Beware of These Design Blunders

You are finally able to do that remodeling in your bathroom. There are many good books and online resources out there to tell you what to do. You have been making plans and purchasing things here and there. The last thing you want is for your project to turn into a nightmare! In this audio we examine five things you should avoid when remodeling your washroom.

Avoiding these five common bathroom remodeling mistakes can ensure that your renovation project is a sweet success!

No, oops. Only aaaahhs…

Don’t forget to check out the remodeling category where  we teach you how to give an old room a new look.

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Using What You Have at Hand to Get The Job Done

At Bathroomguru Review we try to satisfy as many people as possible. We know how busy some of you are and everybody has their own modality of learning and receiving information, so we’ve come up with the great idea of adding audio to our blog.

For those of you who are in a rush or maybe you just don’t like to read (oh goodness!) we now offer you the choice of reading our articles or listening to them.

Unfortunately I was chosen to read them aloud so you may prefer to just read the articles instead of listening to my less that radio efficient voice. But I do promise you that with time I will get better at this so please try to bear with me for now. Enough reading, lets get on with the show!

In this audio we cover:

Using non-gel toothpaste as a cleaner

Extending the life of your bar soap

New ways of using Alka-Seltzer

Cleaning a sluggish toilet

Grout haze cleanup

making your home better

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Get all The Amenities You Need

When it comes to green bathroom remodeling ideas one of the assumptions by newbie home remodelers is that you cannot get a high-end bathing space with all the modern amenities if you decide to go green, which is completely false. While green interior design ideas should indeed focus on improving energy efficiency, reducing indoor air pollution and making the best use of recycled building materials, creating a more environmentally friendly washroom using recycled and eco-friendly building materials is a lot more plausible and affordable than you may think.

In recent years thoughtfully designing your lavatory to help out future generations or just to reduce your carbon output has taken on a whole new meaning as it has become more socially acceptable to use recycled products. Many governments have even passed legislation to ban out-dated construction methods and unsafe building materials to make our homes less toxic and safer to live in.

Eco-friendly bamboo flooring

Joining the ecological “green club” is fast becoming the norm as even contractors, seeing the growing green trends have begun seeking out qualified eco-friendly suppliers to meet the growing demand. Don`t get me wrong while environmentally friendly products have incrementally come down in price during the last couple of years, the manufacturing of these recycled goods is still more expensive than conventional construction materials.

However, with more governments jumping on board the cause and in lieu of greater acceptance of consumer responsibility resulting in greater economies of scale, the price of green bathroom remodeling is sure to become even more affordable in the future.

What Does it Mean to Go Green

Many homeowners are perplexed as to what it actually means to go green when remodeling their lavatory. There are so many products on the market that claim to be greener than the next, how do we as consumers measure how green a product really is for our bathrooms.

The only answer that I can give you is find out what the government legislation sets as the bar and find products that meet or exceed the expectations of the regulations. The idea of going green in your washroom is essentially to find cutting edge eco-conscious building materials to promote good heath, clean water and clean air with a reduction of energy and water consumption.

And remember sustainability is also another important factor so build with durable long lasting materials. If a bathroom is planned out properly and well-designed this will result in less maintenance and inevitably fewer repairs in the end which means you can even postpone the need for costly remodels.

So what are some ways we can create a cleaner and safer living space? We all know about water saving washroom appliances but what about building materials?

Eco-Friendly Bath Furniture

One good green powder room decorating idea is to avoid prefabricated building materials that contain formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds. VOC’s are produced in the manufacturing process and off-gas over the life-span of the product.

Storage cabinets and vanities are some of the largest fixtures in your bath collection. By purchasing vanities that do not contain particle board, formaldehyde and other VOC’s you will make your bathroom less toxic and keep our air clean.

Renewable Cork Flooring

Products made from bamboo and other renewable materials made from sustainable harvested wood products like cork are acceptable alternatives for refitting your bath. And don’t forget about recycled lumber and construction materials such as nails, concrete, tiles and bricks that can also contribute to your eco-orientated upgrade.

