Guides - House Reno Tips

Fog Free Waterproof Bathroom TV Mirror – Time Saving Innovation or Just Another Time Wasting Trend?

The Convenience of Multimedia to Start Your Day

Ok, so we all know how great and convenient it would be to have a TV hanging on your bathroom wall while you relax in your tub after a hard days work. But here is a slight twist for you, did you know you can also get a television embedded in your bathroom mirror as well. What was that? I heard that you know… I hear some of you saying, so what?

I already spend too much time in the bathroom, you say, I certainly don’t need the distraction of a TV while putting on my face in the morning. For some of us that may be true but I say unto you my friend, if you have the cash you might as well flash.

Besides this is not just another time-wasting pastime, on the contrary, it is a time-saving innovation and probably will be the wave of the future just like iPods and interactive cell phones and PDA’s. Beam me up Scotty!

I know if I put a TV in my bathroom I’d never leave, since it’s probably the only place in my whole entire house where I can really get any privacy. After all they say that the average man spends over four years of his life in the bathroom and the average woman over two and a half years.

Based upon the stereotypical image of a woman always hogging the bathroom, this seems rather odd but hey, figures are figures, and those smug staunch researchers in their pearly white smocks and dark rimmed glasses are usually quite accurate with their calculations, so I guess we have to believe them.

How the heck does this TV mirror work anyway? Not to mention, aren’t you not suppose to mix water and electricity? Well, the TV mirror is a normal bathroom mirror when the set is turned off, allowing for a complete mirror reflection in a non-obtrusive way to hide the television when it is off.

Watch the News While you Brush Your Teeth

Then just like magic, when the display is turned on, the screen is conveniently displayed as a window within the mirror, so you can watch the morning news while you brush your teeth.

What’s great about these TV’s is that the picture stays clear of condensation because the heated screen keeps the monitor clear so you can even watch TV while taking a hot showerto ensure the ultimate viewing experience.

The unit comes with a waterproof remote control and can either have integrated waterproof speakers mounted on the TV or waterproof ceiling speakers can be recessed into the walls or ceiling. The price range is about $2500 – $5000 depending upon the size of the TV.

The TV mirror is great if you have limited wall space because they can be integrated into your mirror. They are completely water and tamper proof. And if you don’t want to run a whole bunch of wires through the wall you can purchase a wireless HDMI.

They not only give you enjoyment but are totally blended into the bathroom environment which adds to a more modern look that does not distract from your bathroom décorand leaves you feeling as well as looking smart. Multi-media in your bathroom is the wave of the future.

Read more: Are towel warmers worth it?

How to Make Bathtime Fun for Toddlers and Newborn – Three Toys to Make Bathtime a Little More Exciting!

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Bringing Back Bathing Bliss

Ok, I must confess all my kids are teens and above now but the other day I got to thinking about the fun things I used to do in the bathtub when I was a little kid. I remember bringing my little yellow rubber ducky along with my floating blue and white ocean cruiser.

I can’t even recollect what happened to those toys but I do vaguely recall having a lot of fun pretending my rubber ducky was a giant sea monster that tried to sink the ship to no avail because the liner was hollow and would miraculous pop up from under the bubbles every time I released my hold on it.

This got me wondering what sort of fun stuff kids these days can have while taking a bath or shower.

You can still get a variety of vessels and ducks but the selection of bath toys these days will definitely float your boat, so to speak.

Read more: Are towel warmers worth it?

This one is for the little mermaids in your life. The Fashion Fun Bath Set sells for about $12.98. The fashion fun soft foam designs stick to tile walls when wet and float, too. Chunky silkscreened pieces are easy for little hands to grasp.

Mesh storage bags. Ages 2 and up. Fashion Show Set stars a lovely model with a full array of outfits – from swimwear to evening gown. Also included are plus hats, boots, and accessories. There are 38 pieces altogether.

The only stipulation is that it has small parts which can be a choking hazard so it is not recommended for children under 3 years old. It’s always a good idea with small children anyway to have adult supervision.

Reeling in a Little Bathtime Adventure

So what about the boisterous little pirates in your bathroom? Arrrgh maties! How about a deep sea fishing adventure! The Magnetic Tub Fishing Set has a working reel and line with magnetic hook to help catch 8 brightly colored fish with magnetic mouths.

