For seniors, the bathroom can be a potentially hazardous place in the home. In recognition of National Bath Safety Month, we’re sharing the information that you need to know about bath safety for seniors. Just a few easy modifications can transform the bathroom into a safer space for the elderly.
The National Council on Aging reports that 1 in 4 Americans aged 65 and over fall each year. These accidents can result in a variety of injuries, some of which can be fatal. Slip and fall accidents frequently occur in the bathroom, where the conditions can be slippery. The risks for seniors are real, but luckily there are effective ways to reduce them. By making some changes to create a more functional space for those with mobility and stability issues, seniors can avoid slip and fall incidents in their bathrooms.
A walk-in tub makes bathing a much simpler and safer experience. Having one professionally installed can be one of the keys to helping a senior stay in the comfort of their own home longer. Walk-in tubs are both stylish and functional. Seniors and their loved ones can have greater peace of mind after installing this type of tub.
Standing in the shower can be difficult, if not impossible for some seniors. A comfortable, durable shower seat is an ideal fix. Shower seats can be installed in an existing tub or stall, and there are also movable options, too.
Grab bars make it much easier to sit comfortably on the toilet and to enter and exit the tub and shower. They’re simple to install and provide essential support for individuals with mobility problems. Many grab bars are movable and can be easily and conveniently transferred to other areas of the room and other bathrooms. Others are mounted securely to the wall, making showering safer.
The pathway to the bathroom and the floor of the room should be kept clean and free of clutter. Consider removing small rugs and bath mats that can be trip hazards. Be sure that any rugs that are used have a secure rubber grip on the bottom to keep them in place. This prevents the rug from shifting around on tile and laminate floors.
Entering a dark bathroom is dangerous for seniors. A basic night light is ideal to keep the room illuminated in the evenings for safety. Consider using an LED light with a sensor that will automatically turn on after dusk.
A safer bathroom is easy to achieve with just a few simple modifications. For seniors planning to stay in the comfort of their own homes for years to come, installing a walk-in tub with a seat is an excellent option. Removing clutter, adding grab bars, and keeping the room well lit are all necessary and helpful. Take the steps to transform the bath into a safe room that can remain functional and provide the comfort that individuals with mobility issues need.
Contact us to start planning your safe bathroom remodel today!
Thousands of people are injured in bathroom accidents each year. Fortunately, many of these incidents are preventable if homeowners follow a few simple safety tips. January is National Bath Safety Month, and a good time for homeowners to look for tips on how to design a safe bathroom. Below are some helpful suggestions on how to prevent bathtub injuries and avoid slipping while taking a bath or shower.
Installing specific accessories can make your bathroom significantly safer than it is currently. For example, grab bars are an excellent addition to any bathroom. Many falls occur simply because there is no practical area to grab onto if you lose your balance or trip. Grab bars can be installed on the sides of the shower, at its entrance, or in both areas, depending on the design of your bathroom. Such bars also make it easier to navigate the shower overall, as they provide a place to grip when stepping in and out of the bath.
Many people have quickly entered a shower or bathtub assuming that the water is at the appropriate temperature, only to discover it is much hotter than desired. This sudden exposure to hot water may cause you to become injured by a burn or by falling if you attempt to hastily exit the shower. Therefore, make sure you have a way to control water temperature or check to make it is a desirable temperature before entering. There are devices available that monitor and control the temperature of the water and prevents it from exceeding a certain degree, so this may be an option for you if you frequently have water temperature concerns.
If your shower has doors, glass fixtures, or similar components, you should make an effort to cover sharp edges in order to avoid cuts, scrapes, and other injuries. This is an important aspect of bath safety, as clothing is not present to provide extra protection when bathing or showering. In addition to covering sharp edges in showers and baths, be sure to cover them on counters as well.
If you or other residents of your home are elderly, you should consider the addition of accessories such as a shower seat and a hand-held shower head. Such devices make it easier and safer for seniors to bathe or shower, particularly those who have balance issues or take medications that may cause dizziness or an unsteady gait.
In certain cases, it may be necessary to plan a remodeling project in order to design a safe bath for you and your loved ones. When remodeling, your contractor can create a floor plan with safety in mind. This way, you can avoid slipping, control water temperature, cover sharp edges, and have the contractor install accessories such as grab bars and seats during the bathroom remodeling process.
Although it is not always possible to completely prevent every minor accident, designing a safe bathroom is a great place to begin. Contact Columbus Bath Design to receive a free estimate and talk to a professional about making your bathroom a safer place.
Almost everyone dreams of living in luxury and bathrooms dreams are no different. What was once a purely functional room, bathrooms have now become an oasis in which to escape the stress of everyday life and enjoy hot baths, beauty treatments, and solitude in a restful environment. Below are some tips on how you can build your dream bathroom in 2018.
