Upgrades to Smarten Your Bathroom

It’s no secret that a successful bathroom renovation can enhance your home. 

Whether you are updating your primary residence or a rental investment property, consult a professional and they will likely tell you that there are few things that boost a property’s value more than a top-notch bathroom.

In today’s tech world, our homes are getting smarter and the bathroom is no exception.

Today we’ll be covering just a few of the best smart options for your bathroom, but first, lets do a little dive into the origins of smart home technology.

The Start of Smart

Did you know that the evolution of smart home technology began in the 1960s?

The Honeywell Kitchen Computer made its debut in the 1969 Nieman Marcus Christmas catalog. 

The ad read, “If she can only cook as well as Honeywell can compute.” 

It went on to say, “Her souffles are supreme; her meal planning a challenge?”

For the low price of $10,000 husbands could make their wives Christmas dreams come true with 100 pounds of pure meal planning power. Just the push of a few buttons and PRESTO! Your five-course, gourmet meal would be computed in a snap!

*Two-week programming course included. Teletype and paper reader sold separately.

You may be surprised to learn that despite the convenience, affordability, and charming advertising only a handful of units were sold. 

While it didn’t work in any practical sense, it generated new thoughts about computers being consumer products. 

Fast forward to 2021 and aside from flying cars, the list of Jetsons prophecies that have been fulfilled continues to grow. (Eighties kids get it.)

Robots, home offices, online classes, telemedicine, and video calls are commonplace. There’s smart energy, smart security, smart lighting, smart kitchens; you get the picture.

It should come as no surprise that our bathrooms should advance as well.

If you are building a new home or renovating your property, incorporating technology in your bathroom is just a smart idea.

The market is flooded with waterproof speakers, smart lighting, smart scales, and a slew of other gadgets promising to bring your bathroom into the future. 

Today, we are going to focus on just a few elements that you can install to smarted up your bathroom.

Smart Showers

Smart showers allow you to create personalized settings with customized water temperature, flow, and set a maximum run time, all controlled from the convenience of your smartphone or by simple voice commands if you have Amazon’s Alexa. 

The ability to run a safe bath from the dinner table using their phones may feel like a superpower to some parents.

Pre-set temperatures reduce the risk of accidental burns, while pre-set run times reduce the risk of overflow. 

Water damage can have devastating effects in terms of out-of-pocket repair costs for any homeowner. If you have never had the pleasure of a bathtub overflow, prevention is vital. Nobody thinks it will happen to them. 

If you’re a landlord, water damage can negatively impact your rental income as well as expenses. If you are looking for bathroom upgrades to boost rental value, this one should be on your list.

The Bottom Line

A lot of smart home technology caters to convenience or entertainment. 

Convenience is great, and who doesn’t love an epic shower jam session? 

But the personal safety and property protection smart showers provide for homeowners and renters alike is what makes this a gadget worth having. 

With prices starting at just under $250, smart showers are a great choice for any bathroom!

Smart Toilets

Smart toilets were once a thing of science fiction, but as smart home technology has progressed, it has changed the toilet game forever.

The newest generation of toilets can eliminate the need for toilet paper, water and even the use of your hands.

A smart toilet can sense when a person is approaching and lifts the lid automatically.

The available technology includes an instant heat system that not only warms the seat to the perfect temperature, it warms the bidet water as well.

A heated air dryer aims to reduce or eliminate toilet paper use while also being more sanitary. 

Users can adjust the pressure and position, as well as the water temperature of the bidet with a wireless remote control.

Perhaps the best part, the toilet flushes itself and the seat and lid are put down for you. This technology could save marriages.

Newer technology has even produced self-cleaning options with antimicrobial seats and a disease-detecting toilet that will pick up on multiple signs of illness through automated sample analysis. 

The Bottom Line

Smart toilets are impressive luxury design elements that are functional, comfortable and are sure to add value to your bathroom. That value doesn’t come without a price tag though. If you want to trade your old toilet for a smart experience, these tech toilets start at $1,200 to upwards of $500,000.

Smart Faucets

With the focus on going green and preserving water, one tech that is gaining popularity in the home is the smart faucet.

Digital faucets with sensor taps offer touchless technology. An infrared tap can “read” when hands are under the faucet and turns on and off automatically accordingly.

Smart faucets are designed with water conservation in mind. If you have ever been stuck in a public bathroom waving your hands under a stubborn faucet that won’t recognize your soapy, waving hands you may wonder why anyone would want to bring this technology into their own home. 

The sensor taps that you would install in your property offer programmable sensitivity and other features for different scenarios, such as a teeth-brushing option that runs for an allotted time frame.

More advanced models include smart meters that can monitor your water consumption and detect abnormal use. Not all water leaks are visible. This technology can be invaluable for detecting a water leak before it becomes catastrophic.

The Bottom Line

Smart faucets can help conserve water and reduce germ transmission. At prices starting at just under $100, a smart faucet is another smart home technology that is relatively affordable for most homes. 

