Category: bathroom remodeling

5 Benefits of Buying a Low Flow Toilet

Nov 08, 2019

5 Benefits of Buying a Low Flow Toilet

  • bathroom remodeling
low flow toilet in Pennsylvania by McHale's KBA

In the early ’90s, the American government responded to water conservation concerns by requiring all newly-made toilets to be low flow toilets. These new toilets used less water per flush, but the original versions were weaker than conventional toilets and sometimes required multiple flushes for solid waste. However, modern low flush models are stronger and are a good choice for any home. If your home has an older toilet, we can tell you why you should switch out to a new low flow toilet.

Here are five reasons you should switch to using a low flow toilet:

 

Save money

Older toilet models use about 3.4 gallons of water every time you flush. However, low flow toilets use about half of that amount, resulting in a savings of about 1.6 gallons per flush. Lowering your water usage by getting one of these toilets is certain to help you save on your water bills.

 

Save space

Do you not have enough space in your bathroom? Because low flow toilets use less water, they tend to have smaller tanks than older models. This means you can get some extra space if you switch out to a low flow model. Also, if you happen to have DIY skills, it’s easier to install a smaller toilet yourself.

 

Out with the old

Do you remember the low flow toilet mandate we mentioned in the intro? That was introduced in 1994. If your home’s toilets aren’t low flow models, they’re very likely to break from old age soon. Get yourself a low flow model and avoid having to deal with a broken toilet.

 

Environmentally friendly

Low flow toilets owe their popularity to a growing concern for water conservation. As mentioned before, low flow models use 1.6 gallons per flush compared to the traditional 3.4. Because of this, there’s more water for other applications, such as sustainable farming. Committing to saving energy and water can help improve your local community for years to come!

 

Get a rebate

Thanks to low flow toilets, water treatment plants have to treat less sewage. Along with their decreased water usage, this makes low flow toilets something water management companies want people to use. Many water management companies may have rebates or special offers if you replace your old toilet with a modern low flow model. Ask your local water company to see if you might qualify for any special offers.

 

Why call McHale’s KBA to handle my bathroom remodeling work?

At McHale’s Kitchen and Bath, our goal for every job is for you to enjoy your investment. Almost 70 years of experience have taught us that remodeling is a process, not a product. While any contractor can sell you a product, we sell you a seamless remodeling project. Our professional workers will complete your dream remodeling without making your home look like a construction site. Call McHale’s Kitchen and Bath today to learn more about remodeling your bathroom or kitchen!

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

5 Ways LED Lighting Can Help Your Pennsylvania Home

Oct 25, 2019

5 Ways LED Lighting Can Help Your Pennsylvania Home

  • bathroom remodeling
  • kitchen remodeling
led lighting in Pennsylvania by McHale's KBA

Out of the many types of lights available for purchase, LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting is becoming a popular choice for Pennsylvania homes. These lights are becoming cheaper to produce while the technology behind them is getting more reliable and efficient. Because of this, LED lights are becoming more effective than conventional incandescent lightbulbs. To get an idea of how LED lighting is the future, take a look at this Department of Energy estimate. Widespread LED usage has the potential to save about 347 terawatt-hours per day by 2027. If you translate that to current electricity prices, that’s $30 trillion a day! This sort of knowledge only describes a bit as to how LED lighting can improve your home.

Here are five more reasons to get LED lighting for your Pennsylvania home:

 

Lower temperatures mean more safety

Traditional lights often have the capability of getting dangerously hot. Your average incandescent light bulb converts only 10% of the energy it uses to lighting. The rest of that energy gets converted to heat, making these lights inefficient and a potential burning hazard. Meanwhile, not only do LED lights use less energy in general, but they’re much more efficient at converting it to useful light. Also, they work on low-voltage electrical systems, which can be safer in the event of an electrical fault.

