I need to renovate my whole bathroom. Where to start first I need to have a bathtub redone and all the ceramic tile redone the sink needs to be replaced and the counter top. Where do I start. What do I do first?
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.
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.
The bathroom is a cluttered, tiny room off the bedroom where we rush to brush, shower, and fix ourselves before we set off for work. Nevertheless, it could also be a haven, a place of retreat after a hard day at work. A place to soothe the soul and calm the nerves. This can be done, and fits any budget.
The second most popular remodelling project after the kitchen is the bathroom upgrade. However, the expenses involved could be quite staggering—with an average over $10,000! Wait, do no let this discourage you from renovating your baths, following are some tips on doing it that fits your budget.
1. Determine a specific budget and plan. Consider your funds and find out how much you can spend on a bathroom renovation. It is helpful to do some window-shopping for fixtures and accessories and compare quality and prices.
2. The answer to a tight budget is taking it a step at a time. If you have the funds to spend on a bathtub, once this is accomplished, you could proceed to the next area. Each time you finish, it is wise to wait until you have the funds available to start on the next one. This will lessen the headaches involved in renovations.
3. Shop for items that you need during off-seasons where stores might offer discounts or sales. This could be during the summer or throughout the holidays where most people would not think of renovating their bathrooms.
4. You can choose to do it yourself. You can replace worn towel bars, faucets, medicine cabinets, mirrors and light fixtures by yourself. For a more flattering look, add down lights and put them on dimmers. The bathroom door could be replaced with one that has a full-length mirror set with new knobs and handles. A fresh coat of paint will do the trick of lighting up the look of your bathroom enormously. Nevertheless, before you proceed to do it yourself, consider your experience. Usually, if you do not have any experience or knowledge in bathroom renovations, you could end up spending more money than hiring a professional because of the many mistakes you make. Consider your options and decide wisely.
6. Make use of low-cost accessorizing. The key to this is to make use of the things you already have. Play it with colors. If you have a gold tub, toilet and sink, you can make it your color scheme. Matching dominant colors will enable you to create a calm and uniformed look in your bathroom.
7. Try reglazing your tub instead of replacing it, most especially if it is still in a good working condition. You will be able to save more than half the price of a new tub and at the same time, lessens dust.
8. Use cultured marble sheets instead of a ceramic tile. Marble sheets are a good choice for your tub surroundings. They are easier to clean and can save you a lot on labor costs. Fiberglass on the surrounds is less costly than using tiles.
9. Make a list of what is really needed before you do a renovation. You might add accessories and fixtures that you do not necessarily need, affecting your budget.
If you plan to do a renovation of your bathroom in the following weeks or months, the tips above can serve as your guide to save money. You may want to consider all of them, some, or even just one idea. Whatever you decide, the most important thing is you can make a renovation of your bathroom on a budget that suits you.
There are hundreds of different kinds of bathtubs available in the markets today, all of varying styles, which is why selecting the right one for your home is not a very simple task. Not only do you have to pick the right color to match your bathroom and ensure that the design is right, but many more decisions have to be taken. To help you in this regard, we have put together this article that will show you exactly how to go about choosing a bathtub.
1) Functionality: Before you go to choose a bathtub, you should be clear about your requirements from the bathtub. Do not buy a whirlpool tub just because it looks so comfortable and inviting. Will you actually be using the jets often and can you justify the added energy costs as well as extra water consumption? While comfort is very important while choosing a bathtub, you also want to ensure that you will make use of all the features of the tub.
2) Size of the bathtub: The size of the bathtub is a major purchase criterion. People often assume that if the tub is big enough to fit them comfortably then it is the right size. However, there is such a thing as a too big bathtub. While the tub should definitely not be small for you, there shouldnt be too much extra space either, which results in water wastage. Another thing to consider is whether you want a one person or two person tub. If you are likely to want to share your bathtub with your partner, go in for the 2 person one. However, if bath time is when you want to be with your thoughts, then choose the regular sized single person bathtubs.