Final Thoughts

The smart home options are endless and new technology is available every day. 

A whopping 81% of consumers say they are more likely to purchase or rent a home that has smart technology. If you are making plans to complete a bathroom remodel, including smart options is a wise choice.

Reasons You'll Need a Plumber for Your Bathroom Renovation

It is the perfect time to consider a bathroom renovation if it smells old and the layout doesn't work anymore. You should also renovate it if the storage is insufficient and you notice brown rings on the ceiling. But before that, it is best to pick the right person for the job. Read on to discover why you should work with a professional plumber for your bathroom renovation.

Saves You Money

Your bathroom renovation can be expensive, especially when you do it on your own. Most homeowners usually spend more than they should on supplies and tools, which you might never use again after the renovation. You don't have to buy these tools when you hire professional plumbers because they have all the tools for the job. Above all, they will help you find quality discounted supplies for the project.

Complete the Renovation Quickly

Your bathroom renovation can take time, especially if you don't have enough time for the project. For instance, the project can take at least one month if you only work over the weekends. Calling a plumber is the right thing to do if you want to complete the renovation as soon as possible. They will devote their time and attention to the project until the end. Moreover, they have the expertise and tools to complete the job quickly.

On-the-Job Experience

Bathroom renovations are not as simple as they seem on YouTube tutorials. The truth is that things can get out of hand quickly. Regardless of how ready you are for the job, it is a good idea to leave it to the experts. Professional plumbers have been renovating bathrooms for the longest time and have the expertise to deal with any unforeseen problem. Also, they understand building codes better than you do.

Protect Your Valuables and Loved Ones

Accidents and flooding are likely to occur due to poor installation techniques. These issues can cause electrocution if the water gets into contact with electricity. In addition, they might promote mold and mildew growth in your home. Hiring a professional plumber will keep your valuables and loved ones safe during the renovation. Experienced plumbers always put safety first.

Professional Plumbers Can Handle Any Problem

Whether you are planning to buy a home or a realtor representing a client, professional plumbers like Spartan Plumbing and Services will inspect the drains, supply lines, water heaters, and all plumbing fixtures to make sure everything is good to go before you move in.

When hiring plumbers for your bathroom renovation, make sure to hire the best to get great value for your money.

How to redesign your bathroom so it will look modern and stylish

A bathroom is the second most expensive room in the home to redesign, just after the kitchen, and that’s why many people are reluctant to even consider redesigning it. The truth is that you can make your bathroom look more modern and stylish even on a tight budget. The remodeling things you wish to do will highly depend on your budget and you’ll choose them accordingly. Some of these projects require more money and some less. A luxury bathroom can be created in any home with some careful considerations and detailed planning. Such a bathroom is not related to the concepts of traditional or contemporary – a lavish bathroom revolves around providing space where you can truly relax and unwind after a long hard day. So, what exactly is it that you can do? Well, for starters, you could start with the furniture – it should be stylish. Then, you should consider the bathroom fittings and perhaps adding a touch of brass or wood. If the walls are old and dingy, you should definitely think about upgrading them as well as lighting. You can also bring in nature with a few potted plants and purchase fancy towels. One of the most lavish materials you could consider in a bathroom design is certainly marble. And finally, you should take into consideration your senses as well as other bathroom details. Take a look at some ways to make your bathroom look more expensive. 

1. Incorporate stylish furniture

Storage is an essential aspect of every functional, practical and orderly bathroom, so it is one of the first things you should consider. For a luxurious look, opt for either white gloss or wood furniture, as these are classics and you can’t go wrong with them. Try to use your bathroom space to the maximum. Experts suggest using fitted items for a unified look instead of fitting freestanding furniture. In small bathroom designs, in order to get an illusion of larger floor space, you could opt for wall-mounted furniture. 

2. Bathroom fittings

When it comes to bathroom fittings for a luxurious bathroom, performance is everything. If you have plenty of space, you should include both a bathtub and a shower. On the other hand, if you have a small bathroom, you can install a stylish showerhead over the bathtub and perhaps add a hinged bath screen, which will be useful for showering. A perfect showering solution would definitely be a showering system that includes both a large fixed shower head as well as a removable one for easier rinsing. Remember that these kinds of redesigns require professional help from a plumber in Canberra, Sydney, London, New York, or wherever around the world. 

3. Add a touch of brass

Most recently, you could have noticed that many modern bathroom designs use a touch of brass or copper. These two materials have gained popularity in sleek and contemporary bathrooms. Before this revelation, people usually used chrome, which is a kind of a basic finish, and there’s a significant difference in how it looks and feels. You can go big and replace all your faucets and different hardware, but if that’s not an option, there are other plausible ways to add a touch of brass. For instance, you can get a mirror, a soap dish, or a jar with brass or copper details. 