Using Recycled and Composite Green Building Materials

For your floors, linoleum made from linseed, oil, wood flour and resin is a better option than vinyl flooring. A good alternative to the less renewable natural stones are countertops made of composite terrazzo products. This product is[...]

Discover a Desirable Design

Bathrooms can vary in size from a half bath hidden away in a closet to a grandeur bathing suite the size of a spacious living room. This is like opening Pandora’s Box by creating an endless number of possibilities for you to choose from.

With such variance in size and function to choose from when designing your bathroom layout which one is best for you?

Half baths or powder rooms as they are sometimes called usually consist of a toilet and sink and are more commonly located in areas of the home easily accessible to visitors.

Because these rooms are generally frequented by guests, they are often finished in nicer materials than you would normally use for larger bathrooms and also can be used to impress your guest by leaving a good impression.

Family bathrooms offer the greatest assortment of choices for layout. The need for privacy and the need for multiplicity of users can sometimes create conflict. So these bathrooms must try to cater to the needs of each member of the family unit.

Storage as well as accessibility must be addressed. The bathroom must be large enough so that you can create separate spaces where, if necessary, several people can use the room at the same time.

This can be done by compartmentalizing it so that one part is a half bath and the other half is a more public space through the use of curtains, dividers, doors or screens.

Master bathrooms are rarely seen by guest or even other members of your family and present you with the greatest opportunity to personalize your bathroom experience. In here you can create your own private spa or retreat with all the luxuries and amenities you need to let go, so allow your imagination run wild here.

Common Configurations of Beneficial Blueprints

You have the choice of a simple modest bath off the main bedroom or you can create a luxurious area with a dressing room, sitting area, an exercise space, or even more closet room.

How about dividing the space and creating a separate his and hers bathroom? The master bathroom is probably the only place where you can have some privacy so take advantage of this while you can.

This is a less common configuration yet the multiple-entry bathroom does offer greater access to the facility. There-in also lies the problem with this layout, since the room has multiple entrances the door swing plays a major role in the placement of fixtures with in the room which can lead to reduced wall space and also limit your design options.

One solution to address this problem is to have sliding doors which will take up less space and improve the flow of traffic and free up the wall space that was once congested by the swing of the doors. Just remember there can be no plumbing or wiring in the walls to hinder the doors sliding motion.

These are some of the bathroom layout options you have when designing your bathroom. Bear in mind how the various spaces relate to the intended user. If space is an issue, use shallow cabinets instead of the standard twelve inch deep ones and the addition of large mirrors will optically open up the space.

Also you will find accessorizing your bathroom easier if you use standardized towel bars, shower doors, and mirrors. Design is a give and take process. When you choose fixtures and finishes try to harmonize these with the accessories.

Well balanced fixtures, fittings and furnishings in your bathroom will create the overall style you desire and will transform your bathroom from the mundane into a beautiful showcase that will harmonize with your family’s lifestyle.

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A Room to Call Your Own

Ever wanted a comfort station you could just call your own? No waiting in line, no fighting over who gets to use which fixture first or cleaning up after messy children…A master bathroom has become a major selling point for most modern homes. This ensuite adjoining the main bedroom is not only convenient but allows the homes main patrons to have a private space where they can express themselves because these rooms are rarely seen by guests or other family members. With the proper master bathroom planning ideas you can take full advantage of the space to create the perfect habitat to fulfill your needs.

Does Size Matter?

The adult-bath can be a modest facility placed next to the bedroom for convenience or a large more expansive suite that includes a dressing room, closet, an exercise area and sometimes even a deck, veranda or private garden.

Not only will adding a home spa increase the dollar value of your home, based upon trends in home renovations, a well designed couples-bath is often a smart long-term investment to rejuvenate your body, mind and soul. When planning out the design of the space, your daily habits, its size and layout, your choice of fixtures and storage play an integral role to the appeal and functionality of the facility.

