No-deal Brexit: one of the most testing periods in modern history

With the transition period expiring on 31 December, the prospect of leaving the European Union without a deal is becoming a very real possibility. Add a global pandemic to the challenges of Brexit and the result, as viewed by Irwin Mitchell LLP and the National…

The post No-deal Brexit: one of the most testing periods in modern history appeared first on Construction News.

TfL boss warns against scrapping London infrastructure projects

London transport commissioner Andy Byford has insisted Crossrail 2 and the Bakerloo line extension are still needed for the capital and should not be scrapped. All planning work for Crossrail 2, a north-south rail link, has been suspended as part of the Transport for London…

The post TfL boss warns against scrapping London infrastructure projects appeared first on Construction News.

Roofing-lead cartel firms fined £9.5m

Two of the UK’s largest suppliers of roofing lead have been fined just over £9.5m for breaking competition law. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that Hertfordshire-based firms Associated Lead Mills Ltd and H.J. Enthoven Ltd, which trades as BLM British Lead, had broken…

The post Roofing-lead cartel firms fined £9.5m appeared first on Construction News.

Great Ways to Remodel Your Bathroom

Great Ways to Remodel Your Bathroom

The two most popular rooms targeted for home renovations are the kitchen and bathroom. The kitchen is often remodeled so that it is more functional or more amenable to multiple uses, whether you’re entertaining or supervising children while working there. The bathroom is the more private space, but is one of the most regularly visited rooms in the house. Here are a few great ways to remodel your bathroom.

Design for Discrete Accessibility

Adding grab bars to the shower and the wall next to the toilet hurt the value of your home if and when you decide to sell it. The average person looks at it as something to remove, unless they themselves are similarly physically limited. A walk-in tub in the bathroom takes several thousand dollars off the value of your home. Even those with limited mobility may not want a tub.

The solution is to design your home for accessibility in discrete, generally usable ways. A classic example is the walk-in shower or the shower room. You can roll in with a wheel chair or enter it with a walker. It is large and spacious, and that alone is associated with luxury. Installing solid half walls in the shower replaces the need for most support bars, but it can double as a shelf. Converting a wall that separates a water closet from the rest of the bathroom to a half wall preserves privacy and can replace a support bar. Yet it also opens up the space, letting in more light. These types of bathroom remodel projects allow you to age in place with dignity without advertising that fact.

Features like touchless faucets save water and improve hygiene as well as make the bathroom more accessible. If you don’t want to go that high tech, replace twist knobs with large paddle handles that don’t require grip strength or reach to use. However, you shouldn’t justify an expensive bathroom remodel because it may reduce water usage.

Design with Clean in Mind

There is a major trend these days toward clean eating and clean living. Ironically, this trend is often ignored in the bathroom though it is one of the nastiest places in the house. Consider renovations that make the bathroom easier to clean. Replace tile with smooth concrete panels or tightly placed tile that won’t give mold a place to hide. Remove the carpets from your old bathrooms and install clean white tile. Replace the grimy toilet with a fancier one that cleans the rim with every flush. This can be an argument in favor of a bidet, too.

Don’t forget to make changes that improve the overall environment. Improve ventilation in the bathroom so you can purge hot humid air after a shower or just vent the nasty smelling air after someone has pooped. Fix the drainage lines so that the toilet doesn’t clog so often. You’ll appreciate this bathroom remodel every time you prevent a potential visit from the plumber.

Upgrade Strategically

You don’t have to rip out your entire bathroom to get a more luxurious private retreat. Add shelves to the bathroom by the bath tub so you can have candles or potpourri there. Add a few potted plants to make the space more relaxing. Succulents do best, since they have the lowest maintenance requirements. Add more bright, recessed lights so that the space is more inviting. This has the side benefit of making it easier to get ready in the morning.

Do not engage in a bathroom remodel just because someone says it improves the value of your home. For example, built-in hot tubs in the bathroom are no longer a major selling point. Large soaking tubs with classic designs have taken their place. However, any bathroom remodel should take your tastes into account.

See More:

Sacramento Bathroom Remodel