KENT EBERLE, MASTER CERTIFIED REMODELER (MCR), CERTIFIED AND BATH REMODELER (CKBR), UNIVERSAL DESIGN CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL (UDCP), CERTIFIED AGING-IN-PLACE SPECIALIST (CAPS) AND OWNER AND PRESIDENT OF EBERLE REMODELING, 7958 ENTRANCE STREET, FAIR OAKS, 916-369-6518

 SQUEAKY CLEAN

Capturing space from adjacent areas can allow for increased functionality; for example, taking closet space from an adjacent room can allow for a roomy steam shower. Tiles are getting larger and longer, which means less grout and less maintenance, as well as a great look! Bench seats—whether corner seats, fold-down seats, or blocking installed between wall studs (for future installation)—should be considered in showers for increased functionality. Hand-held showerheads on “slide-bars” allow for adjustment and flexibility of use by all bathers and can double as safety grab bars.

 ACCESSIBLE SHOWER

Universal design, which allows for accessibility by all, should be considered in all design discussions. Barrier-free showers without a shower dam to step over will allow people to stay in their homes longer. Safety considerations, such as grab bars—which can be decorative and not commercial looking—allow for protection, functionality and help with access in and out of tub areas or showers. A tile floor border around the shower and smaller tiles within the shower visually enhances where the bathroom floor ends and the shower area begins—a visual cue that’s helpful to everyone, not just those who are visually impaired.

 SHOWER POWER

Even low-barrier shower entries facilitate getting in and out of them. Utilizing a coved, Corian shower pan with a small lip at the shower entry is easily maintained (i.e. no grout) and less costly, since there is no need to re-frame the floor or jackhammer out concrete to lower the floor.

 FLOOR IT

Wood-look tiles are functional and attractive, providing the look of real wood in a durable, more-easily maintained surface (i.e. no scratches from pets, easily mopped). In addition, many of these tiles have textured surfaces, thus providing for no-slip surfaces in “wet” locations. Install these tiles in all areas of the home and adjacent to other existing tile surfaces (entryways, kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms). The new and existing tile floors can flush out with each other, so no floor transitions or raised moldings are required between rooms, thereby allowing for ease of movement without trip hazards. 

Kent Eberle photo by Dante Fontana. Squeaky Clean photo by Dave Adams. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies.

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