The Pros and Cons of Having a Window in the Shower
The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in any house and because of this it is also one of the most renovated rooms in a home. Many people believe than having a window in the shower is an absolute luxury. Others find it uncomfortable. The truth is it is a personal preference with pros and cons. Below are some of the pros and cons listed by homeowners on both sides of the coin.
Pros
Light. Since the bathtub and shower occupy a large portion of the wall space in a bathroom, having a window on that wall supplies natural light into the bathroom.
Energy Savings. Having natural light in a bathroom may save on electricity since no light fixtures have to be turned on during daylight hours.
Mildew. Natural light and fresh air eliminate mildew.
Ventilation. If the window opens, it can supply fresh air into the bathroom which will help with odors that are sometimes present in this room.
Space. Having a window in a room makes the room feel larger. This could especially help a very small bathroom.
Decor. Windows come in many shape and styles. The window selected can add to the overall style and decor of the bathroom.
Cons
Privacy. A large clear window is not a choice if you have neighbors. So a frosted, etched or glass block window would be needed to have privacy without needing a curtain.
Hard Water. The steam of the shower will condense on the window. If you have hard water this will cause hard water deposits to form on the window. Cleaning hard water deposits off glass is a difficult task.
Water Leaking. When a window is installed in a shower extra care must be taken to ensure the window is sealed properly to prevent water from leaking around the window. If water leaks into the wall it can ruin wallboard and cause mold.
Whether you are building a new bathroom or renovating an old one consider adding a window to the room to add wonderful light and style to the room. Call the experienced contractors at Express Baths to help you with your next bathroom project.
Why You Should Remodel Your Bathroom Using Acrylic
One of the most remodeled rooms in the home today is the bathroom. Whether you’re remodeling the bath or in a new construction project there will come a time to decide the type of bathroom fixtures to be used. The bathtubs and showers being used are an important part of any bathroom project. One of the biggest advancements in bathroom fixtures is the use of acrylic to manufacture a large variety of bathtubs and showers to choose from. There are several great reasons why acrylic fixtures are a great choice for any bathroom project.
One of the greatest advantages of acrylic its weight. The lightweight construction consists of laminating several sheets of acrylic together. Not only is this method strong but the weight allows for the development of larger tubs and showers. This is also a great choice for bathrooms that are located on higher levels such as the second or third floor of a building or a home. Acrylic tubs and showers hold the water temperature longer than a cast iron or metal fixture. This constant temperature keeps the occupant comfortable longer while also helping to save energy by using less hot water.
Color choice is also another great reason why acrylic is a good option. Acrylic fixtures are available in a wide variety of colors to match any décor. The color also goes completely through the product. Chips in the acrylic are hardly visible. At times when harsh cleaners are used there is a tendency for scratches to develop on the surface of the fixture. These scratches are also not as visible in acrylic. With the correct cleaner acrylic will hold a nice finish for years to come. The color will not fade as with other types of tub and shower materials.
With the proper installation, acrylic showers and bathtubs will last for a lifetime. As with any type of contract work it is better left to the professional. Some manufacturers’ warranties are void if the installation is not performed by a professional. For the next new or bathroom remodeling project in your home look for acrylic to be one of the options. Acrylic is a great addition to any bathroom.
For your next bathroom project contact Express Baths at 919-669-6139.
What Options are There for Acrylic Bathtubs
Your bathroom is a special room, and the focal point of it is usually the bathtub or shower. Whether you are choosing the bathtub for your new home or replacing a bathtub in an existing home, there are several elements to consider before making your purchase.
With the variety of bathtubs available on the market today choosing the right one for your bathroom seems like an easy task. But despite how simple it may seem, the wrong bathtub can have devastating effects upon a bathroom. The wrong color can make a bathroom seem smaller. The wrong size can overwhelm the space. So careful thought is required.
You might have gotten an idea from friend’s place, an internet site, televisions show or a magazine. But what is the right choice for your bathroom? When choosing a bathtub there are three things to consider: price, durability and style. One of the choices that rates well in all three areas is an acrylic bathtub.
