Making Your Indian Bathroom Wheelchair Accessible
December 17, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Being confined to a wheelchair doesn’t mean the end of the world. While it may alter the way in which you interact, there are ways to adapt in order to ensure your daily tasks are easily accomplished. When it comes to bathroom access in the home, some layouts can prove rather tough to navigate. With smaller doors, a cluttered interior, and generally unwelcoming features, the bathroom can pose quite a few issues to those who are wheelchair bound. In this article, we will outline a few ideas to incorporate within a bathroom remodeling project to make life just a little less stressful.
Step 1 – To start, you will want to replace your door with one that meets the specifications outlined in the Americans With Disabilities Act. The space a wheelchair requires to enter a doorway is generally 36 inches wide. Additionally, you will want to install the door in a way so that it swings outward.
Step 2 – The bathroom should have a minimum of 60 inches of space in the center area to afford the occupant maneuverability. A structure remodel may be required in order to move the wall to the appropriate position. Get in touch with a home builder in order to determine the more efficient means of enlarging the area during the process.
Step 3 – A roll-through shower should be installed which provides the occupant the ability to move to a shower chair. These showers are found through plumbing supply stores. Another option includes building a custom shower, built to the specifications required.
Step 4 – For bathroom remodeling, the toilet height should be raise for easy access from the wheelchair. Bars must be installed on the sides of the toilet to enable swift and easy transfer with the arms. Otherwise, a lift can be installed beside the toilet, provided enough room is available.
Step 5 – Sinks should be mounted in a way in which they are easily accessible to wheelchair occupants. Mirrors should also be adjusted accordingly. Under sink storage space should be made accessible as well.
Due to the extent of the conversion, the job should be done by your local Indiana remodeling contractor.
Indiana Bathroom Remodeling – Tubs and Showers
October 12, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
With the downturn of the economy, many times it has become a better idea to remodel instead of relocate to another home. An Indiana bathroom remodel is a common renovation that many people are doing right now instead of selling their home and buying another. When doing a bathroom remodel thoughts always turn to the tubs and showers and all the choices available.
If remodeling the bathroom, many people want to put in all the extras no matter what the cost. They want the large, jetted tub that you can step into and have a relaxing soak for hours. The large tub is a luxury that many are willing to pay for, as they are sure that it will be used quite often. Sometimes a walk in tub is considered instead, especially if the bathroom will be used by someone elderly or handicapped. In that instance, a door into the bathtub will make it much safer for the person to get in and out of the tub.
When looking at different tubs and showers, the large showers with many adjustable shower heads is another popular item. Most of these upscale showers have at least two or three shower heads on each side of the shower and another large overhead shower head. They usually have a variety of spray patterns to meet the preference of everyone. When the shower has barrier free shower doors they will be much easier to keep clean than other doors. That is a choice you’ll be glad you made when it comes to maintenance.
If cost is an issue, refinishing the original tubs and showers in the Indiana bathroom may be the best option. They do sell do it yourself kits but they are not really recommended for most people. Refinishing is a big job that is best left to the professional and the professionals products will be more durable than what a “do it yourselfer” can purchase.
As you can see, when remodeling the bathroom, there are many choices that have to be made regarding even just the tubs and showers. A complete bathroom remodel will also include, at the very least,the flooring, toilet, vanity, sink, and faucets in addition to the tub or shower choice. Choose carefully and you’ll enjoy your new bathroom for years to come.
Increasing Pendleton Home Value Using Remodeling Contractors
September 28, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
While seeing many of your Pendleton neighbors move away, you realize that it’s in direct relation to the housing market crash in 2007. Because of a slump in the market, more than 300 billion dollars in home equity has been lost, and at this moment, you may learn that the price for your home has gone down compared to last year. If you thought you should put off making home service repairs, you were wrong. This is the ideal time to regain market losses by having repairs and upgrades done to your home that will increase its value.
