SUPPLEMENT TO HOME & GARDEN 19 - Friday, November 3, 1989 - North Shore News More than just the room down PLAN CAREFULLY BEFORE REMODELING YOUR DREAM BATHROOM OUT WITH the old and in with the new. This concept of change has helped make the bathroom the most frequently remodeled room in the home. ‘“‘The desire to replace outdated fixtures has been cited as the number one reason for bathroom remodeling,’? says an industry expert. ‘‘But today’s con- sumers are doing more than just replacing. They want more than the typical five-by-seven foot tiled space.”’ Today’s bathrooms have emerg- ed into ‘‘body rooms’? — designed to pamper and provide comfort. As @ recent survey revealed, more and more bathrooms being design- ed and installed today include RENOV: amenities such as whirlpool tubs, bidets, steam facilities and enter- tainment equipment. But there is more to creating a beautiful or Juxurious bathroom than just replacing a standard tub with a jetted one, or moving fix- tures to make more space. Before beginning a bathroom remodeling, ample consideration should be given to all the factors involved in creating a well-design- ed, safe room. The following points. should be considered as you remodel your bathroom: * Sanitation — Involves meeting the personal hygiene needs of the bathroom’s users. © Grooming — Includes provi- sions for daily routines such as oe condition, and layout,as well as fixtures and decorating. shaving, makeup application, hair care, oral hygiene, etc. It involves planning for proper and adequate lighting and work space. ¢ Storage — Involves planning ample space, practically arranged, for towels, medicines, toiletries, grooming aids, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, appliances and other iterns. * Comfort — Concerns not only the users’ personal habits and preferences, such as reading, soak- ing or relaxing, but largely con- cerns the safety of individuals us- ing the bathroom. © Esthetics — Refers to how a room appears to the eye — the total look. It is concerned with the elements and principles of design: form, space, line, texture, color, NEW photo Mike Waketield TING A bathroom takes forethought and planning. Consider ventilation, wall balance, continuity and emphasis. ‘*There also are recommended clearance spaces to consider,”’ says an industry expert. ‘‘Appropriate space must be allowed on the sides and in front of water closets and bidets, between walls and sink bowls and in front of lavatories, and for entering and exiting tub and shower fixtures.’’ Minimum clearances include the following: e@ Waiter closets (toilets): 15°’ on each side, measured from the cen- tre of the bowl; 21’? in front of fixture; 30°’ from the centre of a bidet. © Lavatories (sinks): 2'’ from edge of bow! to wall or obstruc- tion; 21” in front of fixture; 4°’ between bowl edges for lavatories with more than one sink bowl. © Tubs and showers: 21’’ space to enter and exit fixture. There also are prescribed heights and locations/placements for shower heads, tub faucets, soap dishes, grab bars, toilet paper the hall dispensers and other bathroom ac- cessorics. Some of the most critical con- siderations in a bathroom remodel- ing have to do with what’s behind the walls, not what’s in front of them. For example, if someone wants to install a whirlpool tub, certain plumbing and electrical re- quirements must be met. In some instances it may involve the installation of additional cir- cuitry in the home or the addition or replacement of pipes and traps. Achieving success in bath remodeling requires a lot of knowledge, planning and expertise. To help ensure that the project is done properly and to make the Process go more smoothly, con- sumers should consult a profes- sional. Professionals are aware of the elements of good design, available products, plumbing and electrical codes/requirements, and can pro- perly install a new bath, as well as design it. CUSTOM DRAPERIES, BEDSPREADS AND UPHOLSTERY 4 Sag UREA RR hi Pat, FEY Complimentary in-hoi 1099 Marine Dr., North Van. Corner of Lioyd & Marine. GOLDEN TOUCH Ue PER IORS | Order now to ensure Christmas % delivery. ie wid BS oD be eae 4 é B i g a we design consultation 985-6112 Parking in rear.