In the Lap of Luxury

Water is the staple of life, it is not only refreshing but it also has powerful restorative qualities as well. As most new parents will tell you, babies love the water experience as they coo and laugh while they blissfully splash away to their hearts content. While we all want the best for our offspring and try to provide them with the amenities of life there are those lucky few who can go above and beyond just the everyday conveniences to offer their children only the best. The MagicBath by BluBleu designed by a manufacturer based in Italy gives parents the opportunity to pamper their little tykes with sumptuous washing options that are sure to enhance their bathing enjoyment with this opulent bathtub.

Up to One Year of Age

The product itself is made out of acrylic and is designed to comfortably accommodate babies up to twelve months old. Due to its sloping backrest, it is intended to let young infants lie down at one end while slightly older children from six to twelve months old can easily sit up at the front. No one is questioning the need for a tub that they can comfortably bathe their young infant in, the controversy herein lies in its hard to digest price tag.

Designer Jacuzzi

Worth just over $2500 US this miniature designer Jacuzzi is sure to raise some eyebrows as to the sanity of the purchaser since the infant will hardly remember which basin their caregiver washed them in when they grow up. On the other side of the coin, some will argue that there is no harm in giving ones offspring the best VIP treatment the world has to offer especially if you can readily afford it without even batting-an-eye.

Tallying the Toll of Opulence

But one can only wonder if the child will be able to appreciate the simpler things in life if everything is handed to them on a silver platter, so to speak. But that is for the psychologist to decide, our concern here is whether you’re getting what you pay for. Not to mention how cool it is being able to pamper your sweetie-pie in an expensive spa like whirlpool that no one else in your neighbourhood has considering the average price of an infant bath tub normally costs under thirty dollars?

How Much can you Spend

When shopping for a tub the first thing that comes to mind is how much you can spend. Well, if you have to think about this one then the MagicBath is definitely out of your reach and you had better stick to the bargain isle at Wall Mart. With designer baby gear becoming all the rage in Hollywood and across the country, the MagicBath by BluBleu is a chic and trendy statement that says loads about your status and ability to take care of your family’s needs in spades. In this untapped luxury market the bottom line is to buy the best tub you can afford.

Ideal for Small Spaces

The other question you should ask when looking for a new baby bath is how much space you have? Do you have enough counter space or can you place it on a side cart? BlueBleu has taken care of this problem in a novel way by giving the tub legs to stand on. This waist height free standing pedestal basin is made from durable high quality acrylic and is large enough to accommodate a small toddler.

Portability

Due to its diminutive size it can be stored in a closet when not in use or fit easily in a nominal sized bathroom or bedroom for easy access when attending to your child’s cleansing needs. The tubs portability through wheels positioned under the legs make it easier to move and being able to fit through existing doors and hallways is a plus too as is its manageable weight. The four curved legs offer a stable base when filled with water for additional support and the product does conform to the safety standards on merchandise used for the bathing of small infants.

All the Right Features

Conserving floor space is not its only trick as this designer Jacuzzi takes on an air of luxury with its ten bubble jet air massage system which also features six “relaxing” underwater LEDs tha[...]

Universal Toto Ultimate Clean

Have you ever wondered what bathrooms of the future would look like? I was surfing the net the other day looking for new and exciting trends in the washroom when I came across this game changing toilet. For the bath tech connoisseur this is pure eye candy. To say the least I was more than excited when I saw this incredible concept model by designer Young Sang Eun. The idea is pure brilliance on part of the designer and can be applied for both commercial and residential use. Not only is this commode compact but with the simple push of a bottom it can magically transform to meet the needs of both male and female users alike practically making it genderless.

Convenience

While there is no argument as to the aesthetically pleasing simplicity of the design, let’s go a little deeper and examine the practicality of its use in the average consumer’s home. Let’s face it men would rather stand while taking a pee and would relish in the thought of not having  to unbuckle their belt, unzip their zipper and finally pull down their pants in order to perform such a mundane  task. Having a urinal at home would be a great time saver as well as a convenience factor and with the simple depression of a button the unit would quickly transform into a conventional commode to accommodate his spouse’s usage requirements.

