Master Bath Remodel Archives - Tri-Lite Builders

07 Apr 2022

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Budget, Home Improvements, Kitchen Remodels, Master Bath Remodel, Resale Value Permalink

5 Remodels That Make Good Resale Value Sense – and 5 That Don’t

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On April 7, 2022

We are sharing this Houzz blog by Matt Clawson because we know you value your home remodel investment. This blog has some great information about which home renovation projects can increase your remodel resale value. Houzz is a great resource where you can design your home, and browse 20 million interior design photos, home decor, decorating ideas, and home professionals online. We are a member of Houzz and have won consecutive Best of Houzz awards! With our design phase and remodeling processes, we can confidently help you set your goals within your budget adding a great resale value to your home.

Repeat after me: I am the master of my remodel. Perhaps you should say it again because sadly, it’s not always so. Remodels sometimes have a tendency to develop their own inertia, as decisions lead to new dilemmas, unintended consequences, and surprising outcomes. In some cases, these flights of fancy are perfectly acceptable, provided the design and completed execution truly align with the vision and budget.

But if your budget is a concern and the wise investment of limited home improvement dollars matters, then there are a few basic guidelines you should familiarize yourself with before planning your remodel. Today we review five remodels that typically make good financial sense, providing a nice return on the investment at the time of resale — and five that don’t.

27 Diamonds Interior Design, Transitional Kitchen

Remodeling Projects That Offer Good Resale Value

1. Kitchens. Updating a tired old kitchen is one of the wisest methods, and a tried-and-true one, of increasing the value of your home. When planning a kitchen remodel, and making design decisions and selections for plumbing fixtures, appliances, cabinets, and countertop materials, you should determine whether you are prioritizing your own design aesthetic or the return on your investment.

Either priority is perfectly acceptable, but you should understand which is your priority, or strike a balance between the two that you can feel good about.

For example, using the existing kitchen layout and affordable cosmetic materials is a sure way to keep the cost of your kitchen remodel manageable. When you start tearing out walls, bumping out the exterior home footprint to gain a few feet, and moving plumbing fixtures and appliances, the cost of the remodel will jump and your dollars will be less efficiently spent.

FineCraft Contractors, Inc., Transitional Family Room

2. Adding living space. A straightforward addition of a new living room space is typically a very good investment.

Newly added square footage generally increases your home’s value. There are certain costs that will be associated with your addition regardless of the size. New square footage will require the demolition of existing exterior walls, a new foundation, a new roof, new exterior siding, and probably new windows. If you are going to incur these expenses, it’s important to get some bang for your buck. It’s important that the added room is sized so that the space can be efficiently produced.

Tree 2 Key Builders, Traditional Exterior

3. Curb appeal. You have heard not to judge a book by its cover, but smart money recognizes the cover’s value. Your front elevation is more than just a first impression. It’s the only impression available to just about all of your home’s potential buyers.

The good news is that there are a number of very affordable projects that can improve curb appeal and some more extensive improvements that can likely pay off as well. Simply cleaning out overgrown brush and making a few new planting additions to your landscape can go a long way toward improving curb appeal at a very low cost.

Repainting is another low-cost, high-impact improvement. Costlier changes such as changing out old windows or an aged entry door are things that potential buyers will notice and value. Even more extensive front-elevation remodels, such as added dormers and front porches, can prove wise from an investment standpoint.

Jameson Design Group, Contemporary Bedroom

4. Primary suites. Sorry, kids. Homebuying decisions are in the hands of adults, and adults care about the environment where they sleep. Updating a primary bedroom or remodeling and adding a new primary suite is money well spent. The buyers will picture themselves living in their private space, and it’s of quantitative value when they like what they see.

Denman Construction, Farmhouse Bathroom

5. Bathrooms. Homebuyers notice bathrooms, and although all the bathrooms are important, a priority should be placed on the powder room and master bath, followed by a guest bathroom and any other secondary baths (the kids don’t need to know).

The same rules apply to a bathroom remodel as to the kitchen. Cosmetic changes are safer from an investment standpoint than modifications involving changed layouts or minor additions, which can result in inefficient expenses.

Remodeling Projects That Typically Offer Poor Resale Value

1. Kids’ spaces. If your kids have a climbing wall, for example, the fantastic addition will probably lead to hours of fun, increased strength, and perhaps even a sense of accomplishment. But there is no assurance your homebuyer will feel the same way. A rock-climbing wall might actually represent a negative value to a buyer who sees this space as his man cave.

