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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you, or someone you care for, is living with a disability, you know how debilitating it can be. And if your home isn’t up to scratch, it can make life even more difficult. The good news is you don’t have to sell your home and start again or move to another rental. In fact, it could be as simple as making some minor modifications and alterations to your hallway, doorways, garage, kitchen or bathroom.
Making home modifications can have a huge positive impact on your life or the life of the ones you’re caring for. Keep reading to find out how home modifications and bathroom modifications, in particular, could make life a whole lot easier on everyone.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides financial support to people who are living with a disability, under the age of 65 years. The scheme aims to provide housing and health support, as well as better access to community services. One of the things they do is assist people with home modifications, provided your modifications fall under their assessment guidelines.
According to the NDIS, home modifications are defined as “any changes to the structure, layout or fittings of an environment that are required to increase the ease and safety of access with which tasks can be performed”.
The NDIS may fund home modifications if carers and the person living with a disability are unable to reasonably access particular rooms in the house, such as the bathroom. It can include adding fixtures and fittings, or full redesigns to suit.
A sudden illness or injury, or longer-term impairment could mean a revamp of your current bathroom is now necessary. When it comes to handicap bathrooms for residential tenants, there are a range of modifications you might consider, particularly if you’re planning on applying for financial assistance with the NDIS. These include:
If you require NDIS assistance for your bathroom renovation, you first need to undergo a home modifications assessment. The home modification assessments are completed by NDIS registered provider, who must prove to the NDIS that modifications are necessary within your bathroom. This is completed by an Occupational Therapist (OT) who will visit your home. They will look at the current layout of your home, observe the activities you complete daily, and assess what you need further assistance with (if anything). They’ll then discuss their findings with you and make recommendations.
The OT will complete a report that includes measurements of the changes required, including doorway widths that need changing, rail heights and diameters, and so on. They’ll even come back after the work is completed to evaluate the changes. Get in touch with your local NDIS office to find out more.
Once you’re approved for NDIS home modifications, the next step is to find a reputable company to complete the work for you. The best way to do this is to get on Google and search for local companies. Give them a call or send them an email and ask them the following questions:
It’s best if you have an idea in mind of what you need, but that doesn’t have to always be the case, and many bathroom renovations companies are happy to provide advice.
At Crystal Bathrooms, we provide NDIS home modifications to ensure your disability bathroom provides everything you need for comfortable living. We also offer aged care bathroom renovation services.
Home modifications are changes to your home, whether this is the structure, the layout of the house or fittings. It allows someone who is living with a disability better access to the home and features within it, including safer access, to enter the home and to move around inside. Home modifications could include a full redesign of your bathroom or adding rails in the toilet, to building a ramp at the front door. NDIS home modifications are generally only made if it is expected that the home will remain the primary residence in the long term.
To make alterations to your home, there are several laws and regulations you must adhere to. These include the Building Codes and Australian Standards, which regulate the type of home modifications you can complete. Minor alterations usually don’t need anyone’s permission, unless you are renting or you require assistance from the NDIS – in which case you need both your landlord’s permission, and you need to see if you’re eligible for financial assistance. Major alterations, however, could be subject to Council approval, so your best bet is to contact your local City Council to discuss your requirements.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is also known as the NDIS, which is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). The organisation is jointly funded and governed by the Australian Government and State governments. It provides financial support to people who are under 65 years of age, who are living with a disability, as well as their families and carers. The role of the NDIS is to provide a range of support packages to eligible people. It also aims to help people with a disability have better access to mainstream services, such as housing and health; provide better access to community services, and to help those living with a disability maintain their own support systems.
There are some instances in which the NDIS will consider funding your home modifications.
These include:
As part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, arranging a home modification varies depending on where you live. It also depends on if you are renting or an owner. If you’re renting and your home is public or community housing, you need to contact your local Housing Provider. If you’re renting privately, ask your landlord’s permission to make any changes to the home. If you own your property, you can simply undertake the modifications yourself. This changes if the property is part of public or community housing, in which case you need to contact the operator of the retirement village or the Owner’s Corporation.