 

Greatly extended lifespans

Depending on how good of a light you get, LED lights can run anywhere from 30 to 50 thousand hours. More common contemporary lights, such as incandescent lightbulbs, only have about 1,000 hours of life. Compact fluorescent lighting, a popular option in commercial settings, can run 8,000-10,000 hours. Also, LED lights slowly dim as the die, giving you a warning about your lighting’s health and age. LED lighting’s longer lifespans and age indicators will make your lights lower maintenance.

 

Uses less energy

LED lights only use about half as much electricity as incandescent, halogen, and fluorescent lights. A complete revamp of your home’s lighting by replacing them with LED lights can save you plenty of money in energy bills. A big reason LED lighting uses less energy is because they’re directional lights. A single LED light only illuminates a semicircle instead of the 360° range conventional lights have. This means they use less energy to light up. However, LED lights can be bundled together to provide 360° lighting while still using less energy than a regular lightbulb.

 

Simple to dispose

A lot of modern lights have special precautions for disposal. With fluorescent lights, for instance, the light you see comes from a reaction caused by running electricity through mercury vapor. This reaction makes the gas emit ultraviolet light that makes the phosphor-coated lamp glow. However, mercury is very toxic, and products that use it generally have special directions for disposing of them. LED lights have no special considerations and are easily recyclable.

 

Great CRI (Color Rendering Index)

Color Rendering Index (CRI) is a rating that measures a manmade light’s ability to show natural colors. As a light gets closer to 100, the baseline of natural light, it gets better at showing natural colors. Low CRI lights, such as sodium vapor lamps, give off a yellow/orange glow. LED lights have an average CRI of 65 to 95, which is generally considered very good. This makes LED lights very good choices for landscaping lighting, background lighting for manual work, and other aesthetic lights.

 

What makes McHale’s KBA a great source of lighting for my home?

At McHale’s Kitchen and Bath, our goal for every job is for you to enjoy your investment. Almost 70 years of experience have taught us that remodeling is a process, not a product. While any contractor can sell you a product, we sell you a seamless remodeling project. Our professional workers will complete your dream remodeling without making your home look like a construction site. Call McHale’s Kitchen and Bath today to learn more about getting LED lighting for your Pennsylvania home!

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

5 Signs You Should Order a Faucet Replacement

Oct 11, 2019

5 Signs You Should Order a Faucet Replacement

  • bathroom remodeling
  • kitchen remodeling
faucet replacement in Pennsylvania by McHale's KBA

Kitchens and bathrooms are some of the most important rooms in most houses because they’re connected to plumbing. With the help of faucets, homeowners are capable of using clean water to cook, clean, and live comfortably. However, having water pumped to your home can become a problem if a faucet breaks. Knowing when it’s time to call for a faucet replacement can save you from dealing with water damage in your kitchen or bathroom. As one of Pennsylvania’s best kitchen and bathroom remodeling companies, we can tell you what to look for so you can keep your kitchen and bathroom dry.

Here are five signs that you should get a faucet replacement:

 

Old age

No faucet lasts forever, but treating them well can keep them working in their winter years. However, any faucet nearing the end of its life should be considered for replacement. Your faucet’s manual or manufacturer can give you a precise lifespan for your faucet. If you can’t get a solid date, most last an average of fifteen years.

 

Corrosion and rust

Rusty, corroded faucets are obvious candidates for replacement. Over an extended time, faucets can get worn and damaged by cleaning chemicals and hard water. This can often cause problems with the drinking water when the rust gets in the water. The only viable way to fix this problem is by replacing the whole faucet. Installing a water softener can help you alleviate this issue to a degree.

 

Leaks and mold

Compared to some of the other problems on this list, leaks may seem like a low-key problem for a faucet to have. However, leaks can cause you to use more water, raising your water bills. Also, leaky faucets help propagate mold and other fungi. Not only is mold capable of damaging your sink further, but its spores are known to have negative health effects.

 

Mineral build-up

Mineral build-ups are only a real problem for homeowners with hard water. The build-ups most often form inside and around the fixture. They’re capable of damaging your faucet and serious build-ups can ruin the entire faucet. Water softeners can help prevent these minerals from building up.

