Jun 13 2011

Curved Walk In Shower For A Modern Bathroom

Posted by Modern Homes in Showers

People who want to sell their house often believe that the process can be completed in a few months. Unfortunately, this is usually an overly optimistic assumption. With the current economy, property trading has become more cautious and meticulous. To appeal to those who are in the hunt for a new home, the house being sold should look good and have no major flaws. Common red flags are worn out bathrooms and kitchens. Prospective buyers will not get a house under these conditions since they know that better options are available. In order to make your house more attractive, parts of it can be renovated to install modern features and designs. Bathroom remodeling is a common strategy to not only draw in the buyers but also to increase the property value. Instead of an old bathtub, impress the house hunters by showing them a modern shower.

There are quite a number of eye-catching designs out there to choose from, and they are generally easy to install. A Curved walk in shower, for example, is very popular for condos and small houses because they occupy only a tiny footprint. What’s more, they are usually made from glass so light can move freely. These properties combine to make small bathrooms seem bigger than they are. A majority of newer ones feature doorless walk in shower designs, some of them simply stunning to look at. People may also select a design that’s somewhere in between, featuring partial enclosures for a bit of privacy.

There are those who will find open or glass showers too intrusive. Taking the middle ground is a glass block walk in shower. It’s stylish, solid, and offers adequate privacy. The glass blocks can be frosted or stained in different colors to form patterns in a one-of-a-kind design. The expenses related to renovations can be thought of as an investment as they can always be added to the final price of the house. Unique and charming bathrooms will surely catch the eye of many buyers, who will be more than willing to pay more to own the house.

May 17 2011

Advantage of a Barrier Free Walk In Shower

Posted by Modern Homes in Showers

An ever increasing number of households all over the world are opting for free standing walk-in shower units as an addition or replacement to the standard bath tub for a number of reasons. True, there are a great many households who simply revel in the ability to wallow for hours on end in a hot bath and would rather consider the removal of one of their own limbs than the disposal of the tub, though for others there really is no substitute for the contemporary alternative.

The advantages of a barrier free shower are practically endless and differ by case, though there are a few specific reasons common in the consideration of installing such a unit, first and foremost being cost. Once something of an expensive installation, the cost of the walk in shower unit has fallen to a price over recent years which makes it an investment possibility for practically any budget. Furthermore, the volume of hot water a modern shower unit saves in comparison to a bath can mean the unit pays for itself several times over in the long run!

The second biggest draw is simple convenience, especially in the case of those with limited mobility. A walk in shower offers the easiest entry and exit possible, allowing anyone with problems bending, sitting or crouching full use without the need for assistance. Of course, those who don’t require assistance are also afforded the quickest and most hygienic wash option possible.

Finally there is design; where walk in shower units of the past may have been plain, function units designed to serve a single purpose, modern equivalents are manufactured and customized to suit and decor. So, whether it be a sleek, modern finish or an ornately embossed design to match your sublime sunburst mirror, let your imagination run wild and see what you can find!

Mar 31 2011

Wondering About Bath Shower Cubicles

Posted by Modern Homes in Showers

In living life, we should always be excited and at awe with how things work in a more miniscule way. We should always have a kind of childlike wonder in which we always question what that particular thing is and what that particular thing does. This disposition of wonder is in important in living out life passionately and fully. It enables us to do almost anything. It enables us to seek better things other than what we have been accustomed to. It enables us to see things differently. Wonder enables us to live a full life.

Bath shower cubicles shouldn’t just be adhering to the need for a utilitarian purpose of having a functional bathing or showering system. They should, as a matter of fact, address those needs but not those needs alone. They should also address the need for a more styling house, the need for a more comfortable showering experience and the need of a cheaper alternative. An excellent bath shower cubicle should take showering and bathing to a higher level.  From the normal and usual shower cubicles we have today, we should transform it to something better. With the aforementioned disposition of wonder, a normal bath shower cubicle could actually be transformed into an oasis one dreams of.

