Converting a tub to a shower is one way to make your bathroom accessible if you plan to “age in place”. A shower is much easier to get in and out of than a bathtub. It can also be readily fitted with seating and support bars.

Replacing a large tub with a corner shower stall can create more space in a very small bathroom. However, that requires redoing the floor to cover the area where the tub used to be. Most shower retrofits involve putting in the stall in the same footprint as that occupied by the tub.

A full remodel often involves removing not just the tub, but the existing tile surround as well. However, some prefabricated acrylic or fiberglass shower stalls are installed over the tile. These can be formed and colored to mimic more expensive surfaces such as tile or marble.

Additional Considerations

When panels are installed, the existing surface (including the grout) should be thoroughly cleaned and treated with a product such as Microban. Otherwise, mold and bacteria may continue to grow in the moist environment between the old tile and the new liner.

Prefab or hand-tiled stalls may be fitted with glass doors to improve the look and performance of the shower. For a stall with a low lip, a door prevents water spills better than a curtain does – reducing the risk of slip-and-fall accidents in the bathroom.

Does your bathroom have one or more walls that look out on the outside world? This gives you a perfect opportunity to let in some natural light. Of course, you also want to retain privacy in this room. Heavy drapes make a small space look cramped and gauzy sheer curtains won’t give you enough opacity. However, there are plenty of window options that will let the sun in while keeping out prying eyes.

Location Specific

Consider placing casement (awning style) windows close to the ceiling. These let in the daylight and can even be opened to air out the bathroom and keep humidity low. They are too high for passersby or neighbors to peer through. If you prefer a window that doesn’t open, consider a nautical style round window.

Partially Opaque

Frosted panes are a good option for bathrooms if you want a large picture window. Just make sure the etching is consistent enough to provide your desired amount of coverage. For smaller windows, consider decorative stained glass. These work best in a bathroom that is painted a neutral ivory or white color to really show off the colored light from the artful window panes.

Bend The Light

Glass Block Window

Glass block windows (made of cubes of thick glass) are another choice that provides a “distorted” view of the outside while letting in the sun. Some installers can even build shower stalls out of this type of material allowing you to carry the motif from the window to the rest of the bathroom.

Tiled shower stalls are popular for a reason. They look great – for the first few months. After that, the grout may start to show signs of age. Many shampoos and body washes contain dyes that stain tiles and grout. Soap scum mixed with minerals from your water can cake to any surface. Keeping mold and mildew at bay is a constant struggle in the moist environment of your bathroom.

No matter what the makers of spray on shower cleaners claim, you will end up scrubbing your grout at some point. The only way to avoid this is to replace your shower stall or tub surround with smooth acrylic panels. Unlike a pre-fab unit, you don’t need plumbing skills to do this upgrade yourself. You aren’t removing the old tub or shower, simply covering it with a fresh, easy to clean surface.

Variety in Choice

Acrylic Shower Stall

While tub liners and shower pans are generally available in just a few neutral colors, there are lots of options for the surrounding walls. Faux granite and marble wall liners can make this “quick fix” look quite sophisticated. There are even molded acrylic panels that look like tile – but without the grout.

You can easily find products with accessories like soap dishes and safety bars. There are also companies that will customize a liner for you to fit any space and add cut outs for windows.

Before You Install

Clean your existing bathtub or shower stall before installing a liner. Also, let the area dry fully. You don’t want water to be trapped between the liner and the original surface. Choose materials that are protected with Milguard or a similar microbe inhibitor to help keep your liner free of mildew.

Upgrading your bathrooms with new showerheads is one way to instantly change the appearance and performance of your showers. There is plenty of variety to choose from. Luxury showerheads can be ornate and decorative as well as being practical. Most heads are simple spray devices but many are active body massagers. Some save water; still others create high pressure spray. Handheld and adjustable shower heads are also available.