Your bathroom is likely the most used room in your home. As a high traffic area, it’s likely to suffer from general wear and tear over time. However, renovating is often put off because it is used for a variety of tasks and often by a number of people on a daily basis.
Because renovations are often pushed off until absolutely necessary, bathrooms can get dated or suffer from a variety of issues that may make it hard to use over time. If there are signs a bathroom refresh is in order, it may be time to step back and fix the issues. Getting a renovation started now means you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits sooner, and for years to come.
Looking for hints that it’s time to do a bathroom refresh? Here are a handful to take note of:
There are leaks
A sure sign it’s time to renovate your bathroom is if there are leaks. Whether it’s your shower, toilet or sink, allowing water to leak and pool on surfaces can be detrimental to the entire home. It’s dangerous if the water pools anywhere near electrical outlets and can quickly grow into a greater problem if the water is allowed to soak into drywall and plaster, or through tiles and linoleum and into the floor itself.
Even a slow leak can do an enormous amount of damage, mostly because it can simply be missed or easy to ignore. Look for subtle signs of leaking like damp areas, soft or bubbling plaster (both in the bathroom and adjoining rooms) or cracked tiles that can allow water to escape and build behind a wall or underneath a tub.
Your paint is peeling
While most people may just consider painting a cosmetic fix, peeling paint can be a sign of a build-up of moisture in your bathroom. It also could be a sign of lower quality paint that isn’t able to stand up against constant steam and moisture. When painting, look for a paint that can stand up to bathroom moisture and consider adding or updating your bathroom fan, which can help remove steam and moist air from the bathroom during and after a shower.
There’s mould buildup
If you have a leak, or your bathroom begins to smell musty, you may have a mould problem. Mould thrives in moist conditions and a bathroom is a perfect environment for it to take hold and spread. It may first appear along the edges of your bath or shower and get into the grout between tiles. You may also begin to notice dark spots on your ceiling. Once mould takes hold, it will spread. It may even loom behind your bathroom walls or ceiling and other places you can’t see or easily inspect. Mould is a health hazard, so it’s important to deal with it at the first sign of trouble.
Your current design isn’t functional
Sometimes a bathroom is poorly designed. The layout may be unnecessarily cramped, or storage wasn’t taken into account when your bathroom was originally constructed. Whatever the reason, a poorly designed bathroom can become a daily pain point. If you’re struggling with the functionality of your current bathroom, it’s time to renovate.
The floors are damaged
There are countless ways your bathroom can become damaged. One of the most common, however, is damage to your floors. When water leaks and isn’t visible, it may seep down into your floorboards. As a result, the first sign of a major problem may be damage to your floors. If they start lifting or become stained and discoloured, you may be looking at an extensive repair process including ripping up floors and possibly walls. While intensive, it presents a good opportunity to undertake a full bathroom renovation.
The design is dated
A clear indicator that it’s time for a bathroom renovation is if the decor and colours are looking worn and outdated. Whether your tastes or interior design trends have changed, if the colour and style of your bathroom have become unappealing, it may be a clear sign you need to remodel your bathroom.
Crystal Bathrooms is here to help
When you are ready for a bathroom makeover, Crystal Bathrooms has your back. Whether your bathroom is large or small, we have solutions to handle every aspect of the job. With 30 years of combined experience and industry knowledge, our experts handle bathroom renovations in a way that’s as invasive and pain-free as possible. We take care of everything from:
We’ll even render your bathroom in 3D for you so you’ll be able to see the final results before we start, ensuring that the final product will be exactly to your specifications.
If you have questions about bathroom renovations and need advice on where to start, we’re here to help. Speak to the team at Crystal Bathrooms to see how we can help bring your old bathroom back to life.
