Garage Conversions

If you don't need your garage for your car (or the entire garage), there are so many options on how you can use this premium space. Your decision will dictate if you need to add services such as heat, air conditioning, additional electrical, and insulation before you begin your project. You may also need a permit depending on what you do and what town you live in. Let's explore some interesting and fun possibilities.

Questions to ask yourself:

1. Do you need more living space for a family member?

2. Do you want to add a specialty room? - Wine cellar, gym, child or adult playroom, den, movie room, outdoor kitchen, dining, artist den, music studio, home bar, office, conference room, studio apartment, library...

3. Do you simply want to organize the garage with your tools and workbench?

Below are some ideas and thoughts about a garage renovation.

If you have an attached garage, the utility hook-ups may be easier than a detached garage conversion. In the NY Metro area, the only conversions that will not need heat/air conditioning would be a workshop/tool organization remodel, and possibly a playroom which can be used 8 months out of the year and even longer with a coat in the dead of winter and a fan in the heat of the summer. When you look at the overall benefits of all-year round use, the cost of adding utilities is worth it for your enjoyment. Add a shed for your lawn tools and you can free up a great deal of space. If you have a double garage, you doubled your possibilities! You may want to hire a designer and/or architect, depending on how complicated your project is. Click the link below for some more great ideas.

Fun Garage Conversions

How to choose a countertop for your kitchen

By Guest Blogger - Tanya Douglas - www.eastcoasthaul.com

Popular Quartz Countertop. Gray vein on white

Whether you plan to renovate your kitchen or build a new one from scratch, you'll have to make some serious decisions. One of the most challenging choices you'll have to make during this process is which countertops you'll put in your new or refreshed kitchen. From functionality to design, there are a lot of factors that will affect your final decision. You'll have to sit down and seriously think about how much you will use the kitchen, what material you like, what design and style you prefer, etc. Therefore, to help you in the decision-making process, we prepared an article that will answer the burning question: How to choose a countertop for your kitchen? Now, let's see what factors you'll have to consider and how to deal with potential dilemmas!

Whether you plan to renovate your kitchen or build a new one from scratch, you'll have to make some serious decisions. One of the most challenging choices you'll have to make during this process is which countertops you'll put in your new or refreshed kitchen. From functionality to design, there are a lot of factors that will affect your final decision. You'll have to sit down and seriously think about how much you will use the kitchen, what material you like, what design and style you prefer, etc. Therefore, to help you in the decision-making process, we prepared an article that will answer the burning question: How to choose a countertop for your kitchen? Now, let's see what factors you'll have to consider and how to deal with potential dilemmas!

Consider your budget

You can't choose the right countertop for your kitchen if you don't know your budget. This is for the sole fact that the prices of materials range widely. For example, pricier options would be marble or granite, and more affordable ones are quartz and laminate. Also, even though some materials are expensive, they are a good investment. This means if adequately maintained, some kitchen countertops can last forever.

So, not only do you have to consider the price when choosing a countertop for your kitchen, but you also need to think about maintenance, durability, and if it's a good investment. Only then will you be able to set the budget. That's why we recommend choosing your ideal countertops and then finding the version of it that you can afford.

For example, maybe the marble countertops are all you ever wanted, but they hardly fit your budget. The best alternative here is to go with quartz - a similar look that's more affordable. However, depending on the variations between your dream countertops and the less expensive alternative, it may be worth spending a bit more on something you'll be living with for years.

A decent rule of thumb is to allocate 15 to 30% of your kitchen renovation budget to countertops. According to experts, if you spend less than 15%, the quality may be lower than the other materials you're utilizing, but if you spend more than 30%, you may be overdoing it.

Factor in the time you spend in the kitchen

When attempting to find the ideal countertops for your kitchen, you first think about how they'll look. However, if you do not choose a material that can survive daily use, your money will be squandered. So consider the following:

• How do you and your family use the kitchen?

• Do you cook frequently? Do you need to make it extra functional and organized?

• Do your countertops show signs of wear and tear from hosting parties or having children in the house?

• How long do you intend to stay in your current home?

