The age-old question of how to properly choose the “best” option out there, in a sea of choices. The professionals know what to do, so they provide assistance along the way and help you get that perfect shower of your desired convenience. This shower buying guide will examine everything you need to know – from securing a plumber’s consultation, evaluating different types of showers with their functions and materials in mind, as well as safety concerns and how they might play into budgeting for this household upgrade.

Preferably, talk to an expert plumber before you decide on a shower. Before embarking on selecting your bathroom shower, it is crucial that you have one – there plumped for the set of selections varies significantly. They can tell you what your plumbing system needs, evaluate the above, and inspect for any problems that need to be fixed. A comprehensive assessment helps the plumber recommend a suitable shower for you based on factors such as water pressure, the current plumbing system in place, and any unique considerations that could impact the shower installation.

Your Bathroom Layout

Space is a large determining factor for which type of shower will suit best in your home environment. You will have to gauge the space that you are likely altering for your shower and recognize any obstacles in the bathroom structure. Also, determine if you are more of a stand-up shower type or looking for the best bathtub-shower combo to fit your household needs and available space.

Types of Showers

Acrylic Showers

Get introduced to one more wonderful world called traditional, comfortable modernity. The thin glass screen removed from these opulent lines of showers offers a stylish finish with streamlined design matched to easy cleaning.

Shower-over-Bath

If you are looking to make efficient use of the space, as well as family-friendly features, and need a shower near your bath. The best of both worlds, you get to sit back and have a soak or quickly dash in and out when the children are waiting but at this stage I had ditched them so they can just wait! Having both options in one setup means bath time for the little ones is a breeze.

Tiled Showers

Turn your shower into a palette of self-expression with tiled showers. Get creative with the never-ending possibilities of tiles.

Alcove Showers

Get the most out of your bathroom with an alcove shower that doesn’t skimp on comfort. These showers are made to slot into a specifically cut-out corner, providing seamless and space-efficient looks. Check out our guide to discover the pluses of alcove showers and make sure each square inch in your bathroom is designed with style & convenience in mind.

Corner Sliding Showers

Utilize corner spaces and add the convenience of a door with our range of corner sliding showers. A perfect blend of space-saving design and seamless operation, these showers are.

Shower Heads and Functions

The design of the shower head varies, each with its own advantages:

Slide Rails

If you want to have more flexibility or customization in your bathroom like how it will look or what angles come out. This cutting-edge shower system includes a rail with an adjustable hand-held unit, complete with height options to suit your needs. Because of this, those tall actually residing in the household would probably kill for an accommodation like this sliding mechanism that efficiently allows each other to easily switch heights on a whim.

Column Showers

If you prefer a modern and minimalist look, it is good to choose column showers. Shower systems like these combine numerous functions in a single, uncluttered column. Imagine a luxury panel that replaces the fixed shower head, hand-held wand, and integrative additional features like body jets or thermostatic controls with all neatly arranged on one central vertical column.

Stationary Shower Heads

Stationary models are attached to the wall or ceiling and provide an even water flow from a non-moving position. These come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, giving you an option to have one that blends with the look of your bathroom.

Portable Shower Heads

Portable faucets for the bath are useful and can be applied longer on unique places. They work well for cleaning tough spots and bathing pets or children.

Overhead and Rainfall Shower Heads

Rainfall shower heads offer a softer, more relaxing stream of water – as if you’re standing under your own gentle waterfall. Its water flow is very strong and for an added element of luxury, you can purchase one with a jet spray. This new feature brings a spa-like touch to your everyday morning or evening rinse and offers relief in the form of an exclusive targeted massage. They provide a luxurious spa-like experience.

Water-Saving Choices

If you are eco-conscious and also desire to lower water use, go with a low-flow shower head. These are environmentally friendly choices that ensure water conservation without sacrificing performance.

Materials and Finishes

As you go shopping for a shower, keep in mind the materials, and finish can make all of the difference both to match your current bathroom aesthetic and what will last with daily use:

Shower Materials

Perhaps best known are acrylic showers. Every material comes with its own set of pros and cons, durability, maintenance needs as well as resistance to stains & scratches.