Where having a family is concerned, an ensuite offers the adult homeowner a private retreat that lends itself to luxurious amenities, materials and features. Creative planning and special care should be given to this important aspect of adult life where one can escape the insanity of the household and unwind from the tensions of the workday.

Transform Unused Space into an Oasis

The good part about your children getting older is that they will eventually leave home and go off to college or university. If you are an empty-nester with only a main family washroom, you may be able to create a home sanctuary by borrowing space through transforming an adjacent unused bedroom into a master bath and create the luxurious private master suite you have always wanted.

The layout of the facility will be determined by usage timelines and how comfortable you feel with your significant other; therefore designing a unique space that will successfully serve the needs of two people requires good communication. Couples with different work schedule might prefer to separate the bedroom from the bathing area with a door to reduce noise when using the facility.

Accessibility

More liberal couples would enjoy the openness of a large multi-head shower or the togetherness of a deep-soaking oversized bathtub with a hand-held shower when sharing the space. Remember that details such as individual towel bars, robe hooks and double sinks all contribute to the ease of use and accessibility of the facility when two people are trying to get ready at the same time in the morning and makes the space a pleasure to share.

People in general are habitual creatures and couples need to discuss how their daily habits and preferences will affect the style and layout of the facility when coming up with a design plan that work s for both of them. Carefully planning a master bathroom creates islands of privacy. Couples that value their privacy would more than likely prefer some type of separation between the toilet, vanity and bathing area in the form of screens or dividers to compartmentalize the chamber.

Segregate Areas to Increase Functionality

You can design a separate yet adjacent his-and-her-bath where you can divide some of the facilities between the two areas such as a shower in one and a bathtub in the other. Creating his and her zones that can be accessed by a pocket or sliding door creates privacy yet allows the fixtures to remain accessible when needed.

As all professional home decorators know, compartments increase functionality in a room so that more people can use the space at the same time. Keep in mind that compartmentalizing the room requires more space and construction materials than [...]

Shopping for a New Sink

Modern day bathroom sinks supply the restroom remodeler with an extensive line of basins in a variety of design components, as well as colors and are built to endure the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day bath schedule. Sink fashion has truly flourished within the last few couple of years, because of this you should arrange a couple of visits to a showroom or home improvement store as part of your design preparation schedule in order to find the fixture that is right for you.

On your journey, you’ll encounter circular basins, oblong sinks, rectangular vessels as well as ‘bowls” which sit neatly on the surface of your vanity countertop. With so much going on in this new design renaissance, color styles are readily available; nevertheless, white continues to be the primary color choice of home based remodelers. Another interesting factor is despite having this endless celebration of forms and sizes, almost all washroom sinks belong to one of a handful of basin categories.

Basin Categories Examined

Wall mounted sinks are fastened to the wall on a stable bracket, which in turn is secured to the wall studs or blocking frame between them. These modern fixtures feature a basin that is hung from the wall at a desired, functional height. The sometimes debated feature about wall-mounted sinks is the fact that they leave the plumbing partially exposed.

While this feature makes wall mounted lavatory sinks easier to maintain and repair, some homeowners feel it may not suit spaces such as half baths because they want a more streamlined inconspicuous design. Consequently that would more or less depend upon the styling you are trying to create. And for those who don’t like exposed plumbing, some wall mounted bathroom models feature chrome or brass legs. Just for the record, the legs don’t really hide the plumbing, nonetheless they do offer a bit of visual distraction to partially camouflage the pipes and add character to the sink.

What cannot be disputed however is that wall mounted sinks are the basins of choice for universal bathroom design. What makes these sinks so popular is that you can readily adjust the height of the basin to accommodate an individual sitting in a wheel chair. The clear space underneath the sink allows easy access, up close and personal so anyone sitting in a wheelchair can effortlessly wash their hands or face without having to get up.

