Once you begin a bathroom remodel project it is very important to take bathroom photos at the beginning of the project, throughout, and at the end of the project.  These will serve as your proud before and after shots to share with guests and you never know, just might be featured on a popular website or TV show someday.  Below is the BEFORE photo of our shower remodel, but unfortunately, the AFTER photo is not ready yet…maybe in another month or so….my husband says these things take time!

As you can imagine, keeping these photos will increase our sense of pride, well mostly my husband’s sense of pride when we get to see the finished project every day.  Our memories of how bad it once was may fade, but this photo will always remind us of how far we came.  Again, don’t forget to take bathroom photos during the entire process of your remodel, but especially at the very beginning because you can’t go back in time after you have completed any part of the project.

Here we are a week later and, as you can see, not done yet.  Ah well, patience is a virtue they say.  I would post more photos, but I really would not want to bore you with yet more “during” shots rather than the “after” shots.  I would much rather wait until the end of the project and show you the After shots and share with you all the funny stories of how we were able to finally take a shower in a bathroom long forgotten as our Master Bathroom.  There must be a reason why they call it a Master Bathroom, maybe because you are supposed to use it more than once a year!

There is no point in ranting; my husband will surely get the shower fixed in time for us to sell the house.  I am saying that facetiously since we have no short-term plans to sell our house.  In fact, we intend to rent it out if we ever have to move away for some reason.  Could you imagine trying to sell or rent a house with a bathroom shower renovation that looks like this?!!?  What kind of rent would you have the gall to ask for, maybe $200 a month seeing as how the tenant can only use one of the two bathrooms that are in the house.

Bathroom toilets are something we use every day but pay little attention to for the most part.  When choosing bathroom toilets for your home, take the time to consider all your options carefully.

There are many different options for bathroom toilets.  Most people consider only the color of the toilet and little else.  Though color is an important consideration for your overall bathroom design and other practical reasons, there are some equally important considerations.

The Color

Toilets come in a variety of colors with white being the most common color chosen.  Periodically there is a new “in” color.  There was a period when black toilets were very popular though now they seem dated in most bathroom decors.

The reason white is the most common is the fact that it is the most widely available and the most practical.  When clean they gleam and their color generally does not fade as the other colors may.  Your best bet is to choose a white toilet unless there is a color that matches a new design perfectly.

Height

Bathroom toilets come in multiple heights.  Perhaps that is something you do not often consider.  The lower toilets help with space issues in a bathroom, but they come at the price of being a little more difficult to get on and off of.  Consider the people that will use the toilet the most often to help you make a height decision.

If the home has people who are older or have physical limitations, a higher toilet is definitely the way to go.

Water Savers & Other Options

Bathroom toilets, like most other fixtures, have evolved over the years.  Water conserving models started to become more popular in the 1990s and early 2000s.  Consumers wanted to conserve water for environmental reasons and economic reasons.

There are a variety of other options to choose from including super flushers, water control, dual flush toilets, bidet toilets, corner toilets, one-piece toilets, automatic toilets or self flushing toilets and wall mount toilets to name a few.

When choosing a toilet you should consider the pros and cons of each of these types of toilets so you can choose the right one for your home.

Remember, choosing a toilet is not just about choosing a color.  There are a number of different factors for you to consider so you can choose the best of the bathroom toilets for your needs.

If you are about to embark on a bathroom flooring project, it is important to avoid being tempted into a decision based on the look of it rather than choosing the flooring that can stand up to the demands made of it.  The right flooring will look great, be durable and feel fabulous underfoot.   I think the bathroom is the easiest place to decide on flooring and it will usually be the least expensive flooring project in the house because it is often one of the smallest rooms in the house.  Here’s a summary of the different kinds of material used for bathroom flooring featured on the HGTV website.

TILE

Ceramic is used most in bathrooms and the reason why is because it is the most water resistant of the flooring materials.  It’s usually the least expensive too.  There are some complaints about it, such as ‘slippery when wet’ or ‘cold to the bare feet’ or even ‘difficult to maintain.’  These objections are easily overcome with solutions like radiant heat, and textured tile to take away the slippery effect, also grout can be sealed for easy cleaning.  Other tiles like travertine, porcelain, glass and granite are more expensive than ceramic, but can make the bathroom more dynamic looking.

WOOD

Hardwood flooring can be a wonderful option, providing visual warmth and a comfortable feeling underfoot.  It must be cared for properly, and with a water-based poly finish, the occasional splash or drip will do no harm.  However, water must not sit on the floor for any length of time, or serious damage will be caused.  Pick up those wet towels.

GREEN

Bamboo and cork flooring are “green” alternatives to a wood floor.  Like wood, they must be cared for and they will endure. If you select bamboo for its eco-friendly qualities, be sure the factory finish is formaldehyde free.  Cork provides wonderful sound control; something to consider if the goal is to create a quiet retreat.

LAMINATE

Laminate treated with water repellent is a great way to create the look of a wood floor, and maintain the floor over the years at the same time.  Laminate can look amazingly like real wood, but it will not be as soft and the sound will be louder as a result.

VINYL

For a low-budget bathroom flooring project, vinyl is a safe bet.  Just be aware that vinyl can curl at the edges over time.  Also, the peel-and-stick vinyl tiles are not recommended for baths because water can seep between the tiles and damage the sub floor.