 

Plans for remodeling

At McHale’s KBA, we know that sometimes you just want to replace something for aesthetic reasons. When buying a house, many people consider the kitchen and bathrooms to be some of the most important rooms. This means that faucets are a common thing to replace when preparing a home for the market. A faucet replacement is great for increasing your home’s resale value or simply for redesigning your rooms.

 

Why go to McHale’s KBA for all of your kitchen and bathroom remodeling needs?

At McHale’s Kitchen and Bath, our goal for every job is for you to enjoy your investment. Almost 70 years of experience have taught us that remodeling is a process, not a product. While any contractor can sell you a product, we sell you a seamless remodeling project. Our professional workers will complete your dream remodeling without making your home look like a construction site. Call McHale’s Kitchen and Bath today to learn more about how we can help with your remodeling!

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

5 Reasons to Get Bathroom Remodeling

Sep 27, 2019

5 Reasons to Get Bathroom Remodeling

  • bathroom remodeling
bathroom remodeling in Pennsylvania by McHale's KBA

There are plenty of reasons why you might be looking to get some bathroom remodeling done. Perhaps you no longer like how it looks. Maybe the plumbing needs to be fixed and you feel now is the right time to change things around. Whatever your reason is, at McHale’s Kitchen and Bath, we can provide the manpower and resources to make your bathroom dreams a reality. However, if you’re wondering why you’d remodel your bathroom, we can provide some reasons.

Here are five reasons you might want to call us for bathroom remodeling:

 

Add more storage space

As your family grows, you might find that your bathroom doesn’t have enough storage space to hold your shampoos and other cleaning products. By remodeling your bathroom, you’ll have a chance to change your bathroom to fit everyone’s needs.

 

Repair and prevent damage

As you use your bathroom, parts of it will start to get damaged or worn down. While some of this damage can be fixed by a plumber, some damage requires replacements. When you remodel your bathroom, not only can you switch out damaged plumbing, but you can also make use of modern materials and design techniques to minimize future damage.

 

Improve your home’s value

A major reason for homeowners to remodel their bathrooms is to improve their home’s value. Not only is a remodeling something current homeowners enjoy, but it’s something future buyers will appreciate, as well. Bathrooms are a major consideration for many house buyers, so remodeling yours can be a good investment.

 

Conserve water

Toilet and shower usage makes up about half of a home’s daily water usage. To conserve water and lower your energy bills, it might be worth remodeling so you can swap in more efficient plumbing fixtures. There are a wide variety of toilets, showerheads, and faucets that can help you spend less on water.

 

Accommodate others

As you and other members of your home get older, cleaning yourself may get more difficult. Fortunately, you can always get suggestions about remodeling a bathroom into an aging in place bathroom. This kind of bathroom will help older family members stay independent while avoiding injury.

 

What makes McHale’s KBA one of the area’s top remodeling companies?

At McHale’s Kitchen and Bath, our goal for every job is for you to enjoy your investment. Almost 70 years of experience have taught us that remodeling is a process, not a product. While any contractor can sell you a product, we sell you a seamless remodeling project. Our professional workers will complete your dream remodeling without making your home look like a construction site. Call us today to learn more about how we can remodel your bathroom!

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

5 Reasons to Order Recessed Lighting

Sep 13, 2019

5 Reasons to Order Recessed Lighting

  • bathroom remodeling
  • kitchen remodeling
recessed lighting in Pennsylvania by McHale's KBA

When designing your home, there are many aesthetic choices to consider in every room of your home. One of these is a room’s lighting. How you light a room can make a great difference in a room’s ambiance, functionality, and contribution to your overall home’s market value. One type of lighting you can choose, recessed lighting, is implanted in the ceiling instead of in a hanging unit. They aren’t for every room, but this kind of lighting can be great for your kitchen or bathroom. As one of the area’s remodeling experts, we can tell you how recessed lighting can brighten up your home.