Handheld Showerhead

The most expensive models include advanced electronics that control the balance and flow of large amounts of water. Such high-tech showerheads require professional installation. However, upgrades with a standard showerhead can usually be done simply by following the assembly instructions provided by the manufacturer. Here are a couple of additional installation tips.

Prevent Leaks

Use pipe thread compound (available from your home improvement store) when you attach your showerhead upgrade to the existing pipe. This will help ensure a proper fit. Unscrewing the old head sometimes breaks the seal from the gooseneck pipe to the internal plumping. Use the pipe thread compound and sealant on both ends of the gooseneck extension connection.

Prevent Damage
 
The finish on a new connection pipe can easily be damaged if you use pliers or a pipe wrench on the outside to force it to turn. To get a tight fit without damaging the gooseneck, it’s best to turn it by hand. However, this is not always possible. If the pipe has a flat surface, you may be able to use a flat adjustable wrench.

Otherwise, try an alternative solution. These pipes generally have a small bend in them (that’s why they’re called goosenecks). Stick the end of a long, thick screw driver into the pipe’s opening. Use it as a lever to turn the pipe from the inside. Any scrapes will be on the inside of the pipe and will not affect its performance.

A simple bathroom upgrade such as a new medicine cabinet offers plenty of bang for your home improvement buck. There are three major factors you should consider when selecting and installing a new medicine cabinet. These are function, fit, and appearance.

Consider Functionality

Your medicine cabinet should be large and deep with plenty of shelves. This is the ideal place to store not just medicines but razors, skin creams, extra bars of soap, and other grooming implements as well. You don’t want to stick these items in a plastic tub under the sink – that type of clutter easily gets out of control.

Get The Right Fit

Your new medicine cabinet needs to fit in the space available. If the door to the cabinet won’t open properly because of obstructions in the bathroom space, it really isn’t an improvement. Select a model with sliding door panels to avoid this problem.

Another way to gain access to extra space is to use a recessed cabinet. Just make sure the cavity is in fact empty. Unseen wiring or pipes behind the dry wall may pose a problem. Also, make sure you fasten the cabinet to wood framing in the wall so the weight of the unit is fully supported.

Match Your Décor

Mirrored cabinets are always nice, but you don’t have to settle for plain metal edging. Consider a wood frame or a beveled glass edge. Rectangles aren’t your only option either. Choose an oval, octagonal, or scalloped shape. Consider replacing plain, dressing room style bulbs with a triple wall sconce to add style to the lighting above your medicine cabinet.

When your drain is stopped or really slow, it is seldom the result of collapsed or defective pipes. Blockage in the lines is usually caused from many different things. Mostly from solid waste, small objects, hair, or clumps of soap and grease. What you need to do is isolate the problem. If one of the fixtures seems to drain slow or not at all, check and see if the other fixtures have the same problem. If only one fixture is the problem, fill the sink with water. If the water drains for two seconds or less before clogging, the problem is in the trap. If two or more fixtures are clogged, the clog may be in the branch line, the main line, or the vent stack. When you isolate the affected area, it will help you decide how to clean out the line-and whether you need to hire a professional.

Remember, drain lines are very fragile. They are probably more fragile than you would expect because of all the fixtures attached to them. You will need to be careful when using chemicals and augering. Some chemicals can weaken the walls of the drain lines, and augers can shatter porcelain fixtures. If either one of those don’t work, try to snake the line, but work slowly and carefully. There is a risk when you use chemicals. It is best to avoid them if possible. But if you do decide to use one, be sure that you FOLLOW ALL DIRECTIONS when using it. Never use a drain cleaner on a clogged drain or in a toilet, and never pour acid in standing water.

Stepping out of a hot shower into a chilly bathroom is not something anyone wants to experience. The amount of heat delivered through the typical HVAC system just isn’t sufficient to take the edge off on winter days. That’s one reason many homeowners opt to install an additional heater in their bathrooms.