Thinking About Space

The only caveat about wall mounted sinks is that they really don’t provide the much needed counter space in some busy grooming areas , thankfully you can somewhat make up for that deficiency even in a half bath by installing slim line shelving close to the sink to increase storage capacity. Another solution would be to mount towel bars on the front or side of your wall mounted fixtures to increase functionality and the best part is that this can all be done without taking up unnecessary wall space.

And who can forget the increasingly popular pedestal sink. Pedestal units, like wall-mounted models, also get their stability from a bracket attached to the frame of your bath wall. Pedestal basins feature a lavatory fixture that is situated at a comfortable standing height and rests at ease on an astute pedestal base.

While a wall mounted bathroom sink and a pedestal unit share similar space saving qualities, the main difference between the two designs is that the pedestal model sits on an erect column base while the wall mounted unit is well, wall mounted without a base. Beneath the pedestal sink, lies a column or pedestal, as it is so aptly named, that partially cloaks the plumbing from the front and also duplicates as an element of the overall design.

Styles and Materials

Pedestal hand basins are produced in both old-fashioned and modern day styles and in some cases can also be used for universal lavatory design due to their ease of installation. Some pedestal styles have a widespread surrounding rim, which kind of addresses the [...]

Minimize Damage to Your Bath Walls

Bathroom accents can add a lot of personality to any bathroom theme; however, if you have never used a drill to drill ceramic tile then you will end up with scratched surfaces, broken tiles and mounted frustration. This does not mean that inexperienced DIYers cannot drill ceramic tile to install a toilet paper holder, towel holders, racks or any other item for that matter.

With the right equipment, patience and a steady hand it is possible to drill ceramic tile to add a special touch to your bathroom based upon your preferences and decoration tastes. In this article we will explore all the steps that you need to follow to drill ceramic tile and the tools that are used to make the job easy and enjoyable.

Step #1- Get the Right Tools to Drill Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tiles are man-made products and their glossy surface makes perforation a challenge. The art of knowing how to drill into a tile without breaking it resides in getting the right type of drill and drill bits, establishing a correct application point and applying the right type of force. This basic rule can be applied to any type of ceramic tile–from resistant porcelain tiles to softer versions of ceramic tiles.

Reduce Friction

The best type of drill to use to drill ceramic tile is a power drill that has different speed levels to make the whole task easier. Speed is very important when it comes to drilling a ceramic tile and while many people may assume that faster means better, the technique that is needed to bore through a ceramic tile has proven otherwise.

Carbide-tipped masonry drill bits and diamond-tipped drill bits are the best options to drill ceramic tile. The latter is usually used on porcelain tiles due to the high degree of silica that is present in these types and which offers great perforation resistance. You will also need cutting oil to cool the bit when you drill ceramic tile.

Step # 2- Mark Your Spot to Drill Ceramic Tile

Drilling circular holes in a ceramic tile requires some degree friction. This can be easily achieved by using masking tape over the area that you intend to bore through and using a marker to mark it. The masking tape will create friction between the tile and the drill bit and reduce slipping during drilling. Simply make an “X” or an eight point star over the area with the masking tape before you begin to drill.

Step # 3- Start Drilling

Once you have marked the area that you intend to drill on the ceramic tile then apply a little pressure and put the drill on a low speed to start drilling. After some time drilling into the ceramic tile you will notice that a tiny hole has been formed. At this point you have created a weak point in the tile and drilling through will be a lot easier than in the beginning. When the hole has been formed then you can apply some more pressure and increase the drill speed to bore through the ceramic tile. However, you should not apply too much pressure to drill the ceramic tile, because this may break the tile even after using the weak point as a guide.

Change You Drill Bit

At some point in time you will realize that you have perforated the tile. At this point you will need to change the drill bit that was used to drill ceramic tile with another drill bit that is specially tailored for the surface that you are now drilling. You will know that you are completely through when there is less resistance being applied to drill ceramic tile. Of course, some resistance will be created on the wall surface that the ceramic tile is located, but by having an idea about the thickness of the ceramic tile it will be easy to know at which point you can stop.

