Monthly Archives: October 2009

Your Guide to Freestanding Bathtubs

Posted on by Scott
Jane Worthington

Everyone deserves a taste of luxury in his or her life. If you need a new bathtub, you should not force yourself to purchase the same tub that everyone else has in his or her home. Go for something fun and exotic! You deserve to treat your master bathroom to a makeover and the best way to start is to purchase a freestanding or clawfoot bathtub.

These bathtubs have a long-standing history in elegance. The very first bathtub was discovered on the island of Crete in the palace of Knossos. It was a pedestal tub, made from fired clay, and it sat in the royal bath chamber. Fun fact: this palace had one of the first drainage systems in the world and it still works! When bathing again became popular in the late 18th century, it was again the royal families that had access to the best bathing apparatuses. These fancy tubs were also free standing and sat above the floor resting on claw feet.

If you are interested in making a purchase of a freestanding bathtub, then you have come to the right place. These great tubs come in several different shapes and finishes and can be made of a variety of materials. Manufactures use everything from cast iron and acrylic to granite and marble to create these tubs. Since these bathtubs are coming back into style, manufacturers make them in oval, rectangular, round, and square shapes. Determine how much room you have for this new tub and make the measurements on your floor. You need to consult with a plumber or a contractor to see if you can move your plumbing to where you need it in order to install your new tub in the location you desire.

In terms of types of freestanding bathtubs, you have several options. You can find one that sits flat on the floor, up on a pedestal, or on claw feet. The option you chose will rely largely on the space you have for the bathtub and what kind of look you want to create in your bathroom. For elderly or handicapped individuals, walk-in bathtubs are the best investment you can make because they make the bathroom a much safer place. No longer do you need to risk injury when you want to take a bath! Start shopping for your new bathtub today!

Bruce

Plumbing and Shower Installations – Choosing the Right Shower for Your Home

Posted on by Scott
Nigel Beswick

Maybe you wish to add an elegant walk-in shower to your home or like the idea of the latest high tech shower enclosures. Whatever your style there are many options available to you and your plumber or bathroom fitter can help you decide what is possible with your installation and present plumbing system.

Your plumber will be able to advise you on the water pressure available to you and how this will affect your options. Generally speaking, most showers require a minimum water pressure of 0.1 bar though most manufacturers recommend anything from 5 to 5 bar water pressure. Thus ensuring that the carefully designed shower heads deliver water in the way they were designed. Choose fittings such as shower heads and thermostatic controllers that work with the maximum water pressure you have at your disposal.

Should you choose a fixed head or an adjustable rail system? Many people like the clean look that fixed shower heads give. The supply pipe work is hidden behind the shower in a “wet wall” giving a contemporary and clean look. The downside is that the head is set at a fixed height and probably not at the optimum height for everyone in the household. An adjustable rail will allow the shower head to slide up and down a rail fixed to the wall. This allows the shower head height to be set at the optimum height for most people.

Many modern shower heads now incorporate an adjustable dial which enables the user to set different spray patterns and body jets can be added to a shower system to create an “all over” experience. The choices are many for todays homeowner consumer.

Period style shower heads too are readily available to suit many shower thermostatic and none thermostatic systems. The traditional English shower rose is experiencing a new blast of popularity. Its combination of a drenching but less pummelling shower and stylish looks appeal top many. But take note that some of the larger shower roses (and these can available up to 300mm) require a minimum pressure of 3 bar.

If you are unsure about the pressure available to you then your plumber will be able to advise you on this and your options regarding raising the water pressure artificially through the fitment of a pressure pump. Remember too that hot water pressure supplied by combination boilers is dependant on the mains water pressure and the water pressure at your shower head will be this pressure. Conventional, non-combi set ups allow for raising of water pressure more easily.

As always If your bathroom project is done by an unqualified plumbing contractor without a written contract then you may experience problems. If your plumber does not hold current insurances which may be needed in the event of creating a water leak then you may well find yourself uninsured and out of pocket and liable for water damage to adjacent properties.

Using a reputable tradesmen source like www.homepromatch.com will ensure that you connect with qualified and insured plumbers and bathroom fitters, rated and recommended by other local homeowners.