Types of Shower Finishes

Getting the finish of your shower right can make a big difference in how a finished bathroom looks. Chrome, white, brushed nickel, brass, or matte black generally are the most common finishes. Find a finish that pairs back with the aesthetic of your bathroom and links into tapware or accessories within your space.

Safety and Accessibility

Safety should be at the top of your list when designing a new shower, especially if you have family members with different levels of mobility or little ones:

Installation Safety Features

Include grab rails & seats to help keep everyone safe in their design for showers.

Non-Slip Floors Alternative

Choose no longer-slippy tiles or mats to save you slips and falls within the bath vicinity – reducing the possibility of accidents happening.

Budget Concerns

Setting an honest budget for your shower installation or remodel is crucial if you want to make sure that you do not spend over your means:

Shower Components

Distribute the money both on the shower head, within a bath enclosure, into mixers, and also at any further tools had.

Installation Costs

Remember that the cost of installation can fluctuate depending on the project’s complexity and any necessary adjustments to your plumbing system.

Get Recommendations from an Expert Before Finalizing

Always do your homework on shower products. This will help you gain knowledge from others and make better decisions on them.

Conclusion

It is a decision that should be made carefully. While the choice of perfect showers for your home may seem like it is something very insignificant, in reality, this element can become decisive. A professional plumber will assess the space available, help guide you through shower types, and make sure that an enclosure meets safety standards. If you ever need help along the way, stop by one of our showrooms. If you do need help, our team of experts is poised to assist you in selecting the perfect shower for your new bath space. And, if you would like assistance from a professional plumber to guarantee it integrates perfectly and is installed effectively as well. Once you have considered all these elements, be reassured that most of your bases are pretty much covered to ensure a happy shower for everyone!

Are you ready to breathe new life into your bathroom space? Renovating your bathroom is an exciting project that can rejuvenate your home, enhance its value, and make your daily routine a little more enjoyable. Before you dive into the world of tiles, fixtures, and paint colors, there’s one crucial step that can’t be overlooked: bathroom demolition. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of bathroom demolition for beginners, helping you start your renovation journey on the right foot.

Why Demolition Matters

Bathroom demolition might not be as glamorous as selecting beautiful tiles or elegant faucets, but it’s an essential part of the renovation process. It’s like a blank canvas that allows you to wipe the slate clean, get rid of outdated features, and create a fresh foundation for your new bathroom design. Here’s why it matters:

1. Safety First: Demolishing your bathroom means removing potentially hazardous materials like old wiring, plumbing, and fixtures. It’s a chance to ensure your new bathroom is safe and up to code.

2. A Clean Slate: Demolition lets you start with a clean canvas. Remove the old tiles, fixtures, and cabinets, and you’ll have a blank space to work with when planning your new design.

3. Cost Savings: While it may seem counterintuitive, proper demolition can save you money in the long run. It can reveal any underlying issues like water damage or rot that need to be addressed before moving forward with the renovation.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you start swinging a sledgehammer, gather the necessary tools and materials to ensure a smooth demolition process. Here’s a list to help you get started:

Tools:

• Safety gear: This includes gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask to protect yourself from debris and dust.

• Sledgehammer: A key tool for breaking down walls and removing tiles.

• Crowbar: Ideal for prying up tiles, fixtures, and cabinets.

• Utility knife: Useful for cutting through drywall and removing old sealants.

• Screwdrivers and pliers: Essential for removing screws and plumbing fixtures.

• Pry bar: Useful for removing trim and baseboards.

Materials:

• Heavy-duty trash bags and containers for debris disposal.

• Plastic sheeting to protect surrounding areas from dust and debris.

• A roll-off dumpster for larger renovation projects, or coordinate with a waste removal service.

• A demolition plan: Before starting, create a plan for how you’ll proceed, including the order in which you’ll remove items.

The Demolition Process

Now that you have your tools and materials ready, let’s dive into the demolition process. You can hire a professional like Flores Excavation and Demolition Company or you can consider tackling the job yourself! Take it step by step, and don’t rush. A careful approach will yield better results.

1. Prepare the Area:

Start by protecting the surrounding areas. Lay down plastic sheeting to prevent dust and debris from spreading to other parts of your home. Cover any furniture or items you want to keep clean.

