One thing we hear on repeat at every Home Show is “I love my Blanco Singranit® sink, but it’s not as vibrant or shiny as it was when I got it. How do I get the color back?” 

The good news is that your Silgranit sink is completely color-fast and the color is not fading. The sink itself is made of 80% crushed granite and a binding agent. The limescale buildup is what is changing the appearance. Stains can begin to set on top of the limescale buildup and become unsightly. It is easy to see light-colored limescale deposits on dark sinks, but it can go unnoticed on white or light-colored sinks until they become stained. To help prevent this, the best practice is to at least rinse and wipe your sink down at the end of each day.

When the buildup becomes noticeable, the simple answer for discolored sinks is to use an acidic cleaner like vinegar to dissolve the lime and dirt layer. We also suggest gently scrubbing hard water spots with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and rinsing. Then dry the sink and rub a small amount of mineral oil all over the sink surface. Repeat this often to keep your sink looking sparkly and new.

When it comes to Silgranit® care, please note a few non-negotiables for cleaning your Blanco sink.

• NEVER use abrasive cleaning agents or scrub pads like Steel Wool
• NEVER clean paintbrushes in your Blanco Silgranit® Sink

For additional cleaning resources, read Blanco’s advice on combating particular stains.

Hard water can be tough on your sink, so a water softener is a great long-term solution for all of your plumbing. Ask how we can get you set up!

The post How to Care for BLANCO Sinks appeared first on Handy Man Home Remodeling Center.

Lighted mirrors have taken the bathroom design business by storm! And they are now more affordable than ever. Here are a few ways you can benefit from installing one in your bathroom!

1. Enhanced Visibility: Built-in lighting provides consistent and even illumination, which is especially useful for tasks like shaving, applying makeup, or grooming. This reduces shadows and ensures you can see details more clearly.
2. Better Ambiance: Lighted mirrors often come with adjustable lighting settings. This allows you to create different moods or environments in your bathroom, whether you need bright light for getting ready or softer light during your nighttime routine. Many styles have frontlight and backlight adjustments for added ambiance.
3. Energy Efficiency: Our lighted mirrors use LED technology, which is energy-efficient and long-lasting compared to traditional bulbs. This can help save on energy costs and reduce the frequency of bulb replacements. The LED strips are quality-rated – providing you with many years of enjoyment.
4. Space-Saving: A lighted mirror combines the functions of a mirror and lighting fixture, which can be a space saver in smaller bathrooms or rooms with low ceilings where you might want to reduce clutter.
5. Enhanced Bathroom Aesthetics: Lighted mirrors often have a sleek and modern design, which can enhance the overall look of your bathroom. They can be a stylish focal point that adds a touch of luxury. We carry multiple styles with different color finishes, shapes, and features!
6. Adjustable Features: Many lighted mirrors come with features such as dimming options, color temperature adjustments, anti-fog features, versatile installation options, and even touch controls, providing you with more control over your lighting environment.

Overall, a lighted mirror can make your bathroom routines more efficient and enjoyable while also adding a touch of elegance to the space. Visit Handy Man to see our selection, speak with our remodeling experts, and bring one into your home today!

The post How A Lighted Mirror Can Transform Your Bathroom Routine appeared first on Handy Man Home Remodeling Center.

Shower Column – Installing a shower column is a great way to enjoy the relaxing benefits of a spa–like rain showerhead, and the function of a traditional showerhead and shower wand. Plus, you can choose to use just one spray or have them all working at the same time. All of this can be done without changing any behind-the-wall plumbing! Simply remove your existing showerhead and attach the column to the wall. Shower columns are rising in popularity and they look modern and beautiful in every bathroom!

Designer Grab Bars – Gone are the days of only being able to find hideous hospital-like grab bars. These gorgeous new designer grab bars bring safety AND beauty to the most dangerous room in the house. Ever get lightheaded in the shower when you’re fighting the flu? Or feel a little off-balance when you scrub the bottoms of your feet? You’ll be grateful for something to steady yourself! By placing one or two in your bathroom, you can be assured of a little extra support if you ever need it. 

Bidet Washlet Toilet Seat – Washlet toilet seats have become very popular in the US over the last few years, and for good reason! Installing a Washlet is a great way to improve your wellness, comfort, and cleanliness. Bidet toilet seats easily attach to your existing toilet, transforming it into a luxury device! Once you try one, you won’t go back! We keep a variety of models in stock so you can find the best one for your master bathroom.

