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5 Important Steps for Designing a Great Bathroom

Robert L J Bloom recently asked:


There are five important steps you have to consider when you are designing your bathroom:

1) Decide the size of the bathroom. Are you going to build a luxury bathroom, a full bathroom, a half bathroom, a small bathroom, a child bathroom, or a guest bathroom? Depending on the size, you have to decide whether or not to include bidet, extra sink, separate tub and shower, whirlpool, spa and maybe more, depending on your budget. Perhaps you want a large bathroom with only limited bathroom furnishings. In that case you can always add bathroom furnishings later.

2) Decide what materials to use in the bathroom. It’s a good idea to have a bathroom tile design that should generate a floor surface that is good looking, water resistant and most important safe to walk on. Examples of good bathroom floor designs are rubber, ceramic tile, vinyl and linoleum. All these bathroom tile design materials should be available anywhere.

3) Decide how much storage you want in the bathroom. Do you need a large or a small bathroom cabinet or maybe no bathroom cabinet at all? By tradition, the bathroom cabinet is often located above the sink. But in these days you can place it elsewhere in the bathroom. You can also use corner shelves and hang towel bars.

4) Decide what lighting to use in the bathroom. Without high quality lighting, the interior decoration and the character of your bathroom cannot be developed as it should be. Natural light is a significant aspect in bathrooms. Choose between a window or roof skylight to bring in natural light in the bathroom. It’s also important to choose the right light fixtures for your bathroom. Reflect on what type of lighting you want to enjoy in your bathroom. You must also consider the position of the lighting. It’s also essential to take into account, where in the bathroom you will need more light for your everyday needs.

5) Decide what ventilation to use in the bathroom. Without suitable ventilation your bathroom will begin to give off repulsive odors. It is very important to get out the moisture in the bathroom. In this way you prevent both mold and stagnant air. Make sure to install both bathroom drain waste ventilation and exhaust fan to make sure your bathroom stays clear of putrid smells and bacteria growth.

Everybody can design their own personal bathroom. It just takes some research and family preparation. Before you start, you should read as many bathroom design articles as you can, to learn about the diverse products and to comprehend what you really want. You can find these articles in different magazines or on the Internet.



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Friday, December 25th, 2009 Home And Family 2 Comments

Guide to Basement Bathroom Plumbing

Masni Rizal Mansor recently asked:


Basement bathroom plumbing work needs considerable skill, experience and care. It is advisable to hire the services of a plumbing contractor for carrying out basement bathroom plumbing work. The existing floor needs to be busted and in the process drainpipes may also get broken if adequate safety measures are not taken up.

Basement bathroom plumbing procedure

Some concrete may need to be removed for installing basement bathroom plumbing system. The fixtures required for setting up basement bathroom plumbing – bathtub, one-piece shower unit etc. may not be easily obtainable. Special effort needs to be made to secure them.

Often, the concrete of the basement needs to be broken. Marks are made on the surface along some demarcations and the concrete is chipped away usually employing a jack hammer. The debris thus obtained has to be cleared and new plumbing pipes are well glued to the original setup. After completion the new setup has to be covered up with concrete.

Another approach to basement bathroom plumbing is installation of a plastic sump beneath the basement floor. A sewage ejector pump or lift pump is used to pump out the waste as the sump becomes full. The pumps have devices to grind solids. In case the pump fails the toilet will not be draining properly.

There may be some houses where the building drain lies below the basement level. So, no pump is needed. A plumber can help in this regard by providing various estimates of drain line locations and plumbing setup plans.

Again, there may be homes where the main drain lies at floor level. To help out in such cases you may build a false floor for the bathroom. Of course your ceiling needs to be high enough in such case. The false floor erection would ensure that the fixtures are higher than the sewer line. This will do away with the necessity of installing a sewage ejector pumping unit.

Basement bathroom plumbing – a special plumbing

Basement bathroom plumbing is a special kind of plumbing setup. Therefore, special care needs to be taken while proceeding with the installation, maintenance and repair or replacement of the basement bathroom plumbing system. If you are contemplating basement bathroom plumbing for your home then you may conveniently hire some competent plumber for helping out.



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Monday, December 21st, 2009 Home And Family No Comments

So How Do You Remodel A Bathroom?

Stephen Dolan recently asked:


Bathroom remodeling not only adds beauty and enjoyment to any kind of home, it also increases the value of your home when you wish to sell your house in the future. Bathroom remodeling is perhaps the most popular project for home improvement because it yields the highest return on your investment. Moreover, homeowners can enjoy their relaxing bathroom from the time they remodel until they decide on selling the house.