The plastic rod extends from 13″ to 26″. The set comes with a 13 x 2 x 4 3/4″H zip nylon case with carrying handles and name to 12 letters. This product is recommended for ages 3 and up and sells for about $14.98.

And here’s one for the kids that never grow up no matter what their age. Sega Toys, the Japanese company that has brought us the HomeStar home planetariums, has now released a bathroom version called HomeStar Spa.

This toy floats in you bathtub and when you turn off the lights it projects thousands of stars onto your ceiling and surrounding bathroom. The product is shaped like the planet Saturn and has three modes: planetarium rose petal and deep sea.

I don’t know how much fun this would be but the special effects are definitely way cool! The HomeStar Spa will run you up about $65.

Bathroom toys have sure changed since I was a child and I’m pretty sure with the advent of technology that the best is yet to come. Still, much can be said about your imagination and a simple rubber ducky or maybe it’s just me.

I still enjoy the simple things in life. Rest, relaxation and a carnivorous forty story rubber ducky with flames coming out of its nostrils are all I need to enjoy my bath time!

Moen Tub Faucets for Your Bath Remodeling Project

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A Stylistic Advantage

Moen tub faucet designs are sophisticated and timeless. My sister was bragging she had just finished remodeling her bathtub using Moen bath fixtures and I went over to take a look at her chrome Moen T932 Vestige Two-Handle High Arc Roman Tub Faucet. Now Moen has some great bathroom faucets out on the market but I must say I was quite surprised because she was a first time home renovator and her tub and shower surround looked really good.

As I walked into her master bath the first thing I notice was how sparkly and clean everything was. There was something heavenly if not almost celestial about her brand new Moen tub faucet that left me stunned with admiration and a little jealous.

The slick elephant snout spout design and attention to detail in the rounded swivel tap handles added an elegant touch to her washroom, enhancing the classical design. Sure, these Moen faucets for the tub did not come cheap at close to $300; but in a world where style comes with a high calling, Moen tub faucets are worth the extra investment!

This bathroom taps manufacturer also has a special line for the eco-conscious consumer that is looking for “going green” faucets. The water-saving Moen tub faucets are perfect for homeowners that want to keep a “tap” on their water expenses while enjoying the beauty and style of low flow Moen bathtub taps.

However, these are not the only Moen tub faucets that manage to crank a lot of “oohss and ahhs” from homeowners; with the extensive Moen faucet collection that has been admired worldwide for its uniqueness and creative designs, anyone that wants to add something special and original can do so. Moen classical tub faucets transform the meaning of “faucet” and “water outlet” altogether by giving homeowners the latest Moen lavatory fixtures that slip quite nicely into the changing times and bath trends.

Regardless of the many years that pass, their tap designs still remain popular. Some homeowners do not know much about the versatility and variety of Moen tub faucets that are on the market but with the information we have provided below, it will become easy to join the line of trendy Moen shoppers seeking lavatory bathtub nirvana.

Read more: Are towel warmers worth it?

Faucet Finishes

If you love attention to detail then you will be pleasantly pleased with the list of finishes that you can get for Moen tub faucets. You can easily choose between chrome, brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, antique bronze, brushed bronze, wrought iron, spot resistant brush nickel, polished brass, pewter,

Mediterranean bronze, classic brushed nickel, nickel, and even brushed chrome. This wide selection of Moen tub faucets not only gives you more options to choose from, but it makes it easy for you to transform your bathroom with elegant Moen tub fixtures.

A Refined Quality of Gracefulness and Good Taste

Another distinguishing feature with Moen tub faucets is the number of styles that are on the market. Moen bathtub faucets can be found in traditional, transitional, modern, and basic. Each style has its unique feature and nothing is copied across the board making Moen bath faucets original pieces in all sense. Some of the styles are presented in a shower and faucet combo with three distinct pieces to be used for your bathtub and shower.

Spout Shape

Functionality is an important feature that is present in many Moen tub faucets. Unlike some bathroom faucet styles that emphasize beauty, but lack functionality the attention to detail in Moen tub faucets makes them easy to install and use for many years. If you are looking for a high arc, low arc, or even open waterway all these are present in the Moen Faucet collection.

Number of Handles

Moen tub faucets can be found in one handle, two handles, or even three handles. The number of holes in these Moen tub spouts varies from one to four holes and once again this bounces back to functionality and preference that homeowners have. Moen two handle faucets for example are perfect for those that are looking for faucets that are easy to maneuver. The Moen single handle bathtub faucets on the other hand are great for families that have playful children and want to ensure that their little tots have limited options of things they can transform into toys.