Home improvement is the business of residential contractors. You can ask them to repair any broken windows, leaky roofs, or other home type construction that you may need to perform. The remodeling planning and cost are understood by them. Hiring anyone other than a professional craftsman from a reputable company could turn out to be a waste of the money that you have available to spend on remodeling. There are still some disreputable companies that could take your money and leave you with a stressful situation. Don’t be afraid to do regular maintenance repairs, upgrades, remodels, or additions. Do your homework to understand how to locate a contractor that is good.
Start your search on the Internet. Top notch remodeling contractors have created websites so that you can view the services that they offer. Construct a list of companies that appeal to you. Find out what services they provide and if they are offering any special deals or if they have any contract requirements. After you’ve chosen a contractor, contact the Better Business Bureau in your area to find out whether the company has received any complaints in the past. With the right technique, you can find the best remodeling contractors in your local area with ease.
Don’t be afraid to question potential contractors regarding any concerns you may have. Now that you have chosen companies with good reputations, you must determine which ones can perform the work at a price that is affordable for you. Most contractors offer quotes, employ these to figure out which business suits your budget. If craftsmanship is an issue, then this is the time to find out if they can handle any special job you may have. After you have selected the best remodeling contractor to do the work, you can kick back and relax while the repairs or upgrades are completed that will be of value to your home as well as your family.
4 Great Designs For Your Indiana Bathroom Remodeling Projects
September 10, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Some of the great designs named in Indiana bathroom remodeling that will give you an improved and better space are: the tub is the star, the cantilevered double sink, the bathroom wardrobe, and antique and traditional looks.
Remodeling your bathroom brings out the best of your bathroom space. This will benefit not just the resale value of your home but also the experience of the people using the space daily. Remodeling according to how you want your bathroom to look, will give you extra credit. Make use of the following bathroom designs to help keep your Indiana bathroom remodeling project moving:
The tub is the star
The “tub is the star” design focuses more on the surroundings of the bathroom space. The bathroom is used as a utensil for sight seeing. This type of design makes use of the double-ended tub. It is a type of bath tub that enables you to lie on both sides. You can have a warm bath laying against or facing the window. It is mostly used in houses with a contemporary architectural design.
The cantilevered double sink
A “cantilevered double sink” design provides you the advantage of bigger bathroom space. It makes use of a deep-basin shaped sink. The double sink is placed on a cantilevered bathroom counter. Having two sinks in the bathroom will provide you and your partner the time to brush your teeth or wash your face together. This will also save you time. A cantilevered double sink is generally used in a modern home.
A bathroom wardrobe
The position of the tub in this design is placed in the center of the room with one end of it positioned on the wall. The bath tub will cover the pipe on the wall. However, the person will be facing the wall when he or she uses the bath tub. Place a mirror on the wall adjacent to the bath tub to fix this problem. Wardrobe storage is one of the main components in a bathroom wardrobe as well. This will save space in the other part of the house. It will also allow you to directly change or store clothes after taking a bath.
Antique and traditional look
Antique and traditional looks use a claw-foot tub that is placed diagonally in the bathroom for a more relaxing feeling and position. Use a wainscot wall treatment made of solid wood to help keep the wall dry and protected from moisture. An antique and traditional design is a common and practical bathroom design that is generally used in most homes today.
Properly choose a fitting wall color that will give your bathroom a refreshing look. Make sure that you arrange the fixtures and furniture in a clear and organized way. This will allow you to enjoy every bath and will make you want to stay in the bath tub longer.
Bathroom Lighting Considerations
August 20, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Choosing the best lighting options and fixtures for your bathroom is an important consideration in planning your bathroom remodel. Certain kinds of light, light intensity and light fixtures will be best suited to your needs in various areas within the bathroom, especially if you are remodeling a large bathroom.
Here are a few tips on choosing lighting for a bathroom:
- Natural light is ideal in a bathroom. A good source of natural light, such as a window or a skylight (or roof window) will provide the light needed without energy use for artificial lighting.
