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Category Archives: Tips

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Events, Magazines, News, Reviews, Tips

Best of 2022 Nominees

Design Journal has nominated one of our new products for their Best of 2022 award, as well as another new product was recognized in their Hot New Product to the Trade list

Niches

Our newest addition to the Pulse line are the niches. We have a total of six different styles to choose from, and they are available in Matte Black or Stainless Steel Brushed. They are the perfect addition to any bathroom remodel. Add them to your walls for a perfect place to store anything you can imagine.

  • 304 Stainless Steel
  • 3mm shelf thickness
  • 10mm thin, sleek rectangular border
  • Ultra-thin frame designed by exclusive technology, provides an exquisite look with high quality and integrity
  • No welding required
  • Waterproof

Check out the Nomination on Design Journal here

Nirvana Shower System

The Nirvana Shower System is the first in our line to offer more than the average shower. The multi-function showerhead and the multi-function handshower offer you 10 different settings and over 30 setting combinations. The built-in body wash dispenser and built-in loofa make it easy to wash your day away with a turn of the dial. The convenient shelf allows for extra storage and the built-in diverter makes it easy to switch from the showerhead to the handshower. The Nirvana Shower System comes with a handshower mount that can be mounted at your desired location and an optional mirror that attaches to the system as well. The Nirvana Shower System connects directly to your existing shower arm upgrading your shower in minutes.

• Surface mounted & pre-plumbed
• 4.5 inch rain showerhead and handshower
• Drill-less handshower holder
• Adjust mirror along slide bar
• Multifunction showerhead and handshower
• Conveniently located lower diverter
• Adjustable soap dish/shelf
• Easily refillable soap dish dispenser with visible front window
• Conveniently located loofa

Check out the Post on Design Journal here

Magazines, Tips

7 Must-Know Bathroom Remodeling Tips

Getting ready to start a new bathroom remodeling project? Is this your first time going through a home renovation? It’s an exciting chapter of your life and one that should be approached the right way. We compiled our favorite tips and tricks to help you learn the perfect balance between your creative customization needs and functional design ideas that can help you tie the whole bathroom together.

We all want a bathroom that would be a reflection of our personal style and be able to deliver the comfort we need at the same time. However, aside from that, it’s also important that it has the right fixtures and amenities that are capable of providing function and value as well. Fortunately, through careful planning, finding the right contractors, and choosing the right design, you can have it all.  Here are some of the best tips that could turn your bathroom remodeling dream into reality.

1. PLAN YOUR BATHROOM

Before you even call a remodeling company for your bathroom remodel, you should first talk with everyone who will be using the space. Try to have a discussion about the fixtures and finishes you are supposed to use and how much of a budget you’re willing to shell out. As you plan for your budget, it’s important to have a little extra, because you never know if there will be some unexpected problems that will increase the cost later on.

Here are some additional budget-planning tips:
● Put aside at least 20% of your budget just to cover unexpected costs and surprise expenses that you will likely come across during your remodeling project.
● Work with your family to set the right boundary fo your budget and maintain those boundaries strictly.

This planning would be very helpful and go a long way toward keeping with your bathroom renovation plan as you move along with the project. Once you start with the renovation, you have to know that the process could take around 30-90 days. No matter how long it is going to take, try to resist the temptation of changing your plans unless financial constraints or problems arise. Changing your plans can create more hidden expenses by delaying contractors, ordering new items, and pushing your end date out further and further.

In case you’re having a hard time setting a plan in place for your bathroom, speaking with a remodeling contractor and ask their advice. A professional can also offer a vision for your style, and handle the scheduling for both installers and vendors.

How to Design Your Bathroom?

A lot of homes usually have at least one bathroom with a sink, toilet, and bathtub. Then, there are optional extras, such as the shower, and in some cases, a bidet. An extra sink is also a popular choice for most people, especially in households where the bathroom is often used by more than one person.  A master bathroom should especially take into consideration the space required for two sinks, two vanities, and even two medicine cabinets.

It’s important to look beyond the space of the bathroom. Think about the entire look of your house. What kind of layout would best match the design? Does your preferred bathroom layout blend well with the rest of your home? Keep in mind that not everything has to be matched perfectly for it to blend well with your home. Not every door handle has to be bronze, for example. But if you choose a contrasting design, such as silver with bronze, it can be too distracting. If your bathroom is a part of your master bedroom, it is critical to blend the design. Don’t choose a stark bright color to distract from the theme of the main room. Instead, make it an extension of the room that flows well without taking away from the grandeur of the bedroom. A common adage is “add, not change. ”There is also a matter of “functional zoning.” This is a good way for you to plan your bathroom layout around the idea of what’s functional. Instead of remodeling from a design perspective, instead think of things from a use perspective. Planning an effective space has everything to do with your lifestyle and how you best use the space. Make sure you incorporate this in your bathroom remodeling.