Here are five reasons to ask our experts about getting recessed lighting for your kitchen or bathroom:

 

Waterproof

Recessed lighting is one of the few types of purchasable lighting that’s waterproof. For most rooms, this feature will rarely, if ever, be important. However, this feature means it can be used in shower stalls and is good for bathroom remodeling in general. Also, the casing for the lights is resistant to dust and similar contaminants.

 

Complete coverage

With normal ceiling lights, you’ll have good light coverage for the center of your room. However, this lighting will have difficulty reaching the edges of the room. With recessed lighting, you can carefully arrange your lights so you can completely cover your room.

 

Wall-washing for better-looking rooms

Wall-washing is a lighting effect where you using the proper trim allows your lights to cast more light. Proper wall-washing requires the right parts and a professional’s eye, both of which we can provide. When we install your recessed lights, we can make your kitchen look bigger and brighter.

 

Good for low ceilings and small rooms

Recessed lighting can make your rooms physically bigger in addition to simply looking bigger. Hanging light fixtures take up precious space in smaller areas and you can bump your head if you’re not careful. In rooms where space is limited, like bathrooms, having lights that don’t hang down can give you more room.

 

Never out of style

Style and fashion can be a daunting and sometimes nonsensical subject for many. Luckily, recessed lighting, unlike track or monorail lighting, is safe from the whims of trends. Recessed lighting’s sleek, modern look has never truly been in style. That means these lights will never go out of style. You’ll never have to worry about people finding your lights tacky.

 

Why call McHale’s KBA to install my new lights?

At McHale’s Kitchen and Bath, our goal for every job is for you to enjoy your investment. Almost 70 years of experience have taught us that remodeling is a process, not a product. While any contractor can sell you a product, we sell you a seamless remodeling project. Our professional workers will complete your dream remodeling without making your home look like a construction site. Call McHale’s KBA today to learn more about our lighting selection! 

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

6 Signs It’s Time For A Toilet Replacement in Pennsylvania

Aug 30, 2019

6 Signs It’s Time For A Toilet Replacement in Pennsylvania

  • bathroom remodeling
toilet replacement in Pennsylvania by McHales KBA

Your bathroom’s toilet can run for a long time if you keep it properly maintained. However, you’ll eventually find a problem that can’t easily be fixed or find a problem too late to fix it. If that’s the case, you’ll want to call McHale’s KBA to get a toilet replacement for your Pennsylvania home. However, you’ll have to be able to tell when you need to call for a replacement. If you can’t tell when you need to replace it, you might wind up breaking your toilet and causing some major water damage.

Here are six signs you should schedule a toilet replacement for your Pennsylvania home:

 

Frequent repairs

As appliances and fixtures get older, they tend to require more repairs to keep them operational. Repairing your toilet often will result in the bills adding up. Eventually, it’ll be cheaper to just go out and get a new toilet. Next time you call to get an older toilet fixed, ask about whether getting a new toilet would be more viable.

 

Old age

As mentioned above, older toilets often require more repair work to keep running. However, older toilets also are likely to not be as water-efficient as newer models. Buying a newer toilet model can help you save money on your water bills as well as saving the environment.

 

Surface damage

As toilets get older and are scrubbed during cleaning, they tend to accumulate a variety of scratches. As well as being unattractive, scratches make it harder to keep your toilet clean. If you find yourself cleaning your toilet too often or just want an aesthetic change, call us about getting a new toilet.

 

Wobbling

A wobbly toilet is a sign of either a minor problem or a major problem. At best, you could have some screws loose that can easily be tightened by a plumber. On the other hand, the floor beneath the toilet might be damaged or rotting due to water. Either way, you should call a plumber in case it’s something serious.

 

Mineral deposits

Homeowners who have to deal with hard water may find mineral buildups on their toilets and other plumbing. For a toilet, minerals can accumulate in the inlet holes or siphon tube, preventing water from flowing effectively. If you’re lucky, you can chip away at the blockage and keep your toilet working. Otherwise, you might need to buy a new model. If you have hard water and want to avoid this issue, consider purchasing a water softener for your home.