Tips for Bathroom Remodeling Design

The task of remodeling your bathroom is difficult andcan be costly There are several key fixtures to consider when you work on your bathroom. And yes, most of them are expensive. There is flooring to consider, as well as the paint, and the result of anything going wrong is you will end up with place that you spend a lot of time in while not enjoying the room. So good planning is essential.

Of course, to be successful, you need to design your remodeling project well before you swing a single hammer. If you take the time to work out a well-planned bathroom remodeling design, a wonderful bathroom is sure to follow.

Map it Out

When you are working on the design for your bathroom remodeling project, make sure to take accurate measurements of your bathroom and create a map to work with. Mark where the plumbing is, mark where your fixtures are, and you’ll be able to better plan what you need to do. The key to a great bathroom remodeling design is good planning, and a map is a great way to keep you focused on exactly where everything needs to be. Draw it out and plan it on paper. It can be a good idea to cut out your main pieces and try them on your map to see how they fit and what they are likely to look like.

There is also software available that can help you plan a bathroom remodel. The simple packages allow you to do the same mapping exercise as above, and the more complex and expensive can even build a ‘virtual bathroom’ so that you can see the results of your planning.

Function Before Form

The secret of a comfortable bathroom is to put the function of your bathroom above what it will look like. No matter how gorgeous your bathroom looks, if you have a poor design, one that makes your bathroom uncomfortable to use, you won’t enjoy it. Throughout your bathroom remodeling design process, consider what you want your bathroom to do and work towards that goal.

Consider Your Fixtures

Make sure to learn exactly where your fixtures will go when designing your remodeling project; you will need the plumbing there to accommodate them. Your sink, tub, and toilet are going to be exactly where you have them right now, unless you can somehow move the the plumbing. In most cases, the location of your fixtures is going to be a hard limit, so plan accordingly.

Locate Things Sensibly

When you decide where smaller fixtures, such as the towel rack or even the toilet paper roll, go in the bathroom remodeling design, keep in mind that they should go in places that are sensible, once again going back to function over form. The towel rack might look nice by the door, but if it’s out of arm’s reach of the bathtub, then you won’t be happy whenever you get out of the shower, for example. With all things in bathroom remodeling design, if you design with an eye for common sense and space, you will be successful in your attempt to create a room that’s both stylish and functional.

Focus on your walls, ceiling and tiles because these three items can greatly influence the outcome of your project. Mix and match the colors by using pastel, earthy, contemporary or traditional colors that fit your taste. Be aware that whatever items, equipment and furniture you wish to add to your bathroom should add warmth and relaxation to the room.

You can create your dream bathroom by expanding the area and separating the toilet from the bath area. You can even add spa treatments, bathtubs, water jets and other more expensive bathroom add-ons. If you have no idea where to start and what items to add, you can always look at a home-improvement magazine and check out the latest bathroom trends.

Know Your Budget

The extent of your bathroom remodeling project will all depend on your budget. If you have a large amount of money for your remodel project, you can start designing your bathroom from scratch. However, you can still remodel your bathroom even with a small budget. Just change the light fixtures, accessories and bathroom furniture.

Designs, Accessories and Furniture

When you decide to start a bathroom remodeling project, it is quickest to organize your goals before shopping for materials. determine on what items you want to replace, add or take away from the bath area. Think about refinishing existing items such as bathtub, shower, sinks and toilet or renewing the tiles, tub and shower enclosure to give a current look to your bathroom even with little investment.

Bathroom Remodeling Check List Helps Keep Project On Track

Renovations in any part of your home can easily get out of hand, both in the terms of time and in costs, but using a bathroom remodeling check list, you can maintain control of your budget as well as keep the job on track. As part of your planning process, a bathroom remodeling check list can also help you determine how much of an upgrade you can afford.

Some of the major items on your list may include any electrical work you may need, plumbing changes or additions, heating and cooling as well as any walls that will need to be moved or repaired. As some of the first things listed on your bathroom remodeling check list, you can also determine the timing of contractors. For example, if you are going to replace an existing tub and wall tile, plumbing work will need done, but having a carpenter handy for installing modern drywall will need to be done first.

In addition to the major work, also listed on your bathroom remodeling check list would be any components, such as cabinets, fixtures and countertops. You should also list the type of countertops you plan to install as well as the floor, the sink, storage cabinets and any free-standing furniture.

Having a column on your bathroom remodeling check list that shows the amount budgeted for each item will help you stay in control of the costs of the project. When buying the items on the list and you decide to go over the cost for one item, you can always pick a cheaper model on another component to stay on budget. By looking at the costs before you go to the store, you can have a good idea of what you are likely to spend.