Getting more than one type of material is one method to accommodate varied purposes for your kitchen. If you slice a lot of food while cooking, you can consider using a butcher's block for a portion of your countertops to create a built-in cutting board. Or perhaps you bake frequently and could work with dough on a marble countertop.

You may also save money by mixing and matching kitchen countertop materials. For example, if you have a huge island, you may select to put a less expensive material there. Then you may spend a bit more money on surrounding counters that are smaller in space.

How much maintenance are you willing to put up with?

If you want to choose a countertop for your kitchen that will serve you well, you need to ask yourself another question - how much maintenance are you willing to do in the kitchen? We suggest being truthful with yourself here because if you're not - you can cost yourself a lot of money.

So, before you fall in love with the aesthetics of the material, learn about the maintenance requirements. Remember the following:

• Porous materials such as marble, limestone, and granite must be oiled and sealed yearly.

• Other materials, like quartz, require only a simple wash-off.

• Butcher block is long-lasting but must be regularly sealed to avoid deterioration.

Quartz is a popular kitchen countertop material since it does not require any care. It is non-porous and long-lasting. Granite is also popular, although it is gentler than quartz and may need to be refinished.

Which materials please your aesthetic wishes?

And now for the ever-present question: what will look best in my kitchen? Rather than an exact match, use a tone that complements or contrasts with the cabinetry. For example,  brown countertops on natural white oak cabinets provide a harmonized effect, whereas black granite on painted white cabinets creates a contrast. Now, ask yourself whether you want framed or frameless cabinetry, etc. 

Here is a list of questions to consider when deciding which kitchen countertop material and color will complement your style:

• Do you have a favorite countertop color?

• How do your choices contrast with the existing kitchen walls?

• Do you think your paint and hardware preferences will change?

• Do you like your present kitchen style or wish to change it?

We recommend going with a versatile color. Paint and accessories might vary over time, so having counters that can match anything is a smart idea. Choosing a material with veins or splashes of color can also help you keep your options open.

Keep your belongings safe during the renovation

Once you choose a countertop for your kitchen, you'll have to start preparing the space for the renovation. This includes finding the best way to protect your belongings during remodeling and letting constructors have room to work their magic. The best option here is to rent a storage unit. Fortunately, NY is full of great companies that offer excellent storage services. So, all you have to do is find the best one for you! 

How to choose a countertop for your kitchen: Final words

As you can see, you have many choices when it comes to kitchen countertops. Therefore, you'll have to carefully think about what you need and want to make the right decision. In addition, there is a wide range in prices, so you'll have to factor in your budget before you choose a countertop for your kitchen. And don't forget you can always mix and match materials. All we have to say for the end is - happy renovation!

A combination of quartz in the kitchen and wood on the bar

Luxury Wellness Products & Design

Luxury homes - new build or remodel - include elements of wellness to enhance a healthy indoor atmosphere, exercise, relaxation, nutrition and calmness. Clean, minimalist design is a part of achieving the wellness experience at home. Soothing colors in bathroom spas and bedrooms help to create calmness. Bathroom spas continue to have room for a yoga mat, windows, plants and steam showers.

All home water filters and air purification are popular when wanting a healthy atmosphere. Indoor/outdoor exercise areas have replaced many gym memberships.

In the kitchen, nutrition wellness has given way to designing in steam ovens, herb gardens and storage for spices, fresh fruits and vegetables. Specialty appliances like Blast Chillers, wine storage units and vacuum sealers are gaining traction in luxury designs. Open floor layouts remain a request of many local residents to enhance family gatherings. Outdoor kitchens add another dimension to wellness at mealtime. The outdoors is soothing and can be therapeutic.

Room for Fido and Tabby. Pets add to the well-being of many families. Creating a space that helps keep them clean, bathed and fed is a great plus. Whether it is in the kitchen, under a stairway or in the mudroom, it will help promote cleanliness and can be adorable at the same time.

https://robbreport.com\

Mid-Century Modern Design

Mid-Century Home

Below is a short summary on Mid-Century Modern Design:

Mid Century Modern Design has become very popular again. The design era of the 1950's was driven by the need for simplicity, clean lines and functionality. This era is noted for a lack of ornamentation, minimalist design and open floor plans. Large windows opening the indoors to the outdoors was a key architectural design element. Other design elements include a lot of wood, metal, color, curves and unique shapes.

