Our new Crystal Bathrooms & Kitchens website is coming soon

The importance of clean and germ-free commercial and working environments has been of much greater focus over the past year. In a bid to reduce the transmission of germs and viruses, we have all been doubling our efforts to regularly wash our hands and keep our working environments clean.

There has been a lot of advances in recent years, with new materials and technologies being developed that make keeping commercial bathrooms cleaner and easier than ever before. With the increased focus on keeping germs at bay, there has never been a better time to consider incorporating these advances into your commercial bathroom with a bathroom renovation.

Why Touch-free Is Becoming Such a Big Importance in Public Areas

Keeping public areas, and especially bathrooms, clean has always been a priority, but over the past year with the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping any area with high traffic and risk of people mixing clean and free from germs, bacteria, and viruses has become an even greater focus. Cleaning can only go so far in the reduction of the spread of viruses—it’s impossible to thoroughly clean and disinfect high-traffic surfaces in bathrooms after every user. To best control the spread, we need to reduce the amount of contact in combination with regular cleaning, and that’s where touch-free technologies come in.

Ways You Can Improve a Bathroom to Become Touch-free

There are several different ways in which you can incorporate touch-free technologies into your new commercial bathroom renovation. Understanding the technologies that are on offer is the first step in making an informed decision about which options are right for you, and which options may be best suited to your company. With a variety of options on this technology, Crystal Bathrooms designers are here to assist you in making the right choice.

Taps

Taps are one of the most obvious areas for contamination in the bathroom. With the increased focus on hand-washing, the taps in the bathroom are being used more than ever as people come solely to wash their hands. Touch-free sensors on both the taps and soap dispensers make sure there is as minimal contact as necessary, preventing the spread of germs when both turning the taps on and off.

Toilets

After using the toilet, it needs to be flushed which offers a great opportunity for bacteria to spread from our hands to the flushing mechanism. Touch-free sensors can either detect when somebody stands up from the toilet or operate by a wave of the hand, preventing any surface contact before hand-washing. 

Hand-drying

While hand-dryers are generally only used after people’s hands have been washed, they still shouldn’t be overlooked as a receptor for germs and bacteria. Even when used with entirely clean hands, the constant presence of moisture can act as a breeding ground for new bacteria. Modern hand-drier designs are touch-free and are designed in such a way as to disperse the moisture effective to prevent build-up.

Lighting

Light switches can be a breeding ground for germs just like any other fixture, but they are often something most people overlook compared to the toilets, taps, and hand-drying facilities. Removing the need for light switches with motion sensors both negates the need for contact and helps to save energy by automatically turning the lights off when nobody is present.

Importance of Easy to Clean Spaces

Touch-free technology can only go so far to keeping a commercial bathroom clean and germ-free. The nature of a bathroom means that even when all the latest technological advancements have been added, it is still a breeding ground for germs and bacteria if it isn’t cleaned regularly. Research shows that the bathroom doors are often just as contaminated with viruses and fecal matter as the taps and areas surrounding the toilet. Designing your bathroom renovation as an easy to clean space is just as important, if not more so, than incorporating touch-free technology.

Metal finishes are best as they are easy to wipe down and don’t have the crevices and grouting that tiling does, allowing space for bacteria to collect and grow. 

An easy clean bathroom space doesn’t have to rule out tiling completely, though. The big problem with tiling is the grouting between the tiles which is traditionally a porous material allowing bacteria and germs to get beneath the surface. Epoxy resin grouting solves this problem by mixing a hard finishing, durable, and waterproof resin into the grouting, sealing it and preventing the bacteria from getting beneath the surface. It is also better suited for use with harsher cleaning chemicals without affecting the finish.

Touch-free with Crystal Bathrooms

Crystal Bathrooms are the premier provider of stylish, modern, high-quality commercial bathrooms and renovations in Sydney. We believe that style and function can be perfectly blended into an ideal bathroom solution that makes your property stand-out. Our team of designers and engineers work closely with the best suppliers to offer you a simple, easy, and stylish touch-free bathroom renovation. When you choose Crystal Bathrooms for your commercial bathroom, you can be guaranteed to get the highest quality bathroom products that are easy to clean and maintain.