Buying a glass shower door is a big investment—one that you are sure to either appreciate or regret for many years to come.  The key to finding the right one lies in knowing what to look for and in having an idea of what is on the market.  If you’re like most people, you’re probably looking for shower doors that match your style, whether it’s traditional or contemporary.

Most bathroom supply manufacturers offer glass shower doors in a variety of styles.  Some are made to fit into wall alcoves, and in some cases, very small spaces.  Some shower doors made of glass are different than your traditional door.  Some glass doors have two sides with latches that open outward as two distinct doors.  If you want to buy a glass shower door, bear in mind that many slide open as opposed to opening outward.

According to experts a glass shower door is the best choice, as far as shower doors go.  They look much richer and for the most part don’t take up as much space as your typical shower door.  Shower doors that are made of glass generally fit better into small spaces, because you don’t need bulky door frames or other accessories that hog space.

Another benefit, experts say, is that shower doors made of glass are easier to clean and make bathrooms appear bigger, because you can see through them.  Another benefit to having a glass shower door is that you don’t have to deal with shower curtains that get wet or fall down.

You can also purchase a glass shower door that is wheelchair accessible.  These usually do not have a lip at the base and are wider than your typical door.

There are a number of styles available.  Some showers are trimmed with a silver-toned metal, while others have gold hinges that sit at the top of the door.  Gold touches give your bathroom a contemporary feel, meanwhile adding a decorative flair to your bathroom.

You can purchase shower doors that are custom cut to fit a specified space.  Most showers have only one door, but you can add multiple doors to a glass shower.  Many shower doors made of glass feature long bars you can use to open and close the door.  This is especially helpful for those who have trouble gripping small handles.  Shower doors made of glass vary greatly in price, depending on how many extras you want.  They can cost as little as $85.00 to as much as $350.00.

Whether you’re a senior, a person with a disability, or simply someone who wants an easier shower experience, chances are you can benefit from buying a shower seat.  Having shower accessories like these is recommended by most doctors, if you have special needs or impaired mobility.

Before you buy, you will need to examine your options.  There are many shower seats on the market, so it is important to find one that is right for you.  Some can be mounted to the shower wall, while others are freestanding with legs.  For the most part, they are equipped with suction cups at the bottom of each chair leg.  Many seats are padded for comfort, while others are made of wood and fold up against the shower wall.  This gives you more room and makes it easier for those with mobility problems to maneuver.

You can also have shower seats built into the tile of a shower stall.  This makes it easy to work with the chair.  It’s already built into the shower itself.  According to experts, shower chairs are much safer for the disabled and for the elderly.  You can buy them for small spaces or larger ones for bigger shower stalls.  Of course, it may also help to install guard rails that allow for easy transfer.  Many chairs designed for the shower are foldable and can be moved easily in and out of the shower.

Of course, wood and rubber padding are not the only materials used for the design of shower chairs.  You can also buy ceramic seats.  However, this involves removing and replacing tile, so you will need a professional to install it for you.

According to recent studies, many accidents take place in the bathroom.  This is why shower benches are so critical to shower safety for the elderly and disabled.  Many free standing shower seats have padding on the back of the chair, to provide extra comfort.

Décor and design also play a role in deciding which shower bench is right for you.  If you have a lot of wooden bathroom furniture, you may want to consider a chair made of imitation wood.  If you are going strictly for utility, a traditional gray metal chair may be right for you.

The prices of shower benches are usually pretty low.  Traditional padded seats can cost $35.00 on sale, but the median price is usually around $50.00.  Prices go up, if you are having a ceramic seat built into the wall.

Whatever your situation, having a shower bench can benefit you greatly.  They are also great for pregnant women and for those struggling with arthritis.

Bathroom showers are something we use every day but seem to neglect at the same time.  Many of us assume that replacing showers is too expensive and not worth the investment.  Consumers who have updated their bathroom showers almost universally wonder why they had waited so long.

How many times do we look around our shower and wish it was bigger, or newer, or had a different or better shower heads?  We think about it for those few minutes we are in the shower and then forget about it when we dry off.  It is time to give it some more thought.

When it’s Time to Update Your Bathroom Shower

Bathroom design trends change just as they do for kitchens.  A bathroom look can become outdated making your home look dated.  It is generally a good idea to update your bathroom at least every 6 to 10 years.  If you are considering putting your home on the market you should definitely consider an update to your bathroom.

Generally speaking, look at the current status of your shower or showers and see what your first impression is.  Do the tiles look faded?  Are the tiles cracked?  Is the stall or tub in good condition?  Are the shower doors dingy?  Do they work properly?  Are there any leaks?  Is the shower curtain rod updated?

Ask yourselves these questions and ask other family and friends the same question.  A quick review of your bathroom showers may have you realizing that it is time for an update.

Bathroom Showers -Time to Wash Away the Myths

New bathroom showers can be quite affordable.  There are many options now for new showers that include module showers and receptors.  These options are affordable, modern and functional.

Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes.  Ask any real estate agent and they will tell you that.  Updating bathrooms and kitchens are always a good idea with a high return on investment.

When entering a bathroom, our eyes naturally look to the shower first.  After the shower we notice the sink, commode, walls and floors.  If you are going to update your bathroom in stages, the above order is likely your best bet.  You can also find some great deals to update your entire bathroom at the same time.

You update your wardrobe.  You update your car.  You update your furniture, paint colors and floors.  It is now time to update your bathroom shower and perhaps your entire bathroom.  You deserve it and so does your home.