2. Turn Off Utilities:

Ensure all utilities (water, electricity, gas) are turned off before you begin. This is crucial for your safety.

3. Remove Fixtures:

Begin with the fixtures. This includes removing the toilet, sink, and any other fixtures you want to replace. Turn off the water supply, disconnect the plumbing, and carefully remove them.

4. Remove Cabinets and Vanity:

If you have cabinets and a vanity, use your tools to carefully remove them. Start by removing any screws or fasteners, and then use a crowbar to detach them from the wall.

5. Demolish the Walls:

This is where the sledgehammer comes into play. Carefully break down the walls, starting from the top and working your way down. Be mindful of electrical wires and plumbing hidden behind the walls. It’s essential to avoid damaging them.

6. Remove Flooring:

Use your crowbar and utility knife to remove the flooring. Whether it’s tiles, vinyl, or hardwood, take your time to avoid damaging the subfloor underneath.

7. Clean Up:

As you progress through the demolition, keep the area clean by disposing of debris in heavy-duty trash bags or containers. This will make the process more manageable and less messy.

8. Inspect and Repair:

Once everything is removed, take the time to inspect the space for any structural issues or damage that needs repair. Fix any problems before moving on to the renovation phase.

Demolition Tips for Success

Here are some additional tips to ensure a successful bathroom demolition:

1. Work Methodically: Plan your demolition process, and work in a logical order to avoid unnecessary damage or complications.

2. Label and Save: If you’re planning to reuse any fixtures or materials, label them as you remove them to ensure you can reinstall them correctly later.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly: Follow local regulations for the disposal of construction debris. Consider renting a roll-off dumpster for larger projects.

4. Seek Professional Help When Needed: If you’re uncertain about dealing with plumbing or electrical components, it’s wise to consult with a professional to avoid potential hazards.

5. Protect Yourself: Safety should be your top priority. Always wear appropriate safety gear, and be cautious when handling tools.

Conclusion

Bathroom demolition for beginners is an important step on the path to a refreshed and revitalized bathroom space. Take your time, follow these guidelines, and work carefully to ensure a successful demolition that sets the stage for your renovation project. Remember that if you’re ever in doubt or face complex issues, it’s perfectly fine to seek professional assistance to guarantee a safe and beautiful bathroom renovation. With the old out of the way, your new bathroom design will have the perfect canvas to come to life. Happy renovating!

Is your bathroom looking a little drab and uninspiring? Is your downstairs cloakroom bringing you down? Or is your ensuite leaving a sour taste in your mouth? Perhaps it’s time to liven things up with a good lick of paint and a touch of style? Bathroom colour schemes have varied greatly as the decades have passed. If we head back to the 1970s (the decade that fashion forgot), coloured ceramics were all the rage, with salmon pink and avocado green particular favourites. These shocking shades soon fell by the wayside and now white is almost exclusively the colour of choice for any bathroom suite.

The great thing about having a white bathroom suite is that it pretty much goes with anything, so your creativity can really run wild when choosing a colour scheme that complements your chosen ceramics.

In this article, we’ll provide you with some great bathroom inspiration, by taking a closer look at what type of paint is suitable for bathrooms, which areas of your bathroom you can paint and the on-trend colours you might choose.

Which Paint is Suitable for Bathrooms?

Unlike other rooms in your home, bathrooms (and also kitchens) are areas in which steam, humidity and condensation can play havoc with your walls and ceilings. That’s why you simply cannot use regular household paint in these parts of your property. One of the most common issues in bathrooms is mould growth, resulting in ugly black marks which can appear around walls, ceilings and in between your tiles. This is usually caused by a lack of ventilation, meaning your surfaces remain damp—the perfect breeding ground for mould. If mould is a particular problem in your bathroom, you may need to sort out your ventilation issues before painting. This will also help air your room after applying paint.

When purchasing paint for your bathroom, make sure you choose specialist bathroom and kitchen paint. It will come with an anti-mould formula, which is usually absent from common household paints. Another thing to look out for is a low level of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). These are the nasty chemicals which need to be added to most paints.

Which Areas of my Bathroom can I Paint? 