Customize Your Bathroom

Similar to a standard bathroom, a customized bathroom is filled with a number of suite fixtures. The difference is that the final design usually has a matching countertop and built-in cabinets around a certain area of the room.
Take your bathroom remodeling to the next level! Customized bathrooms are a step beyond standard bathroom with the implementation of personalized cabinets, vanities, and facilities. While stock options are always available, many homeowners find that they need something just slightly bigger, smaller, wider, or in a different color. Some popular options include floating vanities and double-wide sinks. You can also invest in custom cabinets with your choice of wood, made in a specific style. Your opportunity to expand on your custom bathroom depends on your budget and style needs. Cabinets are very advantageous on the bathroom, sometimes even more so than in the kitchen. This is because storage space in the bathroom is always more necessary than homeowners think. Having wide cabinets and drawers with enough space to store linens, toiletries, and emergency supplies is a great way to make your custom bathroom both functional and beautiful. There are certain considerations needed for custom bathroom designs, however. For example, when choosing a type of wood for the cabinets, think about what kind of wood can stand up to moisture. Professionally-installed custom bathroom pieces are your best bet for guaranteeing that your cabinets will last for years.

Bathroom Customization Planning Guide

Thinking about all of your different customization options can actually be a little overwhelming, especially if you are having trouble deciding what direction you want to go in. Assessing your purpose, budget, and goals can help clear your mind, allowing you to focus on what you need to get started.

Just follow these steps:

1. Find Your Purpose

Which bathroom are you going to remodel? Are you doing a full bathroom or a half-bath? What about a powder room? If your bathroom is in the master bedroom, are you incorporating other elements as well? Do you want to completely get rid of the whole thing and start anew, or keep some elements of your existing bathroom to mix in with the new? By answering these questions, you can start to get a better idea of what it is you want.

2. Consider your Space

Design and space go hand in hand. You may have lofty ideas for your new bathroom remodel, but will you have the space to properly execute those ideas? You need to adequately manage the amount of space you have and set realistic expectations for what can be done in that space.

3. Choose the Right Materials

Planning a bathroom remodel requires a lot more details than you may think. You have a lot of design and customization ideas, but they may each require a different set of materials and textures. Make sure the products you are shopping for will actually meet the needs of your remodel. This is especially true when it comes to:

● Countertops
● Bathtubs
● Sink and bath fixtures
● Lighting
● Cabinets
● Backsplash
● Tile flooring
● Waterproofing materials

As always, it’s important to consult with a professional before you execute any of your plans.

These are the type of bathrooms that comes with a shower, minus the enclosure, and the water runs away through a drain installed in the floor. That’s why it’s important for the whole room to be waterproofed.
As different trends in home decor evolve, we have found that unique bathrooms are always a popular choice. Wet rooms might not function well with every bathroom design, but when you have space and resources for one, it can add a lot of value to the home. Most wet rooms include a shower and a toilet, without anything separating them. The uniqueness of wet rooms really comes into play when choosing flooring.The most important thing to remember when building a wet room is that everything must be able to resist moisture. Waterproofing your cabinets, flooring, and appliances is mandatory in order to have a well-functioning room.Flooring is one of the key features that distinguishes a wet room from other types of bathrooms. The flooring of the shower extends to the rest of the room, so it’s important to think about the fact that there is no separation happening there. This bathroom consists of open space with no steps or raised areas, giving you more flexibility to design something you wouldn’t be able to in other rooms.

En Suite Attached Bathrooms

Due to the proximity of the bedroom to one’s bathroom, noise is usually an issue for most homeowners. If there aren’t any windows attached to the bathroom, an exhaust fan should be installed as it can help in removing moisture. Likewise, if you want to reduce the noise made by your toilet tank while it’s being refilled, then you should install a modern inlet valve.

Most en suite bathrooms are attached to the master bedroom, but there may be exceptions depending on the layout of your home. They are meant to be more private spaces than guest bathrooms, allowing you to put a more intimate or creative touch to this space. They are convenient due to their proximity to the bedroom, helping you maintain a comfortable amount of privacy.  Dating back to the 1960s, en suite bathrooms have become commonplace in the modern home. You can add simple or elegant upgrades to your en suite bathroom to make it a distinct selling feature. If you don’t currently have an en suite, you can add one by converting a large closet or building onto the bedroom.

En suite bathrooms also have the advantage of being flexible in terms of style, design, and size; this is your blank card and your freedom to do whatever you want! Especially if you are building an en suite bathroom from scratch. Just make sure that it fits the size and regulation specifications of your home so it can continue complimenting the rest of your space.

The Powder Room

Powder rooms are usually situated on the first floor of the house and often near the entryway. These rooms are also known as half-baths, and comes with a toilet and sink. However, unlike regular bathrooms, there isn’t any bathtub or shower.

Choosing the right layout for your powder room is important, not just for you but for your guests. This is the bathroom that your friends and neighbors will use most often in your home, rather than traveling to the private bathroom next to your bedroom.  Powder rooms got their name from the 18th century, and are still largely used for the same purpose: as a space for guests to freshen up. Nowadays, powder rooms typically include a toilet and a sink, but never a tub or a shower. If you are looking to build a custom powder room from scratch, you should make space near your entryway or off of one of the more public rooms in your home. Typical powder rooms are about 20 square feet in size, and can be an easy extension to a living room or hallway. Pedestal sinks are a great way to save space when your powder room is on the smaller side, leaving plenty of legroom for guests. There are certain measurements and specifications that must be utilized in accordance with the IRC. The toilet and sink must always be accessible. But in most cases, this is easy to accomplish for your bathroom remodeling.

2. BATHROOM FLOOR PLANS

For those who are not aware, if you really want to save a good amount of money on renovation and demolition, it’s highly advisable to keep the new bath’s plumbing fixtures close to the bathroom’s existing plumbing.