2. Pools. The National Swimming Pool Foundation estimates that there are more than 10 million swimming pools in the United States. Can 10 million pool owners possibly be wrong? Backyard pools are loved by millions, and while this appreciation is well-founded, they should be constructed for their many virtues that are not investment-related. A pool might increase the value of your home but is unlikely to pay for itself, as some buyers will perceive the pool as a negative maintenance expense.

3. Wine rooms. Some of the coolest remodels are the least savvy from an investment perspective. A wine room wouldn’t appeal to someone who does not love wine, for example. Original designs rarely appeal to everyone, so when adding spaces to a home you know you will sell, consider how personal it is and if others will feel as strongly as you do.

4. Removing features. Do not remove features for investment reasons. If you never use the fireplace in your basement, removing it might make perfect sense to you and your family. Just make sure you understand that the next homeowner might wish it were still there, and the money you spent demolishing the fireplace and reworking the space will not be reclaimed.

5. Minor additions. Adding a few square feet — say, to expand a bathroom or secondary bedroom — is rarely money well spent. The reason is simple. If you bump out a bedroom wall by a few feet, you might make that bedroom much more comfortable. That benefit alone might make it worthwhile in your circumstance. But the cost of the added elements, including foundation, roof, framing and drywall, will result in only a small gain in square footage. Say your 2,400-square-foot, three-bedroom home becomes a three-bedroom home with 2,440 square feet. It’s unlikely that you’ll recover the cost of the addition.

Michele Johnson Design, Traditional Kitchen

The Bottom Line

This exercise is not intended to dissuade you from pursuing a specific remodeling idea. The enjoyment and functionality get from a new space may make the project worthwhile even if it doesn’t provide good resale value. The decision is yours to make. Just be sure you make it with a full understanding of the investment value for every dollar you spend.

Written by Matt Clawson, a Houzz contributor. Realtor. Homebuilder, project consultant, and writer/March 15, 2022.

You can read the blog with its additional links on Houzz here.

Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

For high-end home design, build, and remodeling in the greater Phoenix area that reflects your vision, Homework Remodels will help you love your home again. Start your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or email [email protected] to discuss your remodeling project. We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our NARI-certified award-winning designers and craftsman are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality! See our portfolio here.

18 Mar 2022

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Award-Winning, Bathroom Remodels, Blog, Master Bath Remodel, Trends, Uncategorized Permalink

These 2022 Bathroom Trends Work with Every Decorating Style

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On March 18, 2022

This blog is about bathroom trends and comes from Kristina McGuirk with Better Homes and Garden. We love sharing with you blogs that we feel will be beneficial to our clients in planning for their perfect bathroom remodel! Feel good investing in these practical updates to create a smarter, more stylish bathroom.

Bathroom Trends

We’re still finding ourselves spending a lot of time at home, and with that comes more focus on how our spaces look and function. In 2022, homeowners will be addressing outdated bathroom designs with harder-working fixtures and stylish accents that provide a comfortable, practical refresh. Check out these bathroom trends below.

Updated Sinks and Touchless Faucets

According to the Houzz 2021 bath trends report, faucets are the most popular bath upgrade, and their counterpart, sinks, are seeing more switch-outs since the year before. “There has been an increased focus on the importance of washing hands over the past 20 months. As we put more thought into hand-washing, naturally we put more consideration into our hand-washing and hygiene spaces,” says Caroline Danielson, director of showrooms for Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery.

According to Danielson, homeowners want to make their spaces more inviting and stylish while increasing function. “To make their space more hygienic, a homeowner might decide to install a touchless fixture,” she says. While bath fixtures have been impacted by supply-chain issues, Danielson notes that the variety of products available is making it easier to accomplish these projects.

Organic Style

Organic style, which emphasizes natural materials, warm, earthy colors, and plenty of plants, emerged as a major theme in home design in 2020, and it has quickly become the top bathroom style—up from third in 2021, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) 2022 Design Trends Report. Accents complementing this style will continue to pop up in bath designs, especially those that embrace a connection to nature.

A report by the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) notes increased interest in skylights as a source for natural light, while Houzz data shows more homeowners adding plants to their baths. Earthy greens and watery blues will also appear in bathrooms, though the NKBA predicts monochromatic applications rather than bold, contrasting uses of color.

Multipurpose Storage

The desire for better-functioning spaces is leading many to rethink existing layouts in their home, with access to storage a key motivator for this change. The NAHB found linen closets within the primary bath to be a highly sought-after feature by homebuyers. Over the next three years, bathroom layouts will be opening up to include dressing areas, closets, and laundry rooms, according to the NKBA report.