The wood veneer flat door kitchen cabinet blends perfectly into the mid century concept. Teak wood furniture was the most popular wood in the 50's. Terrazzo tiles for floors, counters and backsplashes are signatures of mid-century design and are all the rage today. Terrazzo is colorful and playful! Black and white checkered floors, hardwood and cork floors were also popular.

We see these elements designed into many of our projects. People desire more simple homes that connect with nature. We happen to love this look too!

Terrazzo

Mid Century Kitchen

Terrazzo

Smart Glass - Opaque to Clear - Up to 20% Energy Savings

In 2021 and continuing in 2022, installing larger windows has become a popular design element in many renovations. Homeowners want more natural light and outdoor views. This is where Smart Glass comes in as an option for luxury homes and apartments. We do luxury renovations and can include Smart Glass in your project.

Below is information from the blog: What is Smart Glass?

This blog clearly explains the benefits and why it is becoming more popular. Smart windows are markedly more expensive than regular windows. However, they do provide up to a 20% energy savings. With energy costs rising with no end in site, this savings is an added benefit of Smart Glass.

From the Blog:

Smart glass lets its users optimize the views in their homes and businesses. Offering both privacy and cost-saving benefits, this special glass is minimalist, innovative and creative. Using special technology, smart glass reduces the need for blinds and curtains and can instantly darken or lighten a room by remote access. Here’s what you need to know about smart glass.

Smart glass is a specialty glass that changes based on the external temperature or by remote control. It lets users manually or automatically control light, heat, and glare in their rooms. With the ability to go from clear to dark in seconds, smart glass is suitable for residential and commercial use. The innovative design makes it popular for use in homes, hospitals, showrooms, and boardrooms as room dividers or for privacy.

Major Benefits of Smart Glass

• Glare-reducing
  

• Block harmful UV rays
  

• Self-tinting capabilities
  

• Increase energy-savings
  

• Cost-efficient
  

• Prevents discoloration of furniture and flooring
  
  

Click link to read more.... What is Smart Glass?

Our staff speaks (8) languages and can accommodate almost everyone. English, Spanish, Chinese, Hebrew, Arabic, Japanese, French and Polish. 我们提供中文服务

Prevent sewer backups (in your home)

Written by Mandy Sleight

A sewer backup occurs when a waste line is blocked, causing wastewater to backup into the home. In the United States:

• Over 500,000 sewer backups happen every year, according to the Association of California Water Agencies.

• Sewer backups are increasing at an average rate of 3% per year, according to the Civil Engineering Research Foundation.

• Between 23,000 and 75,000 sanitary sewer overflows occur each year, according to EPA estimates.

• The estimated out-of-pocket costs for sewer backup damage in the home are between $2,000 and $10,000. Actual costs can be much higher when factoring in personal property and dwelling damage. (waterdamagedefense.com)

To prevent sewer backups in the home, properly dispose of household waste, install a backup water valve, inspect and trim tree roots growing near the sewer line, and add more water to ensure waste moves into your septic tank or city sewer line.

What is a sewer backup?

A sewage or sewer backup happens when subsurface water comes up through the sewer or drainage system into your home, such as your toilet, sinks or shower. A sewer backup may be caused by pipe deterioration, tree roots intruding into the line or by improperly disposing of sanitary products, toilet paper, rags, fat, grease or oil.

Improperly diverting downspouts, stormwater or groundwater into the sewer system can also cause sewer backup into the home due to an overabundance of water overwhelming the drainage system. The private line on the property is often the cause, but sometimes, the sanitary sewer system can overflow and backfill into the public line and private homes.

When is the City Responsible for Sewer Lines?

The city’s responsibility usually begins at the main sewer line that sits beyond your private property boundaries. You are typically responsible for the sewer line on your property, including the upper and lower lateral lines. Though this line typically extends beyond your property, you are usually still responsible for it until it connects to the main sewer line.

How to prevent a sewer backup

There are several things homeowners, renters and property owners can do prevent a sewer backup:

• Flush only toilet paper.