Hygienic Low Maintenance

If you are like me and I’m pretty sure most people would side with me on this one that nobody likes cleaning their bathroom especially that fixture. So that being said, one of my favorite innovations with this concept model is the fact that it practically cleans itself. The majority of people take personal hygiene very seriously and would welcome the notion that this fixture is dubbed the “The Ultimate Clean Toilet” because it self-sanitizes using hot steam and concentrated UV light.

Ultra Violet Light

As everyone knows steam is an effective and low cost way of killing germs, mold and mildew on tiles and other surfaces in your bathroom without the use of harsh chemicals. In other homes overhead Ultra Violet light is used when the bathroom is unoccupied and the door closed to help kill any airborne or surface bacteria or fungi. When combined with steam this could help inhibit the growth of mildew and mold as well as making the toilet a safe place to sit again.

Styling

All I can say is cool design and great renderings. This functional sculpture has groovy styling and a high end look that qualifies it for lifestyle of the rich-and-famous but would have to be priced rather reasonably so that it is still attainable for the middle to upper class household.

Practicality

Too bad it’s just a concept…because one of the less obvious benefits of this fixture is its compact space saving feature for those with less than optimally spaced bathing spaces. Incorporating “Fuzzy Logic” into the architecture warrants the ultimate in water conservation which allows the system to control the flush volume based on frequency and duration of use. Also for this toilet to have national appeal it should also have consistent performance no matter whether you have low (15psi) or high (125psi) water pressures no matter where you’re located around the country. For the urinal module, a self-cleaning debris screen would be an added benefit in case a child unwittingly threw in a wad of toilet paper so the system does not back up.

Commercial Vs Residential

Nobody likes sitting on a dirty public toilet but the reality of the matter is this seems more practical for home use rather than for public restrooms unless future commercial washrooms go genderless which I don’t see happening for obvious reasons. This could work however if the facility had just one toilet such as in a doctor’s office or similar environment but first we must wait until this concept comes to reality and developing a functional and cost effective model for mass production could potentially take a long time in research and development.

Cle[...]

A Pleasure to Use

How important is overall user experience? For example if you go to a restaurant and the menu is confusing, the lighting poor and the table rocks; do you think this would be a good place to recommend to a friend? Would you ever go back there again; probably not? What about someplace that you go in and out of on a regular basis, don’t you think you should make the practice of using the facility as pleasant and worry free as possible? How would you rate your bathrooms overall performance?

Making an Entrance

One of the complaints that we often hear about is the size and poor layout of half-baths. At one point or another, most of us have been in a washroom where the door opens inward so you have to side step the toilet as you try to close the door behind you. And while the reasoning behind this inconvenience is clear. One: To utilize the space and Two: so that you don’t accidentally knock someone’s socks off with an outward swinging door, this layout is insanely frustrating.

Creative Entry Solutions

Two solutions to this dilemma would be to install a sliding pocket door or if this is inconceivable due to wall studs or a weight bearing wall then a novel alternative might be to build saloon style doors. With both sides of the door on hinges, the panels would be half the size of a normal door offering the users more room to enter the bath without having to worry about the swing of the structure getting in the way. And while the panels would still swing inwards, the closet sized doors would overlap in the middle when closed to ensure ongoing privacy.

Matching the User to the Design

In smaller bathrooms, the basin is sometimes tucked away neatly just behind the door. Although this layout is intended to make good use of the space in the room, if the door is opened rather hard or carelessly by children, then it will crash into the sink. If your bath is intended for use by young children, who would probably run energetically into the room, frequently slamming the door into the basin, it would not be appropriate for the user group it was intended for.

Evaluating Different Needs

Men and women use the toilet differently. Women normally sit (or hover) while a man routinely stands unless he has to perform full duties. This can sometimes be frustrating for both parties involved as the seat gets splashed on or left up unintentionally and the woman unexpectedly falls in in the middle of the night. This can be a wake-up call that things need to change. One solution would be to buy a toilet with a hydraulic seat that returns to its resting position when not in use. This idea will reduce stress and hopefully curb the need to go see a marriage counselor!

Increase the Bowl Height to 20 Inches

Alternatively since the male in the home likes to stand while peeing installing a higher than normal wall mount toilet may help to alleviate some of the unnecessary splashing while at the same time accommodating a comfortable height for female users.

