Planning for a new bathroom involves more than just aesthetics and storage space. All bathrooms need certain elements to ensure safe and effective usage.
GFCI
These initials stand for “ground fault circuit interrupter.” This device is a code requirement for safe electrical usage in moist areas. What they do is break a circuit, preventing deadly shocks from using electrical devices such as blow dryers and electric razors in the bathroom.
Low-flow Toilets
All new and remodeled bathrooms require a low-flow toilet, which uses only 1.6 gallons of water per flush. You have many choices when it comes to selecting this type of toilet. Although they’re rather loud, pressure-assisted toilets clear refuse with only one flush. The gravity alternative is quieter, but they take two flushes to do the job. For best performance, choose a toilet with a large water reservoir. Make sure there’s at least 16″ from other fixtures and walls for comfortable use. It’s ideal to allow 30″ from the closest object in front of the toilet.
Ventilation
Make sure your ventilation system is adequate to prevent water damage, mold and mildew. Exhaust fans with timers work to keep moisture from collecting. Usually, they can be set for 15 to 60 minutes. To find out the size of fan you need, divide the cubic footage of your bathroom by 7.5. To keep the noise at a tolerable level, buy a fan that excludes 6.5 stones or less.
Sufficient Lighting
It’s easier to shave, apply makeup and do other grooming with proper lighting. Fluorescent lighting is best avoided, because it’s changes how your complexion appears. Recessed fixtures in the ceiling, sconces or theatrical strips framing the vanity offer light while adding class to your bathroom decor.
Complementary options include adding a dimmer and toe lights under the vanity.
Privacy and Safety
Natural light is also valuable but often sacrifices privacy. Installing skylights, using etched glass, or transom windows all solve the problem. Your new window should take up at least 10% of available square footage.
In a shower, install a grab bar by bolting it directly to the studs instead of screwing the bar into the wall board or gluing it on. If children frequent your home, install locking cabinets to hold medicine and cleaning supplies. This will lower the likelihood of accidental poisoning.
A properly-planned bathroom renovation can incorporate all the features you want so your space is workable, comfortable, attractive, and safe. Iron River Construction now offers bathroom remodeling.