Jeff

Bathroom renovation ideas can be taken from visits to near b y showrooms

Posted on by Scott
Su J

Revamping your bathroom

While renovating your bathroom make sure that you have decide upon whether you want to stick to your existing bathroom plan and design or you want to relay it all over again.After you have decided on that you have to decide on another important thing that is whether you should go for a bathroom specialist who would take care of your work that includes planning,designing and installing your bathroom fittings or whether you should to all this into your hands.

If you have decided upon doing it youself, you could visit nearby showroom, talk to bathroom consultants and browse through brouchers to get an idea regarding innovations you add to bathroom. However, hiring a consultant to work for you would be the best idea as renovating requires services from varied quaters such as electricians, plumbers to carpenters and coordinating then is a tough ask.

Set your budget

The cost of bathroom renovation when quoted by the bathroom consultants are generally on the higher side of your budget.However if you you can obtain the quotations from the 2-3 vendors then you can make a comparitive study and find the best one available for you.Certain goods like pumps, toilet seats ,bath panel are sold separately and therefore due considerations should be given while budgeting

Bathroom Fittings

With modular or fully fitted bathrooms comes wonderful bathroom fittings as well as cabinets,  accessories and furniture which lend a a beautiful look to your bathrooms. Remember that as much as your house resembles your personality and style statement so does your bathroom which is just a extension of your bathroom.

Brendon

How To Use Bathroom Vanities And Faucets So Your Bathroom Renovation Packs The Most Punch

Posted on by Scott
Vikram Kumar

Home renovation experts will tell you that a bathroom renovation is one of the best ways to add value to your home. Because more people are spending time in their bathrooms these rooms are becoming increasingly more lavish. By choosing to spend more money on bathroom vanities and faucets, you can make your renovation dollars stretch further and get a better return on your investment.

 

Whether it is warm and welcoming or streamlined and spa-like, a bathroom can make a statement about you and your personal style. Accessories can help but it is the structural elements of the bathroom that make a statement and it is these that you should be spending your money on.

 

Bathroom vanities are important for storage and esthetics. There have been a number of trends lately in bathroom vanities. Some of the most popular ones include dual sinks or vanities where the sink actually sits on top of the counter instead of being recessed. You might look at choosing vanities that look like beautiful custom made furniture and storage units that coordinate with other pieces of furniture that are in the room as well.

 

You want to make sure that the bathroom vanities you are choosing are beautiful and functional. They should have enough drawers and cupboards to store your items. Consider getting drawers that have organizers built in. This can be especially important if you regularly put make up on in your bathroom. Not having enough storage in bathroom vanities can be one of the biggest complaints many people have about the rooms in general.

 

You also need to make sure that you are choosing faucets that are functional as well as beautiful. Faucets can be found in a number of styles and are now being created with features that make them much easier to use. They can range from highly modern to beautiful and classic, and may be low and lean or high and arched.

 

Keep in mind that the style of the faucets you choose should coordinate with the other furnishings and elements in the room including ones used on the bathtub and shower. You don’t want ones which are very modern if all other elements in the room are classic. You want to choose good quality faucets that will not break down after only a short period of time. This does not mean that you need pay top dollar but you should pick a manufacturer with a reputation for making quality products.

 

When picking faucets, you need to know whether you need single hole faucets or widespread faucets. If you are getting one with a single hole, that means that the controls are on the faucet itself and it is all part of one unit. Widespread faucets have taps which are separate. If you are replacing the sink at the same time, you may have more choice but if the faucets are the only things you are replacing you may need to choose a different model but in the same basic style.

 

The right choice in your bathroom can mean the difference between adding value to your home and one which can actually cause your house to remain unsold.

Ricky

How About a Classic Clawfoot Bathtub For Your Bathroom?

Posted on by Scott
Christopher Smith

The bathroom is usually the most travelled room in your home. Everyone uses that room several times a day to clean, get ready for work or school, and of course, to bath. So, is your bathtub a place to relax, or just a functional tub good enough to wash and thats about it?

Finding a bathtub that is comfortable to soak in but still fits into a small bathroom can be a challenge. The trouble is when you look at the small bathtubs on the market today you find that they are too small for soaking. This is especially true if you happen to be tall.

