Here are some nifty tips to consider:
The floor surface in showers and bathtubs should be non skid for safety
reasons. Any carpets or mats warming up the floor should have a non-slip backing. Floor tiles should have a matte finish to reduce slipperiness when
wet.
Decorating your bathroom window,if you have one, is a great way to heighten the mood and create a particular
style in the room. Whatever style you choose must not impede opening the windows; you don't want to be fiddling with
the curtains whenever you want to ventilate
the room. Shutters are a good
option for country or traditional
look. Plain Roman shades are attractive
and easy to raise andlower, as desired.
All electric outlets must be GFI
(ground fault indicator) grounded.
They must be located at least 5
feet from the shower or tub. Your reno
will cost less if you don't have to relocate the pipes and vent stack.
Grab bars in tubs and showers must
be mounted properly to the studs to
withstand the force to which they may
be subjected when someone pulls on
them. It may be necessary to
insert braces between the studs to
provide the necessary support for
mounting.
For an easy-care bathroom, choose
smooth, nonporous nonabsorbent materials, such as ceramic tile, porcelain, laminate
and glass. lf you are using wood, be sure to seal it with a polyurethane finish.
lf you have torn up the floor or
removed drywall to replace plumbing,
insulate the new pipes to reduce the
noise created by toilet flushes and
drains emptying. These sounds are particularly
apparent if the bathroom is located
above or adjacent to a living or dining
room.
Look for energy-efficient shower heads
and toilets to conserve water.
Bathroom fixtures situated side by side
take up less space than if they are
located opposite eachother.