Category Archives: bathroom remodeling

May '24

Ideas for an Elderly Friendly Bathroom Renovation

As we age, our needs and capabilities change, and it becomes essential to modify our living spaces to accommodate these changes. One area that often requires attention is the bathroom. Renovating a bathroom to make it more elderly-friendly not only enhances safety but also promotes independence and comfort for those in their golden years. Below we will explore some innovative ideas for a bathroom renovation that caters to the specific needs of elderly individuals.

The Importance of an Elderly-Friendly Bathroom

Before delving into the renovation ideas, let’s highlight the significance of creating an elderly-friendly bathroom. As individuals age, they may experience reduced mobility, balance issues, and other physical limitations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 36 million older adults fall each year in the United States, leading to severe injuries. Many of these accidents occur in the bathroom where slip and fall hazards are prevalent. By implementing thoughtful design changes and accessibility features, we can mitigate these risks and provide a safer environment for our loved ones.

Enhancing Safety with Non-Slip Surfaces

One of the primary concerns when renovating an elderly-friendly bathroom is minimizing the likelihood of slipping and falling. Installing non-slip flooring, such as textured tiles or vinyl, can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Additionally, consider using non-slip bath mats near the bathtub or shower area for added traction. These simple additions provide stability and confidence to individuals with mobility difficulties.

Grab Bars for Stability and Support

When it comes to bathroom safety, grab bars are an excellent addition. These sturdy bars can be strategically placed near the toilet, shower, and bathtub to provide stability and support. Stainless steel or chrome grab bars are popular choices as they are not only functional but also blend seamlessly with the overall bathroom aesthetics. It is important to ensure that the grab bars are securely mounted to the wall and can withstand the weight and force exerted during use.

Easy Access Showers and Walk-in Bathtubs

Traditional bathtubs can be challenging for elderly individuals to access due to the need to step over a high side. A great solution is to replace the bathtub with a walk-in bathtub or a curbless shower. Walk-in bathtubs feature a door that allows easy entry and exit with minimal effort. On the other hand, curbless showers eliminate the need for stepping over and provide a seamless transition from the bathroom floor to the shower area. These options ensure a safer bathing experience and eliminate the risk of trips and falls.

Comfort-Height Toilets for Easy Use

Standard toilets may pose difficulties for elderly individuals, especially when it comes to sitting down and standing up. Installing comfort-height toilets can make a significant difference in terms of accessibility and comfort. These toilets are slightly taller than regular ones, making it easier for seniors to sit and stand without straining their joints or muscles. Adding grab bars near the toilet can provide further support and stability.

Adjustable Showerheads and Handheld Sprayers

Having the flexibility to adjust the height and angle of the showerhead is beneficial for individuals with limited mobility. Installing an adjustable showerhead allows users to position the water flow according to their preference and reach. Handheld sprayers are also a practical addition as they enable elderly individuals to direct the water exactly where they need it. These modifications offer convenience and make bathing a more comfortable experience.

Well-Placed Lighting and Contrast

Proper lighting is crucial in an elderly-friendly bathroom to help prevent accidents and enhance visibility. Make sure the bathroom is well-lit with a combination of natural and artificial lighting. Consider installing bright LED lights to eliminate dark corners and shadows. Furthermore, incorporating contrasting colors on walls, floors, and fixtures can assist those with visual impairments in identifying different elements within the space. A clear distinction between the toilet, walls, and flooring can prevent confusion and reduce the risk of accidents.

a converted bathroom to help assist seniors.

Creating an elderly-friendly bathroom benefits not only seniors but also their caregivers and loved ones who can have peace of mind knowing that preventive measures have been implemented.

Extra Considerations for a Thoughtful Renovation

When renovating a bathroom for elderly individuals, it’s essential to pay attention to small details that can significantly improve their experience. Here are a few additional considerations to keep in mind:

Adequate ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to prevent mold and mildew buildup, which can be particularly harmful to older adults.

Accessible storage: Utilize open shelving or accessible cabinets to make toiletries and other essentials easily reachable without the need for excessive bending or stretching.

Slip-resistant bathmats: Besides having non-slip flooring, placing additional slip-resistant bathmats or rugs near the sink and other frequently used areas can further reduce the risk of accidents.

Lever faucets: Replace traditional knob-style faucets with lever handles that are easier to grip and maneuver, especially for those with arthritis or limited hand strength.