Once you have determined the exact cost of your project using the bathroom remodeling check list, you should budget another 10 percent of the total cost for contingencies. For instance, when you are cutting out the wall for a fresh fixture you accidentally cut through a water pipe and your current drywall is ruined. The contingency budget can pay to replace the cut pipe as well as the ruined drywall.

You may also plan on the time each item on your bathroom remodeling check list should take to complete as a way of keeping the project on track. You will know during the planning stage how much each item should cost, how long it should take as well as what part of your bathroom is not going to be touched during the project.

If you don’t have the money to hire an architect or contractor for your bathroom remodeling, you can do the work yourself by focusing on simple things that can give a dramatic change to the bathroom. For instance, add a vanity mirror or a shelf and display small items such as perfume bottles, soaps, bath salts, spa accessories and other items you wish to display.



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Friday, November 27th, 2009 Home And Family No Comments

Do You Fear a Bathroom Remodel?

Stephen Dolan recently asked:


So You Want to Remodel Your Bathroom? An increasing number of people find that they can remodel their bathrooms to create the perfect place in which they can relax, refresh, rejuvenate and/or have a romantic time. A bathroom redo can be an inexpensive and fun way to spruce up your entire house. So, what you need are some tips for remodeling your bathroom.

When you decide to begin a bathroom remodeling project, it is quickest to organize your goals before shopping for materials. Choose what items you want to replace, add, or take away from the bath area. Consider refinishing existing items such as bathtub, shower, sinks and toilet, or renewing the tiles or tub and shower enclosure to give a new look to your bathroom even with just a little investment. The bathroom is one of the most used areas of the house, so you want to be sure that you have it remodeled in such a way that it will last for a long time. Remodeling is extremely exciting because it means you are getting to create the ambiance you have always wanted in one of your favorite places: the bathroom.

Why Remodel If You Can Decorate?

Perhaps you would like to redo the bathroom, but at the same time you would like to keep things uncomplicated. If it is time for a bathroom makeover, count yourself lucky when you see the number of wonderful current decorating ideas for the bathroom today. There is a huge amount you can do with simple decorative treatments that avoid a full remodel.

If you have a small bathroom, remodeling ideas should mostly revolve around freeing the space of clutter and making better use of the available space. Using shelves, taller cabinets, and other organizational items will help the room seem larger because everything has a place and there is nothing left to crowd the space. There are any number of cabinets available to fit over the toilet or along empty walls to maximize the available area, or cabinets can be hung on the wall to free up floor space.

Regardless of the size of your bathroom, it is important that you sort out the existing items in the bathroom and choose which items you want to keep and which items can now retire. Clearing out unimportant clutter from the bathroom can help you decorate the room easily and match items for your fresh theme. Don’t be afraid to be bold and exciting - make your bathroom a fun place to visit!

Another decorating idea for a bathroom is to redo the porcelain sink and the tub. These tend to take a lot of abuse through the years, and with a fresh treatment, they will look brand-new. It’s a lot cheaper than putting in all new fixtures, and it really does make your bathroom look good.

A common bathroom decorating idea for people on a budget is adding or replacing light fixtures. While choosing a light may seem like a daunting task, be aware that once you have chosen the perfect lighting to enhance your bathroom’s theme, it can make a dramatic change to the overall feel of the room. Of course, also consider new paint, tile or wall paper to freshen up the space.

Following the new bathroom decorating trends while maintaining individual taste and style can be achieved with a little research and great imagination. Building on these ideas is sure to help anyone create the bathroom of their dreams. Home decorating magazines can be quite helpful, because if you see decorating materials that you like, there is often a section that shows how you can get them. They are also good at allowing you to see how the materials you’re interested in fit with other colors in the room.

But I Need to Remodel

If you find that redecorating just won’t do, and you really need to remodel, as part of your planning process create a bathroom remodeling check list to help you determine how much of an upgrade you can afford. Make sure you know exactly where your fixtures will go when designing your remodeling project, since you need the plumbing there to accommodate them. Unless you can somehow move the location of your fixtures, your sink, tub, and toilet are going to be exactly where you have them right now. In most cases, the location of your fixtures is going to be a hard limit, so plan accordingly.

Depending on the size of your bathroom and your budget, there are a few bathroom remodeling tips that can the project go smoother, as well as make life after the project easier. For large-budgeted bathroom remodeling projects, you can go beyond your dream bathroom by expanding the area and separating the toilet from the bath area. You can even add spa treatments, bathtubs, water jets and other more expensive bathroom add-ons.