You should also take care to use a drill bit with a smaller diameter so as not to widen the hole that you have already created in the ceramic tile.

Extra Tip- How to drill large holes in ceramic tiles

The drill bit that you are using may not be able to drill a large hole in the ceramic tile that you have. You can easily [...]

Details Make the Difference

Attention to detail can transform an awkward and uninviting bathing space into a haven where you can relax and enjoy the various sensations in your bath. With the right choice of physical compositions to enhance your senses you can soothe and pamper your delicate skin. Surfaces should be inviting to the touch since the washroom is one of the few rooms in the home where you can bare it all as nature intended and not feel embarrassed or guilty about it. Experience the joy of texture in your bathroom through the careful planning of the way surfaces feel when touched.

Few home owners even consider this factor into their renovation planning; yet in the bath the sumptuous feeling of the right grain can really enhance the whole bathing experience. When we think of texture in our wet rooms we usually associated it with surface quality: smooth or rough, soft or coarse but in reality the tactile quality of the room goes far beyond these superficial labels.

Its all a Matter of Perception

The character of the space can also be interpreted in terms of depth, the unevenness of the grain or the elevation of its pile. Whether naturally occurring in nature or man-made, surfaces in your bathing area help define the global design and feel of the room so it’s important to get it right.

Being human, we are visual and tactile creatures, generally speaking we like to look at and touch things. Yet few of us realize how light and color affects our perception of texture in our surroundings. When designing your home spa you have to remember that the smoother and shinier the surface, the greater the refraction of light (light bounces off the surface) whereas the opposite is true for matte and rougher surfaces that have a tendency of absorbing refracted light.

The Illusion of Light

This is important because it affects our depth of field, that said, the shinier the surface, the lighter the same hue of a particular color appears as compared to a non-reflective or rougher surface. So why is this important? Well, light and shadow specifically create the illusion of texture in a three dimensional space. Once you understand this you can strategically arrange your lighting to take advantage of this phenomenon.

The other design element in your washroom that can superficially create the illusion of tactile property is pattern. In your bath, you can use pattern to establish graphic rhythm throughout the room and bring the separate design elements together. What this means is that the intensity of light and the complexity of surface patterns can for all intensive purposes create the illusion of texture on your surfaces when in reality none does exist.

The Quality of Touch

This textural attention to detail can create a decorative or sensual holistic environment based upon your design intentions. Of all the design elements, the joy of texture in your bathroom can be used as a supplemental palette to enhance your bathing space. Depending upon the effect you are trying to create you can apply this principle contrastingly bold or subtly to complement your décor.

In the restroom, the design response we are most familiar with and associate with the term “texture” is touch; the softness of our bath towels, the feeling of surfaces underfoot, the hard smooth exterior of your handheld shower in the palm of your hand and the warm invigorating feeling of warm water on your neck and back. It is only natural that we intimately interact with the materials and surfaces that surround us.

Safety Comes First

The feeling of a surface such as a floor plays an important role in the usability and safety of the chamber. It should go without saying that underfoot you should avoid surfaces that become slippery when wet. Choose a surface composition that creates some form of traction. A good choice would be to resurface your floors with smaller unglazed tiles with plenty of grout to aid with solid footing.

To fully appreciate the joy of textures in yo[...]

Make Easy Work of Your Next Reno Project

If you ever wanted to install a new shower but didn’t know where to begin then this series of videos with step by step bathroom renovation instructions will make easy work of your next remodelling project.

Home improvement expert Randy Davis brings you over three hours of detailed insider information you can download right away and watch on your computer or television set as he shows you the ins and outs of Installing-A-Shower-Pan and Ceramic Tile.

In his usual easy to digest case studies, Randy shows you how to build your shower from scratch along with the common mistakes to avoid so that your shower pan installation goes smoothly without a hitch.