Custom Seamless Onyx Vanity Countertop – Let’s cut to the chase. Fancy designer lavatory bowls are lacking in practicality. A seamless vanity top and integrated bowl allow for easy cleaning and a sharp streamlined look. Choose from nearly unlimited color and design options to make it match your style perfectly. Many options are completely personal, like whether you want double bowls for you and your partner, or just a single bowl with lots of extra counter space. Our bathroom remodeling experts order these custom tops every day and will help you design your dream master bathroom.

Bertch Vanity and Linen Cabinet – Bertch cabinets are built like fine furniture. The quality can’t be beat! Dovetail joints and ¾” plywood mean that your cabinets won’t warp or be damaged by the humidity in the bathroom. The slow-close drawers and doors help you keep your bathroom looking neat and organized at all times. Easily access all of your products with the full-extension drawers, and an added linen cabinet can be ordered to give you even more storage and match your vanity cabinet perfectly. Plus, their customization options allow you to choose finishes that fit your style!

If you’re ready to create your master bathroom oasis, come to Handy Man and our bathroom remodeling experts will get you all set up! We even carry many of these items in stock and can give you tips on how to get them installed today!

The post 5 Master Bathroom Must-Haves for 2024 appeared first on Handy Man Home Remodeling Center.

Backlit Mirrors – We have carried a variety of lighted mirrors over the years, and the latest trend is to have them backlit! It certainly adds an element of luxury and we are here for it!

One-Of-A-Kind Bathtubs – Why settle for a plain bathtub when you could have something unique? Your relaxing soak should be inviting with a tub in your favorite style.

Nature-Inspired Colors – Sage green is expected to be the biggest vanity color for 2023. The smooth organic color is a great way to create a calming atmosphere in your bathroom. It is neutral enough to go with any wall and accessory options.

Warm Metallic Accents – Copper and Brass finishes add a soft, warm element to any bathroom. Mix and match metals to create some bathroom diversity.

Layers – Gone are the days of cool gray EVERYTHING. Add warmth and texture to your bathroom with a mix of beautiful area rugs, wallpapers, wainscoting, patterns, and other unique features that make your home look lived in.

The post 2023 Bathroom Trends You Don’t Want To Miss appeared first on Handy Man Home Remodeling Center.

There are a lot of things to think about when building or remodeling a bathroom. We want you to love your hard work, so take a minute to consider these things before you push “go”!

1. Not Considering Universal Design
No matter what age and ability you are at now, there are some features of bathroom design that can make life a lot easier. Make easy design substitutions like installing a low-profile walk-in shower base, an easy-to-operate single-handle bathroom faucet, and two-in-one handshower/showerhead that can beautifully serve everyone in the family no matter what age or ability. 

2. Cramming It All In
Sometimes less is more, especially when dealing with a small bathroom. Yes, measure the exact width of the tub, toilet, and vanity, to see what will fit. But be sure to leave some blank space on the wall for hanging towels, a little space on the counter for makeup and hygiene items, and room to hang the toilet paper on the wall.

3. Not Enough Storage
Pedestal sinks and open shelving might be the perfect style for your bathroom, but where will you put your medicines, cleaning supplies, and extra towels? Consider storage when choosing a vanity, or you may need to make room for a coordinating linen cabinet in the bathroom.

4. Toilet Views
Nobody wants to be walked in on while seated on the toilet. Placing the toilet in an alcove or separate room is a huge perk. Or at least make sure it is out of the direct line of sight from the door if someone barges in without knocking.

5. Bad Lighting
Lighting can make or break your daily routine. Allow for good natural light from the window and purposefully choose light fixtures to go near your mirror, light your shower, and brighten the dark toilet alcove. 

6. Size & Weight Of Items
Pre-installed marble top vanity sets, one-piece bathbays, and more. These products can be used, but please do all of your measuring and planning before you place your order! Hauling a 1,000-pound bathroom vanity with a marble top up a flight of stairs is a nightmare. We have had many customers return one-piece bathbays they wanted to install in their basement remodel because they don’t fit through finished doorways! (We carry multi-piece bathbays specifically made for remodeling!) With all things, be sure to consider how you will get your products through doorways and staircases before you special order them! 

