Is your bathroom ready for an upgrade? Homeowners are making master bathrooms a priority while building or remodeling. Especially for parents with kids at home, a master bathroom can be a place to escape and find peace when the rest of the house is filled with noise, toys, and messes. In order to create a sanctuary in your own home, consider making room for a freestanding bathtub.

Freestanding tubs are most often installed in large bathrooms as statement pieces. Some have become more like sculptures with unique curves and lines. As our society’s preferences have moved to showering more often than bathing some people say they don’t often use the tub in their home, but the style alone brings a relaxing peace-of-mind. And when you set aside a little time to relax in your tub, it might inspire you to use it more often.

There are many tub styles to choose from, whether you are interested in a traditional clawfoot tub or a minimalist tub with sleek thin edges and long lines. They come in ovals, rectangles and some even have a wall-side so it can create a ledge for soaps or candles as it rests against the wall. Unlike built-in tubs, the options are endless when it comes to freestanding tubs. Traditional white, deep black, or stunning copper can all be found to create something truly unique.

While freestanding tubs are on-trend, drop-in tubs continue to lead the industry for their ability to provide jets, air, and other therapeutic options that can be difficult to find in freestanding tubs. Whatever is your style, don’t overlook the bathtub in your next remodel. We recommend having at least one bathtub in your home for children, dogs, and resale value. The helpful staff at Handy Man will walk you through your options and help you find the right tub for you!

Once you have your tub installed, enhance your bath with Epsom salt and essential oils. The different scents and products have properties that can enhance your day in unique ways. Lavender oils are known to relax people, which means it would be a great addition to your bath right before bed. Epsom salts relieve tension and inflammation in the body when added to the bathwater. There are many health benefits of bathing with added products, but most important is the time that is taken to focus on your well-being while relaxing in quiet solitude.

Updated 2/2022

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Updated February 2022

• Red light can energize you. Use this color in the morning when you are getting ready for a big game or important presentation at work.
• Purple is a sleep-inducing color – great for the kids’ nighttime baths.
• Blue light has been known to be calming and reduce stress.
• Green light is associated with growth and balance. Select green when you are in need of a little “me time” to regroup and set goals.
• Orange is a warm and optimistic color. It increases energy and rejuvenates the body and soul.
• Our final color is refreshing white. A bright white light is great for cleansing the body. The clean color will leave you feeling fresh and new.

The post The Colorful Benefits of Chromatherapy appeared first on Handy Man Home Remodeling Center.

In the Bathroom:

• Consider a low threshold shower. Easy access into the shower will work well for a child and an adult, or even a visiting grandparent using a walker or cane.
• Comfort-height toilets are becoming common in bathroom designs. The extra inch or two make them accommodating for all ages and abilities.
• Grab bars are a basic safety tool for kids and adults. There are many options to choose from to match your bathroom décor. They’ll provide years of safety at the entrance of tubs, showers and near the toilet.

In the Kitchen:

• Touchless faucets are becoming the latest trend in kitchen design. They’re ideal for those with strength and hand control issues. They also work well when it comes to eliminating germs with little ones.
• Apron sinks aren’t just stylish, but they considerably reduce back pain while washing dishes. Removing the few inches of countertop between your body and the sink makes it more ergonomic for both young and old users.
• Accessing those lower cabinet shelves can also be a challenge. Consider adding sliding shelves on the bottom and middle of cabinets to gain better access.

In the Entryway:

• Look at your door handles. Did you know lever door handles are better for people with hand strength issues? They also work great when your hands are full and you need to open the door.
• Just like your shower, you might consider looking at no threshold entries. These types of entryways are great to accommodate elderly guests or even young families with strollers.

Is your Home Smart?

• Lights with motion sensors not only save energy, they also operate without the need to turn them on. Gone will be the days of tripping over objects in the dark searching for a switch!
• There are also many home automation devices coming on the market, making it easy to heat and cool your home and even enjoy different technologies all through voice command, or through your phone.

As technology advances, think of ways you can incorporate new ideas into your home design that will be enjoyed by family members and guests for decades to come.

Handy Man is the Kitchen and Bath Expert for Sioux Falls’s ‘Hood Magazine. Check out our article in the “Home” section of every issue of Hood Magazine.

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As you grow older, you may notice that your bathroom does not grow with you. Simple tasks such as showering can become daunting. At Handy Man, we have the tools you need to update your bathroom to a functional space again. These changes can make a genuine difference.

Start by installing grab bars throughout the bathroom for added stability. Each year 3,500 people suffer from a fall in the bathroom. Grab bars are an inexpensive way to prevent falls. Place grab bars throughout the bathroom – vertically near the shower or tub; horizontally on shower walls, near the toilet, and even consider replacing your towel bar with a grab bar. With different finishes and details now available, you will find a beautiful way to add safety to your bathroom.

