Archive for March, 2009

How to Choose A Toilet

Saturday, March 21st, 2009 at 3:15 am  
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toilet-one-piece-round-front-by-totoToilets are an integral part of your bathroom décor and functionality and they are available in an extensive range of styles to suit your bathroom design.

They are available in vitreous china or stainless steel and come in a range of colors from muted pastel shades to bold colors as well as the ever popular white. White can be used to great effect as either a contrast or to tone in with other accessories in your bathroom décor.

You can purchase toilets in round, oval or square styles to suit your bathroom design. There are models with a choice of single or dual flush as well as electronic  toilets that do not use water to flush; always a consideration for today’s concern with water conservation.

So remember, give the purchase of toilets a bit of thought and dress up your bathroom décor with an elegant shaped toilet in a colour to compliment your bathroom theme. Complete the overall effect of your bathroom design by having a matching bathroom sink.

And don’t forget that you can use modern designed toilet seats to tone in with your bathroom décor or add some colour to the bathroom.

How To Choose A Bathtub in 7 Steps

Saturday, March 21st, 2009 at 3:08 am  
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kohler-villager-5ft-bathtubThe bathtub can truly be the centerpiece of your bathroom. Its size almost guarantees it will be a focal point and it does provide a central function. It is after all, the “bath” room. If you’re choosing a new bathtub, how do you make sure you pick the right one?

Here are seven steps to choosing the perfect bathtub.

1. Set your budget. Bathtubs come in a huge variety of styles, colors and functions. If you go shopping without setting a maximum budget, there is virtually no limit to what you might spend. While there’s no doubt that you’re worth it, your home might not be. In other words, don’t install such a super-duper bathtub that you’ll never get your money back when you move. Of course if you never intend to move, then spend what you like. But it would still be better to decide ahead of time how much that is.

2. Check the output of your hot water heater. Unless you enjoy cold baths, you need to make sure that your hot water heater can handle whichever bathtub you choose to install. So find out how many gallons of hot water your heater can produce. And if you have other family members who might be needing hot water also, find out how long it takes your hot water heater to recover after being emptied. This will all have an impact on the size of bathtub you choose and may indicate whether you need to replace your water heater or not.

3. Check your location. Make sure you know how much room you have for your new bathtub. If the perfect bathtub won’t fit in your bathroom, or there’s no way to get it inside the house, then it’s not really the perfect bathtub, is it?

4. Choose the size of your new bathtub. Will you be taking baths alone or with a partner? Bathtubs come in one-person and two-person versions. You may find this hard to believe, but there is such a thing as a bathtub that is too large. Apply the Goldilocks principle and make sure you choose a bathtub that’s “just right.”

5. Choose the functions you want. Are you looking for whirlpool action or do you just prefer a simple bath? There’s no point in buying something you’ll never use.

6. Choose a bathtub that’s easy to maintain. Bathtubs are available in different materials and finishes. Find out how good it is at repelling dirt and soap scum, and how easy it is to clean. A relaxing bath might not be very relaxing if you have to clean the tub every time.

7. Finally, choose a bathtub that will last a long time. The materials used to make your bathtub will also have a big impact on durability. With the time, effort and money you’ve put into the installation of a new bathtub, you want it to last as long as possible.

How To Select A Shower Stall Enclosure

Saturday, March 21st, 2009 at 3:03 am  
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With the wide range of shower stalls available bathroom design has never been easier. Shower stalls, shower heads, enclosures and bases can be purchased and delivered direct to your door.

Shower Enclosures are available today in a wide variety of styles, colors and shapes which will suit even the oddest shaped bathrooms.

Not only can you purchase corner entry showers, neo-angle, seated showers and curved shower enclosures but you can also purchase double sized showers which are luxurious for a larger bathroom. There are even stalls that have provision for a phone, radio and massage jets, talk about decadent luxury.

There are shower stalls available with a metallic trim finish that may include brass, polished chrome or a PVD material which can be in almost any color you can think of. This is great for those with an artistic flair for bathroom design and who are comfortable with mixing and matching colors.

It is important to consider the base size. Shower bases are often included in a shower kit, however often you will need to purchase this separately. Generally it pays to purchase the shower base that has been specifically made for the shower enclosure you have chosen.