Which One Should You Choose?

Any space heater will do the job, but safety is important in a wet environment. Ideally, you should purchase a model that is specifically designed to be used in a moist environment. The unit should be small enough that it won’t eat up too much space or come into contact with flammable objects.

Ease of installation is another big factor. Complications may arise when you need a power switch to work in conjunction with the existing electrical system. This is often a concern when installing wall panel, baseboard radiant strip or ceiling bathroom heaters as DIY projects.

To avoid this problem, you might choose a fan based or portable convection heater that is UL listed as safe for use in a bathroom. Perhaps you would be satisfied with simply having a warm towel on hand when you get out of the tub. Towel warmers are available in designs that are as inexpensive or as fancy as you like. Some can be plugged directly into an existing outlet – eliminating the need for rewiring of any kind.

For real luxury, consider radiant in-floor heating. This is a fairly energy efficient option that can keep your toes toasty warm. However, it is usually only a suitable choice if you were already planning a major remodel. It requires tearing out and replacing the existing floor as well as adding wiring that may require expert help from a licensed electrician.

How Much Heat Do You Need?

Regardless of which type of bathroom heater you buy, make sure the device is powerful enough to do the job. The basic rule is that the heater should use 12 to 15 watts to heat 1 square foot of bathroom space. This means that a 1500 watt heater should be adequate for a 10’ by 12’ space. If you have more room than this, you need a more powerful piece of equipment – perhaps one using 3000 watts.

There may not be room for a full size linen cabinet in a half bath, but you definitely shouldn’t miss out on this appealing storage option in your master bathroom. This is the perfect space to store fresh towels, toiletries, and extra paper products.

Open vs. Closed

Open linen storage is simply a recessed area with wood or wire shelving that makes everything easily accessible. This approach is very inexpensive and can be incorporated into bathrooms of any size. This option may work for you if you keep everything super organized. Otherwise, it might simply look cluttered and unfinished.

A closet or cabinet with doors is more elegant and keeps everything out of sight. This gives you a discreet place to store items that you may not want on view. You can also combine open shelves for towels with drawers or closed cabinets for personal hygiene supplies. Make sure the cabinet is positioned so the doors can be opened without obstruction.

Finishing Options

White and ivory are lovely, classic choices for the exterior of a linen cabinet. Use a deep rose, cobalt blue, or lime green for the interior for a surprising burst of color. Don’t use contact paper to line the shelves – it may bubble and peel. Use moisture resistant latex paint instead.

A rich wood exterior is another great look – especially if it ties in with furnishings in your master bedroom. Choose wrought iron or glass drawer pulls and handles for eye catching accents. Make sure any wood veneers are well sealed since bathrooms tend to be humid.

What to Avoid

Some people like to use the bottom half of a floor to ceiling linen closet as a clothes hamper. However, soiled clothing and wet towels can cause unpleasant smells and mildew if they are allowed to sit in an enclosed space for more than a day or so.

That’s one good reason to have a separate, portable laundry hamper in your bathroom (canvas on a wood frame is a nice choice). You can simply transfer the contents to your washer/dryer utility room for sorting at the end of each day.

Bathrooms present a challenge to homeowners in the ongoing battle to keep mold at bay. Using a vent fan to pull moisture out of the room only does so much to reduce humidity.

The materials you use in your bathroom play an important role in keeping this area of your home as dry as possible. Starting with a base of moisture resistant drywall is best. Then, you can choose from any of the following options as a finish.

Waterproof

Ceramic tile, glass, and laminate panels come closest to being fully water repellent. These are good materials to use for areas in your bathroom that will be splashed with water. When it comes to using glass, don’t assume you can only choose mirrored squares. Instead, look into stained glass tiles and other colorful, artistic styles.

You can mix and match any of these options in the same area. For example, use tile blocks to create a tiny mosaic trim around a laminate panel. This is easier than tiling an entire shower stall; you have the edge of the laminate to guide you in keeping the tile border straight.