At what point do you decide it’s time to tackle an ensuite bathroom renovation? Let’s take a look at some of the signs it’s time to consider a bathroom renovation.

What To Consider

Make a List

The first thing to do is make a list – cover the features you’d love, the elements you consider must-have, and then items you may need or want (whether now or in the future). 

It’s important to think about what you truly want from the space, but if you have plans to sell in the near future (within 5-7 years), then you will want to consider the needs of a potential buyer as well. For example, if you want to ditch the old bathtub and replace it with a sleek shower stall, you should only do so if another bathroom in the house has a bathtub. 

Colour Scheme

The easiest way to date a room is by choosing the wrong colour scheme. A neutral colour scheme is ideal as neutral colours don’t age and because they are light and bright it will make the room feel bigger. One thing that works against you in an ensuite renovation is that ensuite bathrooms are generally smaller than other bathrooms. That doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate colours, of course, this is where your accessories can shine. Use pops of colour in your towels, bath mats, and wall art. You can also mix it up with different fixtures and fittings like concrete or stainless steel.

Use Natural Light To Your Advantage

If your ensuite has a window, then use the natural light it brings to your advantage. If not, why not consider a skylight? It will elevate the room immediately and makes the lighting job a much easier prospect. 

Storage

It is one of the most overlooked aspects of a bathroom renovation, but one of the most important! Do not forget storage because the last thing you want is all your bathroom gear moving to the master bedroom. Consider: 

◦        A mirrored medical cabinet

◦        An alcove in the shower to hold products

◦        Vertical shelf storage for space-saving

◦        Choose a vanity rather than a simple basin. If you are fixed on a wall-mounted basin, consider mounting baskets beneath it for additional storage.

Fixtures & Fittings

Before you embark on an ensuite bathroom renovation, remember just how much time you spend in the room. You want to use your budget wisely to opt for fixtures, fittings, and tap-ware that you love and will serve you well. Remember, you want a cohesive room so aim for matching fixtures, fittings, tap-ware, and hardware throughout (rails, hooks, etc). 

How Crystal Bathrooms Can Help 

A wholly Australian owned business, Crystal Bathrooms proudly serves Sydney’s bathroom design, supply, and installation needs. With over three decades of combined experience in the industry, we aim to exceed your expectations at every twist and turn in the process. We are fully committed to providing you with a bathroom you love, whether it’s your home or business. As such, we pledge to provide you with a free, no-obligation consultation. The design team will be with you every step of the way as they walk you through the design process right up until installation. 

If you have an upcoming bathroom renovation project you would like to discuss or you have questions, please contact Crystal Bathrooms today to get the ball rolling.

Nobody wants to have to renovate and update their interior decorating too often, and this is especially true when it comes to bathrooms. Bathrooms are often one of the least renovated rooms in the house. The time and cost involved, combined with losing access to a critical room during renovations often causes people to shy aware from regular renovations. Keeping renovations to a minimum makes the challenges of finding and designing a colour scheme even harder than normal; you don’t want to spend significant time, money, and resources redesigning your bathroom only for it to be left feeling dated a year or two down the line. 

An all-white bathroom will, of course, be timeless—white never dates—but can also be dull and boring. There is no reason you can’t add a touch of flair to your bathroom, while still maintaining a timeless look. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the great colour options to consider that will give your bathroom a new look and feel for years to come. 

Black and White 

Black and white combinations are one of the most obvious choices when people think about timeless colour schemes. While it’s true that pure black or white designs can feel bland, finding the right combinations can create a truly distinctive and timeless design. 

Monochromatic designs saw their rise to prominence during the Art Deco movement of the 1920s, and have remained popular ever since so it really is a time-tested design. One great feature of black and white designs is that they work well with almost any design and colour of fixtures so the choices are endless. 

