, turned the existing bathroom into a powder room, and expanded and remodeled the kitchen.

Below is what we built, and how we fit a new full bathroom into the house.

Project at a Glance

• Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Scope: New second floor full bathroom, existing bathroom converted to a powder room, and a kitchen expansion and remodel
• Construction: 2023 to 2024
• Design: Plans by Dexter Builders under a design contract, with kitchen and bath selections made with Mill Creek Kitchen & Bath in Dexter

What the Clients Wanted

The clients wanted a real primary bathroom with a big walk-in shower, and they were not afraid of color. They chose navy, white, and green for the new bath, a bold botanical look for the powder room, and a classic black and white floor for the kitchen.

What We Built

Full Bathroom

• Shower: A large walk-in shower with a glass door and panel, a ceiling rain shower head, and a wall shower head
• Tile: White subway tile on the upper walls with a wide band of navy hexagon tile around the shower
• Shower floor: White hexagon mosaic tile
• Half wall: A tiled half wall between the shower and the vanity
• Vanity: A navy vanity with a white top, an undermount sink, and polished chrome fixtures
• Lighting and mirror: An arched mirror with sage green sconces on each side
• Floor: White hexagon floor tile with a blue flower pattern

Powder Room

The original bathroom became a powder room. It has a pedestal sink, a gold framed mirror, a wood floor, and a bold botanical wallpaper.

Kitchen

We expanded the kitchen and remodeled it with painted cabinets, a white tile backsplash, and a black and white checkerboard floor. A painted green paneled door adds one more pop of color.

Adding a Bathroom

Can you add a full bathroom to the second floor of an older house?

Often, yes. On this house we did it by changing how the second floor was laid out instead of building an addition.

• Revise the rooms: We changed the bedroom layout on the second floor to free up space for a full bathroom with a walk-in shower.
• Keep the old bath working: The existing bathroom became a powder room, so the house gained a full bath without losing a toilet and sink.
• Plan it on paper first: Under a design contract we drew the new layout and worked through the selections with the clients before we gave them a proposal for construction.

Every house is different, and plumbing and framing decide a lot. We come out, look at what you have, and show you the options.

About Dexter Builders

Dexter Builders has been remodeling homes in the Ann Arbor area since 2000. We are a full-service residential remodeling company based in Chelsea, Michigan, and an active member of BRAG, the Builders and Remodelers of Greater Ann Arbor. We design projects in house, and work across Washtenaw County and the surrounding communities.

Talk to Us About Your Project

Call 734-426-3852 or fill out the form at dexterbuilders.com/contact-us. We usually respond within one business day.

If your house needs one more bathroom, send the form. We are glad to come out and take a look.