A bathroom is one of a home’s most-used rooms. Bathrooms take a lot of abuse because they are highly-functional spaces that must be used on a daily basis. For this reason, when creating your dream bathroom, make sure you choose the shower, tub, sink, and toilet with function in mind, and then move on to your decorative ideas.
Before you begin your bathroom remodel project, keep plumbing considerations in mind, as they will greatly impact where you place your bathtub, toilet, and shower. Walking the space with your professional contractor when making the floor plan is wise. This will ensure a successful outcome, and keep the construction time to a minimum.
Consider whether you want your dream bathroom to be casual or formal and whether you prefer neutral colors or bold patterns and prints. A black and white theme works well for formal bathrooms, while pastels and neutrals are perfect for casual interiors.
Sandy beach colors and blues are often used to create a water theme. Other popular motifs in this category include lighthouses, fish, and seashells. This theme can add an extra level of relaxation to the room.
You can also choose a motif that relates to the area where you live, or a particular architectural style. For example, if you find New England cottage or Victorian themes appealing, show your contractor pictures of the style and ask for a recommendation concerning cabinets, vanities, and sinks.
Asian or Bohemian styles may appeal to you as well. Such themes have increased in popularity over the past several years due to the fun and interesting touch they add to a bathroom.
Even small details concerning your intended decor are important to discuss with your contractor. This will help ensure the basic framework of the new bathroom lends itself well to your preferred style.
When completing one day remodels, remember to discuss and decide on fixtures. Although they are sometimes overlooked and seen as insignificant, fixtures go a long way toward enhancing the style of your new bathroom.
Metal fixtures are quite popular, with gold being the newest trend for faucets, handles, and trim.
Don’t forget to add a botanical touch when completing your bathroom remodel. Most greenery is asymmetrical, so when placed in a bathroom, they can help offset the room’s straight lines and right angles. This ultimately adds a beautiful, soft touch.
Consider other luxurious touches you can add to the bathroom, such as built-in linen storage, a steam room, or a seat in the shower. The possibilities are endless!
Regardless of the style or theme you choose when completing your bathroom remodel, it’s guaranteed that updating this much-used space will add beauty and value to your home. Contact us to start planning your dream bathroom.
No remodeling project is without its hiccups. From minor mistakes to major issues, a bathroom renovation can come with some unexpected problems. However, many mistakes are easily avoidable. Before you start your 2018 renovation project, keep these bathroom remodeling mistakes in mind so that you can avoid them. 
1. Gutting the Bathroom Without a Solid Plan
Once you decide you’re going to take on a bathroom remodeling project, you’ll likely be eager to get started. However, hold off on hammering away at the tile and dismantling the sink before you have a plan. Gutting your bathroom without having a solid plan is one of the biggest mistakes that you can make.
The renovation could take twice as long if you start ripping out fixtures and making a mess without knowing how or when you’ll repair and replace things. Sit down and create a realistic plan for the bathroom. Think about the best time to undertake the project, and check your family’s schedule. The more prep and planning that you do, the smoother the remodeling project will go.
2. Not Having a Budget
You should never start any remodeling project without having at least a basic budget in mind. A budget will help to give you a clear idea of how much you’ll need to spend to achieve the look you want. Costs can quickly spiral out of control if you don’t sit down and go over the numbers before you begin. Take the time to do some research on the cost of the materials and labor to get the bathroom renovated just the way you want it.
3. Leaving Out a Feature You Really Want
Once your bathroom remodel is completed, you don’t want to have any regrets. If there’s a feature you have your heart set on, be sure to include it in the project. Consider that you likely won’t be doing a remodel again for at least a few years, so it’s important to get it right this time.
If cost is an issue, make a budget and set a plan for saving so that you can include the elements you truly want and need. You want a completed bathroom that you’ll love, not a disappointment, so don’t forgo a feature you would really like to have.
4. Not Working With a Professional
There are some things that no homeowner should try to do on their own. These include plumbing and electrical work. Unless you’re a plumber or an electrician, it’s a mistake to try to tackle these tough tasks on your own. Hire a professional to handle the work so that it’s done safely and correctly. You could make a costly mistake at best, and be risking your safety at worst. Spend the money to hire a pro before moving plumbing or rewiring the electrical in the bathroom.
A bathroom remodeling project is an exciting way to update an important space in your home. Avoid these mistakes to ensure that the final result is one that you’ll love for years to come. Contact us today if you have any questions or would like to start planning your dream bathroom.