7. Non-Recessed Shower Caddies 
Some small showers don’t leave much room for elbows, let alone shelves full of soap bottles. Installing large recessed shower caddies is a great way to maximize the space in your bathroom, and save yourself from bruising your funny bone!

8. Not Enough Outlets!
The last thing you want to add to your bathroom is an extension cord. Install outlets on either side of the vanity, near the toilet (if you want to be able to install a Washlet seat), and anywhere else you could use some power. You won’t regret having too many, but you will certainly regret not having enough!

9. Rushing Into It
Anything worth doing is worth doing right. So take your time and think about all of your options. Especially if you are taking out walls, moving drains, and doing other major renovations. Choose a bathroom vanity that will grow with you and your family. There’s no rush, so do the research, buy quality products, and get the results you will be happy with.

The post 9 Bathroom Design Flaws to Avoid appeared first on Handy Man Home Remodeling Center.

Step 1: CFM Rating

How large is your bathroom? By measuring your square footage you can tell what fan you will need. You will need a minimum of 1 CFM (cubic feet per minute) per square foot. So, if your square footage is 50 feet, you will need a minimum of a 50 CFM fan. If you have a large bathroom over 100 square feet, you can expect to add 50 CFM for each toilet, faucet, and shower, and add another 100 CFM for a whirlpool. Some fans have multiple CFM ratings so you can choose between 50, 80, and 110 CFM by simply adjusting a slider switch for speed. 

Step 2: Aesthetic features

There are fans that look like decorative lights or can lights. Others are flush-mount fans that have a built-in light panel in the center of the fan. These are less common, but they can be a great addition to your bathroom.

Step 3: Smart options pay off! 

There are plenty of options to upgrade your bath fan. Consider adding any of these features to make your fan work for you! Motion sensing activation, humidity sensing, auto-off timers, built-in heat lights, and night lights. The more advanced fans allow you to set the speed of the fan (more CFM) and how long the fan runs after someone leaves the room. Lots of air movement and a quiet motor will give you the best results. A well-ventilated bathroom will have less opportunity for mildew growth and a fresher smell that you will appreciate immediately.

Step 4: Sound Rating

Exhaust fans are rated by sones. The lower the number, the quieter it is. Any fan with a rating of 0-1.5 is incredibly quiet. Anything higher than 4.0 sones will be fairly loud. However, some people prefer their fan to make some noise for privacy purposes. We have bathroom exhaust fans hooked up and running at Handy Man Home Remodeling Center so that you can compare the sound levels and air movement. 

Step 5: Brand

We carry two brands at Handy Man Home Remodeling Center – Panasonic and Air King. Panasonic fans usually have more features and operate with lower sones while Air King fans are a more economical option. Both are good, reliable choices to include in your remodel.

Now that you know the basics, you can read the technical specs and understand a little bit more about the differences between our fans. As always, you can ask one of our showroom experts for some assistance!

For more information, watch our youtube video about choosing an exhaust fan.

The post 5 Steps To Choosing A Bathroom Exhaust Fan appeared first on Handy Man Home Remodeling Center.

You’re on a budget but your bathroom desperately needs help. We went on a shopping spree at Handy Man to show you what you can buy with $3,000 for your bathroom remodel. 

Considering the most common bathroom size is 5’x8’, we chose products that would likely fit the space. If your bathroom requires larger or smaller fixtures it will make a difference in the cost of your remodel.

Let’s start with the shower. If you currently have a bathtub and are looking to install a walk-in shower, we keep standard five-foot remodeling bases in stock. Pair the base with our popular Jetcoat shower walls. They come in a variety of styles and colors, to fit any bathroom. Complete the look with a Moen Genta showerhead and a simple shower curtain for the enclosure. Most importantly, keep the humidity out of the air with a high-performance Panasonic exhaust fan. It will keep your bathroom smelling fresh and mildew-free!

Shower Base: $399
Jetcoat Shower Walls: $749
Showerhead Kit: $125
Curtain Rod: $43
Exhaust Fan: $99

An old toilet is not doing you any favors. They guzzle water, can be difficult to clean, and are typically small and uncomfortable. Install a high-efficiency, comfort-height, elongated toilet. We chose the TOTO Entrada to fit those requirements. Splurge a little on a Bemis slow-close toilet seat so you don’t have to worry about pinched fingers and loud slams. 