You could actually turn your simple bathing and showering routine into a seemingly relaxing day at the spa.  We are accustomed to few bathroom shower cubicle options when in fact there are a lot of types. Experimentation with different types of affordable shower cubicles could spice up your showering. Why not look for a lot of alternatives to your usual bath shower cubicle? There are a lot of alternatives out there especially on the internet.

These ideas could enable you to develop your showering experience to a better one. What I gave are really small strategies to go about and finding your very own affordable shower cubicle. All it takes is a little wonder and you open yourself to a wide array of different shower cubicles all waiting for your approval and installation. Go now and search for your very own affordable shower cubicle!

Mar 29 2011

How to Build Your Very Own Walk in Shower?

Posted by Modern Homes in Showers

Converting from tub to a walk in shower cubicle can change not only the look of your bathroom. It can impact the function of the whole room as well. Most people prefer walk in showers since there is more variety in as far as shower heads are concerned. The basics of walk in shower designs are easy to install. However, it may take some time, effort, and patience to finish the job. The good news is, once the showerheads are installed, you can enjoy them for many years to come.

The first thing you will need to do is to remove the tub or whatever type of plumbing that exists in the area. See to it that there is no debris left in the space where the enclosure will be placed. Clean the area thoroughly. Make sure you remove any unnecessary materials or objects in the area.

Next, you will need to realign the drain. The best way to do this is to leave the drain in place. Then, run a show pan to the point of the new shower. This show pan is connected to the drain. This way you can save a huge amount of both time and money.

Once you are done with the drain, the next things you need to construct are the walls. You have the option to either let the walls run from floor to ceiling or keep it from five to six feet from the floor. Quarter walls are best for bathrooms that have limited light. Make sure the wall is sheeted with water or moist proof backer board. This will help your bathroom and shower to last longer.

Then you will need to complete the floor of the shower. Make sure the show pan is well covered. You can do this by pouring concrete slab on top of it. Let the slab cure and set before you proceed.

Installing the shower heads is the next thing you should be doing. You can start by tapping into your home’s water supply. You also have to see to it that the water supply is turned off before you proceed in doing this task. Test the head and see to it that there are no leaks.

Mar 19 2011

Bathroom Corner Showers Keep Things Simple and Elegant

Posted by Modern Homes in Showers

Bathroom shower enclosures or shower stalls are common fixtures in the bathroom. These do not only add functionality to the bathroom, but provide it with a touch of class as well.  Each fixture is designed as a cubicle complete with shower attachment. The space inside the cubicle provides enough room for one standing person at a time and therefore small enough to fit inside a small bathroom area.

First, a bathroom corner shower is installed in order to organize and save space. The cubicle can fit into any corner and provides a degree of privacy for someone taking a shower. It can either be made out of transparent materials, such as fiberglass, or opaque materials that provide better privacy.

In addition to the organization and utilization of space, installing bathroom corner showers can help in achieving a cleaner bathroom area. The stall does not allow the water to splash on the floor or to the furniture nearby. Keep in mind that moisture is the number one cause of wood rot, too. By keeping the water from splashing to wooden materials, these fixtures prevent rotten wood from attracting insects and other living organisms.

These fixtures also offer a faster bath as compared to the bathtub. Bathtubs can take a few long minutes to fill up, but showers provide instant baths especially for people who are always on the go. Although you may prefer to install a bathtub as well, installing a shower enclosure will provide a faster alternative just in case it is needed.

Like other types of fixtures installed around the home, there is a variety of bathroom shower enclosures available in the market. They can be made out of acrylic, plastic, fiberglass, glass, and many more. As long it is made out of durable waterproof components, the enclosure should provide a long lasting service.

Like other types of fixtures installed around the home, there is a variety of bathroom shower enclosures available in the market. They can be made out of acrylic, plastic, fiberglass, glass, and many more. As long it is made out of durable waterproof components, the enclosure should provide a long lasting service.