Aged care facilities need to be designed with their residents in mind. This isn’t just true in the care offered, or the bedroom layout. Bathrooms must also be taken into consideration to offer aged individuals the ability to control their own surroundings and how they navigate through them in order to ensure that they are as independent as they can be for as long as possible. Bathrooms in aged homes must also take into account that some residents may need caregivers to assist with certain bathroom tasks, so making a space easy to maneuver – sometimes for two or three people – is extremely important.
When it comes to designing for the needs of aged residents, facilities need to make sure that a person can easily navigate the space on their own. This means:
Small details like raising the toilet height or simply having enough space to navigate a bathroom will make all the difference for residents with mobility issues.
If you are looking at a bathroom from the perspective of those who use it, you’ll need to consider the space and what may be lacking for those that have mobility or health challenges. Any barriers to the ease of use for an elderly individual may be a sign it’s time to renovate. Here are a few important things to ask yourself.
Is the bathroom accessible?
This is an important item to consider. Ask yourself: if the resident has a walker or wheelchair, can they easily enter and navigate around the bathroom? Does the shower have an opening that accommodates both walkers and wheelchairs?
Is the area safe?
Slip and falls are dangerous for anyone, but elderly residents are especially susceptible and can seriously injure themselves. Ask yourself if the bathroom helps prevent a resident from falling by looking for strategically placed grab rails (on the wall, in the shower/bathtub, and near the toilet). Also, consider the bathtub/shower area. Can a resident slip or trip while trying to enter/exit the shower area? If so, it may need to be adjusted to reduce the likelihood of falls.
Is the bathroom easy to use?
Elderly residents may have health issues, such as arthritis, or mobility issues that would prevent them from using the bathroom otherwise. Look at items such as the bathroom taps. For example, twist taps might be difficult for a person with severe arthritis to turn. Paddle-type accessories are much easier to use. Having detachable shower heads make showering easier for an elderly individual (and their caretaker) as well. Also, think about how an elderly individual may access everything from hand towels to the vanity. Everything should be designed so items are easy to reach and to use from both a standing and sitting position.
Don’t forget to consider how the bathroom looks and how it might make a person feel. If a bathroom has some basic mobility accessories for an aged individual, but it still appears:
It might be a good idea to find ways to update the space to make it feel a bit warmer and more modern.
If you look at your aged-care bathroom and find that it’s not well laid out for those with mobility issues, or if it feels unwelcome or dingy, then it’s time to consider updating the space.
At Crystal Bathrooms, we’re experts at creating specialised bathrooms for many types of facilities. We understand that aged-care organisations need special attention given to them so that the final products meet the needs of those that have specific mobility challenges. We also understand the legal requirements and can help you design and build an aged care bathroom that will meet and exceed your resident’s expectations while being outfitted up to the latest codes.
Making our aged loved ones feel comfortable and safe in aged care facilities helps improve their quality of life and will go a long way to making individuals feel welcome and at home. With our years of experience and our NDIS approval rating, we’re well qualified to assist.
Have questions or need advice? Speak to the team at Crystal Bathrooms to see how we can help renovate your aged care facility bathrooms.
NDIS Provider # 4050062560
If you or a loved one is living with a disability, life can be challenging. However, your home should be designed to work for you, and no other room needs to be more carefully thought out to meet your needs than a bathroom. Having an accessible bathroom makes a lot of everyday tasks that much easier and allows those with disabilities to be more independent while going about their daily lives.
In Australia, there is a disability scheme known as NDIS (the National Disability Insurance Scheme) and it is designed to help those with disabilities get the assistance they need while going about their daily routines.
NDIS helps over 4.3 million people across the country deal with their unique disabilities via funding and support. The goal of the scheme is to ensure those that need them, have access to the functionality and devices required to live a productive life.
This access includes certain home renovations that allow a user to modify their space so that they are able to more safely use it and move around more comfortably in areas they frequently visit (like the bathroom, for example).
Home modifications can be included in your NDIS plan if:
Individuals between the ages of 7-65 that live and have residency in Australia are eligible to request help from the scheme to improve certain heavily used areas of the home to make them more accessible. Once approved, individuals can utilise NDIS. However, they must work with an NDIS approved supplier, of which Crystal Bathrooms is one.