STYLE
Because acrylic bathtubs are made from a soft and malleable material, they come in a large variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Whether you are planning a small functional bathroom or a large spa-like setting, this wide assortment of tub styles can increase your options when designing a bathroom.
DURABILITY
Acrylic is perceived as a warm material both physically and visually. Acrylic bathtubs have a smooth nonporous surface. The surface is warm to the touch in normal temperatures and has very good heat-retaining properties, keeping water warm for a longer time than some other bathtub materials. For a homeowner who enjoys soaking in a warm tub, this can be an important advantage.
Acrylic bathtubs are tough and durable. If an acrylic bathtub gets a scratch, it can be treated, much like a car, by buffing the mark with a liquid polisher. Acrylic bathtubs are made of solid-colored materials, so the color won’t rub off or fade.
PRICE
Acrylic bathtubs are affordable. The production expense is very low and the life span is as long as 20 years. Acrylic bathtubs should definitely be on the shortlist of options when looking for an affordable bathtub.
For more information contact Express Baths at 919-669-6139.
Smаll Bathroom Remodeling Ideas
Uрdаtіng уоur bathroom is one оf thе wіѕеѕt іnvеѕtmеntѕ you саn mаkе in your hоmе. Nоt only dоеѕ іt hеlр уоu ѕаvе mоnеу in thе short-term, but аlѕо іt increases the vаluе of your home, ultimately increasing thе return on іnvеѕtmеnt.
In уоur ѕmаll bаthrооm space іѕ a luxurу уоu dоn’t hаvе. Design ideas wіll stretch the bоundаrіеѕ оf уоur creativity, but a ѕmаll bаthrооm аlѕо offers the opportunity to mаkе a соzу, calming space by mаxіmіzіng the space уоu hаvе.
One іmроrtаnt wау fоr уоur small bathroom tо lооk аnd feel ѕо muсh bigger іѕ to dеѕіgn a wаlk-іn ѕhоwеr wіth a curbless еntrу. A mоnосhrоmаtіс tіlеd flооr аnd nо curb оn thе shower, allows уоur еуе to move unіntеrruрtеd around the room. Along thаt same line, соnѕіdеr using glаѕѕ walls оn уоur shower so thаt there іѕ nо vіѕuаl bаrrіеr. Seeing all the walls in a room makes the room feel bigger.
When іt соmеѕ tо wall color ѕtісk wіth a lighter раlеttе to kеер thе rооm аіrу and brіght. Dаrk соlоrѕ tend to close in a ѕрасе, ѕо if уоu аrе wоrkіng wіth a ѕmаll ѕрасе tо bеgіn wіth, dark соlоrѕ wіll оnlу сlоѕе it іn еvеn more.
Rаthеr thаn waste thе wall ѕрасе in your bathroom it іѕ a great рlасе tо аdd ѕоmе еxtrа ѕtоrаgе. Oреn ѕhеlvіng wіll іnсrеаѕе your storage ѕрасе, аnd won’t сrаmр thе rооm the wау trаdіtіоnаl cabinets wоuld. This is also why a pedestal or wall mounted sink work well in small bathrooms – a vanity with cabinets uses precious floor space and makes the room seem smaller.
When tіlіng your bаthrооm соnѕіdеr playing wіth thе dіrесtіоn оf уоur tiles. Bу ѕwіtсhіng trаdіtіоnаl subway tіlеѕ from horizontal tо vertical, your eye is drаwn uрwаrdѕ tоwаrd the ceiling, ultіmаtеlу making walls seem taller thаn they are.
One оf thе bеѕt wауѕ tо mаxіmіzе уоur small bathroom іѕ to take out your bаthrооm dооr аll tоgеthеr аnd аdd a росkеt dооr. Bу using thе еxіѕtіng wall tо hоuѕе thе door, іt ореnѕ uр аll оf that uѕuаllу dеаd ѕрасе behind іt, leaving you with thе impression оf a lаrgеr rооm.
A small bathroom does not have to feel cramped. A little thought and planning can make even the smallest bathroom comfortable and inviting.
Contact Express Baths for all your bathroom remodeling projects.