Classic clawfoot bathtubs are great looking as well as large, enjoyable, and quite practical additions to any bathroom. With Vintage and Victorian looks becoming a popular change from modern bathrooms it is no wonder that we are seeing more bathrooms with this type of bathtubs installed in them. A clawfoot bathtub adds originality to your bathroom and introduces a calming mood that the modern bathroom has lost. If you have contemplated installing a clawfoot bathtub in your home we have a few hints to get you off to a good start.

If you choose a reproduction tub you can have all the appeal of an old clawfoot bathtub with the benefits of newer and lighter materials. Old clawfoot bathtubs were made of very heavy cast iron. The recent acrylic versions are much easier to work with and they do not rust.

Because clawfoot tubs are freestanding you will need to come up with ways to mask or improve the appearance of the pipes. Normally you will want to attempt to install the tub so that the plumbing will be concealed as much as possible. In situations where you can’t hide the pipes you can place a skirt on the tub or use copper pipes to give a more attractive look.

The clawfoot bathtub will have to be cleaned carefully, especially if you purchase an older tub. Don’t use cleansers that may be too harsh, and you have to ensure that you rinse away any cleanser residue immediately to prevent damage to the surface.

If you decide on an antique cast iron bathtub you will have to make sure your floor is able to handle the weight. If you are installing it on an upper floor or above a basement this is especially important. Cast iron is a very heavy material and can cause problems if you aren’t prepared for the extra weight.

No matter what your bathroom design is, a clawfoot bathtub can make a great option. You can unwind in your clawfoot bathtub after a long day as long as you keep these tips in mind. Make it a bubble bath, they have always been perfect with clawfoot bathtubs! And dont forget to add some aromatic bathing salts.

People use aromatic bath salts for multiple reasons. Bath salts can help to relieve stress and increase energy as well as improve mood. Each of the many scents has a purpose. Aromatic bath salts are also an easy craft project for those of you who are creative, and they are even fun projects for those of us who aren’t so creative. Aromatic bath salts are great to give as gifts or to display in your guest bathroom. If you do not want to make your own you can purchase them premade as well.

Regina

How To Give Your Bathtub A New Lease On Life

Posted on by Scott
Rob Barnes

Over the years, your trusty bathtub can take quite a beating. It is not surprising to see tubs with scratches, cracks, gouges or even burns! So, you’ve decided to finally do something about it. You could always get a new one, but it certainly can end up being an expensive proposition:

* Bathtubs are not a small ticket item to begin with.

* You will need to pay a professional to remove the old tub.

* And of course, you have to pay a professional again to install the new one.

* There can be a significant amount of time involved (days or even weeks), when the bathtub will be completely unavailable.

Depending on what shape your bath tub is in, you may have several simpler and less expensive options. Let’s examine them now…

Alternatives To Replacing Your Bathtub

1. Repainting: You can have your tub repainted. While DIY kits are available, it can be a tricky process, so hiring someone is usually advisable. Still, this is a relatively quick 1 day process, and easier on the wallet. It is a good way to give your tub a shiny new look, maybe even a new color!

2. Bathtub Refinishing: This process is also known as reglazing or resurfacing, and essentially puts a new surface on your tub, which can easily last another 20 years, with a little care. Refinishing is also usually done within a day.

3. Bathtub Liners: A new liner can be installed over your tub, giving it a brand-new look within a few hours.

4. Bathtub Surrounds: These are walls around the tub, so they do not actually do anything to improve the bathtub itself, but instead dress up the surrounding area.

Hopefully, one of these options can be used, but there are times when the tub is not worth saving, and you may have no choice but to replace the bathtub completely.

Jennifer

Effective Bathroom Renovation Tips That Suits Your Budgetary Needs

Posted on by Scott
Mike Nicholson

The first thing in any renovation is to begin with a budget, and stick to it. After a budget is set, one must decide on how serious of a project the renovation will be. Surface alterations can be done fairly, when rearranging the layout of the bathroom, such as moving the toilet to a new location, will be more labor intensive, and need a contractor to move plumbing lines. A complete tear out is quite difficult as well as money and time consuming, but is sometimes necessary if several years of moisture has started to rot the bathroom’s framework.