• Keep sewer lines clear of tree roots.

• Do not plant trees or bushes near sewer lines or laterals.

• Hire a professional to install an exterior cleanout.

• Avoid putting fat, grease and oil down the drain.

• Line or replace old pipes.

• Install a sewer backup valve.

• Avoid connecting downspouts, french drains, sump pumps or flood control systems to the sanitary sewer line.

• Hire a professional to inspect your plumbing and sewer lines.

• Elevate the house drain

Main causes of sewer backups

The main causes of sewer backups in the home are usually homeowner or tenant errors. Most often, a backup in the sewer line happens from:

• Flushing sanitary products, flushable wipes, diapers and paper towels down the toilet.

• Clogging pipes with fat, oil, grease, coffee grounds, eggshells and fibrous vegetables.

• Planting bushes and trees close to sewer lines can cause roots to infiltrate the lines.

• Excess rainwater being diverted into sewer systems.

• Pipes aging and deteriorating, causing a break or fracture in the sewer line.

The EPA estimates most United States sewer system lines are an average of 33 years old. Aging infrastructure can also be a cause of sewer backups into the home from the main sewer line.

The dangers of sewer backup

Sewer backups can cause damage to your home and belongings, depending on the extent of the backup. Not only is the cleanup intense and smelly, but it can also be costly to replace expensive bathroom and kitchen cabinets and fixtures.

If the water is not cleaned up quickly and thoroughly, mold could develop in your home. Wastewater can also contain bacteria, parasites, viruses and other toxins that can make you and your family very sick.

How expensive is a sewer backup?

A sewer backup without dwelling or belonging damage is still fairly expensive to repair. Estimates range from $2,000 to $10,000 for the cleanup and restoration, and it can get costly quickly if there is more damage, such as:

• If the cause is unknown, a plumber will need to do a camera inspection with an average cost of $560.

• If a tree root was found to be the cause, it could cost about $600 to remove.

• If a sewer line needs to be replaced, it can cost between $50 to $200 per foot.

• Excavation of the sewer line to replace it costs between $6 to $15 per linear foot.

• If your finished basement needs carpet, baseboards and walls ripped out and replaced, it will cost an average of $6,000 or more.

If all of these things happen, the cost of the sewer backup would be at least $10,000 in addition to cleanup and restoration costs. Other damage can also occur.

What does sewer backup insurance cover?

Sewer backup coverage under a home insurance policy pays for accidental direct physical loss to your dwelling or personal property. Exact coverage limits vary by carrier, and almost all providers require an optional endorsement on your homeowners policy for this specific coverage. Consider your coverage limits when purchasing sewer backup insurance, which caps how much the insurance company will pay in the event of a backup. Given the hefty price tag that comes with sewer backups, sewer backup insurance is probably worth looking into, particularly if you live in an older home or area where the sewer lines are likely older, too.

What to do if you experience a sewer backup

A sewer backup can cause damage to your home and belongings and lead to mold and disease if not cleaned up promptly. To prevent further damage and limit disease exposure there are some things you can have a professional do (or some you may be able to do yourself):

• Shut off power to the affected areas of your home.

• Use a wet vac to remove liquids and solids.

• Disinfect solid floors and walls.

• Remove and discard absorbent materials like carpets and wallboard.

• Flush and disinfect pipes and plumbing fixtures.

• Clean ductwork if needed.

Sewer backups are most often caused by clogged pipes from household materials, tree roots or pipe failures. Avoid flushing anything but toilet paper down the toilet and putting fats, oils, grease and other clogging materials down the drains. If a sewer backup occurs, take pictures of the damage to document it and begin cleanup immediately to prevent illness and further damage.

Written by

Mandy Sleight

Insurance Contributor

https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/prevent-sewer-backup/

Read more From Mandy

Mandy Sleight has been a licensed insurance agent since 2005. She has three years of experience writing for insurance websites such as Bankrate.com, MoneyGeek and The Simple Dollar. Mandy writes about auto, homeowners, renters, life insurance, disability and supplemental insurance products.

How to Avoid Over-improving your home or under-improving your home.