Valve Types

In the past, bathroom faucet styles did not take valve type into consideration and in many cases, only one type of valve was used. Moen has changed this approach by touching the smallest details that are in its Moen tub faucets to ensure that all preferences and tastes are met.

You can find Moen tub faucets that control volume to reduce the amount of water you use. There are also Moen tub and shower faucets that make water transfer easy as well. Additional Moen tub faucets valve types include: ExactTemp®, ioDIGITAL™, Moentrol®, Posi-Temp® and Standard. The ExactTemp® is renowned for temperature control whereas the ioDIGITAL™ makes it easy to control water flow and temperature at the same time.

So now that you are a little bit more familiar with Moen tub faucets, head on over to your nearest online or local home improvement store to get your hands on some Moen bathtub fixtures for your next washroom remodeling project.

Delta Sink Faucets: A Comparison Guide

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Cutting Edge and Stylish

Delta has maintained a tradition of excellence with its many lines of bathroom fixtures and accessories. Of particular interest are the Delta sink faucets that are skillfully made with different styling options to offer homeowners luxury bath products that are sturdy, beautiful, and cutting edge. Whether you are looking for a timeless and classical vanity faucet or something to complement current faucet trends, Delta has all these plumbing fixtures and more.

The wide collection of Delta faucets manufactured for your bath sink can give you a stylish vanity display with a multitude of tap handles and spouts to complement any room design. One of the obvious advantages of Delta sink faucets is the many different high-quality faucet models that are specially tailored according to your preferences and needs.

From wall-mounted faucets to single hole versus three-hole mounted faucets, Delta lavatory sink faucets give you the finishes, style, and price you need to fit any bath remodeling budget. However, things can really clog up your renovation plans if you do not know what you are looking for when it comes to Delta sink faucets. To iron out the technicalities you will find a comparison guide below with the many faucet design ideas by Delta to help you with your tap purchasing decision.

Centerset Sink Faucets Versus Wall Mounted

Delta wall mount basin faucets have gained momentum in homes that are looking for an alternative to traditional countertop Delta sink faucets. These Delta wall mounted faucets for your bathroom sink are timeless pieces that require a little more expertise to install them and are not recommended for first time DIY adventurers unless you know what you are doing.

The long spout and two handle system make water flow easy to control thus avoiding splashing and other inconvenient accidents with water. Many of the Delta wall mount sink faucets come with additional features that are dubbed as “smart features”. These “smart features” on Delta sink faucets can range from anything that involves water efficiency or Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to CA/CV complaint.

Read more: Are towel warmers worth it?

The Delta wall mounted sink faucets are recommended for bathrooms that are designed to look spacious and these faucet models are easily adaptable to different themes whether they be Roman classicism or modern Avant-garde minimalistic design. A good vanity sink combination is to combine wall mounted faucets with a counter-mount vessel sink for a touch of class.

There are also Delta sink faucets that are centerset and come with a list of features that the wall mounted faucets do not have. One of these features is the Touch2O™ Technology that has revolutionized the way in which faucets are used and perceived in the lavatory. With this Delta sink faucet technology, it allows homeowners to have a more intuitive interaction with their Delta tap, that incorporates both hygiene and simplistic style in the fullest sense.

Instead of turning your faucet on and off with traditional mechanisms, this instead, is done automatically by touching anywhere on your Delta tap that have these features. Other smart features on these Delta sink products include (ADA), electronic sensors and water efficiency appliances to reduce your utility bill.

Widespread Sink Faucets Versus Two Handle Countertop Models

Two-handle Delta sink faucets give you ultimate control over the water that flows in and out of your bath sink faucet. This added advantage makes it possible to mix both cold and hot water at your convenience without applying too much effort to get this done. These same features also apply to widespread Delta sink faucets. Widespread Delta sink faucets have a wider baseplate than faucets with two handles and are perfect for sinks that have three holes installation that range from 6″ to 16″.

Naturally, they do require more space than Delta sink and faucet combinations that only have two holes to consider. As a result, they are best for larger vanities and bathrooms that have the required space to allow easy installation to effectively highlight the sweeping features on these Delta sink faucets. Another thing to remember is that Delta bathroom basin fixtures with two handles are a lot more flexible when it comes to installation possibilities because “space wise“ they can fit most bathroom sink areas.