Mar 13 2011

Stainless Steel Shower Caddy Brings a Modern Look to Your Bathroom

Posted by Modern Homes in Showers

If you want to organize your bathroom with the use of a shower caddy and you have decided to procure one, you have enormous options in the makes and designs of these caddies. The plastic caddies, the stainless ones, the iron with powder coated ones, the brass with chrome finished ones etc. The price of every model differs depending on the make and size.

When you are looking for a shower caddy with a metal make, the stainless steel shower caddy is the best option, as nothing else can offer you the rust-free feature as a steel caddy. It is inevitable that the caddy will constantly be exposed to moisture and water along with heat due to the usage of hot water. This increases the chance of oxidization or formation of rust. With a stainless steel caddy, this is totally avoided provided the quality of the steel you procure is a good one. However, as steel does not stop rusting but only limits it, after very long continuous exposure, it may form little rusting. This can be avoided by proper maintenance of the stainless steel shower caddy. The durability can even more be increased by appropriate maintenance.

A plastic shower caddy certainly has a totally rust-free feature but, the sturdiness that a stainless steel caddy can provide is not possible by a plastic caddy. If you have tiny toddlers in you home using the bathroom, it is much safer to have a steel caddy than a fragile plastic caddy. Though the plastic caddies are offered in different colors, the look of sophistication is brought only by a steel caddy. It is more sturdy to hold more number of bottles containing your shampoo, conditioners, and other stuff irrespective of the heaviness of the containers.

Of late, the steel caddies are offered with adjustable racks that enable you to store bottles of different shape and sizes. A wide variety of models are also available like the tension pole caddy, hanging caddy, corner caddy, stand alone rack etc.

Just keep in mind your needs and decide on the size and model.

Mar 09 2011

Bathroom Design Books: Are They Worth Buying?

Posted by Modern Homes in Bathroom

Are you a homeowner who has decided to tackle a home improvement project such as re-designing your bathroom?  If so, you need to do a little homework and get a plan together. A good way to do that would be to take a class on bathroom remodeling, but if that is not an option, an affordable alternative is to buy a small bathroom design book. These books can be very useful – if you choose a good one. They can also be a waste of money and a distraction if you choose poorly

Bathroom remodeling books, or bathroom design guides, are printed resources, made to assist homeowners with their own DIY projects. A good book should not only give you remodeling design ideas and tips, but also give you detailed instruction and directions how to carry out the main tasks involved. Tasks such as fitting taps, a sink and a toilet or more specialist tasks such as fitting small bathtubs. A good book will cover a wide range of topics. If you choose a very specific subject such as design, you will then need another book to cover any how to guides you may need. A good broad range book is often the best choice.

Good quality guides can be purchased online, from home improvement stores and from most good book stores. Prices can vary widely however you do not need to spend huge amounts on these books. Some of the large stores may even provide pretty detailed how to guides on a few relevant topics for free. Also remember that simply looking through product brochures can get the design ideas flowing – again for free in most cases.

When you do find a reference book you like, make sure it is easy to follow and yet detailed enough to be of some use. Do not be sucked in by the glossy pictures – if the substance is not there, you will be wasting your money.

Mar 05 2011

Shower Base Ideas

Posted by Modern Homes in Showers

We are typically specific with the things that we have in our homes. We begin with the materials used for the building of the house down to the designs of the doors, windows, rooms, and other spaces. We are also precise with our furniture, artwork or painting, kitchen utensils, or cleaning materials. Moreover, we do not skip things up to the installation of our shower. In the shower area, what we must also be particular is the shower base, the shower enclosure, pipe lines, and drainage.

Let us take closely on the shower base which is simply the floor of our shower space. You can choose to have it prefabricated or hand tiled. Prefabricated bases are popular since it is ready to install and much more economical. It is made of acrylic polymer that assures durability. It is also textured to make the floor not slippery, and somewhat tilted to access the water easily to the drain hole. While hand tiled shower bases basically are made of mortar, widely known as cement, and then tiles for flooring. The base is only inserted with a drain for the exit of the water. You can maximize the use of tiles by also extending it to the walls for decorative purposes.

