Of course, like with any bathroom, the design and layout must suit your lifestyle and how you will use the space. But in the case of bathrooms that will be used by the elderly or individuals with a disability, there a some additional factors to consider including:

• Floor Tiles
  • You always want non-slip tiles on the floor in a bathroom, but it is imperative that you ensure you get the right rating of non-slip. Even tiles that are suitable for bathrooms have different slip tolerances. Quality tiles from a reputable supplier will have a slip rating associated with them. Consider that too non-slip and it may cause tripping. We work with clients to find the style they like and work with our suppliers to find the best options.
• Grab rails
  • Fit a grab rail in the shower, above the bath and next to the toilet. Seems obvious enough? But what about the height. There is little to no point in just having one fitted if it is not the correct height. We have seen many properties where the individual and guidelines have not been considered. We ensure that the fitted height is appropriate to the person that needs it. And, it is imperative that they are fitted correctly as part of the renovation – with provisions made as part of construction, not just added at the end.
• Storage accessibility
  • Vanities with drawers usually make it easier to access contents than those with doors. With cupboards, you have to bend and lean in to get to the back. So, you could either be wasting storage space or not be able to get to everything.
• Vanity Units
  • A wall hung bathroom vanity can be fixed to the wall higher or lower to make accessibility to the sinks and taps even easier. Even some freestanding vanities can be height adjusted to an extent.
• Taps
  • There are many different types of tap set ups, from monoblock to three-hole taps. They have varying styles and benefits. Consider where they are being placed on the vanity – can they be reached easily? Also, think about the design. Comfort and ease of use should be a priority over design but with so much to choose from we can help you find something you like.

• Toilets
  • A higher toilet will usually make sitting down and getting up easier. Of course, if you are shorter in stature then this may not suit.
  • There are plenty of toilet suite options these days so you may need a back rest or arms to help with getting up and down.

• Accessories
  • Towel rails and toilet roll holders – think about where they will be placed that they are aesthetically pleasing but, more importantly, are easy to use. We can advise on the best placement.
• Door handles / locks / hinges
  • Consider if the door handle needs to be fitted at a certain height and is it easy to use? What kind of lock will be best that will minimise the chances of accidentally getting locked in and that allow override from outside the bathroom in emergencies. Even using lift-off door hinges may be recommended.
• Layout
  • Avoid having different levels in the bathroom, no steps if possible
  • Create a layout with room to manoeuvre
  • If possible, have a large shower with no doors for easy use

Room For Improvement Pty Ltd is happy to take clients to bathroom suppliers and tile showrooms in Melbourne to assist in selecting the right items for their bathroom or ensuite renovation and to discuss any additional needs that you may have.

The post Bathroom Renovations for Elderly or Disabled Needs appeared first on Room for Improvement Pty Ltd.

When you start thinking about a bathroom renovation, there are a number of factors that will determine the sanitary ware, fixtures and fittings that you will use:

Your Bathroom Renovation, Your Style

Do you like contemporary or traditional style bathroom fixtures?

Do you like gold or chrome, white or black?

You should ask yourself these kinds of questions before meeting with your builder so you can give an indication of what you are looking for.

A matt black mixer tap is going to give a completely different finished look to traditional English taps as will a simple chrome style.

You also need to consider the rest of your home. Ideally there is some consistency throughout so your bathroom does not look out of place but enhances the home.

At Room For Improvement Pty Ltd, we have seen endless numbers of bathrooms, in all different styles and we are happy to advise on bathroom showrooms in Melbourne such as Reece or Rogerseller so you can see what you like.

We often do a bathroom showroom visit with our clients so we can explain different products and get a feel for their taste.

Your Bathroom Renovation, Your Lifestyle

If you are undertaking a family bathroom renovation, you are likely to want to use simpler, easy to maintain and clean sanitary ware, fixtures and fittings. Taps should be within reach for the smaller members of the family and easy to turn on and off.

However, if you are renovating or creating an ensuite just for yourself or for you and a partner, you may want to be a little more adventurous and choose marble, granite or corian and a custom-made vanity.

If different people enjoy different shower heads, then you could think about having both a rain head and a riser rail shower. Having a bathroom that suits every user is the ideal renovation.

Think about how you are going to use your bathroom and discuss this with your builder. At Room For Improvement Pty Ltd, we can advise on certain bathroom products that are more suitable to different uses and provide the pros and cons of different items so you can make an informed decision.

Your Bathroom Renovation, Your Budget

It is often a good idea to think about the value of your property when determining the budget of your bathroom renovation.

You are not going to put a basic bathroom with the lowest range or fixtures and fittings in a $2 million plus property. Similarly, book matched marble is unlikely to be practical in an investment property rental unit.

Just remember that you can achieve a good bathroom on almost any budget but, if you go too cheap, it will not last and often a little more investment now will save money in the future.

At Room For Improvement Pty Ltd, we pride ourselves on bathroom renovations that will last.

When a client provides us with their budget, we then discuss what layout, sanitary ware, fixtures and fittings will give the best results within that budget.

The keys to a successful Bathroom Renovation

The two most important things when planning your bathroom renovation is to do your RESEARCH, even if this means just talking with your builder. And COMMUNICATE with your builder.

Builders will not automatically know what you want but through some simple discussions, you can ensure you get the ideal sanitary ware, fixtures and fittings for your bathroom renovation.

View our Portfolio or Contact Us now for more information.

The post Finding the right sanitary ware, fixtures and fittings for a bathroom renovation. appeared first on Room for Improvement Pty Ltd.