Single Hole versus Three Holes Installation

It is possible to find a wide list of Delta sink faucets that have either single holes or three holes for installation. Delta faucets for your vanity sinks that have only one hole are ideal for newbie DIYers since only one line is needed to enter the faucet, installing is a breeze. Single faucet design also goes quite well with countertop vessel sinks.

Three holes installation on the other hand can be a bit more complicated and as such would require more expertise to install these Delta lavatory faucets because you may need to drill extra holes since most bathroom sinks only have two holes. The advantage with single hole faucets over three-hole washroom faucet design is the limited space that they occupy.

However, Delta has the most gorgeous designs to complement each and every look for your bathroom sink. And with the diameter on these Delta sink faucets ranging from 4″ to 6″-16″ there`s a pretty good chance whatever your goals are for bathroom renovations, Delta will have the faucet model that will fit in nicely with your bathroom plans.

How to install a pedestal sink with floor plumbing

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A Stand-Alone Fixture You’ll Want to Consider

Are you looking for a way to add sophistication to your master bathroom or powder room? If storage is not a problem for you and you need the option of not having to secure your new sink to the floor by lag bolts (optional depending up the pedestal model).

Then a vanity pedestal is what you are looking for. Pedestal sinks are usually made of either enameled cast iron or vitreous china, with cast iron being the more expensive and vitreous china having more options in quality and style.

First things first; turn off the water supply. If the wall behind the sink you are about to install is only drywall or plaster then you need to add a support by cutting away the drywall and adding a 2×8 brace between the wall studs.

This can be attached by using angle-driven screws. Next you must hide the unsightly hole by patching the drywall, sanding it and then repainting the area to match the rest of your bathroom. Just make sure to remember or mark off where the brace is so that you can easily mount the pedestal sink later.

To get the correct height and to stabilize the sink basin when you are installing it, use 2 – 2×4’s on either side of the sink to hold it up will make things a lot easier.

Use a level to establish that the sink is totally horizontal with the sink sitting on the pedestal; hold it up against the wall to get the correct position for the bracket. Mark the location for the mounting holes on the wall for both the basin and pedestal.

Drill the holes corresponding to your marks. Next attach the bracket to the brace making sure to double check the level with the leveling tool.

It should be noted here that most pedestal sinks come with three different hole arrangements, just make sure your faucet matches the right hole configuration so you don’t have to take it back and exchange it in the middle of your installation.

Several Installation Options That are Right for you

Ok, so you are now ready to mount the basin. When mounting the basin, be sure it is high enough so that you can slide in the pedestal beneath it. Install the faucet and all the necessary trap and pop-up assembly into the sink.

Place only the basin on the mounting bracket and attach the basin to the wall, don’t over tighten. Next with the basin still supported by the 2x4s slip the pedestal out from under the basin.

Now you must make sure everything is connected properly. Connect the trap and water supply lines and turn on the water to check for leaks. Having a small pail ready in case of a leak is a sensible caution.

Then you must carefully slide in the pedestal base and if necessary secure the base with lag bolts. Lastly, caulk around where the basin meets the wall and also where the pedestal meets the floor for a seamless fit.

Another great idea is installing two pedestal sinks with a free-standing storage shelving unit or cabinet in between them, this can add charm and originality to any bathroom décor. If space is in short demand, installing hooks or racks or narrow cabinets on the walls can also add more storage capacity to your bathroom.

Pedestal sinks are a more formal and stylish alternative to the traditional counter top sinks. They’re perfect for a half bath or powder room where a vanity would cramp the limited space. Despite their elegance, they can sometimes present some installation challenges.

One of the most import things to remember is not to tighten the lag nuts too tight or the china will crack or break and always measure and measure again. Don’t rely on the manufactures spec sheet because it is simply a guideline.

Again, make sure the pipe fittings and sink height is what it should be. With a little planning and having the right tools available, installing a pedestal sink will be well worth the time and effort.

Are towel warmers worth it?

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Bringing the Spa Experience Home

Towel warmers supply gentle warmth in your bathroom as well as heat your towels. One of the easiest ways of creating a spa like environment in your home bath is to purchase a polished chrome towel warmer to keep your linens toasty.

Towel warmers are heated bars that allow you to have warm towels ready for when you step out of your bath or shower. Who doesn’t appreciate the luxury of a warm fluffy towel? Modern heated towel racks are an energy efficient and affordable way to dry towels and keep your wasthroom inviting and mildew free.