If you have a more modest budget, one of the most important things is to make sure that the shower area is easily accessible. For example, some showers require a person to step up in order to enter the shower, while others are just walk-in showers. Whichever kind of shower you choose, it is important to note that it will have to be well installed in order to prevent leaks. Another method of controlling bathroom remodeling costs could be instead of replacing your tub and all the wall tiles, you could look into a tub and wall unit that fits right over an existing tub and wall. By usinf this technique and for a few hundred dollars the area can look as if it is brand-new. The alternative is replacing everything, which could run into the thousands.

When you choose where smaller fixtures go in the bathroom remodeling design, think function over form. For items such as the towel rack or even the toilet paper roll, keep in mind that they should go in places that are sensible, The towel rack might look nice by the door, but if it’s out of arm’s reach of the bathtub, then you won’t be happy whenever you get out of the shower, for example. With all things in bathroom remodeling design, if you design with an eye for common sense and space, you will be successful in your attempt to create a room that’s both stylish and functional.

There is no greater joy to a homeowner then to remodel a favorite room such as the bathroom. So, enjoy every minute of it, and, more importantly, enjoy the outcome of your work and labor. Once you are satisfied with the project, you can take your first relaxing shower and enjoy the long-term benefit from the investment you made.



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Sunday, November 15th, 2009 Home And Family No Comments

Fixing Water Leaks In Your Bathroom

Scott Rodgers recently asked:


look around your home and you will see how incredibly important water is to the successful running of your household. It is hard to imagine a house without running water to use to clean, wash and drink. Having well maintained fixtures to keep providing that water on demand is, therefore, very important, and if one of them starts to leak it is important to fix it as soon as possible so that you don’t waste thousands of gallons down the drain.

One of my great pleasures in life is to head off early on a Saturday morning, either by myself or with a friend, and enjoy a day fishing. Nothing equals the freedom of mind and soul as you place yourself in the natural beauty of the wilderness. It isn’t that I’m a particularly good fisherman. On average, I don’t catch a lot of fish and even the ones that I do catch aren’t very big. The joy of of not being in a busy city and the ability to be worry free for the afternoon, is more valuable then capturing a fish.

At the end of the day I head back home, clean and prepare any fish I may have caught, and then run a delicious warm bath. It is the end to a perfect day, relaxing in the hot water, often with my eyes closed for half an hour.

Of course, this is not such a great experience if I can hear the noise of a dripping. If this occurs, I usually disregard it. I must keep it in mind though because one leak could cost me infinite gallons of water per week.

In the case that the bathroom faucet is at fault, then you must disassemble it in order to discover what the problem is. If you’re not sure, it is quite acceptable to take the whole tap mechanism to the plumbing store and asking them to advise you what part needs replacing. On the contrary, if there is a leaking noise, you must let the bathwater sit and search the bathroom for the dripping. It is essential this is done immediatly the more time that is wasted the greater probability of deterioration.

There is a chance that you have a leak whereby the water is traveling along the water line for some distance before it starts to drip on the floor due to the pressures of gravity. There is possibility of dripping near the drain of the tub. In either case, it is better to replace the parts rather than merely applying silicone, so that you stop it happening again for several years.

Or it could be that the bathtub itself has developed a leak. This is a difficulty that many people need help with. The cheaper and easier option is often to replace the tub itself. However, if you have an old tub that you particularly cherish, perhaps because it is longer and deeper than many modern varieties, then get in a plumber who will be able to advise what the possible solutions are and the relevant costs.

Regardless of what you decide to do, if you have had a leak, then get in a builder to check that there has not been any significant rot or damage to your home. This is particularly true if your bath is not on the ground floor, as it could have caused your ceiling to crack, or caused damage to your walls. And you need to make sure you remove any water that is sitting on a surface because this could produce mold which can develop into a serious health hazard.



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Saturday, November 7th, 2009 Home And Family No Comments

24″ Bathroom Vanities Make The Most Of Your Space

Wyatt Frisk recently asked:


