Work comes in waves and cycles, at least that’s my experience, and right now I am being asked to “cycle out” old bathrooms and install new ones with better functionality, upgraded fixtures, and “age in place” amenities. Now, I know that “age in place” is a buzz phrase right now and I hate buzz words or phrases, but the components that get installed for this particular reason are necessary in many cases and just plain smart in others. And I am not just talking about grab bars!
I am talking about curbless thresholds, low-entry tubs, multifunctional faucets with easy-to-grab knobs, easy-to-clean surrounds, and anti-fog mirrors……and that’s just for a start. Many of these things have been around for awhile but have recently come down in price enough for the average consumer to take advantage of them.
Here are a couple of my favorite budget-friendly remodel ideas for those wanting to prepare for aging in place.
Curbless entry – Not just for the shower but also at the entry to the bathroom. Making sure it is easy to enter the bathroom as well as the shower is key, especially for later on if a wheelchair becomes necessary. There are many ways to achieve this as low or no-threshold shower kits are readily available at even the big box stores.
Adjustable shower heads in the form of a shower panel – Shower panels allow you to adjust the shower head up and down as well as offering amenities like a handheld option, light therapy, and additional jets. You can further customize a shower by moving the controls to a wall adjacent to the entry so that they can be accessed before entering the shower.
Bidets – This is a biggie for me and it provides peace of mind for many that have mobility issues. You’ll understand this as you get older and your back starts to crack for no good reason!
Tilting fogless mirrors – Fogless mirrors are a no-brainer, but having the additional feature of having it tilt will offer options for anyone not able to stand in front of the vanity.
Chair-height vanity/sink – If your bathroom can accommodate a double vanity then you have an opportunity to customize it and drop one sink (side) down to chair height. Vanities can be wall mounted to allow for a chair to roll under, and while you may not need it now, it may be a godsend later. And to make sure it looks intentional and aesthetically pleasing, you can set it up as a makeup vanity until the need presents itself.
We recently installed shower panels that are not just “easy to clean,” which is what many clients want, but also look so much better than the fully formed walls that were all the rage in the ’80s. Many panels come in a tile texture, or stone/marble look, making them so much more aesthetically pleasing than the yellowing acrylic surround that was often what the builders installed.
Here are a few recent bath/shower panel installs:
corner shower panelsshower wall with built in shelftall panels
If you are thinking about a bathroom remodel, plan for life changes and do your research. There are so many options out there that can enhance your space and even make life a lot easier later on.
Nancy bradley
I consult, design, and remodel spaces that reflect the homeowner’s lifestyle and budget by getting the cost question out of the way and really listening to what my client wants and how much they have set aside for their project.
