Mold isn’t just ugly, it can take a toll on the most vulnerable members of a family. Read on for advice from Bath Planet on how to reduce or eliminate mold from the damp areas around your home.
Q: How can I tell if there is mold in my bathroom?
Bath Planet: Mold starts out as a discoloration, usually on the grout or caulk in the tub. Often, it forms on shower curtains and liners as a reddish or terra-cotta colored patch.
Q: Is mold dangerous?
Bath Planet: Minimal exposure to mold is usually not harmful to healthy adults. However, children, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, may react adversely to even small mold patches. Chronic cold-like symptoms and asthma are two indicators of an allergic reaction. Interestingly, it isn’t the mold itself that causes a response, it’s the spores floating in the air.
Q: What can I do to control mold growth in my home?
Bath Planet: Reducing humidity is the key to stopping mold growth. Basements, bathrooms, and even garages are effectively microclimates with ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth. Make use of dehumidifiers in these areas and leave bathroom windows open after showering. Throughout the rest of the home, discourage mold growth by vacuuming regularly, using exhaust fans, and making sure each room is adequately floored. Tile or vinyl flooring is best in the bathroom and kitchen, which tend to be subject to spills more often than other rooms. Cleaning floors and walls with a bleach solution will temporarily kill mold, although it will return if conditions are allowed to remain status quo.
Q: How can Bath Planet help?
Bath Planet: Our bath and shower systems are built of a nonporous, mold and mildew resistant heavy-duty acrylic. And Bath Planet trained installers don’t leave room for water intrusion, meaning there is less possibility for mold to grow.
If you’re tired of putting up with an outdated bathroom, there’s good news from the design professionals at Bath Planet. They have practical advice on sprucing up your space without draining your account.
Q: Is it possible to update my old-style bathroom without having to tear out the tile?
Bath Planet: The good news here, especially if you’re about to put your house on the market, is that vintage is in. That mint green or taupe/pink tile that has been driving you crazy can be turned into a major selling point. Make sure everything is clean and dress the bathroom in period-appropriate materials and accessories. Not only will this inspire nostalgia for potential buyers but may also help you learn to love the unique charm of your bathroom.
Q: How can I hide a big, unsightly window?
Bath Planet: Actually, a large bathroom window is a feature that many buyers find highly desirable. Make sure the glass is streak-free and utilize sheer curtains as opposed to mini blinds, which can block the light and collect dust. The added natural light will help make your bathroom look cleaner and more inviting.
Q: How can I add some visual appeal to plain walls?
Bath Planet: While you certainly don’t want to clutter your bathroom with excessive art, you can add touches such as wainscoting, chair railing, or crown molding. If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, consider painting a mural around the bathtub.
Q: What effect does lighting play on the overall feel of the bathroom?
Bath Planet: Lighting is a powerful asset to any room. However, it must be utilized correctly and placed strategically so as not to cause unsightly shadows, which may make the room look smaller and leave the person looking in the mirror unhappy with their reflection. Go for bright light and, if possible, install a dimmer switch so the light intensity can be lowered for midnight bathroom trips or during a relaxing bubble bath.
If your house was built prior to 1995, you’ve likely considered remodeling your bathroom, but may have changed your mind due to the costliness of such efforts. Now the worry is over, thanks to Bath Planet, a nationally acclaimed quick-turnaround bathroom remodeler. Read on for more information.
Q: How does Bath Planet offer affordable one day bathroom remodeling?
Bath Planet: We have refined and redefined the bathroom renovation experience. Our techs are trained specifically in our proprietary remodeling process, using our custom-built, U.S.-made acrylic shower and bath systems. By focusing on the centerpiece of your bathroom – the shower and/or bath – we can transform its look from drab to fab in less time than it takes to pick a brand new color palette – and for less than half the cost of traditional remodeling.
Q: Is it possible to fix cracks in the seams between my tub and wall?
Bath Planet: It’s possible that old caulk or poor initial installation has left open spaces between the tub or shower base and wall. These cracks collect moisture and fill with mold, mildew, and other potentially toxic grime. We can easily install a brand new tub and wall surround. Our acrylic products seal tight to prevent water intrusion, and your new bathroom will look beautiful for life.
Q: Is it true that Bath Planet’s tubs and showers are carefully measured and built for each project?
Bath Planet: Bath Planet bathroom systems are made at our Libertyville, Illinois, manufacturing plant. And, yes, each bathroom is carefully measured by an expert craftsman to ensure a perfect fit.
Q: Why does Bath Planet offer a limited lifetime warranty?