3) Design, shape, and color: While functionality of a bathtub is very important, its looks matter a lot too. If your bathtub matches in style and color with the other fixtures in the bathroom and fits in with your bathroom theme, your entire bath area will become that much more appealing. Thus, do try to find a matching color and style of bathtub. Your choices in colors are cream, white, pink, blue, black, brown, green, maroon, etc.
4) Material of the bathtub: Many different materials are used to make bathtubs, which in turn give the bathtubs different degrees of durability, strength, and difficulty of maintenance. According to their materials, tubs are classified as Acrylic tubs, Porcelain tubs, Cast iron tubs, Fiberglass, Marble, and Wood. While a fiberglass tub can be very cost effective, it may not be as durable as porcelain or an acrylic tub. A cast iron tub can last you for years but is quite expensive. Marble and Wooden tubs can look very attractive but are very high maintenance and will not last you for very long. Thus, your choice of tub material will depend on your budget, your frequency of use, ease of maintenance of the tub, and its durability.
5) Soaking or standard: The difference between a standard bathtub and a soaking tub is that the soaking variety is much deeper and enables you to immerse your entire body into the warm water instead of just your lower half. And since tubs are now being used for their therapeutic value as they help lower stress, relieve pain, and lower hypertension, you need to decide whether you want such a tub or not. If you do, then you will be better off buying a soaking tub instead of a regular bathtub.
6) Special Needs: Bathtubs have traditionally not been very user friendly if you are old or handicapped. Getting in and out of bathtubs can be dangerous for people with such special needs, and there is also a danger of slipping and hurting yourself. However, with ADA compliant bathtubs, you need not worry about all this anymore. ADA tubs are manufactured such that entry and exit is extremely easy and they also offer protection from slip and fall accidents due to the presence of grab bars and grab rails. Thus, if you or any family members have special requirements, do consider buying an ADA tub.
Thus, you should choose a bathtub only after taking all the above factors into consideration. Your budget will also determine your choice of tub, but there are bathtubs available in all different price ranges so finding one within your budget should not be a problem.
By considering all the above factors before buying a bathtub, choosing the perfect one will be a breeze!
Some homes built withing the last 20 years went on the market as having two bathrooms. In some of these homes the second “bathroom” was really no bigger than a hall closet and although convenient, homeowners are always looking for small bathroom renovation ideas. It’s no wonder since they can almost always be remodeled to give a few extra square feet. Although that may not sound like a lot at first, it can equal the addition of shelving or storage area or simply a bit more room to move around without banging your elbows on each wall.
One of the first places to look it the bathtub. For some reason, these late model homebuilders seemed to really like the idea of sticking a bathtub in these small bathrooms. If you can take out the tub and replace it with a shower stall you are likely to gain these few extra crucial feet we are looking for. This is just one small bathroom renovation idea that can make quite a big difference. If you have a full-size bathtub in another bathroom seriously consider this as your first change.
There are also small bathroom remodeling ideas that can make the room appear larger than it really is such as using light colors on the walls and on any window coverings. Additionally, if possible a shade or mini-blind that fits into the window instead of attaching to the outer trim of the window can make the room appear bigger. Vertical lines can also make the room appear larger while heavy horizontal lines can make it feel smaller.
Are there Extra Cabinets or Shelving?
Another common feature in houses built at this time are dividing walls. Whether the walls separate the toilet from the tub or the sink we are left scratching our heads as to why they were ever installed in the first place. These walls generally are not load-bearing and can be removed quite easily. If this truly is a small bathroom there is very little chance that there will be more than one person in here at a time so privacy should not be a concern. Again, expect to get just a few extra square footage but it really will change the whole feel of the room.
It may be necessary to trim some space from an adjacent room and expand the bathroom, and many small bathroom remodeling ideas include this prospect. A mere six to 12-inches of extra space along one wall can seem to add considerable space in a small bathroom. Failing that, do not use cabinets that attach to the wall, rather use the ones that are built into the wall. The floor space will not change, but there will not be any more of it taken up.
Take a walk through any of the large home builders stores. There are many new space saving ideas that you probably can’t come up with on your own. Many of these stores are large enough to have demo bathrooms set up for you to walk around in. Not only can you learn a lot about bathroom remodeling but I challenge you not to leave with something else that will make your house more of a home.