 

Inefficient flushing

Are you an environmentally aware homeowner who keeps careful stock of their resource usage? If you are, you might want to consider getting a new toilet to save on water. When it comes to modern models, your average toilet uses three to five gallons per flush and low-flush models only use around two. If you’re looking to help save water, try getting a new toilet to replace your old model.

 

What makes McHale’s KBA my best choice for bathroom remodeling?

We have award-winning Certified Kitchen Designers by The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) & The National Association of The Remodeling Industry (NARI) on staff. We’ll come to your home and give you a complimentary design consultation. Next, we set up an appointment in our state of the art showroom. We have a diverse selection of good, better and best products to fit every budget. Our interior designers will help you choose all the materials in our unique design center. You can see your products in the same light that is in your home. Our design center has fluorescent, halogen, LED, general, task, hi-hats, under cabinets & natural sunlight. Different types of lighting make a big difference in how your home looks. You’ll see the color and texture of your cabinets and tile change under different lighting styles. After your showroom experience, you’ll never say “that’s not what it looked like in your showroom”. We help you visualize your project with computer-aided designs. Call McHale’s KBA to learn more about how we can help you with a toilet replacement in Pennsylvania!

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

5 Benefits of Bathroom Exhaust Fans in Pennsylvania

Jul 12, 2019

5 Benefits of Bathroom Exhaust Fans in Pennsylvania

  • bathroom remodeling
bathroom exhaust fans in Pennsylvania by McHale's KBA

Exhaust fans are a common yet often overlooked part of many bathrooms. They likely don’t seem that exciting and you might not think about how they’re used very often. However, bathroom exhaust fans in Pennsylvania have several very important uses. These steady components can do wonders for your home’s ventilation.

Here are five ways bathroom exhaust fans in Pennsylvania can improve your home:

 

Humidity control

A big use of an exhaust fan is managing your bathroom’s humidity levels. After a steamy shower, the bathroom can get extremely humid. All that moisture can cause paint or wallpaper to peel or even warp wooden doors. In addition, mold and mildew thrive in humid environments. Mold spores grow quickly and can be tough to get rid of. Because of this, having a way to air out your bathroom is very useful.

 

Odor elimination

Another common use of bathroom exhaust fans in Pennsylvania is for dealing with odors. Unsurprisingly, bathrooms can get some gross smells in them sometimes. Exhaust fans can quickly draw out any unfavorable smells. As a result, ventilation systems can keep your well-maintained, especially for whoever next uses the bathroom.

 

Clean out airborne contaminants

Homeowners generally use pretty strong chemicals to clean out their bathrooms. These can cause some nasty health issues if inhaled, especially for younger or older people. Having a fan running can help those chemical fumes dissipate. In addition, it also helps slow mold growth by removing any spore buildup in the air.

 

Improved AC efficiency

Your AC’s efficiency is somewhat linked to your exhaust fan’s work. When the fan sends moisture-laden air out of your house, your AC doesn’t have to work as hard to cool the bathroom. This helps lower its workload and save you money on your energy bills.

 

Less foggy mirrors

Fogged-up mirrors are all too common when you take a shower or bath. While you can clean them off with a towel, it leaves behind streaks. Even worse, sometimes you get streaks even if you DON’T wipe it down. By using an exhaust fan, you can minimize the time your mirrors are fogged over.

 

Why is McHale’s KBA one of Pennsylvania’s best remodeling companies?

McHale’s Kitchen and Bath has nearly 70 years of experience remodeling bathrooms and kitchens, so we know more than a thing or two. When you work with us, we offer free consultations and a showroom that lets you see your product under all kinds of lighting. This way, you can be sure that what you order will look just as you imagined it when you saw it at our showroom. If you want to learn more about installing a bathroom exhaust fan, call McHale’s KBA today!