Making Sense of it all

Another tip to enhance the user experience would be to purchase a toilet with a sensor flush. How many times have you thought you were in the game “twister” as you torqued your body trying to find the flush mechanism behind you? And unless you are a scientist exploring dietary remains, who wants to get up and see what’s in the bowl anyway.

Functional and Accessible

While you may not be able to do anything about the fact that the sink is so close to the bath that you bump your elbows and knees on it when you turn ’round but by fixing that wobbly toilet seat or clearly indicating which taps are hot and which one is cold can only make your bathroom safer and easier to use despite the smallness of the space. These are just a few suggestions on making the room more functional and accessible, now come the exciting task of deciding how you want to move forward with your ideas.

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What’s on Your Ceiling

The proper use and placement of bathroom ceiling lights for interior design provides the homeowner with the perfect solution to solve their illumination needs. Correct radiance is not only important for safety but it can also be used as a dynamic design element. People spend a lot of time and money choosing the lighting fixtures for their living room and kitchen but regularly ignore one of the most important rooms in the house: the washroom!

Lavatory ceiling lights are often overlooked because of the diminutive size of the room and it is common to walk into a home that has nothing but a single lighting fixture installed in the middle of their dingy bath ceiling. Besides looking boring, in most cases this fitting does not provide enough brightness to effectively perform your daily washroom tasks.

There are numerous things that must be taken into consideration before coming up with options for lighting your washroom. Look at your present illumination and ask yourself the following questions: Is there enough artificial light to perform grooming? Is your illumination too harsh or too soft? Does the light shine where you need it most? Do you like the look of your lighting fixtures?

Remember you can design a beautiful interior space but if no one can see it or use it because the lighting is ineffective, then you will have wasted your time. So keep these questions in mind when choosing stylish indoor lighting options for your ceiling.

3 Types of Lighting

Before strategically laying out the lighting design for your bath, let’s quickly examine the three types of illumination for your restroom.

• General lighting

• Accent lighting

• Task lighting

Based on the size and design of your bathroom you need to decide what type of lighting is more suitable for your lavatory and what are the best options for lighting your washroom surfaces. General lighting refers to the illumination that encompasses the entire room; this is normally lit by a central ceiling source that can be flush, recessed or hanging from the surface.

The larger your bathing space , the more bulbs will be required to light up the room. A practical luminous solution is to get a wide contemporary ceiling light such as a 12-inch flush mount fixture that shines with timeless beauty so you are not replacing it in a year or two because it has gone out of fashion.

Layer Your Illumination

Consequently, a single overhead light may not be enough for a large bathroom, another option may be a canopy type fixture, where three or more bulbs are mounted around a circular ceiling base to illuminate the entire room.

Accent lighting refers to those fixtures that focus on a specific place or item in the lavatory. These are usually recessed or spot lights, and they are great for creating a specific mood in the room. Down-lights are renowned for their versatility, practicality, efficiency and economy.

Whether you are looking for general down-lighting, wall washing, or accent illumination, all recessed light housings are normally sold separately allowing you to select a model to match your particular décor style and are suitable for dry ceiling location installation (not to be installed above a shower area).

Adjustable 6-inch cylinder spotlights can also be used with a recessed housing and are great with their multiple aiming capabilities. These fixtures can be adjusted 30 degrees vertically for versatile beam precision. Just keep in mind that down-lights are just one part of your room ‘s system to brighten your bath.

Once you have layered your illumination with general lighting and task lighting then you will have a grooming space that is luminous throughout and usable no matter what time of the day.

Finally, task lighting refers to the fixtures that provide focused illumination to the areas you use the most. You can usually find these fittings in front of the mirror, on the ceiling as you exit your bathtub or in the form of track lighting pointing t[...]

Are You a Crimson Crusader?

Same. Same. Same. Are you bored with your bathing space? If you are looking for a way to add interest and character to your bathroom without blowing your senses into the stratosphere then maybe a rosy red bath may be just the thing you’re looking for.

Now hold on a minute you may be saying to yourself. Are you sure, isn’t this color associated with heat, intensity, passion and even anger. True, yet red can also be linked with vitality and energy all positive attributes when trying to create a private retreat that invigorates and energizes your body.