However, in case that the remodeler discovers an outdated wiring or plumbing, there’s a huge possibility that this professional would suggest that you gut out the old pipes and wires, which will allow the installation of the new ones, in addition to changing the locations.

If you have limited budget and need to keep the same footprint. Don’t worry, you can still give the impression that the space is a little bigger through the use of some tricks specifically made for that purpose. For instance, pedestal sinks are best known for making the room look more spacious, then clear glass shower doors are more preferable than the shower curtains on tubs as this would block the light and make it seem more enclosed. Likewise, you can also consider using a big mirror as an alternative to a small medicine cabinet mirror. Doing something like this could visually double the space around your vanity area.

3. LED LIGHTING DESIGN

Although an elegant finish on faucets would definitely make a bathroom look elegant, you’ll never make a bad choice once you consider installing sufficient and luxurious bathroom lighting. Likewise, well-designed vanity lighting is capable of eliminating the shadows on faces.

A combination of LED recessed lights with wall sconces beside or over the mirror is also a great idea, because whenever it’s too bright, you can always install and use dimmer switches.

Overhead and Ambient

For bathrooms, overhead lighting is very important.  As for ambient options, you can always consider the use of a sunken track lighting, frosted glass fixtures, or even rice paper. Likewise, perimeter lighting is also capable of creating both soft, ambient glow, as well as useful light. It’s also highly advisable to consider using pendant lighting. Something like this allows the scattering of light into the direction that it gives the illusion of a beautiful centerpiece ceiling.

4. PROPER BATH VENTILATION

Unfortunately, when it comes to bathroom remodeling, a lot of homeowners tend to neglect this aspect. What they are not aware of is the fact that proper ventilation is very important, especially if you want to ensure that your bathroom renovation project lasts for years to come. A bathroom that’s not properly ventilated could contribute to a number of problems, such as the buildup of mold and mildew. This could wreak havoc and ruin some of the expensive upgrades made in the new bathroom remodel, such as the floors, walls, and even the cabinetry.

This is a nice bath fan timer switch because you can quickly set the time you want at the push of a button.

Get a Fan and Timer

A top-quality fan is very important if you want to ensure optimum indoor air quality and it’s definitely worth every penny.

Those with a steam shower or low ceiling, should stay away from placing a fan inside the shower, because the steam of the vapor coming from the ductwork would not circulate the air as well.

Get a fan timer and try to look for one that comes with a one-hour setting.

For home owners who are currently in the process of building a new home, what they can do is incorporate a remote timer and this would give them the ability of being able to turn the fan on in the middle of the day or at night remotely. Likewise, you can also consider wiring in a dehumidistat, so that the fan would be able to run whenever you need it.

Those with younger kids around the house or who don’t want to have the responsibility of turning on the fan timer every time, then they can consider using a motion sensor for this purpose.

Leave Room for Ventilation

Have you noticed that some glass panels don’t really go all the way to the top of the bathroom ceiling? There’s a reason for that, it’s because a lot of experts believe that keeping frameless glass installations from going floor to ceiling allows more air circulation inside the bathroom.
There are certain regulations that must be followed for proper ventilation in your bathroom. Not only is it code, but it is also better for your health. Without proper ventilation, things like aerosol sprays will be left to stagnate the air. Over time, this would make it more and more uncomfortable to use the bathroom. Most bathrooms remodeling requires some form of ventilation, either through a centralized system or through the installation of the window.  Shower doors, panels, and screens need to leave ample space for ventilation. The steam that builds up during a hot shower an permeate the air to the point where it becomes difficult to breathe. During a shower, you need someplace for the steam to escape, and ventilation helps circulate fresh air into the room.  Besides, there should always be enough space for clearance during an emergency. In some cases, custom shower solutions offer you the ability to have a glass transom that can be tilted open to release steam and other particles in the air. Adding a fan to the bathroom boosts your bathroom’s ventilation capabilities. If you already have a fan installed, you may want to add a second one depending on the size specifications of your bathroom.

Consider the Use of a Heated Floor

Having  a floor heating system that can be laid under the tile in the shower is a nice add-on, not only is it more comfortable ambient air temperature, but the feel of warmth on normally cold tile in the morning is a nice change that you will certainly enjoy.  It’s important to ensure that the heating system you’re going to get can be used inside the shower. For those who are interested in this type of bathroom, it is ideal to consult a professional who would help you plan the layout.

5. Maximize the Space

Try to use all the space of your bathroom as much as possible, if your bathroom is on the smaller side, then you have to unleash your creativity in order to design the space and make it look larger. Glass doors for tubs and showers are perfect if your purpose is to open up the room, and the pedestal sinks are ideal since they occupy lesser space when compared to cabinets.  All cabinets and tower cabinets above the toilets, as well as towel racks are perfect for those who need storage, but who don’t have much space to work with.

6. Pick Timeless, Yet Durable Flooring

A Consumer Reports survey showed that 80% of homeowners prefer durable bathroom flooring over stylish bathroom flooring. Not that there aren’t plenty of options that are both durable and stylish, but when it comes down to brass tacks, people just like going with the safest option.

Porcelain, ceramic, and stone tiles definitely look beautiful and pleasing to the eyes, and they’re also water-resistant choices making them the perfect tiles for bathroom flooring.