The start of a new year is the perfect time to plan for updates and remodeling projects around your home. Your budget may be holding you back, but with proper planning, you can save what you need to give your bathroom a fresh look. Here are some tips for saving money so you can afford a beautiful new bathroom in 2018:
One of the first things you need to do is look at the areas where you can cut back and spend less. Take an honest look at your weekly and monthly expenses, and see where you can make cuts. By reducing your expenses, you will have more leftover to put into your savings.
In order to ensure your savings won’t be spent on other things, you should create a dedicated savings fund. You may want to open a new account with your bank that is connected to your checking account. This will allow you to easily transfer money to save for the project. You’ll be able to watch the savings build up over time, and keep better track of your progress.
If a home renovation project is a priority for you, then you will need to reduce your spending on other things. Make a list of your top priorities and allocate money toward them. A bathroom remodel is an excellent priority because it will add value to your home and give you an updated space to use and enjoy every day.
If you don’t already have a budget, now would be a great time to make one. A budget allows you to see your monthly expenses and to track where your money is being spent. You can also determine how much money you would like to spend on a new bathroom, and inhibits you to save more since you can easily identify the categories where costs can be reduced.
Proper planning is one of the keys to keeping the costs of a remodel in check. As you start saving for a new bathroom, you can begin to plan it out. Think about what you would like to have in the space and what elements may need to be replaced. We offer free in-home estimates, so one of our bathroom remodeling experts will be able to tell you exactly how much you need to save. By planning ahead, you can have realistic expectations about the total cost and the completion of the remodel.
Contact us to start planning and saving for a beautiful new bathroom. The new year brings the opportunity to make improvements in both your home and your budget.
As the year ends, it’s a good time to look back at the 2017 trends in the world of bathroom remodeling. Here is a review of the most popular features used in the past 12 months:
Natural MaterialsMany bathroom finishes for 2017 were made from raw materials. For example, vanities and sink basins were often trimmed with metallic elements. Natural stone was also used to create a unique environment.
Many people like to feel relaxed in their bathrooms. Because of this, the choice for wall color is very important. In 2017, earth tones, including pastels and grays, were popular bathroom design trends. Matte instead of glossy finishes have been common as well.
2017 was a year that saw designers mixing textures and materials in bathroom construction and decoration. A soft-edged stone basin, rounded mirror, painted cabinets, and wooden counters are examples of various elements that could be mixed to create an unforgettable bathroom.
As more and more people look to bathrooms as personal retreats, more elegant baths are sure to keep gaining popularity. Some of the latest materials used in bath fixtures are faux, natural, and volcanic limestone. Certain items are being crafted from pressed steel as well.
Many bathtubs are incorporating spa-like jet systems. Unlike the ones of the past, smaller bubbles are being used to add just a touch of relaxation.
Overall, a feeling of wellness and relaxation in the bathroom was the trend for 2017 bathroom remodels and designs.
If you are planning a bathroom remodeling project for the upcoming year, taking a look back at the 2017 trends will be a good starting point. For some advice from the experts, contact the professionals at Columbus Bath Design. Our staff is always available to share the latest bathroom fixtures and accessories for your next project.
Although there are numerous home improvement projects you may be considering for your dwelling, a bathroom remodel is one of the best choices if your goal is to increase your home’s value. Bathrooms are essential areas of any dwelling but are sometimes overlooked by property owners when the time comes to remodel. Therefore, even though the temptation may be to focus on bedrooms or living areas, updating or adding a bathroom is one of the best ways to upgrade your home and boost its resale value.
Bringing value to your home is easy when you renovate your current bathrooms or add a new full or half bath to your dwelling. This is because experts state that the return on investment–ROI–of such projects is quite high.
The proper balance between usability and luxury is essential when remodeling a bathroom. Therefore, adding more natural light, updating cabinet fixtures and installing new tile are great projects that offer an excellent return on your home improvement dollars. This is because such changes are not only practical, they also add an aesthetically pleasing touch to the room. Other additions that offer a good return on your investment include the following:
• Adding a double sink
• Installing heated floors
• Installing a shower sink
• Adding storage space
• Installing a steam shower or Jacuzzi tub in the master bathroom
Increasing the bathroom’s size or creating the illusion of more space are wise projects as well. Replacing an old, outdated bathtub with a glass shower offers a feeling of more space. In addition, installing wall sconces or adding bright lights around a mirror can also make the room seem larger.
Increasing value is important to virtually all homeowners, and updating your current bathroom or adding an extra room of this kind are ideal ways to ensure that you achieve this goal. Contact a qualified and experienced bathroom remodeling company for additional information or to obtain an estimate.
Renovating and updating your home can be a costly and time-consuming project, particularly when it comes to bathroom remodeling. Fortunately, if electrical and plumbing updates are not necessary, there is a virtually limitless number of budget-friendly ideas you can use to transform a dull, drab bathroom and give it a fresh new look. Below are some tips on how to complete an affordable upgrade.
