How about a toilet seat that closes itself? One used to dream about such things, but its here and should end some domestic quarrels. Have you wondered why many of the tubs and showers appear to be “car washes” instead of a single shower head? Water conservation laws restrict how much water can flow from a shower head, but they don’t tell us how many shower heads you can have! Oops – a loophole. They’re actually called body sprays and if strategically placed, you can be in and out in no time. Plan to part with some extra cash for the additional plumbing required.
Remember when we could choose from only chrome or brass faucets? The newest finish is brushed bronze, not to mention brushed chrome, polished nickel, stainless, French gold, chrome with gold, chrome with brass, satin chrome with polished accents, black, biscuit and almond. Whew! Many are limited in styles, but there is surely one for you. Matching up towel bars and shower door frames (yes, they are supposed to match) might get tricky with some. It took a few years for manufacturer’s to catch up with brushed nickel (it is very beautiful and hides fingerprints too) – but we can coordinate everything now even down to a matching commode lever!
Put your fears aside about the water saving toilets. At first they worked like crap (no pun intended), but after a few model revisions they flush like a dream. And so what if you occasionally have to flush again – think of the other times you saved water (you do enjoy your lower water and sewage bills, don’t you?). Speaking of commodes (not my favorite subject), try the “comfort height” commodes. The bowl height is nearly 2” higher than some and easier on the knees. You’ve heard the story about commodes? You sat on your commode before work (did you sit on your sofa?); after work you sat on your commode (not on the sofa yet); got ready to meet friends for dinner and returned to your commode (still not on the sofa). The sofa needs reupholstered after several years but your commode is older than Methuselah. What a bargain!
Oh those whirlpools! Transform those everyday tubs to a spa that renews your body and provides an inspiring sensory experience. Do I have that much time for a bath? They range from an overflowing tub (so neat) to hydro massage with chromatherapy lights and effervescent ports for more energetic bubbles. Gosh! I stopped counting after 50 models (that’s just Kohler).
Do you need help with your bathroom? Give us a call. We’ve been through it many times.
Sue Clark/Clark Construction Company, February 2005