You can also have a base made of a real marble or cultured marble. It is a wide sheet which you can customize according to your space. Cultured marble is preferable because it is inexpensively offered than the real one.

Search for more information online to get what you really needed regarding the installation of your shower. Besides, there are more that you can see that are also suggestive to have in your shower like convenient shower caddy, a shower radio, and other shower things.

There are also tips and guides online on how to install your shower base which will help you a lot to make the shower of your choice and to minimize installation cost. Of course they list the things that you need and how to do it. Furthermore, you can select online retailers that you can deal with if you buy a shower base.

Mar 02 2011

Save Money By Using An Electric Shower

Posted by Modern Homes in Save Money, Showers

Do you like to take a long relaxing shower after a hectic and crazy day at the office or with the kids? Showers can help relieve stress and tension. There are many different types of showers available but recently, an electric shower has been developed. This shower is great because it has no tub fixture. You can just step into this shower; this is why it is called a walk in shower.

Walk in electric showers are becoming very fashionable and I’m sure you can guess why! Electric showers are a great invention which will help you to save money on your water heating costs and also on your water bill. What is a walk in electric shower? This kind of shower is very budget friendly because you use only as much water as you need. You can also adjust the shower head to the type of water pressure that you want. In addition, you will instantly have hot water when you want it! There is no need to worry about using up hot water in your water heater! This also saves money because less water has to be heated.

While other types of showers may use at least 2 inlets for water, the electric shower only requires one inlet. You will not need to have separate inlets for hot and cold water. Because the shower heats its own water and does not need a hot water heater in order to run, it makes taking a shower much more simple. Of course, it is important to note that you will need to have your house checked by an electrician before installing this system just to be safe. It is also a good idea to have a trained professional install the system. Once you have done this, you are ready to enjoy your shower.

The unit will use electricity to give the shower water pressure. This means that you will get quite a bit of water pressure to use when showering if you like that type of shower. If you do not, you can adjust the shower head for a more gentle water flow. Many shower units actually have a memory button so you can save the setting for the pressure amount that you like. It can also “remember” the water temperature too. This helps to maintain the water temperature when you are showering so that you do not have to let the water run until the shower gets up to temperature. You also do not have to worry about running out of hot water.

Recently, new advances to this technology have been made. right now, you can use wireless technology to operate your shower! You simply use a remote control device to adjust your shower options or to stop and start your shower. This is so convenient! You can get hot or cold water just by pressing a button on your remote!

There are many advantages to using an electric shower, however, there are some disadvantages too. For example, it does not store warm water. So, while it is very economical and energy friendly, it will use electricity to heat up water for the next shower. This is unlike a hot water tank where water is stored and kept heated until it is needed.

When you consider the advantages and disadvantages of using this type of shower, you can see why electric showers are becoming very popular.

Jan 24 2011

How To Clean Tiles

Posted by Modern Homes in Bathroom

Do you know how to clean tile grout? You may think that you know how to clean the tiles or you may be thinking that it is quite easy to clean the tiles with the tile cleaner. The fact is that tile cleaning is very important. It is necessary to learn the right way of cleaning tile and grout. This will make the job easier to do and you will be able to maintain longer lasting grout and grout’s natural color. Some of the tips for cleaning tiles are listed below.

1) It is advisable to spay the tile area you wish to clean at least 10 to 13 minutes before cleaning. This will help the cleaner time to sink in and work harder for you. People who use bleach must dilute the same in the proportion 3:1 water to bleach ratio. The benefit of using the bleach is it helps to restore the color to whit grout and cleans the tiles and disinfects the same. It is best to use oxygenated bleach or bleach with color guard, if you are working on colored grout. Though these bleaches are tough on germs but they are less effective at bleaching grout.

2) Be sure to read all the directions on the label carefully before starting the cleaning work. This will help you to know how to use the product and what are the safety precautions that you need to take and the protective safety equipment you need to wear during the cleaning work. Most of the cases demand using gloves as the protective equipment but some stronger tile cleaners may require mouth protection and eye protection.