Multiple light switches: Install light switches at different heights to accommodate individuals of varying heights and mobility levels.

With these thoughtful renovation ideas and considerations, you can transform your bathroom into an elderly-friendly space that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and comfort. Remember to speak with professionals, such as professional plumbers or occupational therapists, to ensure your renovations adhere to safety standards and meet the specific needs of the intended users.

Creating an elderly-friendly bathroom benefits not only seniors but also their caregivers and loved ones who can have peace of mind knowing that preventive measures have been implemented. By fostering independence and reducing the risk of accidents, a well-designed bathroom allows older adults to maintain their dignity and enjoy their daily routines with confidence and comfort.

Nov '23

8 Plumbing Upgrades for your Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom updates consistently rank as one of the top improvements desired by home buyers. Buyers will routinely overlook an otherwise attractive home if they find that its bathroom is outdated. That is why Pro X Property Management – Swain Group says it is wise not to ignore your bathroom when doing upgrades to your home.

Why do bathrooms matter so much?

There are many reasons why buyers pay attention to the bathroom. The bathroom is where most people start and end their day. The act of taking a shower is a ritual that helps to put you in the right frame of mind for work or rest. Bathrooms serve as a showcase for your style.

However, not all bathroom upgrades will improve your home’s value to the desired level. All bathroom upgrades should improve the function and aesthetics of your home. But some upgrades do this better than others. What are the top performing bathroom upgrades to consider for your home?

Given that the main function of the bathroom is to ensure personal hygiene and the home’s sanitation, it makes sense to focus on your plumbing when planning upgrades for the bathroom. Improved bathroom plumbing is the foundation of a successful bathroom upgrade.

8 essential plumbing upgrades for your bathroom

Upgrade your bathroom pipes

When doing bathroom upgrades, the focus should not only be on things like faucets, toilets, showers, and sinks. The underlying systems that support them – water pipes and drainpipes – are vital. It doesn’t make sense to add a rainfall showerhead or spa tub to the bathroom (as an example) if your existing pipes cannot perform to the level required by these new installations. Begin the bathroom renovations by updating the size and quality of your water pipes and drain pipes.

Hide or disguise your plumbing lines

Visible piping in the bathroom makes the space ugly. You don’t want the pipes attached to bathroom fittings and appliances to be easily visible. Leaving the pipes naked will only diminish the overall aesthetics of your bathroom, regardless of the quality of the installed fixtures. There are many ways to hide the pipes in your bathroom; you may paint or decorate them, and you can also hide them inside storage units or within the bathroom walls.

Rainfall showerhead

In addition to boosting the appearance of your shower, a rainfall showerhead upgrade makes shower times more enjoyable.

A rainfall showerhead is a luxurious but affordable upgrade. In addition to boosting the appearance of your shower, this upgrade makes shower times more enjoyable. But before you install this feature, ensure that your water heater can keep up with the increased demand. Another option for upgrading the shower is to install multiple showerheads. These are more versatile than rainfall showerheads; they typically include a standard showerhead, handheld wand, and body sprays.

Install a dual-flush toilet

Dual flush toilets offer more control over the home’s water usage than standard toilets. Depending on what you are trying to flush, you can use the low-flow or high-flow option. Instead of a low-flow toilet that locks you into a single flush mode, dual flush toilets give you options. Installing a dual-flow toilet gives you the best of two worlds; you can conserve water and retain access to the high-flush mode.

Replace your bathroom faucets

Faucets are one of the first things people see when they enter your bathroom. Faucets are more than mere plumbing fixtures; they play a role as decorative accessories in your bathroom. When replacing bathroom faucets, keep function and aesthetics well in mind. New bathroom faucets can help to reduce utility bills by conserving water and preventing leaks.

Add a curbless shower

Curbless showers do not have a ledge that you have to step over when entering the shower. This feature makes them a great choice for people with mobility issues. Adding this upgrade to your bathroom will make your home more attractive to a larger section of the market. Also, the seamless appearance of the shower and accompanying glass enclosure add style to your bathroom.

Include a freestanding bathtub

Standalone tubs create the illusions of space. They offer easy access from all sides and are great for romantic evenings with your partner.

You want to have at least one bathtub in the home. Bathtubs are a big selling point for families with small children; a great time saver when you want to bathe all the kids at once. You can amplify the appeal of the bathtub by making it a standalone tub. Standalone tubs create the illusions of space. They offer easy access from all sides and are great for romantic evenings with your partner.