The Natural Look 

Natural style never goes out of fashion so it’s a perfect choice for the bathroom. A natural effect design created beiges, brown, and wood finishes will look great in any sized space. Whites and greys work well for the main elements and surfaces, while aged metals look great for fixtures. 

Shades of Grey 

Grey is a perfect choice for timeless bathrooms. From subtle and warm shades, to heavy and distinctive, there is something for everybody here and it never seems to feel dated or out of style. Grey works especially well as an accent or background colour, which you can then enhance with easily changeable finishes (towels, soap bowls etc) to add a touch of flair that can be updated easily and quickly. 

Refreshing Blues 

The range of blues available are almost endless from deep and rich ultramarine blues to light and spacey ocean and sky blues; blue is a great way to add some distinct colour to your bathroom. Blue walls and tiling pair particularly well with stainless steel fixtures and natural wood finishes. 

Warming Yellows 

Yellows and oranges are beautifully warming and relaxing colours. Similar to greys, yellows make an excellent backdrop colour to be combined with flourishes of a different accent (blue works particularly well), to create a fresh, warm, and relaxing space. Just be careful not to be too heavy-handed as too much can feel cramped and overpowering, especially in small spaces. 

How Crystal Bathrooms Can Help 

Crystal Bathrooms are a wholly owned Australian bathroom designers, supplier, and installer, servicing both commercial and residential customers throughout the Sydney area. Our team has over 30 years of combined experience in the design and installation of high-quality bathroom solutions to our customers. 

We are committed to ensuring that you get a bathroom you love for your home or business, which is why we offer free, no-obligation, consultations and are fully licensed and insured. Our design team will work with you at every step of the process to create a bathroom solution that is tailored uniquely to you. 

Give us a call today to find out how the Crystal Bathrooms design team can help you with your next bathroom project.

Now more than ever, companies and businesses have realised how important it is to do their part to help stop the spread of bacteria and viruses, especially in public places. Buildings like malls, shopping centres, hotels, and restaurants are high traffic areas, and, no matter how vigilant the cleaning staff may be, an ill-equipped bathroom can be a breeding ground for germs that are able to survive on surfaces for hours or days at a time.

What’s worse, a dated or poorly cleaned bathroom will turn customers off and may reflect poorly on your business and brand. Luckily, technology has helped bathrooms automate in many ways that help individuals come into contact with fewer surfaces, and make cleaning much easier and more effective. 

Renovation ideas that will improve public bathroom hygiene

When renovating a bathroom that will be subject to high traffic, there are many things you can put in place now that will not only keep germs at bay but can even help your business save money in the long run.

Installation of sensor taps and flushing mechanisms

Traditionally, those using the bathroom would need to come into contact with a number of surfaces, from door handles to toilets, to sink taps. By choosing bathroom fixtures that are sensor-driven, individuals lessen the number of surfaces they need to come into contact with. When renovating a high traffic bathroom in places like shopping centres or hotels, it makes sense to install fixtures such as toilets, sinks, and soap dispensers that have sensors so there are less communal items to touch. The best part: they also require less energy and help conserve water as well!

Choosing wall-hung toilets

A full public bathroom renovation should include the addition of wall-hung toilets. By mounting toilets on the wall, the entire surface of the floor is visible and accessible, making it easier to clean. That means conditions in the bathroom will remain more hygienic over time, and no moisture will pool around the base of the toilet – which means less mould/mildew build-up and less odour.

Hand drying options

Older bathrooms typically come equipped with paper hand towel dispensers. This not only encourages far too much unnecessary consumption of paper, but it can also lead to a bathroom looking untidy (if paper is strewn across the floor by individuals, or if wastebaskets are allowed to overflow). By replacing hand towel dispensers with hand dryers, you are reducing the amount of waste the bathroom produces and curbing the spread of germs by removing one more item a person needs to touch in the bathroom. 

Passive Infra-Red Sensor Lighting

Passive Infra-Red sensor lighting, or PIR, is an effective lighting mechanism that also saves on energy costs while yet again removing a surface area (the light switch) that collects bacteria and viruses from repeated touching. By installing PIR lighting, the bathroom will be illuminated only when in use. It’s a great way to reduce electricity costs while also reducing germs.