vanities, for many, are essentially the pinnacle of interior bathroom design. These invaluable bath features are often remarkably eye catching, but they also serve a vast number of hygienic purposes, making any trip to the bathroom a simple pleasure rather than a frustrating chore. A bath vanity can make or break your bathroom, because the very theme and design of your bathroom hinges so heavily on the vanity itself. Therefore, it is important to find a great looking vanity of proper dimensions: for smaller bathrooms, you will want a smaller vanity like a 24″ bathroom vanity. For larger bathrooms, a 72″ bathroom vanity may be the better bet. A bathroom with particularly limited dimensions, an “undersized” bathroom, is desirable for several reasons. They allow more floorspace in your home for other rooms, and they even tend to retain and command heat very well. If the bathroom is a mess, however, it tends to utterly defeat the purpose of the room. Your small interior design project, then, should emphasize the decorative and functional virtues of space-efficiency, durability, and flexibility. In a bathroom of especially limited dimensions, maintaining control and order is particularly crucial. The amount of comfort your guests will feel in your bathroom is quite crucially dependent on the openness of a bathroom. If you remove your old bathroom cabinet sink and install a small bathroom vanity in its place, you will certainly make your bathroom appear significantly larger than it actually is with more free space. Small vanities, such as these, are often found between the range of 24″ bathroom vanities and 33″ bathroom vanities. On account of their diminutive dimensions they are quite unobtrusive; Many of these vanities slip into the background so well, you will hardly notice them. But keep in mind that there are so many unique designs and styles available that, if you preferred, you could absolutely find an attention grabbing bath vanity that will surely elicit admiration. Just because these vanities are small, does not mean that they are not as useful as their larger counterparts. Quite the contrary: these small-sized vanities provide plenty of space for you to stow all of your toiletries, etcetera. Many vanities are available with wonderful medicine cabinet options, further enhancing their space efficiency and stowing abilities. Not only are these small vanities useful, but they get rid of a lot of that superfluous baggage and weight that comes with most ordinary bathroom sinks and vanities. For further space efficiency, small corner bathroom vanities are desirable; they fit almost anywhere, and without costing any of its usefulness. Large bathrooms are well served by larger vanities, like 48″ or 72″ bathroom vanities; this is especially true in situations wherein a bathroom serves multiple users. Large bathroom vanities are particularly useful if your bathroom is frequented by multiple individuals, as they improve both the beauty and efficiency of these rooms. Most double bath vanities (large bath vanities) feature dual sinks and mirrors, and further improve efficiency with dual storage cabinets. While these large-sized vanities do provide more than enough space for two individuals to use the vanity at the same time, the vanities themselves often take up significantly less space than two single bath vanities. Keep moisture away from your double bathroom vanity cabinets, and other vanity woodwork, with a stone countertop or (for a more affordable and easily-maintained solution) plastic laminate countertops. These bath vanities are actually rather easy to take care of; Required cleaning is occasional at most, and this cleaning entails little more than using a non-abrasive cleaning agent and a gentle cloth or rag. Honestly, it is quite easy to maintain your bath vanity and keep it looking great for years and years. So before you shop, determine which kind of vanity suits your bathroom best. Smaller rooms require smaller vanities, like a 24″ bathroom vanity. It follows that a large bathroom requires a larger vanity, and some might even be well served with a large 72″ bathroom vanity. If you give enough consideration towards the design and dimensions of your potential vanity, you will surely find the perfect bath vanity for you and your home.

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Friday, November 6th, 2009 Home And Family No Comments

Updating Bathroom Furniture

Shelley Murphy recently asked:


urprising the difference new bathroom furniture can make from the simple addition of a new bathroom vanity or bathroom basin.  Sprucing up your bathroom and giving it some pizzazz  can cost little money without breaking the bank.  By carefully accessing your  design needs at the onset of  your remodeling project this will save both time and money. By capitalizing on the existing architecture of the bathroom can be beneficial for redecorating on a budget. Before tearing down walls and ripping up floor tiles consider what can be preserved in your bathroom in order to free up money for other necessary purchases.

Applying wall finishes can give tattered walls a unique look by using different techniques such as texturizing with paint and plaster or wall stenciling to hide any imperfections. Cracked ceramic floor tiles can easily be replaced. Whether it is single tile or a few ones, take a trip to a flooring center and have then match the tile with the existing one.  If  by chance the tile is no longer available, an inexpensive and imaginative solution is to create a new pattern within the existing tiles. Remove a few additional tiles to create a two-toned checkerboard look  floor that follows your color scheme and bathroom motif.

Bathroom vanities are often the centerpiece of a bathroom remodeling or decorating project. By changing the bathroom vanity you can add elegance by creating a traditional or contemporary look as well as providing much needed storage space especially for smaller bathrooms. The bathroom vanity should always be the first piece of bathroom furniture purchased. Choosing the right vanity will help you select the correct basin if not sold as a complete unit and will also set the tone for the style of bathroom mixer tap as well as other bathroom accessories such as wall mirrors and other bathroom fixtures.

One of the least expensive and easiest ways to upgrade the look of your bathroom is to replace the basin. With unlimited designs and styles available from the standard white porcelain to free standing pedestal basins can give your bathroom just the right boost. Aside from the addition of a new bathroom vanity and basin to alter the appearance of the room, other finishing touches can be added such as independent storage units to coordinate with the existing bathroom furniture that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but alleviates clutter.