For most people when they think of red they usually associate it with bright-in-your face hues that blow your socks off. That is why the majority of first time decorators are wary of using strong reds. However, all you have to remember is to use moderation.

For example, naturally warm shades of terra-cotta and wood will create subtle red-based color combinations without the risk you might associate with using the bright pure hues themselves.

Add Interest With Accents

You must also remember that you don’t have to go all out with this hue to create dramatic or interesting effects. Accessories introduce splashes of interest without overwhelming the bather yet are a safe option if you want to add energy into your bathing space.

Related shades such as cotton candy give you the option of creating gentler versions of the hue which provides the versatility for a wide range of applications that are striking not gaudy or outlandish.

Keeping these principles in mind allows you to transfer these concepts to your bathing environment to create eye catching accents amid more subdued color schemes such as an earthy palette of red browns, oranges and gold with a dash of hot reds.

Complimentary colors on the color wheel such as red and green are a classic combination (just not in their full intensity). Imagine how powerful a splash of bright red would be in a predominantly olive green and dark brown bathing space.

Warm and Cozy Feeling

Red can be used to warm mellow color schemes as you move more towards the orange end of the spectrum. Think of fall leaves and sunsets to warm a north facing bathroom. Purples add dignity. Gold and reds are natural companions when creating an opulent atmosphere in your bath.

And we are not just talking about the tried and true arrangement using burnt sienna glaze to give your walls a weathered cottage look. Ox-blood red wood varnish on your vanity or walls is a tough and long lasting finish to bring your bathroom into the modern age with style and finesse.

Sparkling chrome fixtures against a vibrant orange and terra-cotta washes on walls create an inspiring backdrop to enliven your lavatory.

If your life is lacking zing, here is a thought…of all the colors, red has the longest wavelength so incorporating this hue into your homes decor can make you feel more energetic and may even inspire you to become more active.

Keeping it Simple

Sometimes it’s the simplest things that make all the difference. A vase of red flowers on a shelf or beside your bathtub can boost your spirits as you enter your bath. A bowl of orange-red gold fish may be all the fire you need to get your day started.

Touches of red, rust or pink on your bath towels or accents on your shower curtain, even red candles in your home spa can stimulate your senses without bringing your blood to a boil. And you don’t have to limited yourself to just pigments either. Color therapy uses red illumination to warm muscular aches and stimulate circulation.

Red like most colors should be used in moderation so it’s never a good idea to completely surround yourself with this hue. Because of its high stimulus qualities this color can help to invigorate your life and health but if overdone can leave you fatigued even aggravated from sensory overload.

Add spirit to any bathroom decor with a touch of red. If you are going to surround yourself with this exciting hue, tune it down a bit[...]

Avoiding Stress and Confusion

So you’re thinking it’s time for a new bathroom makeover. It’s amazing how the bath area is such a small space, yet can create so much stress and confusion when it comes to creating that new washroom look. Home improvement makeovers can be big or little, bold or understated, modern or classic, amazingly cheap or heart-stopping expensive. When it comes to interior design, the space is you and should say a little bit about who you are, unless you’re trying to sell your house, then making over your bath takes on a whole different focus.

Don’t Get Overwhelmed!

Regardless, a tired, dated bathing space needs updating, and it needs to be done right – the way you want it. Making your bath refitting a success can be a lot easier than you think and you can create the space you want. You can update that tired layout into something you’ll be proud of with the proper remodeling strategies.

Of course, if you want a different atmosphere in the facility, determining the size and scope of your restoration ideas will depend on certain things. At the top of the list when redoing your washroom, as always, is your budget. Obviously, if the amount of money you have is limited, then you’re going to have to be conscious of what you spend on and try to get the biggest bang for your buck when attempting a sustainable transformation project.

Chances are, you won’t be going wild and totally redecorating your bathing area with big ticket items or things that may require outside renovation contractors like new cabinets, countertops, flooring, and shower inserts. But that doesn’t leave you short on great ideas for creating an amazing bathroom facelift.