Opt for wall and floor cladding over tiles and grout

Grout is a breeding ground for bacteria and mould due to its porous nature. While large-format tiles will help reduce grout lines, an even more effective material for high traffic bathroom walls and floors is Solid Grade Laminate (SGL) and anti-slip safety grade flooring. These materials not only remove the need for germ-loving grout, but they also make cleanup a breeze. With a variety of styles, colours, and finishes to choose from, you also never have to sacrifice style for function.

Use Higher End Epoxy Grout

Epoxy grout has become more and more popular among tile contractors and builders. Unlike cement grout, which is made from a cementitious powder mix, epoxy grout is made from epoxy resins and a filler powder. The grout is extremely durable and almost completely stain-proof. Regular grout isn’t waterproof, so unlike epoxy grout, it can absorb water when it’s wet and stain easily. If you’re tired of scrubbing the gunk off your grout, epoxy grout could be your solution.

Epoxy grout is made from two different resins mixed with a filler, making it very waterproof and better suited to harsher cleaning products. Epoxy thin sets offer greater bond strength and chemical resistance than cementitious grouts.

Crystal Bathrooms: the experts in zero-touch bathroom installations

If your business needs a bathroom designed with zero-touch functionality in mind, you’ve come to the right place. We have the latest bathroom technologies that make designing high-traffic commercial bathrooms a breeze with effective solutions that are not just sleek and modern but also efficient and functional. 

When you’re ready for a commercial bathroom renovation, we’re here to help. Contact us today.

Office bathrooms can be a breeding ground for germs and viruses. They can also be unpleasant spaces if cleaning isn’t consistent, waste is allowed to build up, and water from sinks or toilets is allowed to pool or collect without being properly addressed.

Unkempt and dated bathrooms in the office can affect office morale. It also reflects poorly on the company and on management in general, if you can’t offer your employees or clients a clean and comfortable experience in such a high-traffic area.

More than that, bathrooms with poor hygiene can be dangerous and unsanitary.

The importance of office hygiene

Office hygiene has a profound effect on the happiness and efficiency of your employees. Whether you’re aware of it or not, office hygiene affects:

The health of employees

If your office bathroom isn’t cleaned regularly or has out-of-date equipment, your employees and their health may be at risk. Germs and viruses can flourish in unsanitary conditions, and, when employees have to come into contact with various surfaces (including door handles, toilets, sinks, etc.), viruses and germs can easily spread.

Office morale

No one wants to come into an office or share a space where sinks are leaky, toilets are smelly or out-of-order, and surfaces are wet or dirty. A dirty bathroom and the smells associated with it may affect how employees feel about their job or about their need to come into work, especially if the bathroom is situated close to offices and desks.

Air quality

Bathrooms that aren’t well ventilated can cause residual smells to linger in the air and permeate both the bathroom and, occasionally, surrounding areas.

Safety

A bathroom that isn’t cleaned regularly may have slippery floors or cluttered areas (think overflowing wastebaskets). Not having proper places to hang items like coats or place bags and purses may also cause tripping hazards. An unsafe bathroom may lead to slip and falls that can affect both clients and employees.

How to improve bathroom hygiene in an office environment

A bathroom renovation will go a long way in helping improve employee morale and general office hygiene. When looking for ways to improve office hygiene in the bathroom, start with:

No-touch/automated devices

The latest technologies make it easier to prevent the spread of viruses in germs by helping employees come in contact with fewer surfaces in the bathroom. It also cuts down on waste and helps a company save money. Consider implementing:

Shelves and hangers for personal belongings

By adding in shelves by sinks and coat hangers on stall doors, employees can place their belongings safely away from any dirt or water, and ensure nothing is on the floor to avoid slip and fall situations.

Easy to clean non-porous surfaces and tiles

When surfaces are porous, they can be magnets for mould and mildew. Seek out tiles and flooring that isn’t porous and is easy to clean with mild soap and water. This avoids the need for harsh chemicals that may be offensive to employees sensitive to smells.