As for durability, nothing is better than baseboard tiles, and these tiles are also known for adding an elegant finishing touch.

Bathroom tiles aren’t supposed to be delicate. You need floors that are beautiful but can also take a beating, since you walk along your bathroom floors every single day – multiple times a day. Don’t sacrifice your design choices in favor of something that doesn’t look good, but you also shouldn’t choose a bad material simply because you like the way it looks in your new bathroom.

Thankfully, you don’t have to come up with a compromise between function and form. Many of the options listed above are both stylish and strong enough to be well-suited for use in the bathroom. Plus, many manufacturers of vinyl create specific materials that are built to withstand moisture damage and foot traffic.

7. Design With the Future in Mind

For those who are thinking of putting their home up for sale five years from now, then it’s important to ensure that the value of your property would increase over time, consider having your home renovated for that purpose. On the other hand, if you’re planning to live in your home for a couple of years, it’s very important to ensure that the design of your bathroom is something you would really love and fit with your style and preferences.

We get it; these kinds of decisions can be really overwhelming. From paint colors, to tile textures, to countertop materials, you just have so many things to consider in order to make your bathroom perfect. And you want to be able to turn your bathroom into something that will remain valuable over time but also matches your aesthetic preferences.

You need to find the best mix between comfort, luxury, design, value, and longevity. This is no easy feat, but with the help of a trusted contractor and some much-deserved remodeling advice, you can start putting the pieces together in order to discover what designs and remodeling structures will make you and your family happy.

You are never alone when it comes to the difficult decision-making process for your bathroom remodeling project. The brainstorming and planning phase of your bathroom remodel project can be fun, but it’s hard figuring out what materials and appliances are right for you when you are going at it alone.

A bathroom remodeling project is an investment, and you want to be sure you’re getting the best return for your money. A bath renovation is an investment in your future – one where you will be earning yourself a profit because you went through the trouble of increasing the value in your home!

Article by Brian Sebring

Tips, Magazines, News

What Drives the Cost of a Bathroom Renovation

Recently, a prospective client called me and asked if we will do just a bathroom renovation. I thought that was an interesting question, since bathroom renovation is exactly one of the services we offer. As it turns out, not many design/build companies will take on only a bathroom unless it is part of a larger remodel. Contractors avoid these smaller projects because they are hard to schedule and less profitable than other remodels. Clients wonder, why is a small room like a bathroom such an investment of time and money? Let’s take a look.

What drives the cost of a bathroom renovation?
Prices across the country will vary quite a bit. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) reports that homeowners spent a mean of $32,000 renovating their bathrooms in 2019, roughly twice what they spent on redoing a guest bath (about $18,000) or a powder room (about $12,000).
Another NKBA study released at the end of 2020 revealed that the average primary bathroom spend over the past year was between $20,000 and $30,0000, with two-thirds of the finished projects showing an increase in size over the previous layout. The most popular anticipated option for layout change is to remove bathtubs to increase the size of the shower.

How many trades can you fit in one bathroom?
Not many. Bathrooms, even before social distancing, only allow one trade at a time to work no matter what the size of the room. You just can’t have subs working on top of each other. Scheduling becomes a fine balance of giving everyone time to complete their appointed tasks and keeping the job moving. Coordinating multiple trades is like choreographing a dance troupe. There are a lot of moving parts.

Building Materials and the Bathroom Renovation
The cost of most everything has skyrocketed, and building materials have not escaped price increases. Simple items like lumber have more than tripled over the last 12 months. Materials like sheet rock, windows, insulation and even the pipes have been impacted by price. Building supplies can by hard to come by, and delays inevitably happen these days.

Tile, Tubs and Everything In Between
Remember that gorgeous oversized freestanding tub with the sexy tub filler that holds a glass of wine? Is your client dreaming of indulging in lavender-infused water and a session of chromatherapy? Be prepared to allocate $5,000 for that indulgence. Luxury has its price.

The Perfect Freestanding Bathtub
Showers with multiple heads, temperature-balanced water controls, built-in benches – as well as the added benefit of steam – are all to die for. While attractive, they drive up the costs of not just the fittings themselves but also the plumbing installation costs. However, if you do specify a freestanding tub, make sure the hot water heater is large enough to accommodate the water consumption. Newer tubs with air systems can be ordered with inline heaters to keep the water at a comfortable temperature. This feature eliminates constantly adding hot water and will save your client money and frustration.

Choosing Tile
Tile materials are also available in every style and every price point. Marble and glass tiles are generally more expensive than porcelain tile and will cost more to install. Pinterest is full of tile style ideas, but those beautiful images could carry a hefty price tag. Complex patterns add drama and beauty but increase the cost of installation. Intricate designs also require more waste, because there are the extra materials needed to create those beautiful patterns and designs.
I advise my clients to create a portfolio of rooms they would love to live with. Once you have a design plan in place, you will be able to help them make informed decisions about what cabinet type is right for the bathroom renovation.

April 2, 2021
Sharon L Sherman is the founder of Thyme & Place Design, Thymeless Home Decor and Thymeless Well Being in New Jersey.
https://www.kbbonline.com/news/blog/what-drives-the-cost-of-a-bathroom-renovation/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=mc&utm_campaign=107236

News, Tips

Showering daily — is it necessary?