As long as they are suitable, virtually all the walls in your bathroom can simply be painted. The only areas where paint is unsuitable are splash zones. These include the area immediately around the bath and the walls surrounding your shower. The area behind your basin can also be susceptible to splashes, so paint may not be the best solution here either. Many people choose to tile splash zones and often extend the tiles into other areas. A fully tiled bathroom can look beautiful but will incur greater cost, especially if you are hiring a professional tiler to do the job for you.

Another alternative is to use shower wall panels in your splash zones. These are a more cost-efficient alternative to tiles and are relatively easy to fit, even if you are a DIY beginner. Plus, with no grouting required, they offer a more hygienic surface on which mould cannot develop. Before you attempt to paint any surfaces in your bathroom, make sure they are smooth and free of any lumps and bumps. If necessary, you may need to re-plaster your walls. Make sure they are clean and free from any old wallpaper by using a sponge and sugar water.

Much like painting any other room in your home, make sure you put dust covers down beforehand. This will help protect your bathroom suite and furniture which you can’t temporarily move out. Protect edges by applying masking tape to exposed surfaces like tiles and avoid painting any electrical units like a ventilation fan or light pull switch.

Which Bathroom Paint Colours Should I Choose?

Of course, the beauty of painting your bathroom is that you have a whole rainbow of colours to choose from. However, if you’re lacking inspiration, here are a few bathroom colour ideas which are popular right now.

Shades of grey—You may associate grey with cloudy, overcast days but it really is the colour of the moment when it comes to bathrooms. Why? Well, grey is so versatile and comes in a wide range of shades. Suitable for traditional and contemporary décor, it is a timeless colour that never goes out of fashion.

Spiced Honey—Ever since Dulux named Spiced Honey as their colour of the year for 2019, interior designers have been flocking to reproduce this warm hue which sits somewhere between yellow and orange.

Living Coral—Another colour of the year, this time from the guardians of colour at Pantone. Living Coral (PANTONE reference 16-1546) is described as: “An animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energises and enlivens with a softer edge.” We simply think it’ll leave your bathroom looking pretty in pink!

Azure Blue—Still a firm favourite in bathroom interiors, blue is always a popular choice, especially with nautical designs. To add interest to your walls, you could apply blue in a striped fashion or even add blue furniture.

We hope these bathroom paint ideas have given you all the inspiration you need to make your mark on your home interiors.

Photos: Living Etc.

What kinds of toilets are they? Where can you buy one? What kind of installation do you need to do for such a toilet? There and many other questions that could be lingering on your mind. The first thing you need to know is what kind of a toilet this one is. Well, a composting toilet, just like the name suggests, is a kind of a toilet that treats human waste through a process called composting. Under controlled conditions, the microorganisms turn the human excreta into compost and these toilets mostly do not use water for this process. They can actually be referred to as dry toilets. For you to learn more about these toilets, you can view Home Worthy List website before you make a decision to buy the toilet.

Here are 4 things you need to know about a composting toilet:

These Toilets Do not Smell

With proper maintenance, you can remodel your bathroom with a composting toilet will not emit any smells. The fans and the vents installed will move all unwanted smells out of your bathroom, your boat, your shed or your RV. The only smell that could be coming out of the toilet is an earthy smell. This is a smell that is similar to a nursery or a garden. The key here is that you should maintain the toilet and ensure that the fans and vents are properly and professionally installed.

They are Typically Inexpensive

A good composting toilet system can cost anything from $1,500.  They are not really cheap but they are also more pocket-friendly in the long run. When compared to the cost of installing a septic tank, you will prefer to install a composting toilet. A septic tank could cost you in excess of $10,000.  It would also cost more to repair its leach field. It may actually be impossible to install a septic tank if you live in areas with installation obstacles such as cliffs and solid rocky areas.

They are Environmental Friendly

The fact that most of these toilets use little water for flushing means that they are friendly to the environment and help in water conservation. As we all know, there is a big impact on water shortages all over the world. The big cities face water shortages as well. With the huge amounts of water used for the toilet system, having a toilet that uses little or no water at all makes the water conservation campaign a success.

A  Source of Compost for your Garden

This is yet another benefit that you may have overlooked. The fact that compost is the byproduct of handling the human waste through the compost toilet system means that you will benefit from the organic source of fertilizer for your garden and indeed for the farmers too. Compost is good for the production of bigger and much healthier plants such as flowers, trees, grass, and shrubs.