Toilet: $219
Toilet Seat: $50

We selected a 36” vanity and top to fit the bathroom space. This Foremost Monterrey vanity comes in 3 colors and has slow-close doors and drawers. An Onyx vanity top is a no-brainer. The seamless design makes cleaning incredibly easy. Plus, they are guaranteed forever! A four-inch centerset faucet is generally the least expensive option. We keep dozens of styles and finishes in stock at all of our showrooms. Above the vanity, you will need a new mirror and light bar. Mixing metals is a popular trend to follow. The “rule” is to have two items in each finish to make it look put-together. Don’t be afraid to splurge on a more expensive finish for a few items, while saving on a more affordable finish for other pieces. We chose the brushed nickel finish for the Westin light bar and Moen Idora faucet, and chose matte black for the Latitude2 accessories and matching mirror.

Vanity: $459
Vanity Top: $338
Faucet: $85
Light Bar: $99
Mirror: $179
Bath Accessories: $84

GRAND TOTAL: $2,928

Disclaimers:

• Remodeling nearly always comes with an unexpected expense or two! Make sure to leave a little wiggle room so you can plan for the unexpected. Know that the older your home is, the more likely you will run into problems with your remodel. 

• We also want to be clear that we did not include the expense of the plumbers or electricians, flooring, paint, or trim, etc. that we do not sell at Handy Man. 

• While they are accurate as of July 2022, prices are subject to change.

The post Remodeling a Bathroom on a $3,000 Budget appeared first on Handy Man Home Remodeling Center.

If you’re looking for a way to make your shower experience better, look no further! Handy Man carries a wide variety of accessories to bring your shower to the next level.

Shelves & Caddies:

Permanent shower shelves are a great alternative to cheap caddies that hang over the showerhead or attach with suction cups. Order a custom Onyx caddy to match your color scheme, or pick up a glass or metal one that we keep in stock for a quick shower upgrade!

Our popular Onyx showers come with dozens of options for accessories. Find multiple caddy styles to help you hold all of your shampoos, soaps, and gels. You can either choose a recessed caddy or one that fits neatly in the corner. Another popular little accessory is a foot rest shelf. It is installed low in the corner of the shower at the perfect height for leg shaving!

Showerheads:

Replacing your shower head is as simple as removing the old one and twisting on a new one. This kind of shower upgrade is so easy it can be done in a rental house or apartment. We carry a wide variety of shower heads in a wide variety of finishes. Rain showerheads, multi-function showerheads, and 2-in-1 handshowers. 

Handshowers:

Handshowers make bathing children and pets so much easier. They’re also great for cleaning the shower! Try to make a habit of rinsing the shower walls and door after each use. It will reduce soap scum buildup, leaving your shower looking spotless for longer.

Shower Seat:

A Shower seat doesn’t have to be an ugly medical-grade eyesore. And you don’t need to be in your 80s to get one either. It is nice to have a place to rest while taking your shower. Especially when you are battling a cold or just need to wind down after a hard workout. If you don’t have a bathtub, a shower seat is the next best thing. We have multiple options: a variety of custom Onyx seats, or a fold-down teakwood seat. The fold-down styles are great because they don’t take up room unless you need them. 

These accessories can work with any shower – Tile, Onyx, or Jetcoat too! Some will even work with prefabricated tub/shower units. So if you’re looking to make your shower a little more luxurious, stop in and check out the options at Handy Man!

The post How To Take Your Shower To The Next Level appeared first on Handy Man Home Remodeling Center.

Remove Mineral Buildup on Showerheads

If your showerhead shows visible signs of mineral deposits or has clogged or partially clogged holes, an easy fix is to remove the showerhead and soak it in a bowl of white vinegar. If your showerhead is difficult to remove, simply tie a plastic bag full of vinegar around the showerhead and let it soak overnight. This should remove a lot of the mineral deposits. If you need to use pliers to remove your showerhead, please do so carefully! Always use a cloth between the pliers and the showerhead to prevent scratches. 