Individuals under NDIS have a range of unique needs, and modifying a bathroom to meet them is different for everyone. Our goal at Crystal Bathrooms is to work with you, your family and your medical experts to deliver an NDIS bathroom renovation that will meet your specific needs.
Modifications to bathrooms may include:
At Crystal Bathrooms, we pride ourselves on staying up-to-date with the latest bathroom advancements that make accessible bathrooms safer and more user-friendly. We work with industry specialists to seek out the best features, fixtures, and tech – from frameless showers to open plan designs.
Our products include the latest in mobility supports, anti-slip flooring, and automated lighting. We also handle finishing touches such as anti-scald mixtures that keep users safe without reducing function.
Crystal Bathrooms always provides full 2D and 3D designs so you can see exactly how your bathroom will look once completed.
We understand the disruptions to a home can be difficult, especially for those with disabilities. Crystal Bathrooms works to make every effort to minimise the effects of installing and renovating NDIS bathrooms. Our team will work closely with you, your family and your caregivers to devise a work plan that will keep disruptions to a minimum.
We’re committed to completing the work on-time whenever possible, keeping you appraised of the work and progress, and delivering results as promised.
Speak to Crystal Bathrooms today to see how we can help you with an NDIS approved bathroom renovation.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
If you own a restaurant, you know how important an attractive facade and interior decor are for creating ambiance and memorable customer experiences. A bathroom ultimately reflects your business and your brand and will affect how your clientele perceives your overall restaurant, so it’s important that it’s clean, neat, and as impressive as the rest of your establishment. A beautiful restaurant bathroom can ultimately elevate your customer’s overall experience and shouldn’t be overlooked.
If you are considering a restaurant bathroom renovation, make sure to consider a few things before getting started.
While many never have to consider how accessible a space is, some do. Restaurants especially will have various patrons at any given time and will need to provide accessible bathrooms. When designing your bathroom, note the accessibility codes and requirements and consider going the extra mile to ensure all patrons will be able to access your bathroom. From doorways and floor space that can accommodate wheelchairs to dedicated stalls with grab bars or other accessibility elements, a bathroom that is accessible to everybody should be the very first thing considered.
A restaurant bathroom should fit with the overall ambience of the entire space. For example, if your restaurant is modern and minimal, your bathroom should be too. On the other hand, if your restaurant is decadent and high end, having the decadence reflected in the bathroom just as much as the main seating area is important. You can help tie both spaces together by repeating elements such as colour or decor features.
Guests appreciate feeling like they are entering their own personal oasis, so make your restrooms feel like a bit of a getaway from the hustle of the main space. For privacy, add floor to ceiling stall dividers. If the space allows for it, add a small seating area in the form of a bench or chair. You can add ambience by adding candles or flowers and foliage which will help guests feel welcome.
Don’t forget that many guests use the restroom to touch up hair and makeup, so adding large mirrors won’t just open up the space and make it feel big, it will also be a welcome addition for visitors. Mirrors come in a variety of sizes and styles as well and can become interesting focal points in the space, depending on what your decor goals are.
To help keep the area sanitary, and to also assist in reducing your company’s environmental footprint, look for ways to automate your fixtures. Automatic flushing toilets, and sensor-activated sinks and soap dispensers, for example, are great ways to introduce technology into the bathroom that will help save money by reducing resource usage. Hand dryers may also be a useful addition, as it will cut down on paper waste and will help keep bathroom wastebaskets from overflowing with used towels.
The goal of a restaurant is to get as many seats as possible into the establishment. However, your bathroom may be required to match the occupancy rate according to the codes in your region. When renovating your bathroom, make sure you work with a builder that understands your city’s building code requirements so that you are in compliance with the number of toilets per regular customer.