4. Upgrade walls

If the walls in your bathroom are worn-out and dingy, you could consider repainting them or replacing the old and outdated tiles. However, this can be a costly endeavor. If you’re tight on budget, and you still want to do something about the walls, there are things you can do. For example, you can consider putting wallpaper all over the walls to add a touch of style. Even though it’s a bit time-consuming, the effects it has really make it pay off. Spending some money on a roll or two of some eye-catching wallpaper can be transformative. You don’t have to even do it with all the walls – you can just do one accent wall and/or the ceiling.

5. Bring in nature

To truly make a bathroom feel luxurious, you should definitely consider bringing in nature indoors. You can do that easily with some tropical plants such as philodendrons and ferns, which thrive in a bathroom environment. Also, you can even level it up with some eucalyptus, which releases its therapeutic natural oils triggered by the heat and steam in the bathroom. In this way, you get your own spa! Other great plants you can incorporate in the bathroom are potted orchids, which need low light and humid air environments. Moreover, cute little succulents make great bathroom plants and décor. 

6. Update lighting

This can’t be emphasized enough, but lighting is truly an essential aspect of interior design. Lighting is a key component of every bathroom, so you should consider how to kick it up a notch, especially if your bathroom is too dark. For starters, what you should do is light the bathroom mirrors evenly on each side to limit shadows. You can also mount some light fixtures such as wall lamps or brass bulbs on walls for an elegant touch. You can consider switching regular lights for LED lights, which are brighter and energy-efficient.

7. Purchase fancy towels

For a genuinely splendid bathroom experience, you should consider upgrading the bathroom linens such as towels and bathrobes. They should be quality, soft and highly absorbing. There’s no better feeling than cocooning yourself in a fluffy towel after a relaxing bath or a shower. Egyptian cotton is one of the best choices when it comes to quality and luxurious towel alternatives. A colour you can never go wrong with when it comes to towel and bathrobe choice is definitely white. And you can also install a heated towel rail, which you can use to warm your towels up before taking a bath or shower. 

8. Consider marble

Marble is one of the most luxuriously looking materials you can use in a bathroom design. If you have the budget for it and you’re considering making some big changes, marble is the way to go. For the utmost luxury, you can even install a heated marble floor – but have in mind that it is quite pricey. However, there are other ways you can add a touch of marble to your bathroom. For instance, you can purchase a marble accessories tray, a marble toothbrush holder and a marble bin. 

9. Work on stimulating your senses

The scent is also important when speaking about the feeling of luxury and style. To evoke pampering feelings when you enter your bathroom, you should equip it with essential oils and scented candles. These small things have the power to transform a simple shower routine into a multi-sensory experience. Use some scented and nourishing shampoos as well as hair masks to feel it even more while showering. 

10. Pay attention to details

The ultimate style of a room is achieved through some carefully picked out details such as photos, knickknacks and other decorative items, so keep that in mind when designing your bathroom. 

Regardless of your budget, you can transform your bathroom in some of these expensive and inexpensive ways. Find your inspiration in bathroom designs online.

How a Successful Bathroom Renovation Can Enhance Your Home

When it's time to give your home a facelift with a few renovations, the bathrooms in your home are a great place to start. If you're looking to sell your home or are planning to sell within the next few years, updating your bathrooms will make selling your home easier.

Nothing stops potential buyers faster than an outdated bathroom. But whether you're selling or not, a bathroom renovation can do wonders for enhancing your home's look, feel, and appeal. Here are a few other ways a successful bathroom renovation can enhance your home.

Save Money

Older toilets, sinks, and fixtures not only look bad, but they're also not very efficient. To add a modern look and style to your bathroom, add a water-efficient toilet and a water-efficient showerhead to save money on utility bills. If you have a large bathroom, consider adding a separate tub and add modern fixtures to sinks.

It's also a good idea to upgrade your sinks and vanity. Dual sink vanities are trendy and make life easier for couples by adding more counter space, storage space, and an extra sink.

Add Value to Your Home

Few things add more value to a home than a freshly renovated bathroom. A minor bathroom renovation can give you an increased return at resale, and it should include a new tub and surrounding tile, new floor tiles, sinks, vanity, toilet, fixtures, and a fresh coat of paint.

Bathroom renovations don't have to cost a fortune to add value to your home. By doing the painting, decorating, and installing fixtures DIY, you can save money on your bathroom renovation. However, keep in mind that some work should be left up to professionals. Skilled labor, such as installing wall and floor tiles and complex plumbing installations should be done by a professional.

Create a More Functional Bathroom

A successful bathroom renovation should create a space that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Don't overcrowd the bathroom with too many shelves or other items that take up space, and sure storage is functional and attractive.

Renovating your bathroom is an excellent way to add value to your home while creating a functional and relaxing oasis for the entire family. Careful planning and budgeting are crucial for a successful bathroom renovation, so it's essential to know what you expect from your renovation and what you can afford.