The second big constraint when making over your lavatory is time. If you have guests coming in two weeks or only have a weekend in which to do the upgrade, then your choices are limited. But if you have plenty of time or no set deadline, then the sky’s the limit when redesigning your lavatory.

Selling or Restoration

Another thing to consider is why you are doing a home improvement project in the first place. Are you just sick of looking at the space and need to give tired, out-dated looking decor a facelift? Do you have a growing family with different grooming needs? Or are you trying to sell your house and know that lavatory renovations are one of the key areas to increase the value of your residence through an upgrade?

A fundamental thing is to remember is that the washroom gets used – a lot! If this is your only grooming space, or if it’s the only bathing area with a shower and tub, then you can’t afford to have your bathroom out of commission for very long if you are renovating.

The Quick, Easy and Inexpensive Solution

Even if you’ve decided that all you want is to redo your bath as quickly as possible, as easily as possible, or for as little money as possible, you still have a ton of great lavatory remodeling ideas available to you. Paint is one of the best ways to get the most bang for your buck in making your tired looking lavatory terrific. You’ll be amazed at how a simple coat of paint will transform your washroom into a space worth spending time in.

If you have a small half-bath, then the solution would be lighter pastels to help open the space up and make a small chamber feel bigger. If you have a bigger bath area to makeover, then you can be a little bolder with your color plans. A good recommendation is to choose paint made for kitchens and baths – it has a higher gloss and will stand up better to hot showers and more scrubbing when maintaining your lavatory.

You can also update bath accessories to create a new design sense in your washroom. To enhance your powder room design further, introduce a little color or zing with a new shower curtain. They come in all types of colors and patterns and can create an instant washroom revival. You can also update your face towels to coordinate with your new paint or shower curtain. Throw in a new bath rug and match[...]

Turning Back the Advancement of Time

We all know the importance of water in our daily lives, but can taking a shower turn back the ravages of time? According to Wellness Enterprises it can, they have come up with a novel idea called the Wellness Shower.

The premise of the Wellness Shower is that eliminating chemicals from our water source is absolutely vital for improving the health of our skin and hair thus creating a younger softer more radiant body.

It should be noted here that the ancients used mineral enriched natural hot springs and spas to rejuvenate the body. I do not think that it is so far fetched to believe that a company could have researched these “fountain of youth” places and come up with a similar composition to help your body maintain optimum health.

Chlorine along with other chemicals are added to our water supply to kill any bacteria or other organic matter in our water. Unfortunately these chemicals also end up stripping away the natural oils from our skin and hair invariably aging our skin by taking away the one thing that makes it appear young and healthy, that thing being moisture.

According to the manufacturer, the Wellness Shower removes up to 90% of harmful chemicals through a filter that lasts up to three times longer than normal water filters.

Radiant Skin

But the amazing thing about this shower is that it uses rare Japanese volcanic minerals in the shower head that increases your skins ability to absorb moisture by up to %110, making your skin appear younger, softer and more radiant.

Through the hydration of the skin, the Wellness Shower promotes a healthier, sanitized shower by reducing bacteria and fungus growth and supports the body’s resistance to rashes, irritations and infections, transforming your shower into a healthy, hydrating experience.

I don’t believe the Wellness Shower can turn back time because there are so many other chemicals and variables in our environment and in the foods that we eat that also affect our health, but it could possibly created the illusion of stopping the aging process by keeping the skin looking vigorous.

The price seems affordable at $249 but it does make you wonder why it is so cheap since so many people put a premium on slowing down the aging process. Just look at the cosmetic industry. If this product truly does work, then kudos to the manufacturers; if not, well I hope you will at least smell good after each shower.

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Final Beautifying Touches

Beautiful and stylish trim is the hallmark of classical interior design. They say that attention to detail can make or break a room. Some of you I know will say, so what, I mean after all it’s just a changing area, isn’t it? And while this is true, there are those discerning homeowners who relish in the thought of creating not just a bathing facility, but a sanctuary and as such it must evoke all the qualities of a refuge, a safe and satisfying space that you can curl up in and lose yourself in its tactile richness and visual beauty. Trim work gives your bathroom distinctive style and detail that goes far beyond hiding the joints of your floors and walls exposed by rough carpentry.