Get the ventilation right

Good ventilation in the bathroom will help reduce odours, help disperse the smell of cleaning agents, and reduce the build-up of moisture that can lead to mould or moisture. It will also ensure that the space doesn’t hold any other airborne pollutants or germs.

Crystal Bathrooms can help improve your office bathrooms

At Crystal Bathrooms we handle renovations of all sizes, from residential to commercial. We not only have a wide selection of products available for office bathrooms, but we’re also always up-to-date on the latest codes and requirements for businesses and offices. We can help advise your company on everything from the number of bathrooms legally required according to your employee count to how to implement accessibility measures into your renovations to make sure bathrooms are available to everyone, no matter what their needs may be.

Speak to the team at Crystal Bathrooms to see how we can help make your office bathroom more hygienic.

The bathroom continues to be one of the most used rooms in any house, and if yours is beginning to look like it (a bit worn, a bit dated), 2020 may be the year you decide to refresh your home’s most used space. The year has seen some exciting trends that will make for a fun renovation, especially if you’re ready to play with design elements. Big, bold statements in the bathroom, for example, are on the rise. Playing with texture is a popular addition to tiles and statement walls, and making your bathroom a welcome oasis with spa-like flourishes continues to be a popular direction for redesigns.

There are many reasons people take the plunge and commit to an update. From simply needing a bit of a change in an out-dated space, to wanting to take advantage of the latest design trends or technology advancements, here are the 5 most popular reasons for a bathroom renovation in 2020, and how you can incorporate the latest trends into the space:

1. It’s Out-dated

Bathrooms are usually the last room to get updated in any house, mostly because they are high-traffic areas and it requires a bit of juggling to figure out how everyone’s morning routines will be affected by the work, which can take days or weeks, depending on the scope. But an updated bathroom can change the function and feel of an entire house, so it’s no wonder that many are looking to make changes. In 2020, updating your bathroom may include adding modern elements such as natural materials, brushed metals, and textured tiles and patterns. Of course, a neutral palette is always in style and will remain classic and fresh year after year.

2. There are underlying problems

Nothing makes a bathroom renovation more urgent than underlying problems, such as leaks or electrical issues. Updating a bathroom will allow you to deal with the issue for good (before it gets worse) and has the added bonus of allowing you to plan ahead to decrease the likelihood of further issues down the road. Waterproofing by adding backer boards, which are 100% waterproof when taped and jointed, will protect vulnerable wall areas around showers and tubs. Japanese-inspired wetrooms are also gaining popularity in design and functionality, as are bold lighting choices. If you’re adjusting the electrical, it’s also the perfect time to add a dimmer switch to up the romance and create mood lighting for evenings you crave a long relaxing soak in the tub.

3. To increase home value

The value a newly renovated bathroom adds to a home cannot be overstated, and, if you’re looking to sell in 2020, giving your bathroom a modern update will help you increase your asking price significantly. Consider 2020 trends like incorporating marble elements, art deco influences, statement art or creating a spacious open-concept space to up the wow factor for prospective buyers. Be sure to keep things neutral as well. Although a statement wall or statement wallpaper is extremely trendy, it’s also very taste-driven, and you don’t want to lose the sale because someone can’t see past your choice of design flourishes.

4. To boost storage space

The necessity of having ample storage space around the home is important, and a bathroom renovation is the perfect time to rethink how to add more storage potential to the room. Since most bathroom designs tend to be minimal, storage is often overlooked, but starting a reno with storage in mind can open up a world of possibilities. Think about adding elements like shelving, custom cupboards, or even spa-inspired storage cubbies to hide everything from dirty clothes bins to towels to everyday toiletries. Having storage space ready for all of your things will clear your counter space of clutter and allow for a sleek minimal feel in the newly finished space.

