How do I renovate my current bathroom?
The original bathroom, stool, cabinets, shower etc went in with new construction over 40 years ago and needs to be upgraded, remodeled to 2019 standards to accommodate an aging couple.
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Hi John, you should make a trip to the hardware store like lowes and speak to an expert there. There are a lot of things you can likely do your self, but they will have people to hire for install on the stuff you can't do, newer toilets are higher than the old style now too which helps. Good luck! Post before and after if you can
Look at several bath design magazines to get ideas, consider accessible renovations. Consider a,roll in shower if you have room and the comfort height toilet. Talk to several contractors that do ADA, renovations.
Hi, John,
You may want your vanity placed atop a plinth to raise it's height for access to sink, if person has a spinal issue
One handled faucets are more easily controlled by someone with arthritis or balance problems. Insure the control for faucet and plunger to not strike the sink's backsplash, which could interfere with best operation.
Grab bars at front, side and rear entry point of tub or shower are helpful in enent person loses balance or needs help to enter/exit. Grab bars that can retract, placed at side and rear of toilet may be useful. Toilet paper dispensers requiring only one hand to mount new roll is easier, but purchase one that precludes the roll sliding off the other side.
Lower height tubs or low threshold showers facilitate entry. A roll in shower requires a 5' area in which to turn around a wheelchair.
A larger than standard, well secured seat can be used for sitting or upon which to balance one's foot.
A shower with a door should be able to have door swing outward, in event person falls inside shower, so as not to block door/egress.
Multiple places for soap and shampoo reduce potential for falls if person does not have to turn around for these items.
Anti scald devices are recommended for obvious reasons. Set the water tank no higher than 120° F.
A light above shower/tub and lights above and on either side of mirror, at mid point, offer lighting without shadows. LED lights on easily accessed dimmers better control lighting for aging eyes.
A very good exhaust fan with timer can be set ahead of shower to exhaust excessive steam which can tire older persons. It will also reduce the amount of manual drying to walls and ceiling surfaces.
If ceiling isn't tiled, use a very good quality bath paint with mildew inhibiting properties in a semi gloss sheen, which is easier to clean and better reflects light.
Floors should have smaller tiles with more grout for traction, and tiles should have more slip resistance (Coefficient of Friction greater than 0.6 to meet ADA standard).
If funds permit, an intercom in the bath is ideal if assistance is required.
Here is a nice bright bathroom update I did recently that did not require a lot of money or construction to make it beautiful. >> https://www.homeroad.net/2018/04/a-neutral-bathroom-makeover.html