Modern Influences

Regardless of a bathroom’s overall design, modern accents will be prevalent in 2022, according to Stacy Garcia, founder of the kitchen and bath industry Twitter chat KBtribechat. “Even though most kitchens and bathrooms today include a personalized mix of elements, adding a modern touch is increasingly popular,” she says. “A fun, modern light fixture can add a dynamic element of surprise.” Garcia expects modern style to influence vanity designs as well, which benefit from the ease of cleaning and an uncluttered look thanks to the minimal lines of more contemporary design.

Integrated Technology

With the rising popularity of smart toilets and touchless faucets, technology continues to be integrated into bathroom designs for more comfort and efficiency. Digital, wall-mounted interfaces, mobile apps, tech-savvy controls for showers, and heated flooring top NKBA’s 2022 bath technology trends.

Also popular for 2022 are bath ventilation upgrades. Humidity- and steam-sensing exhaust fans, which work without the user having to turn them off or on, are popular investments that practically and sustainably replace older ventilation. Smaller-scale connected products like scales and mirrors will make their way into the bath, too.

Improved Vanity Lighting

According to Houzz, 82% of homeowners are upgrading light fixtures for a brighter bath. Aesthetically, gold and black finishes continue to provide stylish accents, according to Greg Martin, creative director of design for Kichler Lighting. “White glass is also coming on strong as we move away from the popularity of the vintage Edison filament bulb,” he says. Martin also sees self-lit vanity mirrors continuing as a popular choice for brightening baths in 2022, while the NKBA report notes a clear trend toward switching to sustainable LED lighting.

Universal Design Upgrades

What you might not realize is that many of these trends are connected to universal design principles, a motive behind many bathroom improvements. Houzz reported that more than half of bathroom renovations are done to address needs specific to groups like aging family members, young children, or people with disabilities. Similarly, the NKBA lists universal design as a significant factor influencing bath design in 2022. As inclusive design becomes more mainstream, homeowners have an increased awareness of adaptations needed in their own homes.

Look for accessibility to converge with the already popular spa-inspired shower trend in the coming years. According to Houzz, 74% of people are upgrading their shower experience with fixtures like rainfall showerheads, body sprayers, and mood lighting. The NKBA also notes that curbless shower entries, handheld showers, and shower seats are being incorporated. While these features are often included in luxury showers, they’re also aligned with universal design. “Barrier-free showers with no curb are becoming the norm in both new construction and even remodeling,” says Ebony Stephenson, owner of Designs by Ebony. “They are no longer thought of as ‘wheelchair-accessible‘ showers, but simply showers accessible for all.”

Improved Vanity Lighting
Integrated Technology
Modern Influences
Multipurpose Storage
Organic Style
Universal Design
Updated Sinks and Touchless Faucetts

Written by Kristina McGuirk/December 13, 2021. You can read the entire blog (with all the photos) here.

Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

For high-end home design, build, and remodeling in the greater Phoenix area that reflects your vision, Tri-Lite Builders will help you love your home again. Start your project by calling us at (480) 895-3442 or email [email protected] to discuss your remodeling project. We offer no-obligation in-home consultation. Our NARI-certified award-winning designers and craftsman are eager to work with you to make your vision for your home a reality! See our portfolio here.

07 Sep 2021

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Blog, Design, Lifestyle, Master Bath Remodel Permalink

Meet the Design Psychologist Who Put a Native Stone Bathtub in Her Bedroom

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On September 7, 2021

Note from Homework Remodels: We loved reading this blog from Native Trails! As you learn more about this designer, she also shares the psychology of design and how a good design in a remodel can create the space that makes you feel good. We think this information is essential for the pandemic culture we live in today. If you are thinking of remodeling, let us know how Homework Remodel’s professional designer, Sheila Lanier, can help you create the perfect space!

With a background that spans set styling, home staging, interior design, and visual merchandising, including several years as Nordstrom’s environmental designer, Amber brings to the table not only her impeccable taste but a master’s degree in psychology.

What does psychology have to do with design? More than you might think. “I believe spaces are deeply linked to our emotions and contribute to our wellbeing,” says Amber, who has taught design psychology at Salt Lake Community College since 2010.

Here, she shares some of her tips and tricks for creating spaces that look and feel great.

Let’s start by talking about the renovations to your bedroom—and that bathtub!

