Remodeling Tips to Make a Tiny Bathroom Appear Larger

If you have shopped around for a new home or condo, you may have noticed that newer model homes feature spacious, large bathrooms. Compared to older model houses, contemporary designs focus as much on comfort as they do efficiency - whereas your home may have a smaller bathroom because it isn't designed for leisure, but functionality. These days, though, people want to pamper themselves with a lengthy bath or take their time getting ready for the day, and it cannot be accomplished well in a small bathroom. If you are unable to widen the area, there are still ways to remodel so the space looks bigger and more comfortable.

Looking for ideas to get rid of that closed-in feeling every time you use the bathroom? Here are a few ideas to get you started. Some you may be able to do yourself, while others may require the help of a reputable contractor who specializes in bathroom renovations.

1) If you have an under cabinet sink, consider replacing it with a pedestal model. The removal of the cabinet will free up that space and make your bathroom look less cluttered. It's not uncommon to let your bathroom build up with dozens of half-empty tubes and bottles. Try to economize with your toiletries and use one common shelf unit - like something that positions over the commode - while clearing up other space.

2) Consider a second mirror or replace your current bathroom mirror with a larger one. Mirrors are used often in decorating to add depth to a small space. They train your eye to see the room as lighter and larger.

3) If you are able to replace the flooring, try something in a light color that better reflects the light rather than absorbs it. Larger tiles, too, may help open up the room.

4) Bringing more light into a room not only helps open the space, but makes the room more pleasant. If you have curtains, try removing them for a short time and see if it makes a difference.

Above all else, keep the bathroom clean whenever possible and remove items that don't necessarily have to be there. If you keep a laundry hamper in your bathroom for convenience, try moving it to a closet or the laundry room to make more space. More light, and a color scheme that emphasizes the brightness in your bathroom can help create the feeling of space that you want.


Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Norfolk home remodeling services and Virginia Beach remodeling services.

Time For a New Water Heater? Make Sure You Call a Plumber

It's a problem nobody wants to face, especially in the middle of a shower when the water turns ice cold. When a water heater fails to the point of needing repair or replacement, nobody in the house will find relief until the job is done.

How to Tell When You Need a New Water Heater

Don't assume that you need to have the whole appliance replaced if you experience one faulty incident. It's important to discern all the factors before you determine what the purchase and installation of a heater will cost. Note the following before you make that decision:

• Age of current heater: heaters generally last an average of ten to twelve years. If you have a relatively new heater you may just need to call a plumber to inspect it.
• Water quality: if you turn on a faucet and the water has a rusty or dirty color, this could be a sign something is wrong.
• Persistent change in temperature: if you're used to a certain level of heat when you shower and detect something is amiss, this could indicate problems
• Water pooling at the base of the heater: an obvious sign of leaks, you should definitely be on the phone with a plumber if you see this

Hire a Plumber to Install Your New Heater

 

While you may be tempted to handle this job on your own, it is strongly recommended to hire a plumbing mechanic to install or repair your heater. Adjusting a water heater to work in your home requires more than simply setting it in place and affixing the proper pipes. It is a risky job that, if done incorrectly, could require even more time to fix.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach house repairs, commercial plumbers in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake plumbers.

Is it Time to Remodel The Bathroom?

Decades ago, bathrooms were built into homes with necessity, rather than luxury, in mind. Homeowners and family came and went, staying long enough to wash up and use the facilities - consideration for space was left to other parts of the house. Nobody considered the bathroom as an equivalent to a retreat.

These days, that mindset has changed. As bath and shower fixtures become more sophisticated and people look for ways to find relaxation economically, the bathroom has transformed from a closet with a toilet to a place for privacy and stress relief. Roomy garden tubs with jet sprays are desired, and shower heads with pulsing massage options provide maximum opportunity for boosting your mood. Now you can choose a style and color scheme for your bathroom to suit your personality and desires, and slip into your built-in retreat whenever you wish.

For a complete renovation, however, you may require the assistance of a plumber, especially if the jobs calls for reworking pipes and reinstalling a commode or shower. While some cosmetic changes may be applied on your own, it's best to contact a reputable plumbing contractor for an advanced overhaul. You don't want to risk damage to your new bathroom before you're able to enjoy it if the piping is done incorrectly.

Take note of what you're looking for in a new bathroom - ceramic tile, spa-style tub, modern fixtures, then consult with professionals to glean cost. You may find you can afford to beautify a place where you wish to feel relaxed and beautiful.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach home improvement, Virginia Beach commercial plumbing and Virginia Beach bathroom remodeling.