With the wrong information, your bathroom can suffer from serious and expensive water damage; it`s always a bonus when a trade professional such as Mr. Davis shares the tricks of the trade like how to give the floor good drainage so that no water will set.

Tiles add Timeless Beauty

And what shower floor would be complete without learning how to lay down tile. Ceramic tile not only adds beauty but a sense of timeless to your overall shower design.

Installing-A-Shower-Pan not only shows you the proper use of the tools it also shows you the proper constituency of the mixtures to avoid clumping and air bubbles which can cause your floor to have preventable weak spots. Randy also teaches you the importance of accuracy through the use of measuring and thickness, spacers and resizing the joints.

For the average Joe, Installing-A-Shower-Pan gives you sound accurate advice packed with real world experience and professional best practices.

And with a sixty day, one hundred percent guarantee along with tons of references and over twenty-five years of experience in the home improvement industry you know you are getting the proper training to get the job done right.

Addressing Visual Problems

Ceilings are oftentimes neglected because they’re somewhat awkward and tiring to work on. There are two main problems that should be investigated when this facade is involved: first, the actual surface itself and secondly the crease between the ceiling and your bath walls. Appropriately, there are also two different ways to fix the problem depending upon which issue you have to deal with; one that allows the renovator to physically change the surface of the ceiling and the other solution can cleverly camouflage the issue so that it is not so obvious to the casual observer.

Hiding Uneven Wall and Ceiling Joint Lines

Typically you paint a wall up to the ceiling. If you have an older home that has been subject to even a little bit of movement overtime the line between the two surfaces will become uneven. However this problem can be easily solved by either moving the connecting line up onto either the ceiling itself or down onto the adjacent wall. This not only disguises the unevenness of the join but also visually changes the apparent dimensions of the room to better align with the space.

Painting a Line on Your Ceiling

Normally if your room is low then it would be best to take the paint line up to the ceiling to optically raise the space. The tools you will need are a long ruler, T-square, pencil, four inch paint brush, roller (optional) and some matte latex paint in two colors. Your objective here is to visually mask the uneven joint through the use of a colored band. Start by painting the whole ceiling the lighter of the two colors and let it dry. Next using your T-square measure out from the wall to the desired depth you want on the ceiling. Continue doing this along the entire length of the façade ticking off the measurement using your pencil at approximately 20-25 inch intervals. Once that is complete you can join your ticks using the long ruler to create a straight line that spans your whole ceiling.

A Steady Hand

Professional decorators use masking tape to create a barrier between areas they want painted and sections they don’t want paint on. If you are fortunate enough to have a smooth ceiling then using tape to mask the area is invaluable to create a crisp line. However most ceilings are not totally flat so trying to contain the paint to one side of the line will not work because the adhesive will not stick properly on the rough surface and the color will bleed under the barrier ruining your hard work. So believe it or not it’s sometimes easier to just paint freehand along your drawn line. Using the other color, paint your bathroom wall up to the ceiling and with a steady hand, drag the paint along the pencil line and fill in the color back to the wall. One thing that should be mentioned here is that you should try to keep your wall color on the light side because a visibly darker tone has a tendency of making your bath seem smaller.

Camouflaging a Crease

The other method to hide uneven wall to ceiling joints is to paint a line along your bathroom wall as opposed to a line on the ceiling. The tools you will need are the same the only addition is a spirit level because the ceiling/wall line will be uneven so you want to create a level beginning point. You can also use a roller for wider application and to speed up the painting process. Start by applying a lighter color on the ceiling and the top section of your bath wall. Once this is dry, measure down the wall to where you want the line to begin. How far down the wall will depend on how high your ceiling is. If you want to create a cozier feeling the lower the line should be but an average depth would be approximately four inches to ensure the drop looks intentional.

Properly Using a Colored Band

Now using your level and pencil mark a straight line around the room. Unlike the ceiling, you can use painters tape to mask above the line without worrying about the color bleeding under the tape, just make certain you apply sufficient pr[...]