Maximize Space in a Small Bathroom
One of the smallest areas in most homes is the bathroom. This creates a challenge for home owners and renters alike when it comes to storage, aesthetic and functionality of a bathroom. However, there are a variety of ways to make your bathroom appear larger without the high renovation costs or lengthy construction time of an expansion.
Pay attention to colors. It is commonly known that white and lighter colors can make a room appear larger and cleaner. Choose white cabinets, proper lighting fixtures and a calming color palette. You also want your bathroom to be a place of peace and relaxation, and lighter colors tend to create these feeling more than bold or darker ones. Mirrors are great for making a room feel bigger, and the bathroom couldn’t be a better place for a large mirror. Put plenty of lighting above the mirror so it can be as wide, or wider, than the vanity. This will open the space up significantly.
Choose the proper fixtures. The majority of bathrooms feature a shower or a tub and sometimes they are combined in one. Think about which one you really need and if possible remove the other. For example, if you prefer showers and rarely take baths, it makes sense to remove the bathtub to create extra space.
Re-organize everything. If you’re lucky enough to have a built-in closet in your bathroom, re-organize it to get maximum space. If you don’t have a closet, bring in items such as shelves, towel racks and storage units to store all your necessities like towels and bath products. If it’s at all possible, store only what you need in your bathroom- sometimes people end up making their bathroom a medicine cabinet or laundry room as well. Stick to keeping just what you need to shower and get ready for the day in your bathroom. Cleaning out your under the sink cabinets that you haven’t touched in months can also free up some unused space.
Ready to assemble cabinets will maximize the useful space in a bathroom and provide a built in look. These cabinets can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes and will help get you the most bang for your buck.
Keep it simple. Avoid heavily patterned wallpapers or trendy lighting- it will only distract the eye and make your space appear chaotic. Opt for simple colors and decor, remember with a bathroom, less is more.…
Four Things To Consider When Planning On Replacing Your Bathroom Floor
If you’re thinking of replacing your bathroom floor there are some things to consider while you’re shopping around.
Price
Along with the many different designs and styles of flooring available, there are also a wide variety of prices. The prices range from dollars to thousands of dollars per square foot depending on the material you choose to use. At the lower end of the price scale is linoleum, some tiles and woods. At the higher end of the price line there is granite, marble and some higher end tiles. When choosing your floor it is important to stay within your price range, and to choose something that you can live with for a while, since replacing bathroom floors is not something that a lot people do on a regular basis.
Strength
Many people do not take this into too much consideration when choosing a bathroom floor, but it is important to keep in mind that some of the things used in the bathroom can be heavy and when dropped may cause damage to floor. If you choose a floor that is thin and drop something onto it, the floor may be scratched or broken. When choosing a floor be sure to choose something that can stand up to the test of time and is durable.
Installation
The installation is perhaps the most important step in the whole process. You want to make sure that the floor you chose is properly installed and will not begin to lift of warp. After all a lot of time and money went into finding the perfect floor for your bathroom, you want to be able to enjoy it before problems start to arise from it not being properly installed. To prolong the life of your floor it should be installed by a professional who is experienced in installing the type of floor you are using. Most bathroom layouts are not perfectly square which can cause problems when trying to install the flooring yourself. The majority of floors require special cuts to fit correctly. That is why it is probably wise to choose a professional instead of trying to install the flooring yourself.
Maintenance
Because you are going to have your bathroom floor for years to come, it is important that you are aware of any special care that your floor requires. If, for instance, you chose tile, it is recommended that you reseal the grout every few years to prevent it from staining and cracking. Most types of floors have special instructions that you need to follow once it has been installed to prolong the beauty and longevity. If you follow the instructions for maintaining your floor, there is no reason for it to lose any of its shine or design.A bathroom floor is a choice that requires a lot of thought, you will have to look at it every day so choose something that you will enjoy and will not get tiresome after a few months.…
Is a Green Bathroom Remodel in Your Future? It’s Easier Than You Think!
If you’re planning a bathroom remodel in the near future, why not explore the new products and materials designed and produced to save money and save the environment? No longer in the expensive category of only a few years ago, these new products and materials compete very well with everything else out there. And when you compare the cost advantages over time, the allowances offered by manufacturers and the government, its crazy not to at least consider a green bathroom remodel.
Toilets, for instance, have come a long way, baby! Today you can’t even buy one that uses 3-plus gallons of water to flush. And, if you recall the buzz about the inefficiency of the newer “low flow” models of a couple of years ago, you’re operating on a false premise. A green bathroom remodel wouldn’t be complete without looking into a new toilet! New designs, larger discharge and smarter manufacturing provides toilets with operations that match their older counterparts flush by flush. In fact, you probably won’t even notice you’re doing your part for the planet when you flip the lever!