Both practical and affordable wall-mounted mirrors can beautify the bathroom while creating the illusion of space by adding depth and dimension to the bathroom. Today there is a vast assortment of illuminated and plain bathroom mirrors framed to frameless and in a number of finishes the perfect touch for both contemporary and traditional bathrooms. Bathroom mirrors are the most flexible of bathroom furniture pieces, since they are easily suited to adapt with other bathroom décor without sacrificing style.

Written by Shelley Murphy on behalf of www.victoriaplumb.com an online retailer of bathroom furniture, steam showers, shower enclosures, whirlpool spa baths and bath related products serving the United Kingdom.



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Saturday, October 31st, 2009 Home And Family No Comments

Design Concepts For New Bathrooms

Shelley Murphy recently asked:


ling your bathroom doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank or taking out a second mortgage on your home, but what it does mean is a well thought out  master plan, some drawings and a calculator. Think in terms of an artist starting out with a blank canvas, he or she has their own unique design concepts for what they perceive as art. Creating your dream bathroom takes on a similar approach in that we must first decide on look we are trying to achieve.

With several design platforms to choose from starting with the century old Victorian bathroom that were characterized by claw-footed roll top baths, sculpted pedestal basins, free standing showers enclosures and sometimes a matching bidet.

Today’s modern bathrooms are depicted by the ever changing styles from year-to-year.

Recent modern designs include sleek, straight and geometric lines with white remaining the prevalent choice in bathroom furnishings sporting ultra mod bath and basin mixer taps in polished chrome.

Depending on the size of bathroom, keep in mind that less is best in the way of accessorizing.  Over powering the look of the bathrooms with numerous accessories tends to make a small room appear even smaller unless you are utilizing bathroom mirrors which lends way to a more open space. On the other hand when working with a large area, modern bathroom accessories are a welcomed addition to give the bathroom a finished look.

Traditional bathrooms tend to focus more on architectural details bringing nature inside.  With the inspired look of wood such as oak, maple, and beech shelves and cabinets, wood finishes enhance the mood by giving the bathroom a warm earthy tone, similar to a country or rustic looking bathroom.

Once you have selected the style of bathroom, think about how you will be using the space.  When it comes to function and space planning, calculate the dimension of the bathroom this will also help you to decide on the type of bathroom furniture pieces you can place within a designated area. Assess your bathroom storage needs, will you need a bathroom cabinet, shelving or vanity. For smaller bathrooms a minimalist style means honing in on crucial space and utilizing it in order create a clutter free bathroom ensuring the bathroom furniture has strong clean lines and is aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Look at several bathrooms designs, with several hundred bathroom design ideas available on the internet choosing a style that fits your style, space and budget can be simple and a pleasurable task  The key element that has to be taken into account is budget, keeping in mind if you are not a do-it- yourself (DIY) person, then it is best to leave the job up to a professionals even though this will cut into your bathroom budget, you are guaranteed the job will be done right.  For the DIY’s, making mistakes can be equally costly not to mention frustrating if your plans were not carefully thought out especially when it comes to the plumbing and electrical supply within your bathroom space. According to renovating and contracting firms when homeowners decide to remodel their bathrooms themselves they see a bathroom suite they want, purchase it, and get it home only to run into complications.  People forget when transitioning from a standard bath to a whirlpool bath there are several critical factors that must be considered like plumbing, hot water heaters, and floor supports.  Bathroom floors are built to bear the weight of a standard bathtub not whirlpool spa baths. Today’s custom homes will accommodate most luxury tubs, but floor joists may require reinforcement in older homes if the tub is oversized especially whirlpool baths.  Whirlpool baths have the water capacity of up to 80 gallons, if the proper hot water tank is not installed it will result in tepid bathwater taking away the enjoyment and purpose of  a whirlpool bath.

By creating a blue print to your bathroom remodeling project, you will not only save time, but save money on unexpected amendments in order to compensate your bathroom requirements.

Written by Shelley Murphy on behalf of http://www.victoriaplumb.com/ an online retailer of bathroom furniture, steam showers, whirlpool spa baths and bath related products serving the United Kingdom.



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Monday, October 26th, 2009 Home And Family No Comments

Consumer’s Guide To Bathroom Taps

James Hickman recently asked:


This article explains the key questions that you should consider when purchasing new taps for your bathroom. The information is aimed at consumers in the United Kingdom.

Question 1: Whats the tap made of ?

Taps can be made from a range of materials of varying quality and cost.

A general rule of thumb is that the heavier the tap the better the quality of materials used!

Plastic

Plastic taps are very cheap and very low quality. They are very light and are offered in a variety of colours. Plastic taps cannot be recommended for bathroom use because of their poor performance and short expected operational life.

Standard Brass ABS/Mazac

Standard brass is regularly used to manufacture the bodies of mid-priced, medium quality taps.

