The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1102906
The Press-Dispatch Spring Home and Garden Wednesday, April 10, 2019 D-15 Few home design elements provide the instant wow factor of freestanding tubs. Freestanding tubs have an air of luxury that can help current home- owners relax, and impress buyers when homes go on the market. Freestanding tubs are typically made of cast iron or porcelain. e home improvement website HomeAd- visor notes that cast iron is durable and solid and re- tains heat well, which is great for those who want to spend more than a little time relaxing in a freestand- ing tub. However, because cast iron is so heavy, in- stalling a cast iron tub may require structural rein- forcement of the flooring, which will add to the over- all cost of the project. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to in- stall a tub varies widely depending on the type of tub, the materials its made of and other factors, including plumbing and piping. For example, the cost to install a freestanding tub will rise considerably if new plumb- ing and piping are necessary. Before purchasing a freestanding tub, homeowners should seek estimates regarding installation, making sure to get them in writing. Contractors will deter- mine if structural reinforcement is necessary and in- clude such costs in their estimates. In addition, make sure to ask contractors to investigate piping and plumbing so no surprises pop up after the tub has been purchased and work has begun. If estimates from contractors aren't budget busting, homeowners can consider these benefits of freestand- ing tubs before making their final decisions. CLEANING: Because they're detached from other bathroom fixtures and not flush against the wall, freestanding tubs tend to be easier to clean than built-in bathtubs. Freestanding tubs are ac- cessible from all sides, making it easy to reach all those nooks and crannies where grime can build up. RETURN ON INVESTMENT: In its 2018 "Cost vs. Value" report, Remodeling magazine noted that upscale bathroom remodels recouped 56.2 percent of their cost at resale. at was a better return on in- vestment than an upscale kitchen remodel (53.5 per- cent) and an upscale master suite addition (48.3 per- cent). e thought of a sizable return on investment can make relaxing in a freestanding tub that much more enjoyable. WARMTH: Even freestanding tubs made of ma- terials other than cast iron offer great heat retention. Stone resin bathtubs, for example, provide excellent insulation on cold nights. at's ideal for people who want to unwind in the tub without having to exit ear- ly because the water has become cold. Freestanding tubs can transform regular bathrooms into luxurious oases. Benefits of freestanding tubs Maximize vertical space Who hasn't, at one point in their lives, lament- ed a lack of space and organization at home? A life- time's worth of items have to be kept somewhere, and without the right organizational strategy, clut- ter can quickly take over. e home improvement site Home erapy says that, when square footage is limited, tapping verti- cal walls is the fastest way to maximize and multi- ply the space available. Hooks, rods, shelving, built- ins… the sky is the limit when it comes to finding additional storage and adding a bit of personality to tight quarters. Even homes that may have adequate space can benefit from vertical solutions. Here are some ideas to put vertical and other less- utilized areas to work for you. ✦ Hang wire or plastic file organizers on the in- side of kitchen cabinets to easily store cookie sheets, trays and cutting boards. ✦ Save on counter or cabinet space with hanging spice racks. ese can be hung directly on walls or on the inside of cabinet doors. ✦ Stack all the stuff you can, including washers and dryers, beds (with storage drawers underneath) and even stacking nesting tables. ✦ Choose furniture that is tall rather than wide. is can mean swapping out a dresser in a bedroom for an armoire or vertical chest of drawers. ✦ Canvas bags hung on a towel bar on a wall can keep dirty clothes wrangled until it's time to wash them. is also eliminates clothes hampers on the floor. ✦ Install a shelf over the entryway to a room to uti- lize this seldom-used space. Shelves also can be custom cut and placed in oddly shaped areas, such as in attic rooms under the eaves or on slanted walls. ✦ Add a second rod or shelving to the inside of clos- ets to create more space for clothing and other items. ✦ Take kitchen cabinets all the way to the ceiling. Store lesser used items on the uppermost shelves and the items you use each on the most accessible shelves. ✦ Install two towel bars parallel to one another on the wall of a bathroom. ese can hold extra toilet tis- sue or rolled hand towels. ✦ Use rope plant hangers to store potatoes or on- ions near prep areas. e same plant hangers can wrangle stuffed animals and small toys in kids' rooms. LOW PRICE GUARANTEE OUR SERVICES! 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