Do you shower or bathe daily? If you do, you’re not alone.

Approximately two-thirds of Americans shower daily. In Australia it’s over 80%. But in China, about half of people report bathing only twice a week.

In the US, the daily shower tends to start around puberty and becomes lifelong. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself why?

Perhaps your answer is: “because it’s healthier than showering less often.” Think again. For many — perhaps most — the daily shower is more about habit and societal norms than health. Perhaps that’s why the frequency of bathing or showering varies so much from country to country.

Are there reasons to shower every day?

Besides considering it healthier, people may choose to shower daily for a number of reasons, including:

  • concerns about body odor
  • help waking up
  • a morning routine that includes working out.

Each of these has merit, especially considering that personal or work relationships can be jeopardized by complaints about body odor or personal hygiene. But what is considered acceptable in this regard varies from culture to culture. And some (perhaps a lot) of what we do when it comes to cleaning habits is influenced heavily by marketing. Ever notice that directions on shampoo bottles often say “lather, rinse, repeat”? There is no compelling reason to wash your hair twice with each shower, but it does sell more shampoo if everyone follows these directions.

When it comes to concerns about health, however, it’s not at all clear that a daily shower accomplishes much. In fact, a daily shower may even be bad for your health.

What are the health impacts of showering (or bathing) every day?

Normal, healthy skin maintains a layer of oil and a balance of “good” bacteria and other microorganisms. Washing and scrubbing removes these, especially if the water is hot. As a result:

  • Skin may become dry, irritated, or itchy.
  • Dry, cracked skin may allow bacteria and allergens to breach the barrier skin is supposed to provide, allowing skin infections and allergic reactions to occur.
  • Antibacterial soaps can actually kill off normal bacteria. This upsets the balance of microorganisms on the skin and encourages the emergence of hardier, less friendly organisms that are more resistant to antibiotics.
  • Our immune systems need a certain amount of stimulation by normal microorganisms, dirt, and other environmental exposures in order to create protective antibodies and “immune memory.” This is one reason why some pediatricians and dermatologists recommend against daily baths for kids. Frequent baths or showers throughout a lifetime may reduce the ability of the immune system to do its job.

And there could be other reasons to lose your enthusiasm for the daily shower: some people suggest that the water with which we clean ourselves may contain salts, heavy metals, chlorine, fluoride, pesticides, and other chemicals. These may cause problems, too.

The case for showering less

Over cleaning your body is probably not a compelling health issue. Yes, you could be making your skin drier than it would be with less frequent showering. This is not a public health menace. However, daily showers do not improve your health, could cause skin problems or other health issues — and, importantly, they waste a lot of water. Also, the oils, perfumes, and other additives in shampoos, conditioners, and soaps may cause problems of their own, such as allergic reactions (not to mention their cost).

While there is no ideal frequency, experts suggest that showering several times per week is plenty for most people (unless you are grimy, sweaty, or have other reasons to shower more often). Short showers (lasting three or four minutes) with a focus on the armpits and groin may suffice.

If you’re like me, it may be hard to imagine skipping the daily shower. But if you’re doing it for your health, it may be a habit worth breaking.

Robert H. Shmerling, MD
Harvard Health Publishing
JUNE 26, 2019
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/showering-daily-is-it-necessary-2019062617193
News, Tips

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I SHOWER DURING QUARANTINE?

With plenty of time and nowhere to go, I’m not sure if I should be showering constantly or not at all.

During quarantine, there are no rules. You can have a meeting with your coworkers while pantsless. You can eat a box of Cheez-Its for breakfast. You can recreate the entire theatrical production of Jesus Christ Superstar with cardboard puppets made out of said Cheez-It boxes. Basically, you don’t have to adhere to most of the usual societal norms that help convince people you’re a regular human. Showering is one of those norms. 

Right now, no one is gonna make you shower. And if you’re not exercising or going outside, you might find that you don’t need to shower as often as you might have before the coronavirus pandemic. Then again, what else is there to do? At least showering is a constructive activity that tricks us into a fleeting sense of normalcy. 

I, for one, am showering more often than usual. Not only do I have time for quick exercise videos on YouTube, but I also have time in the shower to shave my legs, exfoliate, deep condition my hair and whatever other more luxurious steps I might skip in my ordinarily utilitarian cleansing routine. Turns out showering is kind of nice when you’ve got nowhere to be! 

But that’s all just for fun. Is there any practical reasoning to determine the right number of showers to be taking right now? I’m supposed to be washing my hands more often –– does that same rule apply to my extended body?

First things first, you can’t get coronavirus if you (and those who live with you) aren’t going outside. Plain and simple. Showering is optional in that regard. If you have to leave your home, that changes things a bit. According to the World Health Organization, hot showers or baths won’t do anything to help prevent you from getting COVID-19 — there’s been some speculation that hot showers boost immunity or raise your body temperature in a way that kills bacteria, but that’s not true, so there’s no coronavirus-related need to shower before leaving the home. 

Showering when you get home, however, is a good idea. Showering with soap and water will remove the bacteria from your skin in the same way washing your hands would. The virus can only be transmitted via your eyes, nose and mouth — you won’t get sick if, say, your knee touches a surface with the virus on it. But if you touch your knee and then touch your nose, you might get sick. Regardless of whether or not you’re a pro at not touching your face, you probably just don’t want any chance of carrying the virus around, and getting all soapy will help prevent that. MIT Technology Review recommends that you rinse off after every outing, and ditto for your kids. They also recommend washing your clothes or leaving coats and shoes out in the sun after every outing, too. 