Do you know people who spend outside their typical neighborhood budget on a renovation? Too much or too little? Picture a home worth $350,000 and putting in a $100,000 kitchen. That homeowner will not recoup the value when selling. We know every neighborhood has a maximum price a person is willing to pay to live in.

On the other side, we can be assured celebrities drip in diamonds, not cubic zirconias. The same concept applies to homes in upscale neighborhoods. Choosing "Cubic Zirconia" like products in an upscale neighborhood renovation will almost definitely be a negative feature when selling. What they don't realize is a low end renovation on a valuable home not only lowers the value of their home, it is much harder to sell when they need to.  

Luxury Home - Don’t skimp on luxury materials for your renovation

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) recommends remodeling a kitchen with a budget of 10-25% of your home's value.  According to the NKBA, you should expect to spend between 5 to 10 percent of your home's value on a bathroom remodel.

For a $1.5 million home on Long Island or NYC, it makes sense to spend $150,000 on the renovation. Luxury cabinetry, luxury appliances, flooring, tiles, countertop adds value to this level home. Some clients also choose, to expand their kitchen. And a professional designer adds an amazing dimension to the kitchen design. A luxury homeowner doesn’t want to just buy cabinets from a cabinet salesman. They benefit greatly from design advice and expertise a kitchen designer offers them.

Imagine a $2M home in Upper Brookville fitted with low grade stock cabinets and an inexpensive, non-built-in appliance package. Picture a $400K Levitown home with custom luxury cabinetry surrounding a $35,000 appliance package. Neither benefits the client unless they plan on living in the home indefinitely and are not worried about the impact it has on the value of their home or pocketbook.

Yet how often do people cheapen their home & lifestyle with inferior products? Some people spend more on their depreciating Mercedes than their entire kitchen renovation. Compromising on materials such as cabinetry as well as renovations that improve ones lifestyle is short sighted.

Inexpensive Home

Home staging has become popular to sell homes. But if the kitchen is outdated or low grade, no home staging will help.

Keeping to the home’s style is also important. Putting an ultramodern kitchen into a 100-year-old Tudor home isn’t typically the way to go. It can detract from the value. A new space should be designed to be congruous with the rest of the house’s architecture and improve the clients home life.  

As a standard practice, we advise clients on the best options for their lifestyle as well as resale value of their home. Of course, it is the client's choice but we feel it is our obligation as experts in the field to let them know our thoughts.  What do you think?

What is the difference between Framed vs. Frameless Cabinetry?

Perfectly named, framed cabinets are cabinets with a face frame that covers the front of the cabinet box. Framed cabinetry is used for traditional, transitional and inset cabinetry. There are three main styles. You can choose a full overlay style that covers most of the face frame with a small reveal around the doors. Partial overlay shows more of the frame and is usually a less expensive option. A very popular framed style is called inset. This is when the cabinet doors are recessed within the cabinet frame fully exposing the face frame . There are beaded and non-beaded inset options. Framed cabinetry advantages include a very sturdy box and ease of installation. If you like crown molding, it can be placed right onto the frame. There is however, less storage space (including the drawers) due to the frame. Most framed cabinets have a center stile which limits access as well. Some brands (like Rutt), you can eliminate the center stile up to a certain height cabinet.

Frameless cabinets (also called full access) do not have a face frame nor center stiles. Modern Cabinetry is frameless. Most European cabinetry is frameless. Since there is no frame, there is more storage space (especially in the drawers) and easier access into each cabinet. The box is usually thicker to create more stability. Only full overlay doors are used. The hinges are attached to the side of the box. Frameless cabinets are typically designed with flat, slab doors to create a sleek minimalist look. Many brands build the box with particle board instead of plywood. Things to consider:

1. Storing heavy items on shelves and bottoms can cause sagging on wide cabinets

2. If your walls are not straight, installation will be more difficult

3. Edge banding can peel over time

Before you or your client make a decision, the first consideration is what style you love. Definitely go in person to a showroom to view them side by side. If you have specialty items such as large plates or big pots, bring them. See how they fit and how you want to store and access them optimally.