Bath Planet: We are so confident in our techs and products that each Bath Planet brand tub and shower system is backed by a lifetime of worry-free bathing. Our acrylic products have been tested and approved by the Good Housekeeping Institute, which offers an additional two year independent warranty for your added peace of mind.
Bath Planet Answers Questions on Small Bathroom Decorating
Just because you have a small bathroom doesn’t mean you should feel trapped every time you take a shower. Here, design experts from Illinois-based Bath Planet answer homeowner questions on how to get the best use from an undersized bathroom.
Q: What kind of art and accessories will make my bathroom feel larger?
Bath Planet: In this case, less is definitely more. The most important accessories in a small bathroom are the mirror and shower curtain. A frameless vanity-sized mirror will make a bathroom look twice as large without cluttering the walls. A sheer or light-colored shower curtain is a sure way to make the room feel more open. Avoid leaving too much on the counter and opt for a wall-mounted toilet paper holder instead of a freestanding one to free up floor space.
Q: Are there certain colors to make a bathroom more visually appealing?
Bath Planet: As with the shower curtain, the lighter the better. Try to avoid white, however, since it offers no depth, and that can be counterproductive in a small bathroom. A light blue paint with cream-colored towels and shower curtain is an excellent combination.
Q: I would like to hang wallpaper. Is there a certain type you recommend?
Bath Planet: If you absolutely must decorate with wallpaper, choose a high-quality, non-water-based material so that it does not peel from the wall due to the highly moist environment of the bathroom. But in a small room, paint is best. You can install wainscoting or crown molding to add visual appeal, if that is your goal.
Q: What is the best piece of advice for homeowners resigned to living with a smaller bathroom?
Bath Planet: Keep it clean! There is no amount of paint, wallpaper, shower curtains, or mirrors that will counter the unpleasant effects of a dirty bathroom. Unsightly mold, mildew, and grime will make the bathroom feel smaller and leave you in a hurry to get out. shower systems
Plan Ahead for Summer Energy Savings with These Tips from Bath Planet
Most everyone looks forward to sunny summer afternoons, but few anticipate warm weather energy bills with the same contentment. Here, Bath Planet home design experts offer a few suggestions to help homeowners save on utilities throughout the year.
Q: How much energy does the oven use?
Bath Planet: That depends on your oven. However, it’s not just the appliance’s energy consumption that affects a home’s electric bill during the summer. Both the stovetop and the oven generate radiant heat, which can increase the temperature inside by two degrees or more. This added heat drives the air conditioning system to work harder, thus increasing energy bills. Use the microwave to reheat single portions, grill outdoors when possible, and enjoy cold dishes to keep the indoor climate cool.
Q: Should I invest in an electric thermostat?
Bath Planet: Yes! A digital thermostat allows you to control the temperature inside your home, even while you’re away.
Q: What’s the best way to keep large rooms cool?
Bath Planet: Ceiling fans are a must when the weather is warm, especially in rooms with high ceilings or limited a/c vents. Ceiling fans help circulate cool air as well as reduce moisture in the home. During the winter, a ceiling fan will help keep warm air closer to the floor. Plus, a decorative fan is a functional room accent.
Q: How can I reduce water bills?
Bath Planet: It’s likely that you’re taking more showers during the summer months, so pay attention to the length of those showers. The average showerhead flows at a rate of more than two gallons per minute, so cutting even two minutes off your daily shower can make a difference. Turn the water off when you brush your teeth and fix any leaks in the toilet, faucets, or water-using appliances.
If you cringe at the thought of stepping into your old shower, Bath Planet can help. As one of the nation’s leading bath remodeling companies, Bath Planet has developed a streamlined system for turning a bathroom from one that you abhor into one you adore. Read on for answers to common questions regarding Bath Planet’s quality acrylic products.
Q: What benefits does Bath Planet offer over traditional remodeling methods?
Bath Planet: Bath Planet’s professionally installed bath and shower systems are low maintenance, long-lasting, and come complete with a lifetime warranty. Unlike box-to-bathroom gelcoat products offered at your local hardware store, Bath Planet acrylic tubs, showers, and walls are built of durable, long lasting, ¼ inch thick acrylic that resist fading, chipping, and mold.
Q: How does the Good Housekeeping Seal set Bath Planet products apart from the competition?
Bath Planet: Earning the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal is an achievement not every business can claim. Bath Planet products are granted usage of the Seal only after rigorous quality assurance testing in their research labs. In addition to our limited LIFETIME product warranty, Good Housekeeping backs us up with their 2-year money-back warranty. If any product that bears the limited warranty Seal proves to be defective within two years from the date it was first sold to a consumer by an authorized Bath Planet dealer, Good Housekeeping will refund the purchase price or $2,000, whichever is less or, at Good Housekeeping’s sole discretion, repair or replace the product. This means Bath planet is among a short list of elite products that can be trusted by homeowners across the country.