Water Resistant

Vinyl wallpaper and glossy paint are somewhat resistant. They can be used in moist areas that don’t get hit directly with water. Paint and wallpaper that are suitable for use in a bathroom are usually labeled accordingly.

The paper should be thick vinyl with a canvas or other water resistant backing. Paint should be semi or high gloss. If you find a latex paint you like that isn’t specifically formulated for bathrooms, you can mix in an additive to make it resistant to water. This inhibits the growth of mold and prevents water spotting.

Small guest bathrooms are a favorite location for pedestal sinks. The narrow silhouette of this sink style offers additional room to maneuver in cramped spaces. However, this type of fixture has no under-sink cabinets. A wall mounted medicine cabinet isn’t large enough to hold towels and extra toilet paper, so you will need to create storage space. Over commode shelving is the perfect complement for a pedestal sink. It makes use of an area in the bathroom that is usually left blank or fitted with a single towel rack.

Remodeling Considerations

It is possible to install a pedestal sink yourself. However, hiring a professional is by far the easiest approach. The interior of the column doesn’t offer much space to work when you are trying to run the pipes through it.

The sink is not fully supported by the pedestal – it also bolts into the wall for greater stability. If the studs aren’t at the correct distance, install an additional cross piece in the wall for support. This will require cutting into the drywall, so watch out for wires and water lines.

Decide which is more important to you from an aesthetic standpoint: the sink – or the faucets. Do you have your heart set on a particular 3 piece faucet set? If so, you will need to buy a sink that has three holes correctly spaced to accommodate the faucet style you selected.

When you replace your existing wall mounted or cabinet sink with a pedestal sink, you will have to refinish the wall to cover up the outline left by the old unit. This is a good time to put in new wallpaper or apply a different paint color.

Fancy Options

Pedestal sinks may be small, but they can be an elegant accent for any bathroom if you pick the right materials. Instead of plain porcelain, try concrete art pieces or contemporary glass for a touch of class.

If you are looking for a way to refresh the way your bathroom looks, but you do not want to spend a lot of money on the project. You should check into a type of replacement where a new product is placed on top of the old. The new is just like an over lay that will change the way your bathtub and shower will look.

This product is becoming more and more popular as people want to flip houses. This is a quick fix for a bathroom that may not need a lot of other repairs. If you are going to be doing a remodel on part of the bathroom but do not think that you can afford to replace the combination tub and shower, then this is a great option.

The company offers several different color combinations. There is also many different styles and textures that are available. This is a great option that will truly change the entire appearance of the whole room. Since this is just a thin overlay that is placed on top of the existing fixture, you will not be out a lot of time or money. The installments will usually only take one day.

This type of replacement will need to be done by a professional unless you are familiar with the way these overlays are installed. Most companies will not sell you an overlay without paying for the installment because of warranty issues.

There so many different home improvement stores around. They all want you to come in and purchase things for a major remodel. Often time’s people do not realize that there are small simple things that can be done, that will really help modernize their home. Replacing fixtures, door knobs, painting, and simply organizing can really have a major impact on your home. You do not have to rip down walls or add a new room to help create a newer feel to your home.

If you are looking for something different all over your home, you should try painting and replacing door knobs. I know that this does not sound like much, but you would be surprised at how a simple change can have such an impact. A new door knob can change the entire appearance of the door. It can go from looking old fashioned to a more modern look. If you have a room that seems small and uninviting, you can try a new paint color that will make the room seem larger. Light, bright colors can make a room more inviting as well.

Replacing fixture in the bathroom can really change the look of this room as well .There is many different options available that you will not be limited to a certain time period. That can be a problem among homes that were built 20 to 30 years ago. Everyone has the same thing. This is a simple fix that can make your home stand apart from all the others. It does not take major remodel to really update a home. The simple little changes can have a major impact as well.