Your bathroom vanity countertop can also now be made to be both beautiful and Earth loving with the use of recycled materials. These include recycled glass, scrap aluminum, concrete and (if you can believe it) old recycled paper. Some very attractive countertops today are made by combining paper, fly ash-a by-product of coal combustion-and an eco-binder, such as epoxy. You may have even had a morning cup of coffee at a favorite bistro on a paper countertop and not know it! Some are made entirely of recycled glass, with a new unique look and are comparable in cost, strength, heat resistance and durability to granite.
The bathroom floor is getting some attention, too. Linoleum, invented in 1863 (think Civil War) now has some real competition. New types are so healthy for us and our environment that they cover the floors of many large Health Care facilities and hospitals. There are even floors made by using a pressed combination of burlap, canvas, linseed oil and flour! Almost makes me hungry. Laminate flooring can be manufactured to look like almost anything and tiles are made in a wild array of planet friendly styles and textures. Even the rugs have gone green!
What about the walls? Your green bathroom remodel could even mean painting the walls… er… green. How about soy based paint? Clay paint, which can look like adobe is a natural choice and one that will give the room a rustic or Tuscan feel. You can have your milk and paint it too… by using all natural organic milk paint. Not only do these paints look beautiful, but they last as long or longer than regular latexes. Also, new paints are coming on the scene all the time to not only make your home brilliant, but many are made to fight germs and reduce mold and mildew!
Low flow, water saving faucets and shower heads are designed now to feel just like the old kind, but use much less water. This is due to atomizers and pulsators that mix air and H2O and reduce the actual amount being delivered. This not only saves water, but the energy to heat the water as well. And, the new designs are very cool, with new materials and finishes to match anything!
So, before you start in on that bathroom remodel, think about making it a green bathroom remodel. Take a look around your bath and see what you can do to bring that room into the twenty first century! Then go spend some time in a big box retailer or plumbing or bath fixture store. See what they have to offer and how you can save some money and the planet while you’re there.…
Kitchen Or Bathroom Remodel – The Truth Not Seen on TV Shows and What to Expect From a Contractor
With all of the do-it-yourself shows on network television, most home owners fail to realize how many extras actually are required to complete a remodel. These shows which run for a 30 minute span of time can actually take well over a month or two depending upon the project undertaken. While edited television holds the viewer’s interest, it does a poor job of educating the home owner with the actual process of having a remodel. Patience and planning are the keys to an effective remodel. There is no general rule of thumb when it comes to how long a particular remodel will take. An example is some kitchen remodels can take as little as one week while others can take one month or more.
There are numerous factors to be considered. It all comes down to how well planned the design is, how the home owner makes themselves available for the contractor, what materials are to be used, where the source for the materials is located, and so on.
The first key ingredient to a successful remodel is patience. The home owner needs to understand and expect that the design stage can take several weeks alone. After sitting down with the builder or contractor to discuss what the home owner’s desires are, both the contractor and the home owner need to address potential challenges of the space to be remodeled. While the home owner will have many questions needing to be answered, the remodeling contractor should be asking a plethora of question of the owner. The more thorough this preliminary consulting is the more enjoyable the remodel will be and with fewer surprises.
Even with the most conscientious builder or remodeling contractor, occasional unforeseen snags can pop up from time to time. There are many reasons that this situation may occur. Older homes often can possess more hidden surprises than newer houses due to new building codes which were not the same as when the house was originally built. That is not to say that newer constructed homes are free of these types of situations. The solution for this scenario is to clarify the contractor’s experience.
Contractors always should have a portfolio of past projects to offer up to new clients. Many times a new design possibility may come to mind of the home owner from viewing examples of past work performed. Most remodeling contractors are more than happy and even excited to display their past accomplishments.
The home owner needs to patient once the planning and design stage has begun. It can take weeks upon weeks to decide on materials and acquire them for the job ahead. The one aspect of remodeling or even having a custom home built, which many clients fail to do, is consistently inspect the progression of work being performed and observe materials being used. The most contractors are competent and know exactly what they are doing, but an extra set of eyes will not hurt. Asking questions throughout the remodel will help to avoid any possible confusion with both parties and will yield result in a happier home owner when the job is completed.…
The Importance of Bathroom Design
Families are spending more and more time in their bathrooms than ever before, thus, they desire their bathrooms to be functional as well as inviting. If you are ready for a new bathroom look, take some time to consider ideas for the bathroom design and investigate remodeling your bathroom to suit your needs and style.
Several questions need to be asked prior to the start of any design process. It is critical before you decide to renovate to make sure that there are no underlying problems with the core of your home. Sound plumbing, heating and electrical service should be inspected before demolition begins. When talking to a designer, consider a few things: Do you need more storage? Are the fixtures out-dated? Do the vanity and faucets need replaced? Are you able to work around the existing fixtures such as the tub and/or sink? Do you want a separate tub and shower compartments? It is an important factor also to determined the style of bathrooms choices, you can choose from modern, traditional, contemporary or transitional type of bathrooms.
Once these questions are answered, sit down and work within a realistic budget. Determine how much you are able to afford. The focus on your bathroom improvements will also depend on the type of bathroom. If your remodel is for a guest bathroom, it should be useful, inviting, and even impressive for your guests. A children’s bathroom should be bright, colorful and even fun. A master bedroom bathroom can have a resort style, relaxing, or perhaps a sexy feel.