Once you are sure you are in compliance, find ways to maximise the existing space to make the bathroom feel as big as possible. Mirrors help open the space, as can high ceilings, and neutral colours. You can even “fake” spaciousness by using design tricks as well.
Beautiful lighting can transform a space and change the entire feeling of a room. Spend a bit more money to get the lighting right, and avoid fluorescents at all costs. From pot lighting to statement chandeliers to elegantly backlit mirrors, lighting can really give your bathroom space the wow factor it was missing.
When your restaurant is ready to renovate its bathrooms, we’re here to work with you. It’s not only about knowing the local building requirements and helping design the perfect space. It’s also about working with your business’s schedule to lessen the downtime typically required for renovations. That means handling the work during off-hours or on days when your restaurant is closed. This helps ensure business owners, their customers, and their employees see as little disruption as possible.
With a wide range of product lines and a long history of designing and building stunning custom bathrooms, Crystal Bathrooms is the perfect partner for your restaurant’s restroom renovation. Speak to the team at Crystal Bathrooms today to discuss how we can help you transform your restaurant or cafe bathrooms.
If your office bathroom is looking a little run down, it may be time for an upgrade. As high-traffic areas of the office, often bathrooms sacrifice comfort or attractiveness for features that offer utility and longevity. However, it is possible to have both a functional and welcoming space without having everything appear too industrial.
Restroom renovations are one of the most common renovations commercial facilities undertake. Upgrades often are designed to bring the space into compliance with accessibility guidelines. Office bathroom renovations can offer a company, a wide range of benefits, including:
When you’re ready to upgrade your office bathroom, there are a few things to keep in mind. The most important is to make sure whatever you create is up to code and enough facilities are available for the number of employees in your office. There are other elements to consider as well, which will help ensure you create a space your employees will appreciate. These include:
Germs can easily spread across surfaces in bathrooms, but by adding sensor-activated no-touch features, you can help ensure employees come in contact with less bathroom surfaces. Bathroom fixtures such as toilets, soap dispensers, taps, and hand dryers can all be sensor-driven.
Also, think about how fixtures can place less stress on the environment. Low-flow toilets and sinks will use less water. Replacing towel dispensers with hand dryers is also better for the environment and ultimately offers cost savings for the company as fewer resources will be used and less waste will be created on a daily basis.
When designing a bathroom, consider ways to make the space more inviting. For larger shared bathrooms, look for stall dividers that go all the way to the ground and/or ceiling and have less space between the doors and walls so those using the facilities can enjoy a sense of privacy. Have shelves above sinks or coat hooks on doors so that anyone can place their items within reach and away from pooling water. Also, consider choosing soft calming colours and interesting wall elements to keep the space from feeling beak and industrial. By adding floor to ceiling mirrors, the space will feel bigger and more open.
Often, bathroom lighting can feel harsh, especially if it’s fluorescent. Consider adding softer light and in different layers. This will help colours render correctly. Lighting can be added at the back of and above mirrors, in the ceiling, and even on the walls in sconces. The softer light will transform the entire space and help create an environment that’s more comfortable and welcoming.
Don’t forget that upgrading your lighting can also help your company reduce costs and lower its carbon footprint. Consider adding sensors to your lighting so that the bathroom lights are only on when the bathroom is in use.
The most important element of any bathroom is its accessibility. Many of us take for granted that restrooms will be accessible in modern buildings, but this isn’t always the case for those with disabilities. If your building is older, be especially mindful of accessibility and how to make it even easier after a renovation. This may require adding a specialised stall or making sure elements such as doorways or floor space can accommodate individuals with special needs.
When you’re ready to renovate, it’s a good idea to do so during a company’s downtimes so that the disruption to work is kept to a minimum. Our company, for example, can work during off-hours or within specific shut-down periods, like around Christmas and the New Year. That way, employees don’t have their days disrupted by construction work.
The New Year is the perfect time to install a new bathroom. If you have questions about how we can help your company renovate its restrooms, speak to the team at Crystal Bathrooms today.
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.
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.
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!
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.