These accessories can plug into a wall receptacle or be hard-wired into your wall to conceal any dangling wires and they can be controlled by a timer, remote control or thermostat. There are two ways you can effectively keep your linens warm: by using a radiator type warmer called a hydronic unit (heated by hot water) or by purchasing an electrical model.

Ultimately all these devices are in essence a type of radiator because they slowly radiate warmth that heats or dries your towels.

Keeping Your Grooming Area Warm and Toasty

From freestanding models to space-saving wall mounted units, these drying rails come in different finishes including polished and brushed stainless steel and white or oil rubbed bronze finishes. An effective combination to keep your bathroom warm and dry is to have a fan along with a towel warmer accessory in your lavatory.

For family baths or a washroom shared by multiple users; floor mounted towel drying racks usually come with multiple rungs so numerous users can hang their damp towels and knick-knacks.

Not only are towel warmers great for warming your towels, they produce radiant heat and are perfect for taking the chill out of the air when you step from a warm bath or shower into the comfort of a warm luxurious bathroom .

Radiant Heat Keeps Mold Spores at Bay

Good ventilation in your bathroom is very important. There are few things that can ruin the feel of a luxurious bath than stepping out into cold bathroom.

A supplemental source of radiant heat provided by a towel warmer not only makes your bathroom more comfortable but in conjunction with a bathroom exhaust fan, can also make your bathroom air less damp and pungent, by drying wet linens and reducing the presence of mold and mildew.

In essence they provide fresh air while whisking away unnecessary moisture and odors. In the long run, this helps to reduce your laundry loads and ultimately saves water.

Attractive and Practical Bath Fixture

Today’s towel warmers and towel radiators are designed to be attractive as well as efficient. The combination of design and functionality is massive. Contemporary warm rails are appealing, with a wide variety to choose from that take up little floor and wall space.

This makes it easy to custom coordinate the sleek look of these towel heaters into any bathroom décor. There are even towel warmers that incorporate a radiator into their design so you get the best of both worlds.

Most towel warmers are relatively easy to install, energy-efficient, attractive, and practical bathroom fixtures that give your bathroom a modern contemporary look.

Energy Efficient Washroom Addition

Some are designed as independent electrically operated units intended to run continuously and economically and feature an built in thermostat, which prevents overheating. So not only are these towel warmers safe, they can safely be left on for about the cost of running a light bulb or two.

As mentioned before, hydronic towel warmers use hot water which is used for heating your home through some sort of radiator system, so you may need a plumber to install it in your bathroom. The good part is that once it is installed, it’s not sucking in any more energy to produce the heat, which is good.

The downside to using a hydronic water heated towel rail is that during the summer months, the radiator heating system is normally not in use in your home (unless you like to live in a sauna!) so you can’t warm your towels.

Electric Warm Rails are Easy to Install

Electric towel warmers on the other hand are heated by electricity. The plus of electric towel rails is that they are simpler to install, some you can simply plug in. The other benefit of having an electrical towel rack is that they can be used all year around and can be installed just about anywhere.

In retrospect, towel warmers made of solid materials such as stainless steel are less likely to rust or flake like some towel rails that are plated. As a final note, if you really want to take the chill out of your bathroom floors on those cold winter mornings, you can install radiant heat underneath your bathroom floors to keep your toes warm and toasty.

And remember, keeping your bathroom dry is one of the best ways to keep your bathroom mold free.

Update Your Bathroom for Under $100 in a Single Weekend

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Refitting Your Bath for Less Than $100

Here are some quick and easy bathroom remodeling fixer-uppers that won’t break your piggy bank. If your bathroom is looking a little under the weather, there are many ways to give it new life, all for under a hundred dollars, without having to take on a full-blown bathroom renovation.

Here are a couple of examples: from painting your walls to changing your cabinet hardware to adding slatted blinds and maybe even installing a contemporary backlash, all these ideas go a long way to sprucing up a tired looking bathroom and most can be done in a couple of hours over the course of a weekend.

You would be amazed at just how different your bathroom will look with a new coat of paint. Paint is so versatile because not only are you introducing new color into your bathroom environment; you can also introduce new texture or the illusion of texture and even depth with faux painting when remodeling your bathroom.