Clean Aerators in the Bathroom Faucet

A faucet aerator is a small screen that fits into the end of most kitchen and bathroom faucets. It adds air to the water flow to soften the stream of water. Sometimes the screen gets clogged with mineral deposits, which can lead to a slow or erratic stream. If this is the case in your home, it needs to be cleaned!  Each faucet is different, so we suggest looking up how to clean your aerator depending on what model you have installed. It is generally an easy process that can be done with some very simple tools and a bowl of vinegar. 

Wipe Down Vanity Cabinet Drawers and Handles

Your vanity cabinet sees a lot of use every day. How often do you wipe it down? Little bits of toothpaste and hairspray may have made a permanent home on the cupboard doors and handles. Wipe them down with warm soapy water and a non-abrasive cloth. 

Fix a Running Toilet 

If your toilet hasn’t been running optimally, it might be time to do some easy maintenance. First, check on your flapper. If there is any silt or gunk on it, it may not be creating a tight seal. Simply wipe down the flap with a washcloth and check for any cracks or broken pieces that might need replacing. Perhaps your toilet is running because of a kink in the chain. If that is the case, here’s a hack for you to try! Put a plastic straw around the chain to prevent it from folding over and sticking.

Remove Vent Fan Covers and Clean

Here’s something you don’t think of every day, but your vent fan needs to be cleaned! Excess moisture and dust can prevent your fan from working well. Remove the cover and wipe it down, then carefully wipe down the fan blades too. You’ll be amazed at how dirty your fan is. 

Wash or Replace the Shower Curtain

Here’s a friendly reminder that it might be time to replace your mildewy shower curtain and/or liner. Perhaps it’s a good time to consider installing a shower door? Frameless shower doors are easy to clean since they have large glass panels and minimal hardware.

Caulk the Front of the Toilet

To caulk or not to caulk, that is the question. Pros disagree on whether to caulk around the base of the toilet or not. If the entire toilet base is sealed you won’t be aware of leaks, which can cause significant damage to your floor. But if you don’t caulk around the base, it can get pretty gross down there. We suggest splitting the difference. Instead of caulking around the entire toilet, just apply caulk to the front and sides, leaving the back open. This allows any leaks to be visible while also allowing for easy cleaning!

Clean and Seal Grout

When was the last time you sealed the grout in your tile shower? This is a task that should be done annually to prevent leaks and keep your grout in prime condition. Depending on the type of grout your bathroom has, there are different techniques for cleaning it. Do some research to prevent doing lasting damage to your tile and grout. Or, just say goodbye to grout-cleaning forever by installing a beautiful Onyx shower!

The post Spring Cleaning Checklist (Bathroom Edition) appeared first on Handy Man Home Remodeling Center.

Here are some of the biggest reasons why we recommend installing a one-piece shower base from The Onyx Collection.

Water Security:
Water can do incredible damage in an incorrectly installed shower. Even tiny leaks can turn into huge problems over time. Thankfully, with Onyx shower bases there aren’t any seams for water to leak through. The perfectly designed slope ensures that water goes straight down the drain every time.

Style Freedom:
Onyx shower walls and bases come in 60 different colors with options for different textures and finishes as well. For a tile-like look on the floor, they even created a tile-textured base! The Onyx Collection is also equipped with dozens of accessories for customization. Choose shower caddies, soap holders, shower seats, decorative trim, or even tile inlays that can be installed with Onyx shower walls. The options truly are limitless. If you prefer the look of a tile-walled shower, you can do that! Pair it with an Onyx base and you won’t have to worry about leaks. 

Easy-To-Clean:
No grout-scrubbing or sealing required! The smooth base and wall panels can simply be wiped down with a soft cloth or sponge and a non-abrasive cleaner. Remove hard water stains with a vinegar and water solution or dish soap. A simple rinse with a hand shower after each use can do wonders!

Total Customization:
There are dozens of standard-sized bases to choose from, but if you have a unique angle or wall around your shower, our custom bases are the perfect solution! Simply make a template and they will build a base to perfectly fit your space. In only a few weeks, your shower base will be made and shipped to our store. 

“Forever” Guarantee:
All Onyx products are guaranteed forever! You can rest easy knowing your shower will be a great retreat for many years to come. 

To gather ideas of what you can do with an Onyx shower base, come to Handy Man! We have a variety of options on display and connected to water. Read more about custom showers and accessories, like shower doors and showerheads. We look forward to working with you!

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