5. Bathrooms Got Smarter

Technology has hit every aspect of our lives in unexpected ways, and the bathroom is no exception. Digital shower panels offer unparalleled control over temperature and flow, infrared sensors can turn on mirror lights, and modern touches such as radiant flooring and adjustable heated towel racks add a level of luxury that may be missing in your current space. By committing to a renovation, you can add in environmentally friendly fixtures and smart home elements that will make you feel like you’re living in the future while helping you save money on water and heating as well.

When following trends, remember to pick the elements that fit best with your personal style while maintaining functionality. As bathrooms aren’t likely to be updated for years to come after the renovation, choose trends that have a sense of longevity or timelessness or that are easily swapped out when you need a bit of a change. Wallpaper is easy enough to change when the mood hits you. Tiles, on the other hand, aren’t. Where possible, keep things simple and neutral and you’ll have an amazing space that will be enjoyed for years to come.

No matter what type of bathroom renovation in Sydney you are looking for, we have the expertise and knowledge to make your ideas come to life. Get in touch with us today and be on your way to having the bathroom of your dreams!

Showers are without question one of the most vital areas of a well-designed and functional bathroom. They may not be the most used fixture, but they have a big impact on your, and your families, daily life. From getting ready for work to cleaning up the kids after a messy day, or easing tired muscles, the shower plays a central role in our all lives, which is why it should be at the forefront of your mind when redesigning and renovating your bathroom.

Planning a shower for its usage in the long-term now will make a world of difference in the future. Designing an accessible shower will not only make things easier in the day-to-day usage today but will also guarantee you and your family can continue to enjoy the ease and convenience for years to come, whatever life throws at you.

Ease of Access

Getting in and out of the shower can be tricky at the best of times with tight spaces and wet and slippery floors, and the issue is only compounded with time as mobility decreases as we get older. Making your shower accessible and easy to get in and out of will be a life-saver in the future, but can also make things just that little bit easier now.

A shower by its very nature will be a wet and potentially slippery area, so minimising the effort and risks entering and exiting is, therefore, a must. Try to keep the entrance on the same level as the bathroom floor, avoiding tricky steps. It’s also worth thinking about the door to the shower; sliding doors are both easier to operate and can help to save space compared to hinged versions. Walk-in showers / wet-rooms are another way to make entry easier, removing the need for changing surfaces and doors completely. Finally, standard shower entrances are 800mm, but a wider entrance can make getting in and out easier when accessibility is a factor.

Controls

A shower has one goal, provide an easy way to quickly get washed and cleaned. This makes it a highly functional device, and therefore it’s important to consider how it will be used and controlled.

There are only two major factors to consider here: placement of the controls, and type of thermostat. The controls should be placed in an easy to reach location, ideally around chest height, to prevent too much stretching and moving when operating the shower. When it comes to types of controls (e.g. the thermostat), there are several accessible options available. Thermostats with external controls are especially useful, allowing the temperature to be controlled before starting the water, preventing accidental cold-water shocks or hot-water burns. Of course, all these options come in a variety of stylish designs and finishes — there’s no need to sacrifice style for function!

Safety

Whether accessibility is a necessity or not, making your bathroom and shower area both functional and safe is simply a good idea. Modern solutions allow you to have both a functional and safe shower design, while still retaining a sophisticated and personal look.

Bathrooms and showers are often floored with tiles or PVC-type plastic. While these surfaces are great for making things easy to clean they can become very slippery. Non-slip materials are a great way to provide some extra grip and safety. Likewise, grab rails provide an extra layer of security when moving around and can be styled to fit seamlessly into your design. If you don’t want to commit to grab-rails and other supports right away, consider at least reinforcing your walls to prepare for the future and make installation easy and non-destructive at a later date.

Need help planning an accessible bathroom? Contact Crystal Bathrooms today to see how we can help you.

Bathrooms can be a chaotic mess when kids are involved; from fights about showering to accidents with toilet training, a clean and pristine bathroom can devolve into a messy state in the blink of an eye. Designing a bathroom to be easy for adults and kids to use, and clean, will make bath-time a more enjoyable experience all-round, and will save you time and effort in the aftermath clean-up.