And don’t stop with the walls, depending upon whether your floor is wood, sheet vinyl or cement, you can paint over that floor with inspiring results. Most people overlook their bathroom cabinets, but since vanity cabinets take up a sizeable amount of visual and physical space in your bathroom, they can become the focal point of your new bathroom renaissance.

And speaking of cabinets, by simply changing the knobs and handles of your bathroom fixtures, drawers, and door and window handle in your bathroom, you can transcend your washroom from old school to modern trendy design by the simple twist of a screwdriver or drill.

Slatted wood blinds combined with streamlined non-decorative curtains are a new emerging trend in bathroom window fashion design.

Wooden Blinds Are Seeing a Resurgence

Plastic had been the dominant blind material for a long time because of its low costs and contemporary look, but there has been an emerging resurgence in baby boomers using more earth-friendly materials such as wood instead of plastic in window dressing purchases.

And the great thing about wooden blinds is that they can be painted in any color to match your cabinets, walls, and other decor elements.

For a quick and easy revitalization of your bathroom vanity area, peel-and-stick mirror tiles can be purchased at most home improvement stores. Another alternative is to use subway tiles as a trendy backsplash to your vanity area. Ceramic tile backsplashes are still a long-established way for do-it-yourselfers to update dilapidated looking countertops.

These are just a few of the ways you can update the look of your bathroom without spending a lot of time and money, and since the room is such a small interconnected environment, whatever slight changes that you do incorporate into your design will be visually impactful and will go a long way to refreshing the look of the room.

Cheap Bathroom Remodeling Solutions

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Cheap Does Not Mean Ugly

A lot of people believe that if you employ cheap bathroom remodeling solutions then you have few choices and can’t really create a memorable bath for less money. However, even though your makeover budget may be small, you can still design a bathing space with all the “wow” you want.

Inexpensive refurbishing ideas that pack a punch and can transform your lavatory the way that you want just take a little more creativity. Chances are, you won’t be ripping up your floor or creating a shower cubicle with multiple shower heads and wall to wall designer tile, but you will get the bath space you want on a tight budget. Below are a few low-cost home repair techniques to get you started on your budget conscious renovation project.

Versatile Solutions

Paint is a cheap method that’s also versatile. Of course you can use multiple colors on your bathroom walls, but an idea that will fit nicely into your modest remodeling budget is to use painter’s tape creatively to create two-toned stripes on your walls.

Or you can use this cost saving tactic to mimic a wainscoting effect by painting one color on the bottom half of the lavatory walls and a second color on the top half. If you want to get really creative, you can try stencilling a border on your walls to get a big look while keeping the cost of your renovation low. Really, your choices with paint are endless, even though your home improvement budget is small.

When trying to save a buck your approach probably won’t include brand new cabinets, yet you can still do a few things to make your cabinets look new when revitalizing your bath. New nobs and pulls for your old cabinets can make a big difference, but won’t put a big dent in your limited funds. A quick trip to your local hardware store will show you all of your options and they will have solutions that can fit even the cheapest room alteration.

Painting Your Cabinets

But if you’re really ambitious, you can paint your dilapidated bathroom cabinets for a lot less than you might think. While painting your storage is a great recommendation, it is a bit of work. You don’t have to strip the finish off the surfaces, but you do have to clean them really well and put a couple of coats of high adhesion primer on before you’re ready to paint. But once this is done, you’re ready to completely upgrade the look of your decor without a major investment.

If painting your walls and storage units seems like a lot of work, there are still plenty of suggestions that don’t require quite so much elbow grease. For example, start with the biggest piece of material in your bathroom – your shower curtain – and you’ll get a dramatic, inexpensive new look.

Replace Your Bath Accessories

Shop around for the best deals to get the most economical shower curtain, and choose something that’s a bit different from your existing look. This will create the effect of a big change while staying within your modest financial plan. And while you’re at it, why not consider changing out that old, rusty curtain rod with a new one that will make your bathroom take on a new life.

Keeping with the accessories, a great, low cost decorating idea is to get new towels and a matching bath rug to add some instant color to the room. You can also consider a fancy new toilet seat and a new mirror to open up the space. Plus there are plenty of options when it comes to affordable art to create a decorative display with your limited funds. Shadow boxes that you make yourself are also an excellent way to spruce up the space.

Shop Around for Sweet Deals

Finally, if you’re looking for cheap bathroom remodeling solutions and you’re needs are on the bigger side, such as wanting a new toilet or cabinets, you can check out a number of architectural clearing houses that carry these items at discount prices.