But what about showering for other aspects of your health? Showering too often, especially with strong soaps and hot water, can dry out your skin. Not only can dry skin be painful and itchy, it can also trigger flare-ups of skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema. Not showering enough can have similar effects and lead to ailments like dermatitis neglecta, caused by a buildup of dead skin cells. This typically takes more than a week of not bathing, though. It’s ultimately up to you (and perhaps those you share space with) how often you should shower to keep your skin comfortable — this is usually somewhere between once a day to two or three times a week. It’s really a matter of preference and how active you are: If you feel the need to shower multiple times a day, that’s on you. The more often you shower, though, the shorter and less hot they should be for the sake of your skin. 

But if there were ever a time to experiment with getting that water bill down, it’s now. You might even find that your hair and skin look better with fewer showers. Remember, no one can smell you through a webcam.

By Danielle Dresden
https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/how-often-should-you-shower-coronavirus-quarantine

News, Tips

Shower Head GPM – What It Means & Why It’s Important To You

What does GPM mean and why is it important to your daily shower? Believe it or not, it’s the law! Your shower head is covered by federal and possibly local regulations.

What is GPM?

GPM means Gallons Per Minute. Also known as “flow rate”, GPM is a measure of how many gallons of water flow out of your shower head each minute.

Since 1992, a maximum of 2.5 GPM is the federally mandated flow rate for new shower heads. This means no more than 2.5 gallons of water should flow out each minute.

The GPM flow rate for shower heads has decreased over time. If your current shower head was made in the 1980’s or 1990’s, its flow rate could be 3.5 GPM or more!

Shower Flow Restrictions over the decades

Why is shower head GPM or flow rate important?

Federal, state, and local governments regulate shower head GPM flow rates, because the potential for water and energy savings are significant. A standard 2.5 GPM shower headuses 2.5 gallons of water each minute. That’s 25 gallons for a 10-minute shower.

VS. A low-flow 2.0 GPM shower headuses 2.0 gallons of water each minute. That’s only 20 gallons for a 10-minute shower.

If everyone in the U.S. installed 2.0 GPM shower heads, the EPA estimates annual savings of:

  • 260 billion gallons of water
  • $2.2 billion in water utility bills
  • $2.6 billion in energy costs for heating water

That’s a lot of billions!

How do local governments regulate shower heads?

To conserve resources and save money, some state and local governments mandate even lower GPM flow rates than the federal regulation.

Shower Flow Regulations differ by location
  • New York City adopted a 2.0 GPM standard in 2010
  • California and Colorado adopted a 2.0 GPM standard in 2016
  • California will move to a 1.8 GPM standard in July 2018

And many communities offer incentives and rebates to residents who voluntarily install low-flow shower heads.

Source: https://www.waterpik.com/shower-head/blog/shower-head-gpm/

December 27, 2017

Tips

15-Point Checklist Before Starting Your Bathroom Renovation

A bathroom renovation is an exciting task. But before jumping to choosing the latest tile or bathtub design, there are some less exciting things to consider so your project turns out just the way you dream it. Because renovating a bathroom can be overwhelming, time-consuming and costly, we prepared a simple 15-point checklist to make sure that your project stays on track and the renovation runs smoothly.

1. Budget

If you don’t know already you should work up an idea of how much you want to spend on your bathroom renovation. Setting a budget will help guide you as you make decisions about what to include in the remodel. Once you’ve figured out what you can spend and substracted the amount allocated to labor, you’ll have a clearer sense of what you can spend on tile, fixtures, and extras.

2. Time

Many people assume that if they are remodeling a small bathroom it will only take a few days, or anyway it will take much less time than a larger one. This is not necessarily the case. Depending on how many items you are changing in the bathroom your contractor will have to go through all the same steps as a larger bathroom. However, planning refers not only to defining the duration of the renovation works but also certain intermediate steps such as ordering and purchasing tiles, fixtures, custom-built vanity or cabinets to make sure they can be delivered when your contractor needs them.  Planning time is also crucial for those with only one bathroom in their house as they will have to make arrangements where to take a shower and use the toilet while the bathroom is taken apart.

3. Works sequence

When it comes to bathroom renovation by completing the job in a specific sequence you can save yourself from a lot of clean up time and mistakes. Whether you are demolishing Sheetrock or simply repainting, you always want to start at the top of the room. Remodel your ceiling first, walls second, and floors third so you can prevent damage to your new components.

4. Hidden problems

If you are doing a major upgrade to your bathroom consider doing a “full gut”. When done by a professional with expertise you end up with a zero problems bathroom that will function flawlessly and add tremendous value to your home for many years to come. Depending on the age of your home and how well it was built the biggest hidden problem you may encounter is water damage, so look for structural deficiencies in the floor framing, not properly vented plumbing, old corroded plumbing, non-waterproof tile shower/tub surrounds, etc.

5. Design style and functionality

When first starting out start by thinking about the look you want for your bathroom. There are many factors to consider like paint color, tile choices, vanities, showers, tubs, faucets, etc. It can get overwhelming very quickly so start with some research. You can start to piece together elements that you like into what will become the final design of the bathroom or you may choose a design item you want to feature in the bathroom and then work the rest of the bathroom design around it.

