Some of the most overlooked items in bathroom renovations are all the small pieces that come after all the big work is done. These include faucets, shower heads, window treatments, racks and even heaters. Because by the time the renovation is coming to an end the impatience of getting the room finished quickly for use sometimes overrides the care needed to finish off the bathroom properly. Long after the workers leave there may be some annoying questions popping up in your mind such as, �Why didn't I replace the ceiling fan when the electrician was here?�
|
Let's face it, unlike any other room in the home the bathroom cannot be down for very long. Even if you have a spare bathroom you might have others who use it that are used to their own schedule and have their own personal stuff about the place: razors, towels, etc. So who wouldn't want the job to go as fast as possible and who wants to wait to move back in when there are a few pieces missing? Just a few minutes of planning beforehand can get you back into you bathroom with out missing any additions.
|
1) Heaters: Many older homes do not have a designated heater for the bathroom and, depending upon your geography, may not need one. However, a betting man would wager that the homeowner in Wisconsin does not want to step onto an ice-cold floor in February. If there is no heat duct from central heating you can choose from a couple of options:
Radiant heat: This is usually a timed, overhead infrared light but there are units available that can be hardwired onto the wall and contain a fan that blows the heat downward. This iosa good choice if baseboard space is limited.
Baseboard Heater: This is the simplest choice. It is easy to install and is controlled with a thermostat.
|
2) Lighting: Not much thought is given to lighting in a bathroom. We usually accept the best overall lighting concept and that's it. But lighting is as important in bathrooms as in kitchens because there is a lot of close-up work in bathrooms and no one wants to shower in a dark enclosure.
- Task Lighting: This type is needed for shaving and applying makeup so it stands to reason it should be on both sides and above the main mirror area to avoid shadows. So count on three (3) as a minimum.
- Fill Lighting: The bathroom should be almost as bright at night as it is when, or if, the natural light comes in. This is for ambiance and for safety concerns. These could be overhead lights which encompass the whole bathroom area or a series of sconces or other smaller wall-mounted ones.
- Accent lighting: if you have a small waterfall, statue or picture that you want displayed small accent lights can be used in conjunction with the others.
|
3) Windows: Many older homes have windows in the shower area. In cases like this whole walls have had to be replaced because of water leakage and mold. However, properly sealed opaque-vinyl windows give a great accent to the room as do glass blocks.
|
4) Racks and Holders: These are items which take a lot of punishment and should not be just add-ons. In fact the best ones are mounted to the framework rather than relying on anchor plugs to affix the bases. The best toilet roll holders are installed into the wall and screwed to the frame.
|
5) Mirrors: This is another item that can now be and add-on because the old medicine cabinet mirror that has to be fitted into the wall is pass�. This mean that you can choose your vanity and then match your mirror to it: oval, square, etc.
|
6) Faucets: Most faucets are used daily for many years and so you'll want to buy ones that not only look great but will be worry-free for years. Unfortunately, price is not necessarily the best measure but if you check with the contractor he or she will be able to steer you in the right direction.
|
7) Shower Fixtures: For energy and water savings go with the restricted flow type. The new ones give the same �punch� as the old flow heads without the water usage. This saves on the hot water bill too.
|
8) Flooring: For a small bathroom a quick and long-lasting floor is cushioned vinyl. It is quickly installed and is virtually waterproof. Besides, it comes in a variety of colors and is a fraction of the cost and mess of porcelain tile.
|
9) Exhaust Fans: Moisture is always a problem in the bathroom. It can cause paint to peel, doors to warp and promote mold growth. A simple exhaust fan can greatly reduce or eliminate the many problems created by excess moisture. Here are a couple of tips to buying one:
-
Noise Factor: The noise ratio is measured in �sones� and choose a fan rated at 5 sones or less.
- Capacity: Go by measurement. A normal 5 X 8 bathroom needs a fan which draws about 50 cubic feet per minute.
- Other: Timers and separate switches are a personal choice.
|
For more information on permits for bathroom remodeling in the Long Beach area:
City of Long Beach
333 W. Ocean Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90802
Tel: (562) 570-6555
Website: Long Island Permits |