Install a tankless water heater

Traditional water heaters use more energy than tankless water heaters because they heat water continuously. A traditional water heater often has to reheat already heated water. You can solve this problem by installing a tankless water heater. However, depending on your home’s water usage, a single tankless water heater may not be enough for the household. It is often a good idea to install a dedicated tankless water heater for the bathroom.

Which of these eight bathroom upgrades makes the most sense for your home?

The answer depends on the needs of your home and what buyers in your area want the most. Before you begin your bathroom upgrade it is a good idea to sit down and speak with a professional plumber to assess the projected benefits of each of these eight options.

Sep '21

Why You Should Hire a Plumber for Your Bathroom Remodel

Owning an ideal living space entails several things. Most homeowners pay too much attention to other parts of their home during remodeling that it may get to the extent that they forget a crucial aspect of the property.

The bathroom is one of the most essential places in your home. Remodeling this area offers many benefits. Some of these benefits include:

Improves energy efficiency

During your bathroom renovation, you have the opportunity to boost your home’s energy efficiency. When you do this, you can lower your energy bills. For instance, older models of toilets use several gallons of water before you can flush the toilet. This translates to thousands of gallons every year down the drain.

Newer models are energy-efficient and you can use less than a gallon of water to flush the toilet. Installing such toilets will help you cut down the volume of water you use each month. The same principle applies to low-flow faucets.

Adds value to the property

Bathrooms that have modern appliances, decorations, and upgraded components will surely add more value to the property. If you intend to sell the home, says Alltrade Properties, you can sell it at a higher price because of the bathroom.

For homeowners who intend to use the property, they will enjoy the comfort that the updated components offer. For instance, you can afford to relax in your new hot tub after a long day.

Improve safety conditions

Older homes did not consider the bathroom’s safety. That is why cases of trips and falls that led to severe injuries were on the rise. Some even had electric sockets in the bathroom that made homeowners and visitors prone to electrocutions.

Newer models of bathrooms now use anti-stick floors and safer sockets to prevent slips or electrocution respectively. There are several other benefits of having a bathroom remodel.

Now, you may want to cut the cost by engaging in this project on a do-it-yourself basis. Doing so will prevent you from obtaining optimal benefits from your bathroom remodel. You need the help of a professional plumber for various reasons. In this article, we will explain why you should hire a plumber for your bathroom remodel.

Setting up the drainage requires expertise

Unless you want to perform minor or superficial upgrades that do not involve the drainage, you can try it yourself. Otherwise, we recommend that you hire a professional plumber. That’s because setting up the drainage system is complex.

You may need to add modern features and relocate the plumbing lines. Here, expertise is a necessity. Determining the layouts of a new drainage system requires precision. Failure to get it right may result in leaks or sluggish drains. But if you have an experienced plumber, you should have no fear.

They will help you to move plumbing pipes around, move the drain lines, and install new plumbing lines in your bathroom(s). Even with the latest or most expensive upgrade, an improperly designed bathroom drainage will not add value to a home.

You may need a professional opinion

When you are remodeling your bathroom, you have several options of material to choose from. Unless you are a professional plumber, you may not be knowledgeable about the different pipes and assess if they are in good condition.

If you choose unsuitable items for your bathroom remodeling, you may end up wasting your money. However, plumbers will prevent you from making expensive mistakes. They will show you the appropriate type and quality of material to use for your renovation project.

Things can go wrong during the upgrade during

During your bathroom remodeling, several things can go wrong. You may damage a new sink, break the pipes, or destroy the toilet. Several other unforeseen accidents can occur in the process of bathroom remodeling. However, a professional plumber has your back.

Professional plumbers are insured and bonded. Their insurance covers every incident that may occur during and after the project. However, it should still be within the warranty period. For that reason, you will not be wasting hundreds of dollars trying to remedy unforeseen circumstances.

Professional plumbers have experience in bathroom upgrades

You do not engage in bathroom renovation every time, but plumbers do so. As a result, they know the fine details that you can never imagine. Professional plumbers can make a rigorous renovation project appear so easy. They will make you finish the project earlier than doing it yourself. Depending on the extent of the bathroom renovation, you may need to file a permit. Your plumber will help you handle this.

The bottom line

Bathroom renovations have several benefits for homeowners. However, many things can go wrong during the project. Hiring a professional residential plumber will make you spend less on your bathroom renovation. They can also help you with the budgets and also prevent avoidable risks.