I am a hundred percent sure that most of you always look for some home improvements. In fact, this idea occurs every day. However, most of us seldom focus our home improvements outside the home but rather inside, and the usual spot for such activity by most people is the bathroom. Well, for some reasons, the improvement involved in the bathroom is really important as we spend much time in that place.
In this article, I would be dealing with some tips and techniques for improving the looks of your bathroom. The main focus here is mainly on bathroom installation, particularly on shower or bathtub installation, bathtub enclosure and bathtub surround installation. But before anything else, let us look at some common mistakes and recommended guidelines involved with bathroom installation.
Most Common Mistakes and Guidelines for Bathroom Installation
There are a number of common errors observed from most of the bathroom installation. Here is a list of those errors:
- Ignoring or violating local code restrictions
- Employing pipes that are too small
- Attaching copper to galvanized without employing a brass or dielectric fitting between the two
- Not considering Teflon tape or pipe compound especially at threaded joints
- Not installing an air gap filling for fixtures
- Not properly aligning tubing into fitting or stop valves
- Cutting supply stub outs too short to install the shutoff valves onto after the finished wall is in place
- Not leveling fixtures when installing them
Now, after knowing those errors, I think it is best for you to know some of the standards developed by the federal government for those who are thinking of a bathroom improvement. Note that these standards are highly applicable whether you are planning of designing a bathroom for wheelchair or just to make the room more comfortable and functional for anyone with limited mobility. Here are some of the recommended guidelines:
Entrances
Starting with your entrance into the room, I know that you want to make sure that the door is at least 32 inches wide. If you find that the doorway is located off a hallway and you have a wheelchair that must turn from the hall into the doorway, then the door width must be adjusted to about 36 inches. Also if possible, avoid putting a threshold in the doorway. However, if a particular threshold is needed, you try to choose a flat one that is no more than ¼ inch high, or perhaps one that is beveled on both sides and no greater than ¾ inch high. In case you have a member in the family with limited hand strength, a standard door knob can be very difficult to grip. So, what is commonly advised is to select a lever handle, instead of a knob. The height of this handles must be at 48 inches or less above the floor.
Bathroom Fixtures
As opposed to a conventional toilet which is about 14 to 15 inches above the floor, you can employ accessible toilets which are designed and developed so that the seat is between 17 to 19 inches above the floor. For the sink, you may want to make sure that the rim is no higher than 34 inches above the floor. Aside from that, the sinks should extend out at least 17 inches from the rear wall, and the area under the sink must be opened with a clearance of at least 29 inches starting from the floor to the bottom of the sink. If in case you want your sink to be installed in a countertop, consider putting it no more than 2 inches from the side of the counter. According to some experts, this promotes maximum accessibility. In addition, you can employ a protective boot over the water lines and trap underneath the sink to prevent contact. Use a single-handle, lever-style faucet that is easily operated with one closed fist.
Floor Covering
Many homeowners considered the sheet vinyl flooring as the best choice. The main reason for this could be its smooth quality and its being easy to clean. However, if you are using a ceramic tile, try to choose large and smooth tiles so to lessen the grout lines and some surface irregularities. Also look for a non-slip surface texture. And, if you are considering floor carpeting, stick with naps that are ½ inch high or less.
Interior Clearances
This is another advice for those who are wheelchaired. Well, for you to make a 180-degree turn, a wheelchair needs at least 60 inches, which is 5 feet, of clearance. Note that this amount of clear space is oftentimes difficult to achieve, but consider a T-shaped space instead. Each side of the T must be at least 36 inches wide. According to some experts this configuration will allow space for a wheelchair to be able to comfortably make a three-point turn rather than having to maneuver in a complete circle. Along with this consideration, try to make pathways to any fixtures at least 36 inches wide. And, when it comes to the sink, it should have a clear space in front of it.
Grab Bars
Perhaps one of the wonderful features in just about any bathroom is the grab bars. These even make the bathroom safer and more convenient for anyone to use. Well, it is worth noting that if you are installing a horizontal grab bar, it should be positioned on the wall behind the toilet. You can install another one on the closet sidewall adjacent to the toilet. Also, the grab bars should be placed inside bathtub as well as shower enclosures. If you are remodeling or installing new and the walls in the room are open, make sure to provide wood blocking in the walls. This will allow simplification of the grab bars’ attachment.
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