Practical Bathroom Renovations

 Personal independence and safety are big issues and the bathroom is probably the most challenging area of your house. We’ve all heard horror stories about slipping in the bathtub and know that this is one of the most treacherous areas. No matter how you fall you are bound to hit something very hard and very solid.

Bathrooms are traditionally on the small side, which makes it hard to come up with an actual change in design without some pretty major modifications. However, with careful planning and through the use of some interesting new products and you can make some small changes that can promote safety and independence in this frequently used room of your house. 

Flooring: Make sure that the bathroom flooring is level and non-slip. 
You can brush a slip resistant glaze on existing ceramic tiles or consider replacing them with a matt surface mosaic tile or vinyl and cork materials that are non-slip and glare free. You probably already have non-slip decals in your tub and shower area. If you are using an area room rug in your bathroom be sure that it has a good rubber backing to prevent slips and falls for people with vision and mobility issues. 

Toilet: A standard toilet is too low for people with limited joint or leg strength or for a person transferring from a wheelchair. This can be remedied by something as simple as a height adapter that snaps onto a toilet to raise the seat. Some models have a grab bar feature. Toilet models such as a wall-hung toilet provides more space for approach and transfers if you are using a walker or wheelchair. Adjustable lift seats and adjustable height toilets are available, a bidet is a feature that can help promote personal hygiene and last but not least one of the most practical and appreciated modifications is the installation of grab bars around the toilet.

Sinks and Vanities: Protect people with slower reflexes by installing scald-guards and volume control devices on all bathroom faucets. Replace double handled faucets with a single lever style, as they are easier to use if you have limited arm or hand strength. A pullout spray nozzle makes it easier to shampoo hair without getting into the tub or shower. Cabinets and counters, as in your kitchen remodel, are available with easy to manipulate cabinet knobs or magnetic touch latches. Investigate the idea of pull down or wall mounted cabinets to bring items within reach or at least position cabinets to minimize reaching. For wheelchair access you can install a sink that is shallower toward the front and deeper at the drain end, making sure that the drain plug is accessible and easy to use. Install roll out base cabinets to increase the space underneath or fold away doors. Position the sink close to the front of the vanity so that it doesn’t require a lot of reaching to access everything. It is also possible to mount the faucet controls at the side of the sink instead of at the back. 

Electrical: Install glare-free and bright lights above the vanity and shower area to ensure good lighting for those with vision problems. A telephone can be installed near the shower for emergency calls to a family member in the event of a fall. Motion sensor or light sensor nightlights can make for safer bathroom visits. A fan with a heating unit can be used to reduce moisture, eliminate slippery bathroom flooring and provide warmth for bathing. Standard outlets can be replaced with ground-fault circuit-interrupters to protect people from electrical shocks.

Showers and Tubs: Install grab bars around and in shower stalls and tubs to give something to hang on to when maneuvering in a slippery area. You can purchase read-to-us tub and shower seats to eliminate standing on slippery surface. An adjustable showerhead mounted on a slide bar is a feature that allows seated bathers access to the spray from a comfortable height. A hand-held variety provides additional options. When remodeling your bathroom consider a side-access door bathtub for easy entry into the tub. Even better, in my opinion, is a stand-alone shower with a pull-down seat and a handheld showerhead. Shower stalls can also be designed to use without a door or curtain to offer easier access.

Doors: Reverse the door hinges so that that doors open out instead of into a room. People often fall in front of a door and if the door opens into the room it is very difficult for a rescuer to have access to the room without breaking down the door. For wheel chair and walker access doors need to be widened to 32 to 36 inches, or replace a standard door with a pocket door to allow easier access.

Source: The Accessible Home by Nancy Baldrica of Creative Publishing International

 

Comments

[American Standard Toilets]

Thanks for a great blog. This really is top notch and I keep coming back. Keep up the GREAT work Cheers

Sorry for the earlier typo

[Saratoga Bathroom Remodeling]

Yes I agree bathroom hygiene is very important. I loved this blog. thanks for sharing :)

[home inspection nightmare]

Well thought! Sometimes it't those little things that really matters.

[Ben]

This wold make a great Christmas Gift. Aging in place products and renovations are a great gift for your parents that have everything. Call your local Handyman to get the project started.
Ben@benshs.com
Ben's Handyman Services
Amherst, NH 03031

[Joseph Hogan Wilks]

Bathroom remodeling is always fun. What are you going to do about your bathroom tile? Did you pick it out yet? Shop around check out Home Depot and Lowes. Also I would recommend to check out online sites like http://www.glasstilewarehouse.com Many people disregard looking at the internet, but its as safe as any other catalog, and there are lots of tips and tricks.

[Ishita]

Bathroom remodeling is very crucial thing. Always we should take care that the floor will be non slippery. Your tips are really helpful_

[Vermit]

Awesome post! Thank you so much for sharing tips on how to renovate a bathroom. I'm so really looking forward to it.

[Vanity]

Well said. I never thought I would agree with this opinion, but it seems that I’m starting to see things from a different point of view. I have to analyse more on this as it appears very interesting. One thing I don’t understand though is how everything is related together.

[plumbing]

Bathroom renovations takes a lot of planning. There are so many things to be considered. During renovations make sure that you stick with your budget.

[Bathroom Remodeling Bucks County]

Thanks for posting this. Bathroom renovation can be great but you do have to make sure to stay within your budget. I've bookmarked your blog to read more later on.

[Stone Borders]

The bathroom must serve a number of functions in a fairly small space. Bathrooms need to incorporate a shower, sink and toilet along with storage room for toiletries, towels and other supplies. Using practical remodeling ideas will allow you to make your bathroom a comfortable, well-organized space without compromising style.

[Bathroom Renovation Virginia]

It will be true that Deciding on new bathroom sinks to add into your bathroom style and design isn't as simple as you might believe.

[Toronto Painters]

Bathroom renovation either fills you with thoughts of clean, gleaming white surfaces or of a half-assembled disaster. We should so start our bathroom remodeling task after collecting proper information about it.