Many bathroom renovations revolve around the shower or tub. For the do it yourselfer, installing prefabricated shower enclosure or tub is possible. The other option is a tiled shower or tub which includes building a frame from scratch, and is best left to a professional carpenter.

Installing a new countertop or benchtop can spruce up a bathroom as well. There are many popular styles and stones that are fairly easy to install. There is a wide range of countertops are available that you can consider while renovating your kitchen.

Cost of Bathroom Renovation

Depending on the degree to which you do them, bathroom renovations can be quite expensive. Much of the work may require to be sub contracted out and that makes for an expensive remodeling project, even though this is the smallest part of your home. There are some things that you can do, though, to save money on the bathroom renovations that you take on. Saving money can be done if you do the changes by yourself. But there are some things that cannot be done by yourself and need professional’s help.

With little research, you will find lots of reliable professional’s that help you in bathroom renovations in a cost manner. All you need to do is to go through their services & prices and find the right for you.

Adriatic Stone offers a fabulous range of options for all areas of home, including bathrooms and kitchens. Whether you are working on a new development of bathroom renovations, Adriatic Stone can offer huge array of creative ideas and quality surfaces.

Lyle

Bathtubs Are Back In Style

Posted on by Scott
Illa Maden

Bathtubs have enjoyed a lengthy history in one form or another. We think of bathtubs as a fairly new invention in relation to human history, but if you dig a little you can find many references to bathing in one type of vessel or another back though thousands of years.

It is true that bathing as it is enjoyed in these modern times is much different than in the past. At one time, when water had to be heated and added to a bath by hand, a bath was a real and infrequent luxury.

In more recent history when bath water was heated in a water tank heated by a cook stove, hot water was a sometimes thing, and a weekly bath was considered quite sufficient.

As bathrooms moved indoors and included furnishings for bathing as well as other bathroom needs things began to move along, and eventually included water heaters that did not have to be dependent on using the cook stove to heat water. Hot water changed from a sometime thing to being available on a constant basis, and bathtubs became an expected furnishing in every home.

Bathtubs for many years were indeed considered a prized possession and the bathtub had a good long run of popularity even for a number of years after showers first became easily available.

But eventually the tide turned and bathtubs for the most part fell from grace and showers were given priority in most homes. Much of this may have come about when family life just seemed to get so busy, and certainly taking a shower can be quicker.

Many homeowners are again seeing the value of the bathtub. Although most prefer to keep the shower for speed and convenience, they also want a bathtub in their home.

The pendulum is swinging again and the bathtub is a symbol of relaxation and quiet time. Rather than just being thought of as a place to cleanse the body, the bathtub is a place to unwind from all the activities of the day.

Today homeowners can enjoy the vintage look of a lovely claw foot tub or a copper tub along with the convenience of an on demand hot water supply.

For those who are not fond of the vintage style, there are deep soaking tubs, bathtubs with jets for further relaxation and even two person bathtubs.

Yes, the bathtub is back, and even better than in the past.

Lewis

Walk-in Bathtubs: Being Safe And Independent

Posted on by Scott
Ernest Jarquio

Walk-in bathtubs are just what the name implies. They are tubs for bathing that are designed for easy accessibility for the elderly or handicapped, no matter what their age.

Mobility Problems

Anyone who has had a knee or hip replacement are usually warned by their doctor not to sit down in a conventional bathtub, no matter how mobile they are after the surgery. People who suffer from arthritis find it hard to step over the side of a regular bathtub, and may have trouble rising from a seated position in the tub as well. Stroke victims, anyone with mobility problems, balance problems, or any sort of lower extremity disability have found walk-in bathtubs a godsend.

Something as simple as taking a bath can be a real challenge to some elderly folk as well as anyone who must use a wheelchair in order to be mobile. People who suffer from morbid obesity have trouble getting in and out of regular bathtubs. Mothers and fathers who must care for their adult handicapped children also have a huge challenge facing them every time their loved one needs a bath.

