Dream baths in less than a week with Bath R Us
By Patricia Nugent
Forbes magazine’s Top 10 list of fastest-growing companies are in the industries of IT software, health care technology and biotech. (See a trend there?)
In Cleveland, one of the fastest-growing start-ups—Bath R Us—is applying high-tech products to the specialty niche of bathroom renovation.
Founded by Chad Howman in March, the company already has legions of overjoyed clients and has outgrown its original showroom and warehouse space.
“Most home renovators think of the bathroom as an afterthought,” says Chad, who literally grew up in home remodeling, starting at the age of 13. “But we feel it deserves the highest consideration.”
Once he decided to start the company, Chad extensively researched the industry to discover a manufacturer that makes ultra-durable high-tech polymer showers.
One trip to the showroom and you’ll find glamorous showers that look like granite, marble, quartz and subway tiles, to suit any taste, classic to contemporary. The panels are 100% waterproof, man-made and are easy to clean, as there are very few seams, which are fused by caulk, not grout. They can even install a slab on the shower ceiling and sink lights into it for a strikingly modern effect.
After Chad secured a partnership with the shower and tub replacement company, he sought out the best made-in-the-USA makers of the other components necessary for a complete renovation: flooring, fixtures, toilets, vanities and lighting.
It Starts with an In-Home Consultation
“Our customers appreciate that we come to their home,” says Chad. “We bring all the samples and see what looks best together in their space. Our mission is to create a dream bathroom. Sometimes people struggle with putting all the colors and finishes together. This is our specialty.”
The construction portion of the job is as painless as the consultation, and most jobs are completed within three to four days.
“People are bowled over when they find out the showers come with a lifetime warranty and the workmanship with a 10-year warranty, which is well above and beyond the industry standard,” he adds.
Explore the Endless Possibilities
The bathroom featured here is a good example of what can be achieved with a Bath R Us renovation. The Brady family in Wadsworth had an upstairs bathroom that featured standard builder’s grade materials circa 1990.
Chad says they replaced an old fiberglass single-unit shower with a new tub and chic surround in River Rock that mimics the look of granite.
“We basically brought the bathroom into this century,” says Chad. “Luxury vinyl plank flooring and oil-rubbed bronze fixtures completed the rustic look.”
What’s Hot Right Now?
People are looking for simplicity, a clean aesthetic and a relaxing spa feeling, says Chad.
“Modern farmhouse and rustic chic are two looks that our clients are asking for,” he says. “We offer every product to bring that to life, from oil-rubbed bronze and matte black fixtures, to flat-faced, Shaker style cabinetry and pale gray and white marble-look showers.”
And for seniors who are looking to age in place as long as they can, he reports they are designing tubs you can walk into and zero-entry showers equipped with grab bars.
Trickle-Down VIP Service
In the tradition of The Ritz-Carlton, which follows the belief that the best customer service companies need to be the best employee service companies, one of Chad’s winning business philosophies centers around how well he treats his employees.
“I’ve always thought that if you take great care of your people, they will in turn take great care of the customer,” he says. “And we are thankful to be blessed with amazing employees and customers, too.”
Nothing Succeeds Like Success
Here’s what a few elated customers have to say about their experience with Bath R Us.
“From the start, the owner and work crews cared to make a great impression and provide consistent communication along with high-quality products and excellent workmanship. They made this process as easy on our family as possible! I am over the moon with my new tub and shower!” —Elizabeth R., Berea
“Chad came in for our proposal and was very respectful and nice. Made choices very easy for us to make and easy to understand, also. He was open to ideas and gave great suggestions. The quote given to us seemed really reasonable and had a couple of different payment options.” —Lindy M., Hudson
Headquartered in Medina, Bath R Us services homes throughout Northeast Ohio. They are accredited by the Better Business Bureau. The company is branching out into the Columbus area next month. Call 440-457-0101 to schedule a free estimate or visit BathRUs.com to see more dramatic before and after photos of bathroom makeovers.