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March 2007
Dear Divas,
I have two bathrooms in my 60s house and they're both in need of an overhaul. I'm overwhelmed with where to begin. The master bath is so small I can barely turn around in it. It needs a larger shower and lots more storage. The bathroom used by the kids and guests is larger, but equally dated. Both share a plumbing wall so my husband says we can't move the fixtures. Why not?
Jenna:
What he means, of course, is it's too much trouble (or money) - for him -- to think about! I bet he hasn't chipped a nail on the shower door while blow-drying his hair. What I'd do first is show him the money specs on the difference updated bathrooms can make in your home's value. It's about an 88% return - and you get to enjoy it, too.
Delia:
I know, how 'bout a joint visit to a couple of local open houses for updated homes (similar to yours) that are now for sale? Maybe you'll both get inspired with how others have tackled their challenges. You'll also see what you like and dislike and that will save a lot of, shall we say, "talking."
Jenna:
Great idea. Here's one of my favorite re-dos that you may see: Two smaller bathrooms combined to provide some joint and some private facilities. I particularly like that kind of re-division of space because it will always create additional wall space for the Big S - storage!
Dear Divas,
I want to be part of the solution of our world energy crisis. Do you have any suggestions on how to "green up" my bathroom?Determined in Delaware
Della:
Do we! Both of us are as determined as you are to find simple, more effective solutions to saving the planet. And that can mean everything from recycling to building with renewable resources. But to get started we all have to recycle our attitudes first. If we think of the issue in terms of "What we'll have to give up," we'll never succeed. Think first about what it will do for our health and those who come after us. That works better.
Tracy:
In the bathroom, let's first focus on saving water. Did you know that less than five percent of the water used in a house is for drinking? That means a lot is going elsewhere - and we certainly don't want to run out of it! Check first to see if you have water-restricting aerators in all your faucets and showerheads. The newer ones are so effective you won't know they're there because water pressure is maintained. Then there are low-flow toilets, some with dual-flush buttons so liquid waste can use half the flush water that solid waste needs. If you're not in the market for a new toilet, check to see that the flapper in your current one is working properly. More water leaks are found in faulty toilets than anywhere else. Speaking of money down the drain...
Della:
Lighting, too, needs accessing. Low-wattage bulbs no longer mean garish light or semi-darkness. It's more of a habit to buy old-fashioned bulbs than anything else. The cost of electricity alone should make you a believer. So should the cost in money and health of building more energy plants.
Tracy:
We also recommend environmentally-safer paint. Most of the major paint companies are scurrying to comply with consumer demand for less toxic paint. Check them out and be one of those who are part of the demand team.
The question didn't include reconstruction as an option, but folks who are willing to do that can choose from a raft of environmentally-sound solutions. We suggest you let your fingers do the walking through the Internet. It's a whole new world out there.
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