Consider installing a taller toilet seat. Your current toilet is probably between 14 and 16 inches tall. ADA compliance sets standards for toilet seats to be raised between 17 and 19 inches. These “comfort height” or “chair height” toilets make it much easier and safer to transition between sitting and standing.

An Onyx shower can be totally customizable to your needs. Low clearance shower bases are only a fraction of an inch tall, which means you can walk in, or roll a wheelchair in with ease! Installing a bench seat in the shower means you can sit while showering, decreasing the chances of slipping and falling, while handheld shower sprayers allow you to control the water.

Walk-in tubs offer a great alternative for those who prefer baths to showers. Their sealed doors ensure that water does not leak, and they can come with quick-fill and quick-drain capabilities to get you in and out quickly. With the fully-loaded package, you also get therapeutic air jets, chromatherapy, aromatherapy, and a heated seat!

No matter what your needs are, we have the tools to help you find exactly what fits your lifestyle. Our showroom has a variety of ADA compliant tubs, showers, and toilets on display so you can visualize them in your home. We look forward to bringing you the freedom to live in your home for years to come!

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From washlet bidet toilet seats to safety hand rails, there are many options to make a bathroom more accessible. The bathroom is the room in the house that can present some of the biggest challenges. Here are some things to consider whether you’re building a new home, or modifying an existing home. You might also be looking to help a parent who wishes to stay in their own home, but needs some basic modifications for safety and convenience.

Consider comfort height toilets to avoid having to bend knees too far. A grab bar and toilet paper holder-in-one can provide great convenience. It can be mounted at any height you’d like. You can also install a safety hand bar that comes down on either side of the toilet for support. It’s simply mounted on the wall behind the toilet, providing stability and support while on the toilet.

When it comes to the shower, consider installing a bench, or seat for stability. Also look at the curb of the shower. There are many options available. You might consider a low profile curb to avoid a tripping hazard, making it much easier to get in and out of the shower safely.

If you prefer a bathtub, but have difficulty climbing in and out, consider a walk-in bathtub with a door for access. This option makes it much easier to get in and out of the bath. These tub systems come with a special valve to allow for a faster fill up time and a larger drain allowing the water to drain quickly when you are finished.

Whether you’re looking to add modifications for your own convenience, or someone else, be sure to consult with an expert to find out what options will work best and follow ADA guidelines. From simple fixes to complete remodels, there are many modifications that can make all the difference when it comes to safety for your loved ones in one of the most used spaces of your home.

The post Bathroom Modifications: Following ADA Guidelines appeared first on Handy Man Home Remodeling Center.

Relieving Stress:

According to the American Psychological Association, one-third of people in the United States experience extremely high stress levels. A whirlpool tub has massaging jets embedded in the sides of the tubs that can help relax your body. This can provide immediate stress relief and it can even help you sleep better when using the whirlpool before bed.

Improving Circulation:

The relaxing warm water in combination with the massaging jets will help promote better blood circulation through your body. The jets help your body receive more oxygen to your major organs. This can be beneficial to those who have decreased blood circulation. The relaxing jets can help improve movement and decrease pain and joint stiffness.

Relax Sore Muscles:

Do you suffer from stiff or sore muscles? A whirlpool tub can help relieve those sore muscles by acting as a deep tissue massage. It can also be beneficial for sports injuries and muscle spasms.

Overall Fitness:

Relaxing in a whirlpool tub can help improve your overall fitness and flexibility. Doing stretches in your whirlpool tub can increase your flexibility and help warm up your muscles.

Whirlpool baths have specially designed drainage systems to ensure as much water as possible is drained from the bath, making it stay fresh and hygienic.

The next time you’re thinking of a bathtub upgrade, check out a whirlpool bath and think of the experience of a spa luxury right in the comfort of your own home.

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How Sterling Snap-In Showers Work

Installing a sterling shower is just like fitting the pieces of a puzzle together. Only it’s four large pieces—a shower or tub base and three walls. It may even take you less time to put them together than your standard jigsaw puzzle!
Sterling’s tongue-and-groove walls create a seamless look at the base and wall corners. The pieces slide in and lock together (you’ll hear an audible click). Because of the locking design, the walls remain in place without caulk. That’s right. No caulk! So what’s keeping the water out?

Where the pieces connect, you’ll find hidden draining channels at work—ensuring that the water doesn’t cause problems. In fact, these drain channels make Sterling shower seams more resistant to mold and mildew because there is no caulk to peel or stain.

The shower also installs directly to your wall studs. This is much easier than using ceramic tiles for a shower, which requires you to first create a waterproof pan and then add backing to the stud walls.

The shower comes in four separate pieces, which means it’s easy to get through doorways and into small areas. The walls are also lightweight, so you don’t need lumberjack strength to do the job. It’s fast and easy.

When you’re ready to start installing a new shower, come by Handy Man. We’ll give you an installer’s checklist to ensure you have all of the crucial pieces to complete the job. Your unit will also include in-depth instructions.