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

Choosing the Best Bathroom Paint

Jun 30, 2019

Choosing the Best Bathroom Paint

  • bathroom remodeling
bathroom paint in Pennsylvania by McHale's KBA

If you’re considering painting your bathroom, special precautions have to be taken. You might be heard about a certain kind of paint called ‘bathroom paint.’ However, if you’re looking for bathroom paint in Pennsylvania, you should know that there’s no actual specific paint for that. What you’re looking for is paint that’s better-performing in highly humid environments. While you don’t have to buy it, it’ll give you more options for paint sheen.

Here’s what you want when looking for bathroom paint in Pennsylvania:

  • Mildew resistance: The best bathroom paints are resistant to mold and mildew. Keep in mind that the paint can’t completely stop it.
  • Washable finish:  You’ll occasionally have to wipe down or scrub your bathroom walls. In order to keep the paint healthy, your paint should be tougher and more resilient than your other paint.
  • Good structure: Paints with a tighter structure make lower-gloss sheens work just as good as higher gloss paints in environments with more moisture.

Unsurprisingly, bathrooms can get very wet. Not only can showers and bathing generate lots of steam, but water can directly get on the walls. If the water gets through the paint, it can damage it by causing the paint to peel or induce mold growth. Before people developed mold-resistant paint, we used to use high-gloss paints. They’re very tough, but don’t look good over large surfaces, like bathroom walls. Today, just about every level of paint sheen has brands that are good for bathrooms.

If you’re looking for a good color for your bathroom, whites, greys, creams, and pastel are popular bathroom choices. Not only are they easy on the eyes, but they work well with mirrors. They don’t recast light that makes your reflection look strange in the mirror. In contrast, blues and greens create an odd sheen when interacting with light. This could exaggerate less desirable features like dark circles and blemishes.

What makes McHale’s KBA a high-quality remodeling company?

McHale’s Kitchen and Bath has nearly 70 years of experience working with kitchen and bathroom remodels. We offer a wide variety of paint sheens that are all more than capable of handling moisture. When you have us paint your bathroom, we have a specific procedure we follow:

  • Wallpaper removal.
  • We’ll take care to tape off windows, doors, and outlets so we don’t ruin their finish.
  • We also maneuver carefully around any appliances to avoid getting paint on them.
  • We place drop cloths over larger fixtures like sinks, tubs, and floors to ensure no paint drops.
  • After the job is complete, we will completely clean up the area and ensure you are happy with our work before leaving.

If you’re looking for expert remodeling, call McHale’s KBA today!

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

5 Benefits of a Walk-in Shower in Pennsylvania

Jun 18, 2019

5 Benefits of a Walk-in Shower in Pennsylvania

  • bathroom remodeling
walk-in shower in Pennsylvania from McHale's KBA

Are you building a new bathroom or considering remodeling a pre-existing one? If so, you might be debating what kind of bathtub or shower to put in there. Walk-in showers are growing in popularity and are worth consideration in any home. These showers are not only useful for older residents but are stylish additions to any modern home. Let McHale’s tell you about the good that can come from installing a walk-in shower in Pennsylvania.

Here are five reasons a walk-in shower in Pennsylvania is worth considering:

 

Easily accessible

One of the best features of a walk-in shower is how easy it is to enter and exit. Because of its accessibility and space, seniors and those with mobility issues can easily use the shower without slipping and injuring themselves. Even if no one in your home has mobility issues, it’s a great investment for the future.

 

Spacious

If you own a bathtub in one of your rooms, it might make your bathroom look smaller and clunky. However, if you have a walk-in shower, it’ll make your bathroom look much more open. As well as being good for accessibility, this also acts as a design element for your bathroom.

 

Easy to clean

With a bathtub or stand-alone shower, there are plenty of nooks and crannies you have to clean. In addition, shower curtains and linen tend to be prone to mold growth. With a walk-in shower, you only have to worry about cleaning some metal, the tile floor, and possibly the glass panes. All of these are easy to clean and keep free of mildew.

 

Flexible design

Walk-in showers can easily be tailored to your needs and the bathroom’s layout. You can even install a shower screen or two to protect parts of your bathroom from the shower spray.