Withstand the Test of Time

There are many different ways to finish your bath; architectural trim is the crowning glory of a well-planned bathing area. Molding can be made from a variety of both hardwoods and softwoods to decorate your window casing, baseboards, ceiling and doors. Older generations of master builders will tell you, a room seems unfinished, amateurish even, without it, but if done right it can take your space from ordinary to extraordinary in a heartbeat.

Many Decorating Styles

It is important however that you choose a molding profile that matches your bathrooms décor and the architectural proportions of your washroom so the treatment does not stand out too much or get lost in the openness of your wet room. The ornamental trim must blend seamlessly with the framework of your existing home providing both functionality and decorative charm to the space. Simpler trim works well in a contemporary bathroom environment whereas ornate detailing is best suited for the more classical looking ready room.

Fact or Fiction?

What has a tendency to turn off homeowners when thinking of trimwork and paneling is the misconception that molding is all about ornate detailing reminiscent of old traditional houses with elaborate patterns and flowery facades but this is not completely true. Modern home building stores carry a variety of popular molding profiles to suit the anatomy of your interior space. These prefabricated building materials are precut composites of popular styles ready and easy to install.

Edging out the Competition

If you want something you can’t find in your typical home improvement store you may have to hire a master carpenter who provides quality craftsmanship to bring your vision to life but it’s going to cost you a pretty penny. There are specialty stores out there so shop around and don’t forget to check online also. What your local retailers might not have an online supplier in another country or state might have just what you are looking for.

A Well Planned Edifice

These motifs can be used to embellish more than just baseboards and ceilings. Consider grooming table edges, vanity counter tops, tub surrounds or even Greek or Roman columns in your home. Wainscoting can also be used to add a classical or country look to your home décor. Even simple white wood paneling topped off with a strip of molding will produce a feeling of richness and lend architectural distinction to your powder room. Traditional wainscoting was produced by lining up thin pieces of lumber together, but with today’s manufacturing technology you can buy ready-made panels you can easily apply to your walls.

The Framework for Success

Trim work is the detail that is the difference between planning a nice bath and having an exceptional living space you are proud of. While this embellishment can be used to add energy efficiency to your home, it transcends far beyond hiding imperfections and cracks, the many different patterns and styles gives your bathroom distinctive style and invariably adds value to your home. Stay a cut above the rest and exceed your expectations by employing this cost effective solution to update the look of your washroom. If quality matters to you then trim and paneling products solve the problem of taking [...]

Who do you Hire?

Finding and hiring a qualified tiling contractor for your bathroom can be difficult if you don’t know where to look. Ok, I know I am going to ruffle a couple of do-it-youselfer feathers and bruise some weekend renovators ego’s with this article because to be quite honest tiling your bath can be done by just about anyone with a little practice. Just start off small, like a countertop or backsplash and if that turned out ok then maybe you have what it takes to tackle your walls or washroom floors. But just because you watched a couple episodes of Home and Garden TV does not make you an expert on the subject. Experience about industry best practices, materials to use, best prices and discounts for large purchases, not to mention a warranty, can only be obtained by a seasoned tile installer.

Unsightly crooked grout lines or having to tear down your tile to find where the water is seeping through your shower walls is neither an easy nor inexpensive proposition, not to mention how this will affect your home insurance. Enough said about that. You are a sensible person and have decided you want your bathroom tiled or retiled by an expert. You don’t have the skill set and you want quality tiling work done because you realize that tiling your bath can be a sizable investment and you don’t want to screw it up.

But where do you go and who do you turn to. Who will help you take the uncertainty out of finding and hiring an expert who installs tile? Do you go to your local home depot or do you go to one of the mom and pop tile stores looking for a professional installer? At first the answer may seem obvious.

Price Isn’t Everything

Home depot, Lowes or Rona have great inspiring commercials on tv. They may seem like the logical choice because they are after-all all about home renovations and offer superior products and helpful advice for all your home improvement needs. But if you are looking to get quality work done by someone who has been installing nothing but tile for the last 25 years, then you may have to do a little bit more digging. If you are lucky, they may be able to point you in the right direction if the customer service rep is a retired contractor and knows people in the industry.