For a glance at the installation process, you can check out Sterling’s installation video below.

Are Sterling showers durable?

With today’s technology, lightweight does not equate to flimsy or delicate. Sterling showers are made of Vikrell plastic. This stuff is tough. It’s also the same material used on those $300 KitchenAid Mixers. The plastic is non-porous, which makes it stain- and scratch-resistant.

It’s also easy to wipe clean and impact resistant. The Vikrell is manufactured with a press—so it’s the same solid material throughout. Many other showers, tubs, and walls are just spray coated with fiberglass. Because Vikrell is not a coating, it won’t chip, crack, or peel.

Behind the walls, you’ll find molded in ribs for structural support. Most of the walls also have ample shelf space to hold shampoo, conditioner, and soap. These shelves add to the structural integrity of the design.

Sterling is so confident in the longevity of their products that they offer a 10-year warranty.

Are Sterling showers customizable?

You’ll have lots of options if you decide to install a Sterling shower. Whether you’re looking for a 48” shower base or a 60” bathtub, we carry every standard base size available at Handy Man. We also have solutions that fit into small spaces. We can work with you on remodeling projects and new installs.

Some homeowners opt for more shelves, or even a shower seat. Sterling has all of these options.

Take a seat in your new Sterling shower.

See Sterling showers in person.

At Handy Man, we have Sterling models at floor level for you to test out. Plus, our everyday prices on Sterling showers are the best in town. Come see our selection at a location near you.

Remember that you don’t need to complete this project alone. We’ll walk you through it!

The post Caulk-Free, Click-into-Place Showers appeared first on Handy Man Home Remodeling Center.

Whirlpools

While you may have heard the term whirlpool and Jacuzzi used interchangeably, Jacuzzi is actually a brand name—the family name of the inventor of whirlpool tubs. Today, many top brands manufacture whirlpool tubs, such as Jacuzzi, MTI, MAAX, Kohler, and Mansfield. If you haven’t looked at whirlpools in a while, the newest models have better features than ever. Learn more.

Jet Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy jets can provide quick tension relief. These jets are strategically placed to release tension in common problem areas, such as your back and shoulders. You can adjust them to different massage intensities, too. Not only do they feel great on sore, tired muscles, but they’re much quieter than their predecessors—making for an even more soothing experience.

Air Bath Therapy

Looking for the healing benefits of hydrotherapy without the powerful jets? Air baths add active bubbles to the water through small air channels strategically placed in the bottom of the tub. The air flows throughout the bath for a gentle full body massage. Learn more about the difference between air tubs and whirlpools!

Illumatherapy

Add some ambiance to your bathroom by opting for a whirlpool with in-tub lighting. These lights can change color, too. Lighting colors have the power to affect how we feel — physically and emotionally. Each color has its own wavelength and energy. The colors can create a multisensory effect within the body and contribute to your overall well-being. This is also called Chromatherapy and we wrote a blog post about it!

Heaters

Soak in the warm water for as long as you like. An in-line heater keeps the water temperature consistent for your entire bath. Most whirlpool owners bathe longer than those with conventional bathtubs, so an in-line heater can be an essential feature to look for. Instead of using more water, the heater warms and circulates water through the bath at the perfect temperature.

Infinity Overflow Channel

Fully immerse yourself in an infinity tub. With a high overflow area, water sits up to the tub line so you can fill it to the top.

Walk-in Bathtubs

Walk-in bathtubs can still have the same features as whirlpools, but are made for easy entry and exit. Open the door, take a seat (it’s built in), close the door, and fill the tub up for a relaxing soak. The door seal is tight, so you don’t have to worry about leaks. The seating is generous and the floor is slip-resistant, too. A walk-in bathtub can often add many more years of living at home for seniors.

Soaking Bathtubs

Soaking tubs are gaining popularity once again. The ultra deep baths allow you to fully submerge for a soothing soak in peace and quiet.

If you’re looking for a vintage bath, a freestanding cast iron clawfoot tub can add the appeal of old-world charm to your bathroom.

Pedestal soaking tubs can resemble clawfoot tubs, but instead of feet, they rest on a platform or pedestal. This is becoming a popular option, but it really depends on the look you’re going for in your bathroom.

Soaking bathtubs come in a variety of material options, including cast iron, copper, acrylic, and even stone.

Once you choose a bathtub, be sure to choose a tub filler or faucet that has the same look and feel. If you need help installing, be sure to ask us for contractor recommendations, too.

Have questions about luxury baths?

Already picturing yourself grabbing a glass of wine, lighting candles, and sinking into pure relaxation? At Handy Man, we can help you find a luxury bathtub for your remodel or new home. Stop by our showroom any time to chat with an expert. We also have several models installed, so you can run the water to get a true feel for how it will operate in your home. “We’ll walk you through it.”

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