Fall Special 1-Day Bathroom Remodel
Is your tub looking a bit worn and outdated? Are you having company during the holidays? Maybe now is the time to get that tub replaced with a shower. Express Baths can convert that old tub to a new shower in one day. Without the fuss of a total renovation, have your bathroom looking like new. (Offer is also good for tub replacement.)
Here’s what’s included:
High quality products. Full installation includes removal and disposal of old tub.
Lifetime Warranty
• Scratch-proof
• Mildew resistant
Brand new acrylic shower base and smooth wall system in 1 day!
$325 OFF INSTALLED
Optional upgrades in color and size available.
Coupon must be presented and used at time of estimate only. One coupon per customer.
May not be combined with other offers or discounts. Previous purchases excluded.
Complete system “tub or shower, wall & valve” only.
Offer Valid until November 30, 2015.
What should a Homeowner Consider before a Bathroom Remodel?
When beginning the process of planning any renovation there are a number of things to consider. There is no way to predict the exact cost of a renovation by the square footage of a room – especially in a bathroom. Fixtures vary widely in price and can easily make even a simple renovation very expensive. So as you begin your planning here are 5 items to think about:
1. Budget. What can you afford to spend? This will be very important whether it is a DIY project or you use a contractor. It helps with making decisions especially what materials to use. Be sure to have a 10-20% buffer for problems that may present themselves once the renovation begins. Also, when using a contractor, make sure any changes or deviations are in writing with a price attached. Don’t let a contractor just say “we’ll take care of it” because you may be presented with a large bill at a later date that wasn’t planned.
2. Quotes. If you decide to use a contractor, shop for your contractor and get at least three quotes. Get references. Check the references and ask about problems with staying on schedule, cost overruns, quality of work, etc. All those things add up to extra money and inconvenience for you.
3. Where to splurge and where to save. Do you want high end fixtures? Fancy tile work? Multi-stream shower? A stone tub? You can splurge on those items, but where can you save? There are many way you can save such as keeping the same footprint so no plumbing or electrical has to be moved, by using the luxury tile only as an accent or by doing some of the work yourself. Splurging is fine, but stick to the budget or things can easily get out of control.
4. Tub or No Tub. Today’s bathroom renovations are removing the tub from Master Bathrooms. Many people never take baths and that floor space can be used for other things (like a larger shower or storage). Family homes are keeping tubs in secondary bathrooms to accommodate kids. No tub in the Master Bath has not shown to affect the resale value of a house as long as there is a tub somewhere else in the house.
5. Storage. In an earlier time linen closets in the hallway were where linens and towels were stored. In today’s homes, people want storage in the bathroom. This can be accomplished in many ways: cabinetry, shelving and closets. Each has their pros and cons, but the floor space in the bathroom will help determine which is best. But planning storage and counter space will add to the efficiency and functionality of the bathroom.
When remodeling a bathroom there are so many styles and items to think about. Have the experts at Express Baths help you go over the options for your bathroom.
Fall 2015 Special on Bathroom Remodeling
A beautiful new bathroom doesn’t have to be expensive. Express Baths provides high quality, stress-free bathroom remodeling that is affordable and flexible to your budget and style needs.
Update that old worn looking tub today.
Fall Special: Bathroom Remodeling
Affordable and professional bathroom remodeling for the greater Raleigh NC area.
Did your home come with just a tub but you’ve dreamed of having a shower instead? Change out your old tub for something much easier and brand new. Even though tubs are great to soak in, has it become harder on your joints to lift your leg to get into the tub? Unfortunately tubs aren’t for everyone. Change that tub out today and have a new shower installed by Express Baths.
- Luxurious & Stylish Designs
- High-gloss, durable acrylic
- Easy to clean
- Mold & mildew resistant
- Won’t stain or fade
- Available in a wide range of accessories
- Lifetime Guarantee
Fall Special
SAVE $325 OFF any Whole Tub to Shower Conversion or Shower to Tub Conversion. We will replace your old tub with a brand-new one OR a Shower to Tub Conversion in just 1 day!
To learn more about the special, click here
Call for your complimentary in-home estimate and consultation with a professional bathroom remodeler.