HOME 2000     Bathroom Tips

Increasingly, people use the bathroom as a refuge – a place to soak away the cares of the world – so it needs to be both attractive and functional. At the same time, it should offer a healthy env ironment, be accessible to everyone in the family, and use water and energy efficiently. Nearly 75% of all the water you use in your home is used in your bathroom. Water-efficient fixtures can reduce your consumption by as much as 50%. Here are some more FlexHousing and Healthy Housing tips for your bathroom:

Low -volume toilets use 80% less water than a regular toilet.
An aerator shower head can reduce water use by more than 60%.
Ceramic tile can easily be kept cl ean and dry ( c a rpets encourage mould growt h) .
A continuously operating Heat Recovery Ventilator (H RV) controls humidity, reducing the opportunity for moul d and mildew to grow.
Thermally efficient windows reduce condensation so mould can't grow.
Reinforced walls near the toilet and in the tub allow grab bars to be easily and inexpensively installed.
Outlets placed slightly higher than usual, and switches and controls placed slightly lower, are more accessible.
Space along the full length of a bathtub and beside a toilet make them easy to clean and accessible.
A vertically adjustable, hand-held shower with water-temperature regulators prevents scalding and can be used safely by anyone.
Swing out, solid wo o d , 900mm (36") wide door
Easy-to-use lever door handles
Pocket door, 900mm (36") wide
Thermally efficient wall
Energy-efficient window with easy-to-use opening and locking hardware
Low -flow, aerator showerhead with hose and anti-scald protection
Low - f l ow, aerator faucet with easy-to-use lever handles
L ow - volume toilet
Ceramic tile over water- resistant backing
Non -slip, ceramic tile over water- resistant underlay and low-emission tongue and groove plywood
Continuous exhaust to HRV system with manual switch for high speed exhaust
E n e r gy-efficient task lighting
Reinforced walls for future grab bars
Low-emission tub/ shower insert with grab bar
Switches and controls 1050mm (41") above floor
Outlets 450mm (18") above floor

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