Child-friendly layouts

Designing your bathroom layout around its usage only makes sense. A kid’s bathroom should be fun, but more importantly, it should be functional. Designing the bathroom to be easy to use for both the adults and children will make bath-time a much more pleasurable experience for all.

If you have more than one child, consider installing multiple sinks to prevent arguments and fights over who gets to brush their teeth first. Child-sized fixtures can also make life easier but remember they will quickly outgrow them so expect to upgrade regularly — adaptions like safety stools provide a good middle ground, allowing the kids to reach things on their own, but avoiding expensive replacements as they grow.

The biggest layout and space-based decision will almost certainly be whether to opt for a bath, shower, or both, either as a joint unit or individual fixtures. Showers offer a lot of convenience and save space, but baths can be fun for the kids, and a nice relaxing space for the adults. Hybrid units — bathtubs with a showering attachment — can be a great way to get the best of both worlds without taking up extra space.

Fun Colours

Making bath-time a fun and entertaining experience will help to ease the inevitable battles over showering and teeth cleaning as your kids grow. Selecting fun and engaging colours can turn bathroom activities into fun events to look forward too rather than something to battle. Involving the kids in the design decisions will further help by letting them put their own unique spin on things and feel included.

Storage Solutions

When selecting your bathroom storage solutions think about the different types of things to be stored. Child-friendly storage, such as easy to use and reach drawers, are great to enable the kids to have some independence, but you should also think about having some out-of-reach cupboards for storing dangerous items such as cleaning supplies and medication.

Child Safe

Bath-time can be a lot of fun for little ones, but it can also present a number of risks if not handled with care. Here are a few things to take in consideration when designing your child-friendly bathroom to be both fun and safe:

· Bathrooms can be slippery, especially when the kids are excitedly running around, or fighting to avoid a bath. Non-slip surfaces and flooring can help to reduce the risk of slips and falls.

· One or two lockable cabinets will help to keep dangerous cleaning supplies and medications away from interested little hands and mouths.

· Soft close toilet seats, doors, and drawers will help to protect little fingers from getting slammed in painful places.

· Kids are inquisitive by nature, and given the opportunity will likely stick their fingers anywhere they can. Drain covers will prevent small fingers from getting stuck and hurt, while still allowing the water to flow away freely.

· While technically not part of a renovation, lowering your water temperature to 50ºC or less will help avoid nasty scalds when they insist on running the water themselves.

How Crystal Bathrooms Can Help

Crystal Bathrooms offer over 30 years of industry experience in designing, building, and installing the perfect bathrooms for you. We pride ourselves on our high-quality service and products, tailoring each bathroom design to the unique needs and requirements of our customers, whatever age.

Speak to the team at Crystal Bathrooms today to see how we can help transform your bathroom into a kids haven.

Bathrooms are considered to be one of the most popular rooms to renovate in Australia. Renovating your bathroom can have a significant impact on your in-home experience, as well as can boost the value of your property. However, it is important to bare in mind that while a bathroom renovation should be perceived as an investment, upgrading it can come at a cost. 

That being said, how much does a bathroom renovation cost? 

The cost of a bathroom renovation will depend on several factors, including:

Bathroom renovations can vary from $5,000-$15,000 for basic renovations (small bathroom), to around $15,000-30,000 for standard bathroom renovations (medium-sized bathroom) and +$30,000 for high-end renovations (large bathroom). A basic bathroom renovation will largely involve replacing only a few items with budget-friendly products. However, it will also involve having to make some compromises, such as keeping plumbing and electrical work in place. For a standard bathroom renovation, you can benefit from materials and fittings of higher quality. You can also make some minor alterations to plumbing or electrical work. Finally, for a high-end renovation, you can completely re-do your bathroom in terms of the design and layout with premium materials and fittings such as a free-standing bath, a floating sink, and more. 

In 2018, the Housing Industry Association, also known as the HIA, released results from their survey which showed found that the average bathroom renovation cost in Australia was $17,522. 

Timeframe

Once you have researched and planned out your bathroom renovation budget, you will want to have a time frame in mind for when you can expect the work to be completed. In general, the entire process of a bathroom renovation can take anywhere between 1-3 weeks. Of course, factors that can affect this time frame include any structural work that takes more time, unforeseen events, etc. 