Design should work hand in hand with functionality so consider who will use the bathroom and how, consider an eventual resale of the house and also take a moment to think how the bathroom design will fit in with the rest of the house.

6. Measurements

There are 3 major limitations which really make size matter in bathroom renovation: the overall size of the bathroom (usually the smallest room in the house), the location of existing plumbing pipes and electrical wiring and the typical standard dimensions of bathroom fixtures. Therefore make sure you have the correct measurements and specifications when you go to the store. More frustrating than trying to shop without measurements is to end up purchasing stuff that doesn’t fit.

7. Contractor

Hiring a contract for a conceivably DIY job? Well, yes, that is a smart thing to do given the complexity of the job and difficult operations involved (electrical, tiling, plumbing, etc.). Therefore do not overlook the advantages of hiring a contractor and save yourself a load of misery and time.

8. Plumbing fixtures and features

No renovation is complete without remodeling or repairing fixtures and features, which could very well make a separate checklist themselves: shower, bathtub, toilet, bidet, sink, faucets and shower heads. You should also update or repair your mirrors and shower doors. You can also change the look of your bathroom very easily by changing out door handles, drawer pulls and the hardware for your shower doors. If you have the budget a new set of shower doors can completely change the look of your room.

9. Cabinets, storage and shelving

Planning cabinets, shelving and storing solutions is a tricky problem in most cases. In small, irregular shaped rooms like the bathroom, it is even more so. They need to be functional and accommodate all your stuff while keeping everything easily reachable, they must fit into the available space and make the most of it and on top of it all, they need to look stylish.

10. Walls and flooring

Virtually any material can be used to surface walls and floors in the bathroom as long as it’s waterproof, either naturally or by means of an impervious finish. Depending on your budget and style, ceramic, marble, and granite tiles make handsome and highly durable flooring and wall surfaces for baths. For flooring additional options may include cement (painted or stained), sheet vinyl or vinyl tiles which are inexpensive and look better than used to. Whatever your choice, always mind another key criteria for choosing your bathroom flooring: durability and slip-resistance.

11. Lighting

A bathroom can be rendered impractical or downright dangerous without adequate lighting so plan for design lighting that is functional and also creates atmosphere. Plan for maximizing natural light first, whereas for artificial light it is advisable you should have least 4 watts of incandescent lighting per square foot.

12. Accessories

Although apparently insignificant in the bigger picture of the overall project, no remodel is complete without new accessories. And surprisingly enough, the small stuff like new towels, wash clothes, soap dishes, mirrors, towel racks, bath mats do add up to the final bill. If you are on a budget, new hand towels will be better than nothing.

13. Ventilation

Ventilation is crucial in a wet room like the bathroom. It is also a tricky task which needs good planning: choosing the right fan, the right position for its installation and dealing with the electrical wiring. Poor ventilation can leave your bathroom damp, moldy and can even harm your health. A well-ventilated bathroom, however, isn’t just a healthy bathroom. Continual airflow can also prevent both the decay of any wooden trim or fixtures and the saturation of building insulation.

14. Going green

Even if you personally don’t care about going green one way or the other, the market is trending toward this so it’s something to consider. And there are many budget friendly options for adding a green touch to your bathroom: a low flow toilet that uses less water and saves you money in water bills; low-VOC or no-VOC paints; vanities made from sustainably harvested wood; recycled glass tile surface countertops, etc.

15. Final clean

The final clean should include a thorough cleaning of all cabinetry, inside and out, ductwork, walls, floor, windows, and light fixtures. Although often overlook in the planning phase, in the case of a major renovation you may want to consider contracting a cleaning service which means additional costs that impact your budget. If you feel up to doing it yourself, you may need to add a day or two to your initial timing.



By Andreea

November 15. 2012


https://freshome.com/2012/11/16/the-15-point-checklist-before-starting-a-bathroom-renovation/

Misspelling corrections made in:
Step 3: sheetrock
Step 9: accomodate
Step 11: adviseable
Step 13: mouldy



Magazines, News, Tips

Cold Showers Lead to Fewer Sick Days

Geert A. Buijze and his colleagues asked 3,000 volunteers in the Netherlands to finish their morning showers with a 30-, 60-, or 90-second blast of cold water, or to shower as they usually did, for 30 consecutive days. Then the researchers looked at the work attendance records of the same people over that period. On average, in all the groups that doused themselves with cold water, people were absent 29% fewer days than people in the control group. The researchers’ conclusion: Cold showers lead to fewer sick days.

Dr. Buijze, defend your research.

Buijze: This is the first high-level evidence showing that cold showers can benefit your health. People who took them for at least 30 seconds for one month called in sick 29% less than our control group — and 54% less if they also engaged in regular physical exercise.

HBR: But why would cold showers make us less sick?

This is a subtle but important point: Participants who took the cold showers actually reported feeling ill just as many days, on average, as the people who showered normally. But either their symptoms were less severe or they felt more energetic, so they were better able to push through the sickness and function anyway. The exact effect on the immune system is unclear, but we do have some knowledge of the pathway through which it works. Cold temperatures make you shiver — an autonomous response to keep your body temperature up. It involves a neuroendocrine effect and triggers our fight-or-flight response, causing hormones like cortisol to increase, shortly before we shift to a relaxation response. Moreover, cold temperatures activate the brown — or good — fat in the body.