How to Equip the Perfect Bathroom According to Your Lifestyle by Guest Blogger

BLOG by Guest Blogger - Cassandra Rosas

Whether you’re looking for luxury at home or caring for an elderly loved one, your bathroom design can make a big difference in how you live your life. With the right décor and a few helpful features in place, you can enjoy a beautiful, comfortable bathroom that serves your needs. From a luxe spa-like retreat in the master bathroom to a cozy guest bath tucked in a hallway, it’s easy to elevate this part of your home and take it to the next level. Check out these helpful tips to guide you and give you inspiration so that you can design the ultimate bathroom according to your unique lifestyle.

Essentials for a Luxurious Bathroom

You can live a life of luxury in your own bathroom if you have the right fixtures, finishes, and accessories. Here are some ideas that will transform your bathroom into a stunning spa.

Smart gadgets. Bring in some smart gadgets and AI technology to make your bathroom more convenient. A Bluetooth shower speaker you can activate with voice commands lets you listen to your favorite music while you scrub. Try a few other high-end gadgets in your bathroom, like electric towel warmers, a lighted toilet seat, and a touch-free liquid soap dispenser.

Make it trendy. Update the lighting and fixtures in your bathroom to give it a modern aesthetic. Choose new designs featuring on-trend finishes like matte black or sleek brushed gold. One easy way to keep up with the current bathroom trend is to switch out your towels, shower curtain, and bath rugs to keep things fresh and new.

Enjoy a sauna. If you have the budget, consider installing a beautiful sauna in your bathroom to help you detox and relax. You can also create your own sauna-like environment to relieve those aching muscles and de-stress at the end of the day.

Upgrade the tile. A luxe bathroom should have high-end finishes, so consider changing your old ceramic bathroom tiles to something a bit more refined. Installing marble tiles is a fabulous way to create a luxe look and give your bathroom a sophisticated vibe.

Install a huge shower. Don’t suffer in a tiny shower or a cramped tub-and-shower combo. Upgrade your shower, and make it huge, with more than one showerhead, for an awesome experience. Finish the new shower with glass doors and some high-end tile on the floor and surround.

Choose nice mirrors. Stay away from basic, contractor-grade mirrors if you want a luxurious bathroom. Update your mirrors to something sleek and unique with decorative frames, unusual shapes, and a sleek gold or silver metallic finish.

Consider a Japanese toilet or a bidet. Japanese toilets and bidets have an elongated shape and typically extend from the bowl to the floor for a seamless look. These gorgeous toilets will instantly elevate your bathroom and give it a beautiful, contemporary vibe.

Finish with artwork. Express yourself in your new bathroom by hanging some select pieces of artwork. It can be anything from a beautiful painting of a pastoral landscape to a colorful modern abstract piece. The key is to use the artwork to round out your luxurious bathroom theme.

Design a “Couple Goals” Bathroom

Whether you’re a newlywed couple or you’re simply tired of sharing a cramped bathroom, here are some suggestions to help you update this space to make sharing easier.

Convert your bathtub to a hot tub. A roomy jetted tub for two is a wonderful way to spend some alone time together as a couple. Replace your standard bathtub with a deep tub featuring massaging jets, whirlpool action, and LED lighting.

Make sure you have two sinks. Reaching over each other when you get ready in the morning is a drag. Consider installing a larger vanity with two separate sinks so you’ll both have enough elbow room to brush your teeth and start your day on a positive note.

Stay organized with a walk-in closet. A small closet can become cluttered fast. If you have the square footage, have a nice walk-in closet added to your bathroom. This will give both of you room to hang up your duds and store your shoes so that your bedroom and bathroom aren’t constantly overrun with clothes.

Add a big mirror. That tiny mirror over your sink isn’t enough to help you see everything you need to see. Update your small bathroom mirror, and hang a large, full-size mirror on the wall—or try a freestanding, full-length mirror in the corner of your bathroom so you can see yourself from head to toe.

Keep your stuff separate. Make sure that both of you have plenty of room to organize your cosmetics, razors, and toiletries by creating two separate storage areas. This can be additional storage under each sink or a mirrored medicine cabinet up above. The goal is to make your couple’s bathroom convenient, clean, and spacious enough that you both feel welcome, whether you’re in there alone or with your other half.