Keep in mind that these are generally used items that are taken out of demolished buildings. However, you’ll be amazed at the great bargains you’ll be able to find at these stores that are in really great shape. Take your time to browse around for the best items to make your next home improvement project a success.

Also keep an eye out on Amazon Warehouse Deals. I found an amazing deal on a kitchen sink for $110 that was $300 elsewhere! When it was delivered, it was in perfect condition and has been a great addition to our kitchen.

Small Space Bathroom Remodeling

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Creating Space is all About Perception

Open up and transform your small bathing space with a remodeling project that will unleash the big bathroom hiding within. By using simple, tried-and-true home improvement tactics you can greatly reduce the diminutive effect of a tiny washroom and banish your claustrophobia.

Space is all about perception. By amplifying the spatial relationships of bath elements, you can make any room feel bigger than it actually is. Use these remodeling tips to create the acuity that you want, and turn that diminutive grooming area into a lavatory that feels expansive.

First and foremost, proper use of the layout that you have is vital in smaller powder rooms. You need to say goodbye to those clunky cabinets that dominate the chamber and look to slimmer, more elegant solutions for sinks that will open up the room. Pedestal sinks have been around for ages and seem to come in and out of vogue, but regardless of where these small basins sit with the fashionable crowd, they’re a great way to help you open up your bath.

Clean lines and a small footprint really give you the illusion of greater volume in the room. Want to make even more use of the limited grooming space you have? Then you might be in the market for a wall-mounted sink. These are just like they sound, a fixture that you hang on the wall, leaving your floor uncluttered and there is no need for a pedestal or a vanity to support them.

Use Your Walls to Expand Your Options

For even greater use of your limited bathroom space, you can get hanging sinks that install in a corner. Of course, the trade-off with a pedestal or hanging sink is that you give up some of the storage space a vanity gives you. So to regain some of that lost storage that is so vital in a tiny lavatory, you can turn to petite vanities that give you the best of both worlds.

Sticking with storage solutions for small bathroom remodeling projects, your washroom redesign can take advantage of the many flexible stowaway ideas available to help turn underutilized spaces into practical and usable baths. A great recommendation is to tuck shelving out of the way and into a corner, especially in your typical residential washroom. You don’t have to worry about building that into your tub surround; most bed and bath stores carry adjustable corner shelving that will be a great addition to help keep you organized.

Storage That Works

Stackable modulated containers are another great way to take advantage of your limited bath space. And if you’re really adventurous, and have a bit of a handy streak when it comes to renovating your home, you can create shelving without intruding on the tiny bath area that you have by fashioning a nook in the wall to create a recessed shelf. Walls in bathrooms that don’t face an exterior wall usually don’t have any insulation. Therefore in between the interior wall and the wall on the other side are studs that create a gap.

You can increase the stowing capacity in your lavatory by cutting out the drywall and creating a little recessed area for toiletries. This project does require a bit of skill working with drywall, and you need to check for electrical and plumbing lines running through the structure of your home before you can proceed.

Knowing What to Not Put in

The last thing you want to do when remodeling a small bathing ares is to put in a great big tub. While soaker tubs are great for lounging in, they’re big and bulky and aren’t a great way to optimize limited space in your lavatory. Try to find a low profile, flat bottom bathtub with a small footprint to get the most bang for your buck.

Of course, if you really want to augment the limited space in your lavatory you can choose to go with a corner shower install. If you’re not a bath person, or if you just don’t have the room, then this solution will keep the chamber. fairly open.

Colors Play an Important Role

Finally, the colors that you choose and the lighting that you use will make a huge difference in the perception of the limited bath space you have. For colors, you want to choose, light, solid colors to really give your tiny bath a great makeover. Light pastels are great for creating the illusion of depth in your washroom.

And solid colors, rather than busy patterns, will keep things looking uncluttered. Lighting is extremely important in making a powder room seem bigger. Not only do you want to ensure that the lighting is bright enough, but you also want to make sure that the fixtures aren’t bulky and distracting.

Choosing the Right Fixtures

As mentioned above, creating the illusion of space is all about perception, so keep it simple. Working within the confines of your limited layout, you can use these bathroom design tips to create the perception that your chamber is bigger than it actually is.

Remember to choose items that are designed for small rooms, like low profile toilets and tubs, pedestal or hanging sinks and small sized bath furniture, to really take advantage of your inadequate washroom space. And keep things light and bright to alleviate claustrophobia and really get that small space to open up.