3) After you have finished with cleaning, you may be able to prolong the effectiveness of the tile cleaning, by using a grout sealer to seal the grout and tile. Many sealants last for 2 to 3 years. They are useful to seal the porous surface of the grout keeping out mildew, mold, and fungus.

Jan 16 2011

The Benefits Of Frameless Shower Doors

Posted by Modern Homes in Showers

There are several benefits of installing frameless shower doors in your bathroom. They give an appealing look and make the bath feel luxurious. Whether you use them in the existing bathroom or in a newly built one, they are designed to fit a variety of configurations.

The products are practical as well as stylish. Since they do not have plastic or metal trim around their edges, there is no need to worry about the growth of mold or mineral deposits etc. However proper care has to be taken to clean the metal trim and avoid the use of harsh chemicals which may damage the finish.

The metal trims might rust after several years when exposed to the moisture in the bathroom. A seamless look and the absence of trim make the closures look like the new one for years. There is no risk of scratch without the sharp trim. Hard plastic trim may bend or scratch when you stress them which make the opening of the closures a bit difficult and a worn looking bath area.

Consumers have ample choice while buying frameless shower doors. Various kinds are available to fit the budget of anyone. They are available in various styles and sizes to fit any bathroom designs as per the requirements of the consumers. These products help the bath to give a fresh look without the expense of remodeling, if you wish to replace the existing closure on a combo surround unit. It will work better for stalls with two or three walls to have a closure that simply rests on hinges with a magnetic closure and create a European spa feel and look.

Frameless glass doors are made from a variety of materials and the tempered glass is a preferred choice as it is durable and lasts long. You can easily clean them with the help of any suitable window product and you can disinfect them. People who wish to have a custom look have the tinted or frosted options. Acrylic is a better option and much more durable than the glass but it is very expensive. These products can be found in popular brands like American Standard and the Kohler with prices ranging around 300 dollars to 400 dollars for single panel having magnetic closure. Most of the companies and distributors offer installation of the product at your home with a short turn around time.

Jan 14 2011

Choosing Personalized Accessories And Bathroom Rugs

Posted by Modern Homes in Bathroom

Certainly you would agree that there are only a few decisions as individual as what bathroom decorations you select. Though the bathroom is a spot that everybody will visit, no two people have theirs decorated the same. And, if you have two bathrooms in your house, it’s unlikely that you’ll have them decorated in the same way.

As you decorate, keep in mind that you will need a usable bathroom, but you don’t want a stark bathroom either. By making sure that everything you need is quick and easy to find, and that the bathroom has a good flow, you will have no problems with accessories that are pretty, but get in the way.

An easy technique to accomplish this is by having a concept, or a theme, as a basis. For instance, this could be country, contemporary, or modern. Or, on the other hand you may want to emphasize one color. Using a modern or contemporary theme, metal or shiny red plastic would be a primary material. With a country concept, you would be looking to use wood for the primary component. If you choose to do these themes with color instead, then bright, primary colors are considered modern, while softer greens, pinks, or yellows would be more in line with country.

Any time anyone discusses bathroom accessories, you may think of toilet paper stands, toothbrush holders, or trashcans. But, if you follow a method of proceeding from bottom to top, you will not forget anything – such as bathroom rugs. If you want your theme to include a particular subject, such as leaves, bears, angels, or frogs, then in that case you may have to look for a set of bathroom rugs. Otherwise, a single rug in the center of the room would be a good choice.

Once the floor is taken care of, you can go up. This way, you get to the towel bar, light fixture, and toothbrush holder. When you take a top down approach, you may get to the bathroom rugs then discover you don’t know how to fit them into the rest of the design.

Designing a bathroom is more an art than a science; however, you should come at it in a logical manner. This ensures you’ll have accessories that all look good together, and give your finished bathroom an elegant feel.

