How do I select a bathroom faucet?

There are 2 main factors that affect the faucet style: the number of handles and the shape and length of the spout. Faucets are available in both a single lever (more contemporary) and double lever (more traditional). Spouts vary in height and length and needs to be coordinated with your sink. For instance a tall spout drops water from a greater distance and needs a deeper bowl to prevent splashing.

Durability is key, so the finish is important. The finish affects the appearance, price and maintenance. Chrome finishes are the toughest. Brass finishes are available with a titanium finish which makes them a little more durable. Baked enamel or epoxy-coated finishes offer a wide range of colors, but are more prone to chopping and fading. Cleaning products and water type will affect your finish also.

Comfort in the hand as one turns water on and off also is a factor given how many times the faucet will be used. Also consider safety and look for faucets that have an anti-scald device or temperature memory. (7/09)

My attic has trusses and there isn't a good place to add a skylight for my interior bathroom. Is there an alternative to the traditional skylight?

"Solatube" makes tubular skylights that work well in hallways, closets and bathrooms and other areas without direct roof access, where traditional skylights won't work. They have domed tops and work with reflectors to bring light into the room. They can be installed with ease in an existing home. 10" and 14" in diameter, the units have adjustable tubing with angle adapters that allow for installation around attic obstructions. They are available with flashing kits for different types of roofing materials and pitches. The 10" unit, which lights up 150 SF, can be combined with optional light and ventilation kits to minimize the number of ceiling penetrations. The 14" version lights up to 250 SF. Visit www.solatube.com for more information.

I love the look of beadboard, how can I use it in my bathroom?

Whether your design is contemporary, Victorian or cottage style, bead board can be used. It can be stained or painted-depending on your preference.

32" high beadboard wainscoting can be used on the walls. It is available in individual planks or paneling-style sheets. The traditional wainscoting accents bath fixtures and adds grace to a most humble room.

Ceilings no longer have to be just drywalled and painted as beadboard ceiling planks are now available and add interest in a small space.

Change the door to the bathroom and create a striking entry by using an interior moulded 2 panel door with beaded planks.

Many vanity manufacturers have added beadboard door styles to their lines of cabinets in bright white colors along with darker glazes and finishes. Beadboard planks could be used for your countertop in a bath that doesn’t get much use, although I’d suggest a marine finish on them.

You can even add a unique embellishment to your toilet with Magnolia’s Bead Board design toilet seat. Have fun!

Can you suggest some ideas for a simple bath remodel?

With water conservation concerns at an all time high, the first things I would consider would be the product selection for the toilet and faucets. Insist on a toilet that achieves a 1.28 gallon per flush. You can also select a dual-flush style toilet-it offers a ½ flush at less than a gallon and a full flush at 1 ½ gallons per flush. You could also consider a no-flush urinal.

Low flow shower heads that use 1.5 to 2 gallons per minute vs. the standard 4 gallons per minute shower head can save a family of four around 25,000 gallons of water a year. Look for Water-Sense approved products- It’s sort of like the Energy Star label for appliances.

Low flow aerators on your sink faucet can reduce the flow the 1.5 gallons per minute yet make it feel like a full stream of water which is typically 3-5 gallons per minute.

If you are considering a soaking/whirlpool/bubble massage tub, I like the new Kohler Archer Comfort Depth Bath. The overflow drain is placed higher than normal in a standard 19” depth tub and so the water level rises to that of a much deeper tub. At 19” it’s much safer to get in and out of-and -don’t forget to install a grab bar! (3/09)

How much does a bath remodel cost and what should I consider?

An 'average' 3 piece bath renovation costs about $15,000 according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association. It can increase well beyond that, depending on your product selections, fixture relocations or any wall moving.

My first concern with a bath renovation is safety. The bath is the most dangerous room in the house. It’s slippery and wet with hard surfaces. Anyone young or old can slip and fall and hurt him or herself.

Use grab bars near the toilet, tub and shower. There are plenty of grab bars available today. Moen has beautiful grab bars to match some of their faucet and towel bar series.

Use unglazed or a matte finished ceramic tile for floors and showers to help prevent slipping. Consider having some hooks instead of all towel bars to make it even easier to for everyone to hang up their wet towels.

Anticipate your upkeep from water spottingwhite will be your best bet. Dark colors and high polish metals will require more cleaning.

Try to add a couple inches to any of the minimum spacing requirements for toilets and showers-they really are JUST minimum.

Select fixtures that fit-try them on for size just like clothes. Bigger is not always better. Be sure to install a vent fan and then use it every time someone bathes or showers.