It pays to look beyond the lowest bid when selecting a contractor. They will however try to promote one of their own internal contractors but unless that individual has been tiling for over 3-4 years (always get references) you don’t know what you’re getting. Tiling expertise takes time in order to learn the trade inside and out. Kindly thank them for the offer and keep searching.

Searching in the Right Place

Tile stores are a great place to get referrals about finding a qualified tiling contractors in your area but be sure the clerk behind the counter is a seasoned employee not some student whose only purpose of being there is to make enough money to buy some drinks on the weekend and party with their friends. If the tiling store only caters to contractors they more than likely have their finger on the pulse of the industry and can give you some qualified leads if you need a competent home improvement trades p erson .

Another great resource for hiring a professional tiling installer is the Better Business Bureau. Not only will they find accredited tile companies, which have all agreed to a set of high standards in their business practices, they also warn you of home improvement scams and give you tips to avoid potentially getting ripped off from fly by night contractors.

A good way to find a potential bath renovator is to ask someone you know and trust such as friends, co-workers and relatives for recommendations of qualified tile installers. If you can get several installers to come to your residence to evaluate the square footage of your tiling project and give estimates that would be a bonus. Of course you should always get references, pictures of past jobs and even videos showing their work in progress sin[...]

Getting to the Root of the Problem

Before using wiring tools for your bathroom, first time renovators should check with their local building inspectors prior to carrying out any electrical work in their home. From voltage testers to wire cutting pliers, putting together a comprehensive kit of quality electrician’s tools will initially cost you less than if you hired a professional trade person to do the job.

Installing electric wires in your bathing space can be a major home improvement task but even unskilled home owners can master the basics of connecting circuits with the proper tools and training. Often, the work takes only a few hours and essentially even longer jobs can be accomplished over a free weekend. The type of electrical tools needed depends on the type of wirework and the exact problem in the facility.

Conducting the Right Repairs

Before working on the circuits in your home, make sure that you really do have an electrical issue by identifying common symptoms of lighting system problems. A good piece of equipment to have is a multitester which tests your voltage and checks devices for electrical damage.

You might notice that the lights in the bathroom flicker frequently. If a single wall scone flickers, try screwing the bulb tighter in the socket. If the problem relates to the system of electric distribution, you should notice multiple lights flickering. Take heart that most of the fixtures around your home operated by electricity can be fixed with the right instruments and some very basic washroom rewiring knowledge.

Your lighting circuit problem might manifest itself in different ways. Instead of flickering, your ceiling lights might fail and not turn on or off when you flick the light switch. You might also notice a mild electric shock when you touch the button. An electrical shock indicates a serious problem with your room’s wiring and must be addressed immediately.

Don`t Forget to Include This Device

A handy device to have on your electrician’s belt is a receptacle analyzer, this instrument indicates if a receptacle is grounded and polarized when plugging in your small appliances.

Most newbie renovators forget to include this tool in their toolbox but one of the things you typically need for an electric distribution project is a cutting device, such as a jig or circular saw. While these devices a re not conventional electrician’s tools they in fact are needed to cut through the walls to gain access to the circuitry behind the drywall.

Mark the Location of Wall Studs

A circular saw has a large round blade that cuts smoothly through different surfaces, while a jig saw has a flat blade, designed for cutting through flat surfaces. Both saws are appropriate for cutting through the walls in your home, as the blade is strong enough to penetrate the plaster, drywall and any wallpaper or decorations on the surface of the wall.

When using a saw, be careful that you do not cut through the timber frame of your home. A stud finder lets you quickly locate the braces inside the walls, which give you an idea of the frame`s location. Cutting through the frame is dangerous because the frame serves as the base or foundation of the room. Try sketching directly on the walls, marking the location of each part of the frame so you know what to avoid.

Testing the Current

Once you have access to the wires inside the walls, you need a test meter instrument. Most test meters have two cords that attach to a small box. When you connect the cords to the wires, the box indicates the level of current passing through the area. With this, you quickly identify any faulty wires, as well as those lines without any electrical current. Use the test meter and mark the faulty cables that it finds for replacement.

Don’t Get Shocked

After finding the bad wires, you must turn off the power to the restroom. Do not work on any circuits as long as current moves through the system, as you increase your risk of electrical shock[...]