Waukesha County Home

FEBRUARY 2018 HOME 3 PEWAUKEE — Making bathrooms safer and more usable for every member of the family doesn't mean making the space unattrac- tive. "Today's bathroom prod- ucts have evolved to focus on increased safety and functionality, while still allowing the space to be modern and stylish," said Sharon Volz, a certified kitchen and bath remodeler with DG Remodeling in Pewaukee. "Kitchen-counter-height vanities, comfort-height toi- lets, lever handles, rocker light switches, and durable flooring all come in a vari- ety of shapes, styles and finishes, so creating a safe and pleasant space is easier than ever," she said. To prevent common bath- room injuries and make the space overall more func- tional for every family member, there are eight steps to follow, according to members of Milwaukee NARI, which has been pro- moting professionalism in the home remodeling indus- try or more than 55 years. 1. Throw away the throw rugs. Removing rugs and other tripping haz- ards from the floor is the first and easiest thing homeowners can do to improve the safety of their bathrooms. "Luxury vinyl tile floor- ing is softer and warmer than tile and durable enough to withstand water, children, pets and wheel- chairs," Volz said. Guy Lipovsek, owner of Brillo Home Improvements in Milwaukee, recommend- ed adding a floor warming system if homeowners wish to keep their feet warm on cold winter morn- ings. 2. Install grab bars. On the bathroom walls and in the shower, properly installed grab bars can be life savers. "Adding grab bars in an existing bath is a smart and inexpensive improvement toward safety," Lipovsek said. "There are decorator styled bars available now that don't look institution- al." Volz added that grab bars are useful for all ages. 3. Switch out handles. "Lever-type door handles are a better option than knob-type," Lipovsek said. Lever handles are also a better choice for faucets, or homeowners can take the next step up with hands- free motion-sensor faucets. 4. Upgrade the shower. In addition to grab bars, other modifications to improve shower safety include the installation of a bath seat or shower bench, nonslip flooring strips, and a hand-held shower head. To further reduce the risk of falling, homeowners may want to consider upgrading to a walk-in tub or shower. 5. Upgrade the toilet. Today "comfort height" toi- lets feature bowls that are 17 to 19 inches high, as com- pared to the standard 15 inches of a regular toilet. The higher bowl height can be good for the knees and back and can offer real advantages to taller people, the elderly, and anyone with mobility problems. More height needed? Toilet seat risers don't have to be bulky eyesores. Today's raised toilet seats add 3 or 4 inches and are equipped with sleek, low-profile grab bars on each side. 6. Light up the room. Good lighting in any room is a must for everyone. "However, as we age, some- one in their 60s needs 40 percent more light than someone in their 20s," Lipovsek said. In addition to increasing the wattage and adding more light fix- tures, placing automatic night lights in the bath- room and hallway is an easy way to improve safety. 7. Put everything with- in reach. Everything from towels to toiletries should be within an easy, arms- length reach from where they will be needed. It shouldn't be hard to access the soap and shampoo in the shower, and homeown- ers should never strain to reach a towel when stand- ing on a wet, slippery floor. 8. Widen doors. "Bath- room doors in houses built before the 1980s measure between 24 inches to 28 inches," Volz said. "These doors are too small for wheelchairs and even diffi- cult to get through with a walker." She recommended increasing door widths to 36 inches, or at least a mini- mum of 32 inches. Tips for safer bathroom design Submitted photo An easy-access shower and higher toilet seat are among today's bathroom improvements that keep looks and safety in mind.

• Cover