Jan 07 2011

New Bathroom Decorating Ideas

Posted by Modern Homes in Bathroom

If you are living in a small house, chances are that your bathroom is small and as such is not at all appealing to you. There are plenty of bathroom decorating ideas that you can apply to transform the overall outlook of your bathroom. Bathing ought to be an experience that is enjoyable. This is important in setting the right mood for the day and relaxing your nerves as the warm water massages your entire body rather than a task that you have to get over with as soon as possible. The article aims at providing you with small bathroom remodel ideas that can assist you through the way.

Given the limited time that a majority of working class households have on their hands, making use of a remodeling firm is recommended to ensure that the work is completed on time. When looking for companies, you can seek for recommendations from trusted friends who have had such work done in their homes. Alternatively you can browse the web for companies situated in your locality offering the same service. The reputation of a company can be gauged by the type of feedbacks left by previous customers. However, if you feel you cannot afford the services of such expertise you can undertake the task on you own.

Ideas for small bathroom remodelling

First and foremost, you will need to have a drawing pad and pencil. These are needed so as to come up with a comprehensive plan for the bathroom. Ensure that the dimensions have been correctly put down. This is important in getting the right size walk in showers and other accessories. Moreover, this will eliminate the stress of having to send everything back due to wrong dimensions. To make certain that you have the exact dimension, make use of graph papers.

Dec 29 2010

Common Toilet Problems (And How To Fix Them)

Posted by Modern Homes in Bathroom, DIY

The two most common toilet problems you are likely to face is a clogged toilet and a running toilet.  The first can usually be fixed with a toilet plunger and the second by replacing one of two toilet repair parts – either the flapper or the toilet fill valve.  Let’s tackle each in turn.

If you are purchasing a new plunger to fix a clogged toilet, then it make sense to buy one that has been designed specifically to work on toilet.  A standard sink plunger will also do the trick but as it’s been designed to work on flat surfaces, not curved like a toilet bowl, you’ll have to work harder at maintaining a good seal over the toilet drain.  Specialized toilet plungers have an extra flange rubber section that you place in the drain which holds the tool in place as you plunge backwards and forwards.

When it comes to a running toilet this often comes down to a leaky flapper valve.  In most cases flappers are made from rubber which has a tendency to become brittle with age.  Water escapes from cracks in the rubber and causes the toilet to run.  Flappers are widely available, including universal designs that will fit most toilets.  Just replace the old flapper with the replacement part.  You can typically use the existing clips to hold it in place.

The toilet fill valve works via a float system.  As the tank fills, the float rises and closes off the water valve by triggering a switch mechanism.  The fill valve can normally be removed by unscrewing the bolt at the bottom of the central shaft in which the float rises and falls.   It should not take more than a few minutes to place the new fill valve if you have an adjustable wrench to hand.

Dec 18 2010

Bathroom Lighting Fantasies

Posted by Modern Homes in Bathroom, Lighting

The bathroom is usually the smallest room in the house and the perfect place to experiment and let our imaginations run wild. Here is the one room we can take a chance on a wild decorating idea. Have you ever wanted a room dedicated to your favorite color from floor to ceiling? What would it be like to be surrounded by leopard-print walls? We can use the bathroom as an opportunity to live out our wildest decorating fantasies.

We can consider doing something wild with the bathroom décor because it is a relatively small space. Turning the living room into a bottom of the sea adventure may not go over well with the rest of the family. Redecorating the bathroom is a much more expensive proposition than rooms that require new furniture and much more paint. Changing the bathroom design is not nearly as time consuming so if we don’t like it, no big deal to change it.

One fun aspect of designing the new bathroom is picking out the bathroom lights. If you’re not ready to commit to the whole concept of your dream bathroom, consider trying the light fixtures first. There is a wide variety of unique and distinctive light fixtures to fit any theme. Even if that’s as far as you go with your fantasy bathroom, new light fixtures make a definite difference.

There are other lighting changes that can be made in the bathroom besides changing the bathroom light. Electric is not the only kind of bathroom lighting. Candles make a beautiful, soft light in the bathroom perfect for illuminating the often needed room for guests and for soothing baths. There are wall hangings that hold candles which are perfect for this use. To achieve the same effect as candle light, a dimmer switch can be installed to control the quality of light.