 

Solid home investment

Walk-in showers are also appealing to potential homeowners. Having a more open bathroom design helps to make your bathroom more appealing to buyers. It’s especially appealing to buyers who are older or have mobility challenges.

 

Why choose McHale’s KBA for my bathroom remodeling?

With nearly 70 years of experience, McHale’s Kitchen and Bathroom is an expert at remodeling kitchens and bathrooms. When you work with us, we offer free consultations and a showroom that lets you see your product under all kinds of lighting. This way, you can be sure that what you order will look just as you imagined it when you saw it at our showroom. If you want to install a walk-in shower in Pennsylvania, call the experts at McHale’s KBA today!

By McHales Kitchen and Bath

5 Features of an Aging in Place Bathroom

Apr 29, 2019

5 Features of an Aging in Place Bathroom

  • bathroom remodeling
aging in place bathroom from McHales KBA in Pennsylvania

The U.S. CDC describes ‘aging in place’ as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” Remodeling for this kind of design is much different than remodeling for aesthetic or home value. If you worry that you’ll have to move because of age-related challenges with your home, check with McHales KBA. We can help you add features to your home that can help make it suitable for your aging body.

Here are five aging in place features that we can install in your bathroom:

 

First-floor bathroom

If your home has stairs, an easy way to reduce the risk of injury is to have a major bathroom on the first floor. Some older two-story homes only have a bathroom on the upper floor near the bedrooms. While this makes sense, it’s a problem for older residents, and chair lifts can only help so much. Depending on how much room you have on the first floor, it might be tough to get a bathroom in there. It might require the conversion of a room you don’t use too often or part of a large closet. Keep in mind that the large size is important for accommodating a walker or wheelchair.

 

Step-in tub or curbless shower

For younger people, stepping in or out of a tub usually isn’t too hard. However, it can be much more difficult for older people. Step-in tubs and curbless showers let you easily enter, even with a walker or wheelchair. There are other options as well, such as tubs with a watertight door. Whatever your option, you’ll want to look at how you’ll enter and exit it. A common idea is to install wall-mounted bars you can use to help you keep your balance.

 

Removable/Adjustable showerheads

Surprisingly, there’s a lot to consider about your showerhead. Some showerheads offer more than a simple spray, while others offer adjustable angles. Both of these features are very useful for older people. A good type of showerhead to consider is a removable showerhead. This kind of showerhead has a hose that hooks to where a normal showerhead would be, with spray adjustment options on the backside. This lets older users easily wash while staying safe.

 

Non-slip flooring and rugs/mats

You’ll want to consider choosing flooring that doesn’t get slippery when wet. Marble, for instance, is a poor choice, but there are tiles that are slightly rougher. These aren’t as slippery as a flat marble floor. In addition, laminate flooring is also a good choice for non-slip flooring. As for rugs and mats, they can help avoid slipping, but they can also be tripping hazards. Thinner rugs with a rubber backing are your best bet, while your tub/shower can have a textured bottom if you don’t want a mat in there. However, some bathrooms just aren’t meant for rugs or mats. A good rule of thumb is the tighter the bathroom, the more likely you’ll better off with a non-slippery floor.

 

Functional fixtures and accessories

When designing for aging in place, you should consider everything in the bathroom. The sink and light are fine for you now, but what about when you’re older? Consider things like pull-down shelves and lower cabinets for your bathroom. In addition, think about if you’ll be able to reach the faucets and controls for the sink or tub/shower. Everything in the shower should be close by so you can reach it easily. You’ll also want to consider the lighting. Sensor lights are good for those who have trouble turning or who might forget to turn it off. It’s also good to consider lights that are set lower so you can easily reach them in case they go out.

 

Why choose McHales KBA to help me design my bathroom?

For almost 70 years, McHales KBA has been helping homeowners of all ages design their kitchens and bathrooms. We’ve been around so long that we know how our clients’ needs change as they get older. Our company has been able to help them adjust to their changing lives while maintaining the independence they’re used to. If you’re looking to prepare for the future with an aging in place bathroom, call McHales KBA today!

By McHales Kitchen and Bath