Although it may seem like an overly simple suggestion, painting the walls with a fresh, trendy color and replacing your shower doors with newer models can go a long way toward updating the look of your bathroom. For an ultramodern appearance, opt for a two-tone paint job that will instantly perk up the room.
Stained and worn out bathtubs can also be painted with special paint. Once this is complete, you can invest in new hardware for the tub, shower and sink. For example, you can switch out gold or brass faucets, which are now outdated, with striking metallic black glaze or bright paint.
Install new lighting in the ceiling and over the vanity to instantly modernize this much-used room. However, fluorescent lights should be avoided if possible, as they can be somewhat harsh. Instead, try a natural, soft light in your bathroom.
Even simple things such as hanging new mirrors above the sink or vanity can add a touch of class to essentially any bathroom. Choose a mirror with a stylish look and an interesting frame, or purchase plain mirrors and shop for frames separately to create an entirely unique look.
Replacing old, scratched or worn tiles with new, contemporary pieces is a great way to make your bathroom look brand-new.
Try swapping out venting fans for quieter models to update your powder room, and clear out clutter through the use of stackable drawers and shelves, which are usually not expensive.
When planning an inexpensive remodel, browse through magazines, shop around at home improvement stores and search online for decorating ideas. With a little time and effort, and affordable upgrade for your bathroom can become a reality.
Having a half-bath near the main gathering area in your dwellings, such as the kitchen, foyer or living room, is not only convenient for members of the household and guests, it can also boost your home’s resale value. If your half-bath has seen better days, however, you may need to remodel the area to increase its aesthetic appeal and maximize its usefulness. Below are some tips on how you can complete a successful half-bath remodel project:
Update Your Bathroom with a Statement Sink
The transformation of your powder room may not be as difficult as you think. For example, in a small room such as a half-bath, it is possible to change a single item and create an entirely new look. If your bathroom features an outdated or plain sink, replace it with a vessel sink, small dresser vanity or pedestal sink.
Dress Up the Floor
Changing the floor should also be part of your bathroom transformation. Although this may seem like a small detail, the installation of luxury flooring can almost instantly update the look and feel of the room. Hardwood is a great option, as moisture damage is not an issue in a half-bath. Light woods such as oak and maple can make the room seem larger. Stone tile made from granite or marble can breathe new life into an outdated bathroom as well, as tiles of this kind make a bold statement.
Add Wainscoting
Highlighting architectural details in a small room is another great way to give the area personality and character. The look of your powder room can be transformed simply by installing wainscoting on the walls. Choose from natural light wood finishes or crisp, white glossy paint for instant brightness.
Install a Skylight
Sometimes half-baths are tucked away, and therefore may lack natural light. If possible, add a skylight when completing your half-bath remodel project and enjoy a warmer, softer atmosphere in your bathroom. Fixed or tubular skylights are the best options for small bathrooms.
Although your project may take a bit of time and effort, you are guaranteed to be pleased with your renovated half-bath and the beauty and value it adds to your home.
Regardless of whether your bathroom is old and outdated or you simply want to change the decor and make it more luxurious, your dream bathroom can be a reality.
There are several factors to consider when planning your bathroom remodel project. The first is whether you want a traditional look or prefer another style, such as a contemporary or a “green” bathroom.
Traditional bathrooms typically feature calm colors, sophisticated cabinets, and standard lighting, while contemporary styles use contrasting bold colors, unique lights, and crisp simple lines.
Green bathrooms are highly popular among today’s homeowners as well, and often feature eco-friendly characteristics, such as cabinets and fixtures made from bamboo, and soft, earthy colors, such as various shades of green and brown.
The practical aspects of the project depend on things such as the shape and size of your bathroom, and the desired features. Vent stacks, water lines, and plumbing drains must be considered when you remodel. Therefore, when you or your bathroom designer are evaluating space guidelines, make sure everything is figured into the design.
You may also simply choose to make minor changes that can create a dream bathroom without a high price tag. For example, tiling the floors and walls add a sense of grandness and luxury. You can choose from a variety of patterns and designs to create a dramatic and luxurious look.
Another great tip for a dream bathroom remodels project is to install smoked glass shower doors instead of traditional transparent glass. This definitely creates a luxurious atmosphere in this much-used room. The smoked glass also offers a sense of refinement and privacy, which can add to the overall ambiance of your bathroom.
If you plan to hire an expert for your remodel project, contact one of the experienced professionals at Columbus Bath Design to request a free estimate and find out about one-day remodeling. With a bit of planning and a little creativity, it is entirely possible to make your dream bathroom a reality.
Contact Columbus Bath Design today to start designing your dream bathroom. We look forward to exceeding your expectations.