What effect does that have?

Brown fat doesn’t have any proven connection to immunity, but it does affect the body’s thermoregulation. When activated, it keeps the body warm by burning calories. It may also increase your energy and metabolism and help control your blood sugar. That could reduce your risk of obesity and diabetes.

Cold temperatures trigger a fight-or-flight response.

Couldn’t the cold showers just be producing a placebo effect, though? People feel tougher after starting the day shivering?

We can’t rule that out, but even if this is merely a psychological phenomenon, that would be OK with me. The placebo effect has a negative reputation in medicine, but in life and health sciences, any salutary effect achieved by natural means, rather than a pill, is something to strive for. Placebos rely on neurobiologic pathways, too.

But what about so-called presenteeism? Shouldn’t people who feel ill stay out of the office?

Not necessarily, especially if their symptoms aren’t bad. Most of us will try to work through a common cold, for example. But we should take the necessary hygienic precautions — washing our hands, covering our mouths when we cough — to protect colleagues from pathogens.

Why study cold showers instead of a more obvious health booster like exercise or diet?

Previous studies have shown that physical exercise can strengthen the immune system, but I’m not aware of consistent evidence showing that any other daily rituals or habits do. Research on dietary supplements, for example, has yielded conflicting results. And while malnutrition can compromise your immune system, proof that superfoods boost it has been elusive.

Cold showers interested us because there have been numerous claims — throughout history and across cultures — about their beneficial effects. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, prescribed cold baths for his patients. In ancient Roman times, one ritual involved moving through several rooms with increasing temperatures, then ending with a plunge in a cold pool — hence the Latin term frigidarium. You still see practices like this in spas around the world. Athletes take ice baths to reduce local inflammation and soreness and improve injury recovery times.

Two-thirds of the people who took cold showers continued them after the study.

We also took inspiration from the Dutch Iceman — Wim Hof, this guy who’s become famous in the Netherlands for using gradual exposure to the cold and breathing exercises to train his body to withstand freezing temperatures for up to two hours, and who has taught others to do the same. A recent study even showed that healthy adults can use those techniques to modulate their immune response when injected with a pathogen, leading to fewer and less severe symptoms.

I was approached about coauthoring a book on cold showers — the writer wanted a medical expert on board — but I told him that I wanted to investigate their effect instead.

So how cold is cold?

We instructed our study participants to shower as they normally did — as hot as they wanted, for as long as they wanted — then to make the water as cold as possible for the prescribed amount of time. This took place in the Netherlands during the winter months, from January 1 to April 1, when the groundwater in homes’ wells was roughly between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius — which is really cold. It was a miracle that we had more than 4,000 volunteers, about 3,000 of which we enrolled.

The duration of the cold shower didn’t make a difference.

Were these people masochists? Or cold shower aficionados?

Obviously, you can’t do a study on cold showers with people who would never consider taking one. But none of our participants had taken them regularly before. They were a mixed group of healthy adults, with no severe heart or respiratory problems. Some of them were probably inspired by the Iceman stories. Many told us they were afraid the experiment would make them miserable, and in the beginning it did. The vast majority found it uncomfortable, and some hated it, so they needed resilience to get through the month. As time went on, though, people started adapting and feeling less bothered. And when we asked if they would keep taking cold showers after the month ended, 91% said yes, and two-thirds did continue them. That, to me, is the most indicative sign of a beneficial effect — whether physiological or psychological. Taking a freezing cold shower is not something you do for pleasure.

And 90 seconds of cold didn’t produce a stronger effect than 30?

No, duration didn’t matter. The reduction in sick days was the same across the 30-, 60-, and 90-second groups. It’s possible you could do less than 30 seconds, but for now we know that’s enough.

Were there any benefits beyond fewer sick days?

Productivity while at work was the same regardless of cold showers or none, although theoretically the cold shower people were cumulatively more productive over the study period, since they were absent less often. And though we saw an early improvement in self-reported quality of life for that group, that effect disappeared over time.

Is it possible the sick-day effect would go away over time, too?

Maybe. But I think that even if you became habituated to the cold water, so you felt less discomfort and shivered less, the neurobiologic effect would remain.

Could I achieve the same result by moving to Newfoundland?

I think not, because we modify our behavior to fit the climate around us. If you’re living in Canada with regular temperatures of minus 20 degrees Celsius, you heat your house, car, and office, and when you’re outside you layer up so your body stays at 37 degrees Celsius. Perhaps if you exposed yourself to the cold and created the same shivering effect, it would help, but we don’t yet have any data to support that hypothesis.

At what temperature do you shower?

My preferred style is like that of James Bond in Ian Fleming’s novels. I alternate temperatures, starting with a steaming hot shower and shifting straight to freezing cold.

Have you noticed any changes since you started this regimen?

My experiences have been comparable with those of the participants. Once you adapt and get resilient, it becomes an addictive energetic morning challenge. Whether you feel ill or healthy, a cold shower kick-starts the day!

By Alison Beard

FROM THE MARCH–APRIL 2018 ISSUE

https://hbr.org/2018/03/cold-showers-lead-to-fewer-sick-days
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