Many tap components (such as handles) can be made from ABS (plastic) or an alternative material sometimes referred to as Mazac (Pot Metal). These are cheaper than using brass, and whilst the quality is regularly very good, brass offers a better finish and lasts longer.

Standard brass taps are suitable for bathroom use, with or without ABS or Mazac components.

DZR Brass

Whilst, standard brass has gained complete acceptance in many facets of the water distribution industry, in certain circumstances when exposed to particular combinations of pH and concentrations of chlorides, they can experience a serious form of corrosion known as dezincification.

The answer to this is a dezincification resistant alloy, normally referred to as DZR brass.

This is the Rolls Royce material for taps and the highest quality product will be made from DZR brass without any ABS or Mazac components

Question 2: Will the taps work with your system pressure ?

First the good news, if you have a combi-boiler or un-vented hot water system then you dont need to fret about pressure, both high pressure and low pressure taps will work well with your system.

However, if you have a traditional gravity fed system, with a cold water storage tank in the attic, and a hot water cylinder then you will want to be more cautious.

Firstly you want to work out how much water pressure you have:

Calculate the distance, in meters, from the bottom of the cold water storage tank, to the outlet of the tap and multiply by 0.1 to give you the pressure in bar:

e.g. 1.1 Meters x 0.1 = 0.11 bar

2.5 Meters x 0.1 = 0.25 bar

If you want a bath/shower mixer with a showering handset, then you must determine the distance from the foot of the cold water storage tank to the height at which the handset will be used, not the height of the tap, or the handset when it rests in the support.

You also need to be aware that elongated pipe work runs rapidly use up any pressure inside a system, so if your taps are a long way from the cold storage tank then you will want to lessen the calculated pressure to take account of this.

Once you have a good idea of your water pressure then you need to verify that whatever taps you are looking to buy will work at that pressure.

As a rule of thumb many designer taps come from Europe where the water systems have superior pressure than in the UK and these taps wont work if you have very low pressure.

Designer taps made specifically to work on low pressure systems are normally more expensive and the retailer will highlight the fact that the taps are suitable for low pressure systems. If it doesn’t say specifically that the taps will work with low pressure then assume the worst and don’t buy without asking the retailer to verify the pressure requirements.

Question 3: What is the operating mechanism of the tap ?

Ceramic disc and spindle refer to the two alternative ways that the inner mechanism of a tap can operate.

Ceramic disc technology is usually used on more costly taps, as they function better and last longer. When the lever is turned, two ceramic discs are parted opening the valve and allowing the water to pour.

The traditional spindle design is commonly used on inferior quality, cheaper tap designs. The tap has a spindle through the core, with the valve seat attached via a screw thread. A standard tap washer is fixed to the end of the valve seat. As the knob is turned the spindle rotates and the screw thread moves the valve seat up and down to adjust the flow of water

Ceramic Disc Taps

Benefits

Drip free never change another tap washer again !

Long Life should never need to be replaced under regular use

Simple to Operate only a quarter turn is required to go from full on to off

Variety of styles works with modern lever designs and round handles

Draw Backs

Inferior flow rates - Unsuitable for very low pressure systems

Spindle Taps

Advantages

Superior flow rates suitable for most systems, high or low pressure

Draw Backs

Hard to operate - handle has to be turned many times from off to full on

Higher maintenance - washers will need replacing often

Less choice of style - cannot be used with modern lever designs

There are two key things to consider.



Unless you have a very low pressure system or are looking for the lowest feasible price then it is best to go for ceramic disc taps.



When comparing tap prices always ensure that both taps use the same mechanism. They may look the same, but if one is ceramic disc and one uses a spindle then the cheapest tap may actually be the worst value!



Question 4: How will the taps connect to your system?

Mono Basin & Bidet mixers are attached to the water supply by connectors, sometimes referred to tap tails. These come in two types, flexible and rigid and the purchaser normally doesn’t get any option within a range of taps.

Both types join directly to normal 15mm copper pipe work.The tap manufacturer usually decides what type of connectors each range of tap he makes will have.

Which kind is most suitable for you depends on where the taps are being installed and who is doing the installation.

Flexible Connectors

Best for DIY Installers: You dont require any plumbing skills, the bendable hose will simply trasnsform into whatever shape is necessary and the connection is made easily by tightening the compression nut with a wrench.

Best for small spaces with difficult access. The flexible hose allows connections in places that would be almost impossible to get into with rigid pipe work.

Rigid Connectors

Best for professional installers: The rigid connectors become part of the sturdy copper pipe run that connects the supply to the tap. The connections are made with capillary fittings, lead free solder and a blow torch. The end product looks neater, lasts longer and is much less prone to leaks.