Bathroom Remodel Start to Finish [Reasons to Remodel Your Bath]

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Circumstances Determine Your Course of Action

Each homeowner has their own reasons for remodeling their bathroom yet if you were to take those reasons and categorize them into sets they would fall into four main groups. The four main reasons to remodel your bath are: health and safety issues, overcoming cramped spaces, plumbing issues, and planned investment matters. The older your home, the more likely a remodel is in your future. Of course if all of the above is true, no matter how old your home is then a full renovation would be your only saving grace.

One of the most pressing issues to remodeling your bath is plumbing woes, even though modern bathroom manufacturing techniques and the materials used have greatly increased the lifespan of your fixtures, unfortunately, they will not last forever. There is nothing that says fix me now than a burst water pipe or toilet that won’t flush.

These are water system problems that have to be dealt with now and if left unchecked the consequences would be disastrous and eventful to say the least. And while repair problems like leaking shower heads, inadequate water flow to your faucets or toilets, poor drainage in your sink and bathtub and noisy pipes can essentially be put off, you have to take into consideration the cumulative effects of poor maintenance and the underlying hidden damage to your floors and walls if these plumbing problems are allowed to continue unimpeded.

Problems Sometimes Run Deeper

Don’t make the newbie mistake and think that by replacing or repairing the offending fixture you have solved the problem. Look deeper and you may find that you have let the delinquent plumbing problem go on for far too long and now you may not only have to replace the problematic fixture but the surrounding wall or floor because mold and mildew has taken root in your bathroom due to wetness being a chronic problem.

The safety and well-being of yourself and your family members is another good reason to remodel your bath and this reason should not be taken lightly. As we all know electricity and water do not mix yet if you live in an old house, there may be hidden dangers lurking in your walls, just waiting for an accident to happen.

Rodents may have chewed away at electrical wires or your switches and reciprocals may not have the proper insulation or modern anti shock mechanism or they may have become old and brittle over time exposing wires. The house may have shifted on its foundation, putting undue tension on framing members which in turn may inadvertly be putting unwarranted pressure on old plumbing or stretching electrical wires.

Is Your Home up to Code?

Turn of the century building materials were usually substandard compared to the manufactured goods of today because the processes were rarely regulated. Electrical and plumbing codes were practically non-existent and even if you were lucky to have your home built by a conscientious contractor, the building code standards of today far exceed the building code criteria of yesteryear.

Improper ventilation and a lack of a bathroom fan are issues that need to be addressed in older homes to prevent the growth of unhealthy mold. What about your shower, older homes did not incorporate a water-resistant barrier behind the tiles in the shower area and water being the unrelenting force of nature always seemed to find a way past improperly sealed grout. Needless to say, most older washrooms would be declared unsafe by modern standards. If that isn’t a good enough reason to overhaul your bathroom then I don’t know what is to take on a restoration project.

Enough Space is Frequently an Issue

A cramped, tiny, and dysfunctional lavatory is another good reason to remodel your small bath. This type of bathing area is not only unsafe because you are constantly bumping into things, it will also cause undue stress to your family life if more than one person needs to share this cramped space at the same time.

There is also a good reason not to have your vanity next to your tub (a curling iron accidently falling into a water filled bathtub would not be a good thing, proper spatial relationships and the placement of fixtures will not only contribute to your safety but will also increase the functionality and usability of the chamber. Creating more operational space is always a good reason to remodel your lavatory.

Making the Most of Your Upgrade

Now, this reason for remodeling your washroom may not be for everyone, however, remodeling the space is a good way to bring up the property value of your home. In essence, if you do plan to eventually sell your residence then a washroom redesign is just a smart investment. Especially if you have an older home and you know your lavatory does not live up to the standards of modern homes then a powder room makeover may be just the selling point you need to finally sell your home.

There is also one slightly selfish reason for remodelling your restroom that not everyone likes to talk about: self-satisfaction. Perhaps none of the above reasons apply to you but maybe you just want something different.

The trend of turning your home bath into your very own personal oasis is on the rise, after all, why should you have to drive across town to enjoy a spa when all you have to do is dim the lights, light some candles, turn on some relaxing music and step into your chromatic jetted tub to whisk your cares away, all in the comfort of your own home. And don’t forget if you are handy with tools that remodeling your own bathroom is a great way to save money when redecorating the space.