Independence For Handicapped

Anyone who is handicapped wants to feel that they are independent. They do not want to be a burden on other family members when the time comes for their bath, and have a hard time maintaining their dignity when they always have to ask someone to help them do something as personal as bathing.

Some of these people are unable to stand for long periods of time, so anything other than a quick shower is out of the question. With a walk-in tub, they can walk in without fear of falling, sit down, and enjoy a few quiet moments that a lot of us take for granted. It is well suited for anyone who has difficulty in moving.

Arthritis sufferers have found that walk-in bathtubs can help them to become more mobile. Some models come equipped with whirlpool jets and a heater, giving them the option of receiving hydrotherapy every time they take a bath.

Easy To Get Into

It is easy for anyone to get in and out of a walk-in bathtub. They are made with a low entry height, and instead of having to scale heights of over a foot to enter, as you must do with a regular tub, you merely step up a few inches. The door latches securely to prevent any of the water from leaking out. There is a built in seat in the tub, and grab bars to help you maneuver your way in and out. The inner surface is made from a non-slip material.

How To Find Them

Walk-in bathtubs are not big and bulky like you might think. Most models will fit in a 3 foot square space, in a corner or along a wall, so they are compatible with almost any sized bathroom.

Where can you these types of bathtubs? Your best bet is to investigate online if you want a quality product at a lower price than what you might find at a medical supply company or other dealer. There are several reputable manufacturers on the Web who offer to the public many styles, sizes and models of tubs. They offer generous guarantees and warranties, and most will help you find an installer for your tub, too. Your tub will be shipped directly to your door, ready for installation.

Walk-in bathtubs can make a relaxing bath possible for everyone.

Beth

Choose The Right Shower Basket

Posted on by Scott
John Pawlett

When choosing shower baskets there are many to choose from and the prices are all different, it depends where you purchase the products. For instance, you can purchase cheap baskets at local stores, or perhaps find the baskets online.

What is a shower basket and what is it used for?

Shower baskets can be used for many things, such as holding your soap, shampoos, and conditioners. In addition, you can use shower baskets for what ever else. The baskets will hold your razors and other items to keep at finger reach. You can use the baskets to avoid getting soaps in your eye, since you can sit the soap in the basket once you finish.

How do I get a shower basket?

When shopping for your shower basket, you can get them almost anywhere. From retailers, wholesalers, or to the internet, I am sure they have some of your favorite at the shopping malls. If you are unable to find the baskets you should just ask, someone and they would show you where the baskets are found, since the baskets are a very popular item.

What is the price range for these shower baskets?

The prices on shower baskets are all different. The baskets are all made differently as well, so prices will vary greatly. It all depends on the style you like and where you shop to get these shower baskets

What kind of shower baskets are there: Well here are some names that you might know about already. The ginger splash is one of the popular baskets, which enables you to combine other baskets; this means that there is two in one basket. Therefore, you can add more things to your shower baskets. At the local bargain stores you can purchase very cheap baskets, which most times you can find a charming variety.

In addition, you will find the Ginger baskets, which include the Splashables, which you can combine with corner baskets. The baskets comfortably fit in the corner of your shower, out of the way. Ginger made the 500 series, which you can combine with splashable soap baskets. The baskets also sit in the corner of your shower.

Moreover, you can purchase the Ginger series 502, which combines well with the 11-inch deep splashable baskets. A variety of Ginger baskets is available online for your convenience. In addition, you will likely find a wide array of other basket series online.

How do I install these baskets in my shower?

Most shower baskets, installing instructions are available to help you out. The instructions are not difficult to follow. You will have suctions cups on the baskets, which they stick on the wall of the shower. Some baskets include screws, which you will need to install the shower basket.

Some kits have bonding materials, which you will have to use to seal the holes, so that it does not leak. If the holes leak, it can cause a problem. Some shower baskets that you just put on your showerhead and go, they slide over the head of the shower. The baskets store the same items as the common store baskets.

How do I choose materials?

These baskets are made of chrome and plastic. I like the chrome basket better then the plastic. The chrome baskets are easier to clean. The maintenance for these shower basket isn’t hard to maintain. You merely wipe them with a damp cloth. Most of the time the water that comes out of the shower washes the baskets clean of soap scum.

Geraldine