The shower head is another essential item that can be purchased in a variety of formats including massage heads, body spray types and rain heads. Select a shower head that gives the degree of water force and flow that suits you first and then check if the is available in a style that suits your bathroom décor. With the wide range available online you are bound to find just what you are looking for.

Depending on the type of shower stall you have chosen or if your shower head is over your bathtub, you may require a shower curtain. Shower Curtains are available in a great range of styles to suit any bathroom design. Bold colors and abstract designs that blend well with bath tiles as well as character designs and bright colors for the kids are all available online.

Bathroom Design Rules & Regulations

Saturday, March 21st, 2009 at 3:00 am  
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Redesigning your bathroom is an exciting project, with both financial and psychological advantages, since you’ll be value to your home and creating a stylish retreat for yourself. However, before you undertake the project of redesigning your bathroom, check that you are following all of your local rules and regulations.

The specific bathroom design rules and regulations that apply to you will vary depending on factors like your municipality, the scope of the project, and the age of your house. For example, if you live in a condo, your association might have regulations about what kinds of remodeling changes are allowed. If you live in a historic house, your bathroom design possibilities might be limited.

Nearly all municipalities will require that you obtain a building permit before starting work on your new bathroom design. A building permit will allow your local or state government to determine that your bathroom design follows all relevant regulations, and does not put yourself or your family at risk.

Usually a building permit is required if you are doing work like replacing drywall or moving the position of your water line or electrical outlets. Major structural work like changing the position of your walls requires an additional permit, whereas minor work like replacing your faucets or floor tile requires no permit at all.

If you are not certain whether your bathroom renovation calls for a building permit, call your local government office for the exact rules and regulations that apply to you. Failure to take this step could be extremely costly.

There are also some rules and regulations to follow when it comes to details like the height of your bathroom sink, or the distance between your toilet and the wall. These guidelines help ensure that your bathroom is safe and accessible, so be sure to educate yourself about them before you start with your bathroom design.

By following the bathroom design rules and regulations, you can avoid hefty fines while protecting the safety of everyone who uses your bathroom.

How To Choose Bathroom Faucets

Saturday, March 21st, 2009 at 2:55 am  
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peerless-polished-chrome-bathroom-faucetFaucets come in a wide variety of compositions including enamel, chrome, brass, stainless steel and copper and your choice depends on your budget and aesthetic preference.

Your current bathroom fixtures will help in your decision making as you will want to ensure that any new fixtures that you purchase  suit the décor of your bathroom. Antique brass faucets, for instance will probably look out of place in a modern contemporary style bathroom.

The extensive range of styles in bathroom faucets available means that you can purchase beautifully crafted faucets from antique-style to the most modern up-to-date designs. There are bathroom faucets that perform an array of functions such as those containing sensors that control the water pressure or temperature which is a great safety feature.

You can purchase faucets that include single or dual control. Single-handed faucets are center-based and control both the hot and cold water by the one lever through the one spout. Dual-control faucets use a single base unit where the spout and valves are combined on a single unit with dual handles. Another type  known as a widespread faucet, is where the hot water valve, the cold water valve and the spout are all mounted separately.


How to Choose Bathroom Vanities

Saturday, March 21st, 2009 at 2:37 am  
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Bathrooms that are starting to look a bit old, drab and tired can be updated dramatically by installing new bathroom vanities.

Bathrooms don’t need to be plain and boring with the great range of vanities available on the market today and a bathroom vanity that is chosen with thought and care can make a big difference to your bathroom decor. Vanities these days come in a wide variety of shapes, colors and styles. You can purchase them in hardwood with marble, granite or glass tops. You can also purchase antique style vanities to match a claw foot bathtub. These are just a few of the options available.

It is important that you take into account your bathroom lighting when installing a vanity. Without adequate lighting you will create a shadow and you may not be able to see yourself clearly in your mirror. If you are replacing an existing vanity then this will probably not be a problem but if you are moving it to a new position just keep this in mind.

Bathroom vanities can be purchased with or without cupboard space. This is particularly useful for those in wheelchairs who need the space under the sink. Otherwise, if you are purchasing the more traditional vanity consider the amount of storage space your family needs. Large bathrooms with plenty of space may allow for a double-sized vanity which will provide lots of the extra storage space and space for a double bathroom sink if required.

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