AD: We moved into the place a year and a half ago when I was seven months pregnant. And after a year of living in our bedroom, we started calling it the torture chamber—and not lovingly. Approaching the remodel, the first thing we decided on was having a bathtub in the bedroom. At first we picked out a more traditional ceramic tub, but when we sat with that for a minute, we knew something wasn’t feeling right. When we started looking into it, we found the Native Trails tub, which looks awesome with the floors. We wanted to keep it simple so we did a limestone wash on the walls and concrete slab flooring, and we have a little garden area just outside the window for when we’re in the tub.

On that note, what’s your take on the bathtub-in-the-bedroom trend? Apparently, you’re a fan.

AD: We had one in our old house, but it didn’t feel cool or on purpose. It just felt like they couldn’t fit the tub in the bathroom. But we loved it and knew we wanted to incorporate that vibe in this house, but in more of a modern way. I love the idea of baths being a ritual and part of self-care that is separate from the bathroom. You know, you get ready in the bathroom. It gets messy.

Yes, it feels more serene to have the tub in the bedroom. Especially because sleep doctors will tell you that the bedroom should only be used for two things: Sleep and sex.

AD: To have a bath is such a sensual thing, so it goes with both of those things.

You studied psychology in college and ultimately bridged that with your creative side. How did those two interests come together?

AD: I got my bachelor’s in psychology and then wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so I went back to school for interior design. Then I stumbled on a single article about design psychology and was hooked. I stalked the author of the article, and she was super nice and said, “You probably need to get higher education in one area or another if you want to do this for a living.” At the time, they didn’t offer anything beyond an associate’s for interior design so I went on to get my master’s in psychology. I did private practice therapy and trauma work with kids for years. That was not happiness for me; it was breaking my heart. I loved what I knew, but I didn’t love being a therapist. So I went back to the college where I went for interior design and asked the director if she had any interest in infusing psychology principles into their courses. She called me back a week later and said, “I love the idea. I want you to teach a class about it in two weeks. It will need to be a 16-week course.”

Generally speaking, what do design and psychology have to do with one another?

AD: When you walk into a space, you immediately have a feeling, whether you recognize the feeling or not. Spaces have power over our psyche and our emotional wellbeing. They can make you feel at ease, they can make you feel anxious. My class basically teaches people how to tap into that—whether it’s their own attachments to space or their history with spaces in their childhood. From zero to five are your really formative years for attaching to another person; that is the blueprint for how you operate, and it colors how you attach to people in your adult life. But you can attach to space in the same way. Some people like to recreate chaotic spaces because they’re familiar with them, even though they know they’re not healthy. Or they want to recreate the smell of something or the way something felt or the view or the layout of a place—all of those things can evoke nostalgic memories that can feel really calming if you recreate them in your adult life. Then we open it up and explore some universal reactions to space and texture and color and materials, and how people respond. Like, I just read an article about how just being around woodgrain can reduce your stress levels.

What are some of the universal design truths that make people feel good?

AD: We tend to feel more calm in monochromatic spaces, especially if they’re neutrals. All-white spaces make us tense; we feel more rigid and like we have to act more formal in them. But when I say monochromatic, I mean ranges of neutrals, maybe woodgrain and taupes and that family of off-whites, whites and creams. We feel really relaxed in those spaces. So even if you pick a single color—let’s say green—and you incorporate a really deep, vegetal green all the way to a chalky, watery green in the same room, we really like being in that versus in super high-contrast colors.

So color is probably the most important factor?

AD: Yes, and lighting. One of the biggest things with lighting is we like to be under dappled lighting, like the light that would hit through the trees on a sunny day. We like being around that fractured light, which is why a lot of people are doing those basketweave pendants. That’s a really good way to artificially replicate what you would find in nature. We have all kinds of baked-in preferences from our survival instincts; so if it was a sunny day, you knew that it was safe and you didn’t have to find shelter. We also don’t love being around too much print because it’s harder to spot danger. We scan it in the same way we would scan something on the savanna to see if danger’s approaching. That’s also why too much clutter makes us tense.

Are there certain principles you adhere to when creating kitchens?

AD: With kitchens it’s about reducing the amount of clutter that you see, just because it is anxiety provoking to see a lot of things out. And I always think it’s nice to keep something like fresh and alive, whether that’s a basil plant or some other herbs. It’s also helpful to design kitchens with food colors. Blue is an appetite suppressant, so if you want to promote that in your kitchen, probably design with blue. There are just not a lot of blue foods in nature, but greens and warm tones are all nice to work with because they’re found in food.

How about for bathroom?

