Bathroom Remodel Lafayette: Tips for a Safe and Secure Bathroom

Every bathroom should be both a functional and aesthetic space, but can they also be considered a safe space? Safety is essential in every living space, especially in your bathrooms where there are factors like slipping and sliding from wet surfaces, users’ struggles with mobility and stability, and overall bathroom maintenance with sanitation that can potentially damage and cause injury to the user. 

Here are some top safety tips you can integrate into your Lafayette home remodeling venture which will not only transform your bathroom’s atmosphere but also enhance the safety levels of your personal space.

Planning and Design

It all begins at the planning stage, who uses the bathroom often, and what are their routine and habits like? Will a grab bar be needed or more lights for better vision? Knowing all these can greatly help in the final design for your bathroom to fit your needs and preferences.

1. Identifying your Needs - design consideration starts with assessing the user's needs and adding in or remodeling the space into what fits them the most.
2. Layout Considerations - ensure ample functional space within the bathroom for easy mobility and around the fixtures.
3. Lighting - a well-lit bathroom provides extra safety because it helps users see things around their bathroom space more clearly.
4. Ventilation - to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, proper ventilation is needed to control moisture, air circulation, and temperature, making it hard for mold and mildew to thrive.

Safety Features

Moving on to the basic safety features to add to your bathroom, these enhance safety and stability in individuals who have difficulties with mobility and will need the added support and modifications.

1. Non-slip Flooring - Bathrooms are naturally prone to being wet and damp, making them high-moisture spaces and prone to slip-and-slide accidents. Choosing non-slip floor materials like textured tiles and vinyl can help reduce the risks.
2. Grab Bars - these are specially added for users with disabilities or seniors who need extra stability when using the bathrooms. Grab bars are strategically placed in shower stalls or beside toilets for easy transfers and movement.
3. Curbless Showers - also known as barrier-free showers are especially ideal for seniors and people with mobility issues, granting ease of access for wheelchairs and walkers. Having curb-less showers also lessens the risk of tripping since there is no threshold to step over.
4. Rounded Edges/Countertops - this feature is not only an aesthetic addition to your bathroom but can also significantly enhance safety by lowering the injury levels of sharp corners in the case of uncontrolled trips and falls.

Electrical and Plumbing Safety

Circuits and wiring should be considered for the easy accessibility of plumbing fixtures in the face of emergencies.

1. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters - these devices are often installed in places where electricity and water are nearby, which makes installing them in bathrooms for added safety a necessity. GFCIs protect against electrical shocks which can lead to fatal injury.
2. Accessible Shut-off Valves - In case of emergencies such as overflows, having a shut-off valve within reach allows the user to quickly shut down the water flow and prevent further damage from happening.
3. Quality Fixtures - Quality material is often linked to quality performance. Incorporating good quality fixtures ensures a durable and long-lasting water system that is resistant to leaks and easy damage.

Material Choices

Oftentimes, it comes down to the materials used, which generally make any space free from potential injuries and ensure overall safety for its users.

1. Water-Resistant Materials - incorporating water-resistant materials into your bathrooms such as porcelain and vinyl which come in different designs and finishes that can make them non-slip and prevent the growth of mold and mildew because of its easy-to-clean features.
2. Durable Countertops - solid surface materials or quartz for a countertop will ensure your countertop is resistant to moisture and easy to clean. This feature is a factor in a safe bathroom as it contributes to sanitation and prevents mold and mildew growth.
3. Mold-Resistant Paint - Painting is the easiest way to transform your space into not only a quality design but can also be added to the safety of the user by being bright and light enough to contribute to a better vision of their surroundings but also using mold-resistant paint to prevent mold and mildew from thriving, especially in bathrooms where it is often wet and humid.
4. Shatter-Proof Glass - on the off chance of sudden trips and accidents, shatter-proof glass for glass shower doors and mirrors can prevent further damage and injury.

Overall, ensuring safety for your Lafayette Bathroom will include all the listed tips alongside being guided with extra advice from a seasoned expert. It is always good to consult your local home remodeling professionals in Lafayette LA to ensure your bathroom space is delivered with quality and overall safety that aligns with your preferences and requirements. Don't hesitate to contact us to learn more.