Walk in showers who needs

Walk in showers –

WHO NEEDS THEM?

The days of showers over the bathtub may have long gone but that doesn’t mean choosing or designing a shower unit is any easier. However, many homeowners know a walk-in shower is a great attribute. So, who should have one?

Whether building new or renovating, a walk-in shower could be just what the family ordered but there are five types of people who should, perhaps, make one a priority.

• Design enthusiasts. Imagine a walk-in shower with a mosaic tile floor and contrasting tiled walls and little or no glass to clean –perfect for contemporary aesthetics and offering that touch of luxury. Design enthusiasts will relish the ability to create a space that’s functional and stylish.

• Those with reduced mobility. Children and people with reduced mobility usually find it hard to climb in and out of a tub and small shower cubicles can be a challenge, too. Additionally, those who rely on wheelchairs can’t easily cross a shower threshold. A walk-in shower eliminates these issues.

• Neat freaks. Because the walls and floors are simple expanses of tile, a walk-in shower is a cinch to clean. Fitting a slide shower unit with the option of a handheld showerhead will make tidying up even easier. Designing niches into the wall for shampoos and soaps will also help keep things organised.

• Active families. Families who take part in sport, are outdoor active and own a dog too will find a walk-in shower a bonus at bath time but even more so when returning from a muddy or sweaty sports event, a day at the beach and similar. Mum or Dad can easily wash off a youngster in a large walk-in shower and it may come in handy to wash the dog too!

• Those with ample space. Walk-in showers feel more spacious than other types because they lack an enclosed shower base. To make it feel even bigger, opt for glass walls but if you don’t want to clean glass do away with them altogether – a shower curtain or easy clean, tiled wall could provide privacy. Make sure the floor slopes slightly towards the drain.

PLANNING A BATHROOM RENOVATION

Smith & Sons Pukekohe owners, Lane and Melissa den Brink give tips to consider before renovating your bathroom.

As we head into the winter months and the weather starts changing, many of us start looking to make changes indoors. A common area to start is in the bathroom.

Revamping this important room is a great way to add value to a home and for this reason it is one of first places homeowners renovate. Here are some top tips to consider before going ahead with such a project.

• Budget – We usually talk about this before starting a project because it really is important. We can’t make the right recommendations if we don’t know this information.

If the budget is tight, we may just update the fixtures, or we could be doing a full renovation if the budget accommodates it.

• Layout – Does the current layout work for you and your family? Bathrooms are often a small space so it’s important to ensure the size of fixtures fit within the space so they allow room for doors etc to be opened properly. You don’t want a beautiful new bathroom with a door that doen’t fully open because the fixtures aren’t rightly positioned.

• Walls and Floors – Decisions here really do come down to budget. Do you want tiles on floors and walls? Do you tile just the floor and paint the gib walls or do you take tiles half way up a wall? The options are endless but knowing your budget is key to making a decision.

• Regulations – Did you know that if you have an existing acrylic shower and want to tile your bathroom you need building consent from council to make this change? This is due to it being a piece of critical work and thought it will add cost to your budget, the end result can be stunning.

So, if you are keen to renovate your bathroom and would like discuss this further, contact our team. PH 09) 9479533 or see us at 19 Manukau Road, Pukekohe.

THINKING OF RENOVATING? WE MAKE IT EASY WITH OUR THREE SIMPLE STEPS...

Let’s start the conversation Call Smith & Sons Franklin on 0800 764 846 or visit smithandsons.co.nz 19 Manukau Road, Pukekohe