KBB - August 2008 - (Page 70)

Access Future Tense For an affordable, accessible bath, plan ahead The bathroom is one of the most used, abused, neglected and remodeled spaces in the home. It’s also where many accidents occur. With the population of those aged 55 and over growing and AARP reporting that more people would prefer to remain in their home as they age, what does this all mean to you, the designer? It may mean that you’ll have to spend a little more time planning your next bath project. Fortunately, creating spaces that are universally accessible, as well as budget-friendly, has become much easier. There are tiles and ﬁxtures at just about every price point, and many manufacturers are offering better-designed products. For instance, incorporating a no-threshold feature in a shower has never been simpler, thanks to products like Tile Redi pre-formed, sloped pans, which come ready for tile installation. For budget-conscious homeowners who want to replace their tub with a low-threshold shower, Sterling offers multi-piece accessible units with grab bars, built-in seating and smooth, easy-to-clean walls that help keep plumbing costs down by installing in the same location as the existing plumbing drain. Another wallet-friendly solution is a one-piece ﬂoor pan in a material like Corian; once the ﬂooring system is decided, the rest is easy. “Belly-up-style” sinks like Kohler’s Invitation are accessible to users in a seated or standing position. Photo courtesy of Patricia Nunan. valve to avoid scalding. If installing a soaking-style tub, ensure plenty of room at its edge for sitting and better access. Controls, however, should be located away from this area and never on the backside of the tub, but still be easy to reach. FITTINGS & FIXTURES In the vanity area, a little foresight can also go a long way in improving accessibility. For example, opt for faucets with lever-style handles, such as Danze’s Antioch in oil-rubbed bronze, which is not only more user-friendly but also affordable and elegant. Place vanity task lighting on a dimmer to maximize control and energy efﬁciency, and consider employing a “belly-up-style” sink, like Kohler’s Invitation, which is equally comfortable when used from a seated or standing position. Also, tile or ﬁnish the wall behind the vanity, as well as the ﬂoor underneath. This will allow your clients to change to a more accessible ﬁxture in the future without having to replace the ﬂoor. Although toilet rooms are all the rage, they are often not universally accessible. As an alternative, try tiling the ﬂoor and then installing a wall or privacy half-wall to minimize damage if it should be removed later. If your client, however, insists on a toilet room, make sure that the home has at least one toilet that isn’t enclosed. Other features that can be located near the toilet for future convenience include an outlet for adding a bidet or phone, as well as LED lighting, which ensures just enough brightness for wayﬁnding at night. And, of course, always make the doorway to the bathroom at least 32 in. wide. Whether you’re remodeling a bath or creating one for a new home, consider incorporating Universal Design features into your design early. Planning saves money, and your clients may be amazed at how easy their new bathroom is to use, maintain and even upgrade for expanded accessibility in the future. After all, that’s what Universal Design is all about. s —Patricia Nunan, Perkiomenville, PA. CKBR, CKD, CAPS, OPTIONS FOR EVERYONE Grab bars typically conjure up visions of hospitals and retirement facilities, but today’s models come in a variety of fashionable designs, shapes and styles to match nearly every decor and budget. Installing them beneﬁts not only the elderly and disabled, but also children, especially those just learning to take showers. Near the tub, a vertical bar is helpful for getting in and out of the water, as is a horizontal one mounted on a long or back wall. The key to any good grab bar is its installation—not its style. To plan ahead, consider one of two methods. In the ﬁrst, 2-in. x 10-in. blocking is installed 36 in. above the ﬂoor around the entire area of the shower/tub and at the toilet wall. This allows for height adjustments for future installations, and is best done before the plumbing to avoid interference. A second method locates a sheet of plywood horizontally on the wall and cement board above. Then, if tiling is to be installed, cover everything with a second sheet of cement board. This provides the most ﬂexibility for future installations but costs a little more. Again, planning is critical, as all of this occurs behind the beautiful tile work that you won’t want to disturb once it’s installed. In planning the faucets and controls for your clients’ bathing and showering areas, make sure that you situate them so they’re easy to turn on from outside the tub or shower. For the latter, consider adding a handheld shower, especially one on a sliding bar, to serve the needs of both seated and standing bathers. A rain shower and bodysprays are also wonderful conveniences, but always use a temperature control is president of Lifestyles Design in 70 + K BB August 2008 / www.kbbonline.com / The Ofﬁcial Sponsor of K/BIS www.kbis.com http://www.kbbonline.com http://www.kbis.com

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KBB - August 2008