Make it smell good. Freshen up the bathroom with some essential oil diffusers so that the room always has a pleasant fragrance. Make sure you both agree on a scent that you like so it’s not overpowering for the other person.

How to Equip a Little-Kid and Family-Friendly Bathroom

Of course, the kids need a fabulous bathroom that accommodates their needs, too. Check out these easy tips to equip your child’s bathroom in a way that makes using it fun and easy.

Use kid-proof accessories. To ensure that the bathroom is safe for little ones, you’ll need some additional accessories. Add outlet covers so that tiny fingers don’t get into trouble, and install a lock on the toilet to keep it shut until it’s potty time. Grippy stickers or a non-slip bath mat on the bottom of the tub will help prevent children from slipping and falling. Never store cleaning supplies or medication in your child’s bathroom.

Remember the tub. Most tubs aren’t designed for toddlers, so you may want to choose something else in the meantime. You can find bathtubs for children that can be a temporary place for kids to bathe until they’re old enough to use the full-size tub.

Hang colorful bathroom curtains. Select an adorable theme or kid-friendly color scheme, and use it for bathroom curtains, rugs, and décor. This can be anything from your child’s favorite character to soft pastel colors or a whimsical jungle theme.

Have plenty of shelving. Install some wall-mounted shelving, or bring a small cabinet into the family bathroom so your kids have a place to keep everything. Shelving is perfect for tub toys, shampoos, and other items, and you can paint in a coordinating color or choose something with a cute design to make the bathroom welcoming for the little ones.

Make sure there’s good lighting. Install bright LED lighting in the kids’ bathroom so they can see things easily. A motion-activated night light will help your child see in the dark if they need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night.

Solving Bathroom Problems for Seniors

Senior-related bathroom accidents are common and can cause serious injuries. Here are some ways you can improve the safety of the bathroom and maintain the quality of life for your senior loved one.

Install a handicap toilet. Toilets for seniors should have a taller height that makes it easier to get up and down. The standard ADA toilet height should be approximately 17-19 inches from the floor to the bowl rim. Add some grab bars so that they can hang onto something whenever they need to.

Offer an emergency button. An emergency call button in the bathroom will alert you or your loved one’s caregiver if something is wrong. These buttons sound an alarm so that others in the home will know that the senior needs assistance. If your senior lives alone, choose an emergency button that will immediately alert local emergency services so they can rush over to help.

Use a tub or shower chair. Bathroom chairs for the elderly are designed to help them maintain balance while bathing. These chairs are waterproof, stable, and sturdy for a comfortable, safe shower.

Keep it simple. A minimalist bathroom design is best for seniors so that there isn’t a lot of stuff getting in the way. Look for sturdy wall hooks and towel hangers that they can use to keep towels and bathrobes off the floor. The less clutter you have in the bathroom, the safer it will be for seniors to navigate.

Try a walk-in tub. Walk-in tubs and showers are best for seniors since they prevent having to “climb over” the edge. These tubs are perfect for the elderly who want to age in place and prefer to live at home rather than in an assisted living facility, and if you are enough skilled you can even self-install your walk-in tub.

Install grab bars. Grab bars on the shower and bathtub walls and next to the toilet will give your loved one something to hang onto if they feel dizzy or tired. These bars can be found at most home improvement stores and do an excellent job at providing seniors with some extra stability in the bathroom.

Check the dimensions. Seniors who use a wheelchair should have a bathroom door that’s at least 34-inches wide. The inside of the bathroom should have a minimum of a five-foot radius so they can easily turn around. You should also ensure that there are at least 27 inches of clearance under the sink for the wheelchair. Hang mirrors low enough so that seniors don’t have to strain or stand on their tiptoes in the bathroom.

From a luxurious, spa-like master bathroom to a safe bathroom for seniors, designing a bathroom that fits your lifestyle and your needs will make your life that much easier. Keep these tips in mind to make sure you have everything you need, and watch your fixtures, tub styles, and colors come together in a beautiful, functional space you’ll enjoy for years to come. 

https://porch.com/advice/equip-perfect-bathroom-lifestyle