A step-by-step guide

Having a checklist handy is a great start to planning a bathroom renovation project at home. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get a better sense of what needs to get done:

If you wish to spend as little as possible on your bathroom, a partial renovation, including putting a fresh coat of paint and installing new tapware, can make a world of difference. Naturally, costs go up when you have to cover more space with materials such as tiles and vanities – to name a few. A full renovation will also depend on the scope of the work required and how much you are willing to spend on premium materials and fittings. 

At the end of the day, plan carefully and be creative with your choices so that you can enjoy a beautifully renovated bathroom that fits your taste, needs, and budget. 

Wondering who to call to help you get the job done?

Bathroom renovation specialists cover all aspects of the job, from planning through to completion. If you would like to discuss your options for your next bathroom renovation project, our team at Crystal Bathrooms will be more than happy to help! As a bathroom renovation Sydney leader, we deliver exceptional renovation services utilising the very latest high-quality materials, thereby leaving our clientele completely satisfied. 

Contact the team at Crystal Bathrooms to learn more about bathroom renovation pricing and to receive a quote.

Homes need to adapt to the changing needs of those living in them over time. However, there is a fear that adapting a bathroom to make it more accessible is a costly endeavour. It doesn’t need to be if it’s well planned and carefully thought out.

While tackling an accessible bathroom renovation, there are a lot of factors that need to be considered that you may not even have to worry about when designing a typical bathroom. The changes will largely depend on the needs of the homeowner. The needs of the user will dictate the general design to accommodate each individual’s situation. 

Why Accessibility is So Important

While most people don’t need to think about whether or not their bathrooms are accessible, many do. Accessible toilets, sinks, and showers are integral to people with disabilities. It’s not only a daily necessity, but it also allows for a certain amount of independence that might not have otherwise been possible in the space. While a grab bar or door width may not be something another person would even think important, for some, it’s the difference between being able to maneuver with space, or not.

How to Design an Accessible Bathroom

The first thing to consider is who the bathroom needs to be accessible for. This will determine what types of accessibility features need to be considered or added. For example, are you designing the bathroom for:

While a wheelchair user may need specific mobility considerations, like a wider doorway or more room to maneuver in the bathroom’s space, a user with balance or grip issues may require a slightly different layout and handle features in completely different areas of the space to help them better navigate.

Before beginning to design the space, ask the user:

This will help you discover valuable information, such as the positioning of grab bars or whether a bath or shower is a better design decision.

The Basics of Accessibility

While each individual space will be unique to cater to the user’s specific needs, there are some standards to take into consideration. These include: 

Potential Design Features

Functionality can also be beautiful. Accessible bathrooms don’t have to appear industrial or hospital-like in order to comply with a user’s unique requirements. Simple design features, such as having the shower floor flush with the regular floor (so there is no obstructive lip) is both functional and modern, for example.

Think about other typical bathroom elements as well, and how they can be adjusted for the user:

Mirrors and Sinks

Typically, for those who need wheelchair accessibility, sinks and mirrors will need to be placed a bit lower.

Storage

Make sure storage options take into consideration height or reach restrictions to ensure the users are able to take advantage of storage solutions and can use them safely.

Non-Slip Surfaces

Think about the materials used in places like floors, showers or bathtubs. Find non-slip solutions that can help mitigate slips and falls.

Vanity Handles or Taps

For those that may face grip issues, look for solutions that might assist them with simple tasks like opening doors or turning water on and off.

Even when adjusting details to suit the user, the array of solutions available can be made to feel light and modern, while remaining accessible and safe. 

By understanding your client’s long-term needs and incorporating elements that help them navigate their space with ease, you’re helping the environment adapt to them. If you have questions about how to renovate or create your own accessible bathroom, let’s talk. Speak to the team at Crystal Bathrooms to learn more about installing items that make a bathroom both compliant and accessible.

Get the latest news and updates from Crystal Bathrooms