- Natural light is often preferred for make-up application. For this reason, it makes sense near a dressing table or a vanity.
- An operable window (one that can be opened) also provides natural ventilation without the cost or the energy required to use an exhaust fan.
- Bright light is desirable around showers and tubs because it makes it easier to see water on the floor that could cause a slip and fall.
- Natural light can reach farther into the room if partitions are made of translucent glass blocks or panels.
- Brighter light is generally preferred for shaving and personal hygiene, and thus makes sense near sinks and vanities.
- Light fixtures used in bathrooms should be moisture-proof to prevent damage to wiring.
- Any light fixture used in a shower should be one designed for use in a high-moisture area.
- Lights directed toward the ceiling will make the room appear larger.
- Using compact fluorescent bulbs in bathroom fixtures will last longer and save energy.
- Choosing energy-efficient light fixtures will save energy and might qualify for a tax credit or a utility rebate (depending on your locality).
- Lighting a vanity area from above will cause shadows.
- Unless your bathroom is very small, some sort of ceiling-mounted lighting will probably be necessary.
- Dimmer switches are a great idea for general lighting in any bathroom. If you want to create a subtle mood, you can dim the lights.
- Lighting placed to illuminate mirrors should light both sides of the face and should total at least 120 watts.
- If you want whiter light in your bathroom which best approximates sunlight, you should choose fluorescent, halogen or xenon bulbs. Although more expensive than incandescent bulbs, these are more energy-efficient and they last longer.
Thinking carefully about how lighting can work with your design and the specific needs of your family in various areas of the bathroom can make a big difference in your comfort in the bathroom, your energy-savings, and the choices you make in lighting for your remodeled bathroom. We hope these tips will help you make the best choices for your needs.
Six Reasons to Remodel a Bathroom
April 14, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Bathroom remodeling is one of the most popular remodeling projects undertaken by homeowners. Bathrooms are important rooms in any home. Whether you are considering the addition of a bathroom or remodeling or enlarging an existing bathroom there are many good reasons to undertake a bathroom remodel. Here are six of the most common reasons for bathroom remodeling.
1. It is a good investment in the value of a home. The size and adequacy of the bathrooms is often a major consideration in the decision to purchase a home. Outdated or inadequate bathrooms can have a significant effect on the perceived value of a home. In terms of return on your investment in the bathroom remodel when you sell your home, you can expect, in most regions, to recover the majority of your investment.
2. The bathroom needs repair. All bathrooms show signs of damage, wear and tear, and aging of materials and fixtures over time. The need to make repairs is often a good reason to completely remodel a bathroom. While the repairs are the main focus of the remodel, other features can also be updated.
3. The color of bathroom fixtures is not to your liking. Fads in decorating colors come and go. Decorating trends change every three to five years. Some of the colors used for bathroom fixtures and design in the past strike us as “ugly” or “date” the bathroom to some period in the past. Whether you dislike the color scheme of your bathroom or you just want a change, a bathroom remodel might provide the fresh appearance you want.
4. The fixtures need to be updated or upgraded. Styles in fixtures and surrounds change over time. Builders often use less costly fixtures at the time of construction. Someone who owned the home before you might have redecorated the bathroom in a style that doesn’t appeal to you. These are popular reasons to remodel and modernize a bathroom.
5. More space is needed in the bathroom. Big bathrooms are a definite trend in new home construction today. You might want to enlarge your bathroom to make it more appealing to potential buyers. You might just feel a need for more space. Whether the master bath is too small for two people or the second bathroom is too small for the three teenagers who share it, enlarging a bathroom is a very common reason for remodeling.
6. The bathroom needs to be safer. Thousands of accidents and injuries happen in bathrooms every year. Whether you are thinking of your children, yourself, your parents, or your future needs, a safety upgrade is often the reason for bathroom remodeling.
If you are evaluating any of these needs or situations, remodeling your bathroom might be the right choice in your home.