Making the correct lighting choices, such as decorative or accent lighting add elegance to a bathroom, or adding softer dimmable lighting can give you more of a cozy feeling. Another focal point in any bathroom is the vanity mirror, giving the area a bigger feel and a chance to show off your individual style with a decorative frame or a uniquely-shaped mirror. Incorporate your family’s own taste and fashion with accessories to complete you bathroom remodel. Tile designs, the color of the walls, and open shelves for display items add character to every bathroom as well.
Bathroom design should be attractive and just as comfortable as any other room in your home. Remodeling is also an ideal time to make your house healthier for you, the community, and the environment through the use of environmentally-friendly products and recycling or reusing existing materials.…
Why Bathroom Remodeling Pays
Bathroom remodeling is one of the most popular home improvement projects undertaken by homeowners throughout the U.S. By working with an experienced bathroom remodeling contractor, you can plan for a bathroom remodel that will increase the value of your home, reduce your energy costs and save water. Using environmentally friendly materials can also help to save the environment. This is why bathroom remodeling pays.
Updating and upgrading your bathroom, especially a master bathroom, increases your comfort as you live in the home. It also increases the value of your home by 61 – 74% of the cost of the remodel. Although you will not get this money back immediately, you can expect to recover this much of your cost when you sell your home. That, by any standards, is a good return on investment.
Careful planning with a qualified bathroom remodeling contractor will give you the opportunity to choose construction materials that are environmentally friendly in terms of how they are made and in terms of saving natural resources by reducing usage. Consider, if you will, that by choosing a low-flow or dual flush toilet you can save as much as four gallons of water with every flush (depending on the fixture you are replacing). Considering that each person flushes an average of nine times per day (minimum), a family of four would save 180 gallons of water every day. And low flow faucets and showerheads also save significant amounts of water.
Now let’s assume that your home is all electric. By upgrading the insulation in your bathroom, changing your window to a triple-paned vinyl framed window with Xenon gas between the panes, you will reduce your energy usage for heating and cooling by one-third in the bathroom. Then install an energy-efficient ventilation fan, an energy-efficient spa tub or shower, and energy-efficient lighting fixtures, and you can reduce your demand for electricity even more. If the bathroom you are remodeling is heavily used, your energy savings increases.
Next think carefully about the materials you will use for your remodel. Your contractor will be able to help you decide which materials are best for your needs and your location. Some of the materials you might want to consider are: environmentally friendly drywall, recycled glass tile, cork floor tiles (for comfort and beauty), natural paints, and engineered wood.
And you can consider other options for your bathroom that will improve energy efficiency, such as: an instant water heater for sinks, a whirlpool tub with an in-line water heater, radiant floor heating, insulate walls behind shower and tub, UV blocking window coating, a skylight or roof window (or tunnel/tube light) to bring in more natural light or motion activated light switches.
These are just a few of the materials, additional features, and considerations for you to discuss with your contractor. This should be enough information to help you understand why bathroom remodeling pays. In fact, by carefully considering your options, the materials you will use in your remodel and special features, you can expect to recover the cost of your remodel within a couple of years by combining the increased value of your home, your energy savings and your reduced water and sewer expenses. There’s no question that bathroom remodeling pays big.
Consider bathroom remodeling in your home. Work closely with your contractor in making choices and planning your remodel. You might be surprised to see just how much difference it will make!
Copyright 2009 by ABCD Publishing…
6 Tips For Choosing the Best Bathroom Accessories
Choosing the best bathroom accessories can make your bathroom astonishing. It will greatly make the look of the room attractive and pleasing. There’s nothing better to do than to build the bathroom that you like.
Bathroom fixtures reflect your personality and taste, regardless if it’s an elegant bathroom or a simple bathroom. The most important thing to consider is to make a plan. It is also significant to choose the most appropriate accessories in decorating the room.
The design can either be simple or luxurious. A simple room can be created using pastel colors such as cream, blue and white. Alternatively, an elegant room can be created using metal, marble and glass. In choosing bathroom accessories, the best thing to consider is their form and function.
In decorating the bathroom, consider the theme that you like. It is easy to make necessary changes when you know how it should look like after decorating it. This is useful when you’re about to beautify the room by thinking over it first.
Bathroom fixtures serve many functions, being appropriate for small and large rooms. A cabinet for towels is useful to save space, along with shelves for hygiene products and cosmetics. You can simply improve your bathroom’s appearance by using bathtub and bathroom lights.
You should also consider the color. The accessories must blend with the color of the room, in order to have a balanced effect. Your taste can be expressed using some colorful wall pictures and flowers.
More importantly, consider the purpose of the accessory and the material used. It should be suitable for your bathroom needs. You should choose only the fixtures that can help you the most.
What really matters most is that you should choose the best bathroom accessories that are right for you. Remember that it must always satisfy your bathroom needs.…