AD: In the bathroom I think it’s nice to think about textures. You start your day there and you end your day there usually. So it’s good to keep in mind things like plush towels or cozy rugs, things that hug you know and make you feel cozy.

So do you have any go to bathroom paint colors?

AD: Personally, I like neutrals and colors found in rocks and plants. I feel better around earth tones and materials that feel derived from Earth, like concrete. Especially if you want your bathroom to feel like an escape or spa, I will definitely lean into nature. There’s a theory called shibui that says that nature never makes a mistake. With that, you would look around you to know not only the colors to use, but the distribution. For instance on a hillside, you would normally see browns and different ranges of oatmeals, and then you would maybe see just a little pop of a flower. So you know, smaller doses of color.

What do you put in every space that you design?

AD: Plants. I’m personally drawn to them, and it feels good to have something alive around you. They’re also just super good for creating oxygen in a space. And when we’re around plants we’re more creative, more open to conversation and tend to settle disputes faster.

See more photos and read the remaining blog from Native Trails HERE

All photography courtesy of Amber Dunford.

05 May 2021

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Bathroom Remodels, Design, Lifestyle, Master Bath Remodel, Spa Permalink

How to Equip the Perfect Bathroom According to Your Lifestyle

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On May 5, 2021

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 voice-activated Bluetooth shower speaker 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. Japanese toilets 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 handicapped 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.

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.

Written by Cassandra Rosas and originally posted on Porch.com

Learn more about Tri-Lite Builders here.

18 Mar 2020

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR Posted in Home Remodel, Master Bath Remodel Permalink

15 Great Ideas For Your Master Bath Remodel

Sticky Post By Steve Shinn, CR On March 18, 2020

As homeowners, we all strive for the same thing – home customization. We want our home to be unique to our personality, so we often go for exterior paint and siding options, doors and windows, and landscaping plans differently from our neighbors. The interior of our home needs the same attention as the exterior, and those personal decisions begin with each homeowner.

15 great ideas to help customize your master bath and turn it into a true work of art.

Showers have really taken a turn toward luxury in recent years. Give your shower serious consideration before the build begins. Consider options like curbless, multiple shower heads, multiple heating options, multiple massaging jets, lighting, and steam in order to customize your master bath.
A standalone tub is a lovely, classic addition to the average bathroom. Most homeowners are steering away from the all-in-one shower-tub unit and opting for a luxury shower and separate soaking tub.
Do you want the shower to be fully enclosed with a shower door or curtain? Do you want a separate enclosure or room for the toilet to maximize privacy? These are serious considerations.
Partial walls offer the ability to conform any bathroom into separate spaces while leaving a very open feeling.
The furnishings you choose will determine the overall visual appeal and efficiency of the bathroom. Choose wisely.
Storage is extremely important in the bathroom. Choose storage options that work for your specific needs.
Lighting is also extremely important, especially when most of us prepare for life in our bathroom. We need the right ambient lighting, task lighting, and mood lighting depending on the time of day and use for the bathroom.
Add transom windows or decorative windows to help bring in natural light. Stained glass, smoky glass or glass blocks help protect your privacy while adding natural light to the room.
Choose faucets that reflect your personal sense of style.
The bathroom, like the kitchen, is one of the most used rooms in the home, so it must be functional. Strongly consider functionality over style, that doesn’t mean you won’t have a stylish bathroom.
The flooring must flow with the overall design and decor of the room. Choose heated flooring for an extra-nice touch to customize your master bath.
Paint the walls and ceiling to complement other decor and furniture options. Choose a paint finish that will be able to withstand the rigors of bathroom heat, steam, and cleaning.
Tile is a beautiful way to fully customize your bathroom. Look to local tile showrooms with a vast array of options, you can also purchase the custom tile from local crafters or people who sell their wares online. Prices vary widely, so be aware of your budget before you fall for “the one”.
The decor you use in your bathroom should reflect your personal sense of style and your lifestyle. Choose your decor carefully and consider changing it from season to season for a dramatic effect.
Ease of Cleaning is a consideration! This is something that many of us don’t take into consideration when designing our custom bathroom. It’s no big deal if you enjoy cleaning the bathroom – but seriously, who enjoys cleaning that much? Okay, yes, there are a few! But for the rest of us, we’d rather build out a bathroom that’s easy to clean.

Home Remodeling in the Greater Phoenix Area

Call Tri-Lite Builders at (480) 895-3442 for a free 60-minute consultation to begin your remodel! Our designers and craftsmen would love the opportunity to show you how we can customize your home to make it uniquely yours. Peruse our featured projects to see some of our award-winning remodels.

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