Q: Why does Bath Planet focus exclusively on bathroom products?
Bath Planet: We believe in doing one thing and doing it right. By concentrating on the bathroom, Bath Planet’s certified consultants can focus on helping homeowners across the country redesign and learn to love their bathroom once again. It is also less expensive for our customers and more convenient for homeowners who want an expert on-site during the entire one to two day remodeling process. Just as you wouldn’t trust your dentist to perform brain surgery, don’t trust anyone else with your bathroom remodel.
The concept of aging-in-place has been made exponentially easier thanks to modern technology, say the home remodeling experts at Bath Planet. Bath Planet’s parent company, BCI Acrylic, Inc. has long been an innovator in the industry, manufacturing accessibility products for seniors and other individuals with mobility concerns. The following Q&A briefly describes just a few of the products available across the country through Bath Planet’s vast network of certified dealers.
Q: Why does bathing become more difficult as we age?
Bath Planet: It is not uncommon for seniors to have trouble navigating high-walled bathtubs. This could be due to anything from weakened muscle function, arthritis or rheumatism to skewed depth perception. Regardless of the cause, an inability to maintain one’s own hygiene is often a deciding factor for seniors leaving their homes for structured care. New innovations, including walk-in bathtubs, walk-thru cutaways, low-barrier showers and bath-to-shower conversions, have given older adults more options for aging in the comfort of their home.
Q: What safety features are available with Bath Planet’s walk-in bathtubs?
Bath Planet: Our walk-in bathtubs offer a low threshold, which helps reduce the risk of tripping or falling while entering the bath. We can install grab bars and slip-resistant flooring for added safety. Bath Planet’s walk-in bathtubs are built with leak-proof, tightly-sealed doors and built-in seating for comfort and safety.
Q: Does Bath Planet offer options for wheelchair-bound individuals?
Bath Planet: Yes, we have a full line of barrier-free shower bases that are wheelchair friendly (A.D.A. compliant) and blend seamlessly into your decor. These no profile showers are flush with the floor and won’t force you to sacrifice style for safety.
Q: What other accessibility products are available?
Bath Planet: We offer a wide selection of safety products for every budget. You can choose from a wide assortment of acrylic or metallic grab bars and consider adding a safety seat for added security and easier transitions in and out of the tub. Whether you’re looking to add a cost-effective, walk-through cutaway to your existing bath, convert an outdated bathtub into a low-profile shower, or upgrade to a beautiful walk-in bathtub complete with hydrotherapy, air bubbles therapy, chromatherapy, aromatherapy and ozone purification, we have you covered. Know that your loved ones will be clean and safe with Bath Planet.
Bath Planet Replacement Tubs Change the Feel of Your Home
If your dated bathtub has you down in the dumps, Bath Planet has the prescription for what ails you. Read on to find out how a replacement acrylic bathtub can change the look and feel of your bathroom in as little as a day and with a price tag that won’t make you sick.
Q: I hate cleaning. How can a replacement bathtub reduce the time I spend scrubbing the bathroom?
Bath Planet: Our acrylic, grout-free bathtubs require very little in the way of care and maintenance. Once installed, your new bathtub – and optional wall surround – can be cleaned once a week with a quick wipe down with a soft, damp cloth. For the most part, cleaning is chemical-free. For those rare occasions when a deep clean is necessary, we recommend an inexpensive, non-abrasive bathroom cleaner.
Q: How can I be sure a replacement tub is going to fit?
Bath Planet: We don’t rely on standard measurements and simply hope that we can retrofit your tub once we arrive on the day of installation. During your quote, a highly-trained Bath Planet designer will take careful measurements and possibly photographs to ensure your new replacement tub is an exact fit. We don’t play guessing games with your home, safety, and comfort. Taking these steps in the beginning guarantees you a low price on our high-quality remodels.
Q: Why should I trust Bath Planet for my bathroom remodeling needs?
Bath Planet: We have been an industry leader since 1999. Bath Planet has installed thousands of new bathtubs in homes across the country. Our products are made right here in the US and have been granted the right to bear the Good Housekeeping emblem. Each of our franchise owners has been selected to represent the Bath Planet brand based on an exceptional level of prior customer satisfaction and industry expertise. On top of experience and proven results, we offer a limited lifetime guarantee and aren’t satisfied until you can relax in your brand-new bathroom.