Best for more open spaces with simple access. Even the most professional installer will want a large enough space to bend and fit the copper pipe run from the supply. If the space is too compact then flexible connectors may be the only viable option.

Question 5: Does the Tap meet the necessary Bylaws and/or Standards ?

British Standards

The first thing that confuses many people is that British Standards for taps are not quality guarantees. They just state certain things that a tap meeting with the standard should do. There is also no requirement that any product is tested by a third party to verify it actually meets the standard, so an assertion that a product meets BS5412 is only as reliable as the business making the claim !

The British Standards signify the minimum that a tap should meet to perform a particular application.

The key British Standards applied to taps are:

BS5412

The specification for low-resistance single taps and combination tap assemblies.

BS1010

The Specification for draw-off taps and stop-valves for water services

There is no British Standard at all for Ceramic Disc taps. So the very fact that somebody quotes that the tap complies with BS5412 or BS1010 lets you know that it is an inferior design spindle tap!

Water Bylaws

All products attached to the UK drinking water supply must be compliant to the UK Water Bylaws. There are independent testing and certification schemes in place to establish conformity, however these are not mandatory in the UK.

The expense of outside certification is high and many top brand tap manufacturers decide not to pay for certification. Any taps that have KIWA or WRAS approval have been tested for compliance and should be of a good quality, but all taps installed in the UK, must by law comply with the Water Bylaws.



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Saturday, October 17th, 2009 Home And Family No Comments

Bathroom mirrors the perfect ensemble

Shelley Murphy recently asked:


White, bright and fabulous bathrooms are all the buzz in the latest bathroom design craze. Bathrooms splashed with boldly colored painted walls and patterned ceramic floor tiles adorned with pristine white pottery bathroom suites create the perfect drama. To finalize the look as the French would say “la piece de resistance”, the bathroom mirror. Bathroom mirrors are one of the primary elements of any bathroom design ensemble simply because they can completely change the look of the bathroom in the sense of how both natural and artificial light are reflected.

Exploring the endless options available in bathroom mirrors, establishing the look one is striving to achieve whether traditional or contemporary, bathroom mirrors have transitioned through the modern ages. Victorian style bathrooms were often built with heavy layers of dark wood types from boxed in baths, wood framed mirror to wainscoting. Today’s traditional styles of bathroom furnishings are sporting similar design concepts, but with a much softer look. Bathroom mirrors are lightly capped with various wood textures and tones and wood bath panels are added to step up the design elements as an extension of tradition. Arched mirrors alone or with the addition of wall sconces for extra lighting can also create a Victorian feel to your bathroom setting.

Selecting the right bathroom mirror

Selecting the appropriate wall mirror is also determined not only by the size of your bathroom, but also on the size of the bathroom vanity, bathroom mirrors should never extend beyond the vanity as it will create an unbalanced look. The ideal wall mirror for bathrooms with double basins, are rectangular wall-to-wall mirrors to disseminate adequate lighting exposing bathroom accessories as well as the other bathroom furniture, increasing the presence of the bathroom.

Solid white bathroom suites are a way of adequately diffusing light for an airy feeling, when the light is reflected off of white bathroom furnishing the illusion of space is instantly created. All white pottery bathroom suites give your bathroom a cohesive look, but more importantly set the stage for the induction of color, warm hues of reds, blues or greens are now showing up in the latest bathroom designs, accented with gallantly solid colored ceramic tiles or tiles with a motif inlay to tie the look of the bathroom together for an inviting sanctuary.

Contemporary bathroom mirrors

Wanting to give your bathroom a contemporary personality, frameless bathroom mirrors with inset lighting deliver all the potential for an ultra modern ambiance. Achieving a modern look with circular or square mirrors is the perfect solution for intricate modern designs. Hanging his/ her matching wall mirrors with an overhanging light feature increases the amount of light in the bathroom again not to exceed the length of either the floor mounted or wall mounted basin furniture, helps to create a sophisticated modern expression especially for more complex bathroom remodeling projects. For even more dramatic results, discovering different uses for wall mirrors can present a unique look, mirrors with built in lighting are also being installed inside shower enclosures and in and around the bathing area creating a shaving area for the males in your home while furthering the functionality of bathroom mirror in supporting additional lighting needs. With today’s bathroom suppliers carry a number of bathroom mirror designs, styles and sizes, scheduling a theme around mirrors and lighting are easily worked in with other bathroom design components.

Written by Shelley Murphy on behalf of www.victoriaplumb.com an online retailer of bathroom furniture, steam showers, shower enclosures, whirlpool spa baths and bath related products serving the United Kingdom.



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Wednesday, September 9th, 2009 Home And Family No Comments