Keeping every inch of your bathroom glistening and clean is a tough job, and we can relate! If you’ve noticed the caulk around your sink or in your shower is looking dingy, there’s an easy way to fix it to make it look good as new! Keep reading for the easy solution!

What You Will Need:

– Warm Water

– A bucket

– Dish Soap

– Soft bristle brush

– Sponge

– Bleach

Step #1:

The first step is to remove the surface mold. Fill your bucket with warm water and add a dash of dish soap. Apply the soapy water to the mold using the sponge and scrub away the mold.

Step #2:

Rinse the soap away using clean water.

Step #3:

Add undiluted bleach to the caulk to kill any mold spores that are left. The bleach will also help whiten the caulk. Allow the bleach to sit on the caulk for about 15 minutes.

Step #4:

Gently scrub the caulk with the bristle brush. Rinse the bleach away with clean water when finished.

Photos: Sash Co, Element of Style Blog, BHG, This Old House.

Cleaning your bathroom is definitely not a fun, nor easy task to do. Who likes scrubbing the toilet and cleaning out hairs from the drainage? Every time we look to get the job done as fast as possible, but end up doing more bad than good. We’ve rounded up some of the most common mistakes you are probably already guilty of doing right now.

1. Using One Product for Everything

Don’t think a spray of Windex is all you need to clean your bathroom – every area needs it only specific product fit for the job. Glass cleaner may make thinks look shiny and pretty, but deep down it’s really not doing much. Use a tub-and-tile spray like Mr. Clean to deep clean germs and dirt, and save the Windex for your mirrors and windows.

 2. Putting Back a Wet Toilet Brush

After cleaning your toilet with the toilet brush, putting a soaking brush back into the holder is just asking for trouble. A breeding ground of germs and bacteria forms and is definitely not something you want to have in your home. Instead, place the brush across the toilet seat and allow all the water to drip down into the bowl and dry completely before putting it back.

3. Only Cleaning Obviously Dirty Parts

Even if some parts of your bathroom already look clean, there is no reason you shouldn’t freshen them up. Germs and bacteria can’t be seen so it’s important to get at every corner like your bathroom wall tiles, and not to mention that dirty grout! If dirty, discolored grout is a big culprit in your bathroom, consider installing PVC bathroom cladding. These bathroom panels are cheap to install, and will save you a lot of pain cleaning in the long run.

4. Not Turning on the Fan

Keeping the fan running is one of the best ways to cut out the formation of mold and bacteria from growing in your bathroom. Before getting into the shower, turn it on and then leave it running for about 20 minutes after your are done. This way it will suck out the moisture and keep your bathroom nice and dry. You can also just open up the window and create a draft to dry up your space.

5. Keeping the Shower Curtain Open

An open bunched up shower curtain is a culprit for attracting mildew and mold. After showering make sure to pull the curtain closed so it can dry easier. If you noticed a cloudy build up on your curtain, toss it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with some towels and a little bit of bleach.

6. Skimping on Cleaning Little Details

The tiniest details in your bathroom can be the dirtiest like doorknobs, drawer pulls, and not to mention the toilet handle! Make sure to thoroughly disinfect and wipe down everything to make sure you aren’t spreading even more germs around your bath.

For a cheap way to jazz up your bathroom faucets, try coating them with spray paint for a new look. It’s easy to do any only requires a few simple steps. Keep reading for the tutorial!

Step 1:

Take out the faucets and sand them down well using a 3M sanding block.

Step 2:

Wash and dry the faucets. Then, tape the areas you don’t want painted. Put the knobs in the ‘off’ position so the paint doesn’t interfere with the opening and closing function.

Step 3:

Spray each piece in a few light coats using Rustoleum’s primer in ‘rust’. Allow each coat to dry for at least 8 hours.

Step 4:

Follow the same steps for the oil-rubbed bronze spray paint.

Step 5:

Spray the faucets using a high-gloss lacquer using the same steps. Allow the paint to fully cure for at least 2 weeks before putting the faucets back.

That’s it! Check out these amazing before and after photos!

Before:

After:

Photos and idea: DIY Show Off.