North Leeds Plumbing & Heating – Home Improvement and DIY Advice

Archive for January, 2010

A laminated floor is the perfect way to refit your bathroom. It is durable, stylish, easy to clean and comes in a huge variety of patterns, designs and finishes.

However, a large number of householders shy away from laying laminated flooring in their bathrooms, put off by the thought of making an irreversible mistake and deterred by the cost of hiring a specialist fitter.

Neither scenario need be the case. A few easy steps should remove any concerns you may have in laying your bathroom floor efficiently and inexpensively.

Preparation is the key to laying a successful floor. Rip up the existing bathroom flooring and make certain that all detritus is thoroughly cleared away. This point cannot be stressed strongly enough. If any rubbish remains, your new floor will not lie flat.

Next, measure the floor area. A good rule is to buy 10% more material than you actually require. It is a precautionary measure just in case anything does go wrong.

Now for the easy bit, simply unroll the underlay and secure the joins with a strong roll of masking tape or similar material. If you had to take up some of the floor planks now is the time to reassemble them. This really is not much of a problem; just make sure they fit together evenly.

Now for the adhesive and simply unroll the laminated flooring over the underlay. Press down securely, leave for a day or so and there you have it, a brand new bathroom floor.

Themes are always a good place to start when thinking about redesigning your bathroom. Whether your interest is in Art Deco, modernist painting or rustic idylls, deciding on a subject that interests you helps define exactly how you would like your new bathroom to look.

It also makes choosing such bathroom accessories as shower curtains, bathmats and knick-knacks so much easier.

Remember, choosing wall designs for your bathroom is just as important as choosing a bath or new shower unit. For example, if your passion is for Art Deco, then bathroom tiles in alternating black and white would seem to be the obvious solution.

For those enamoured with period design, wallpaper is the accessory of choice. Depending on your budget, wallpaper can be bought hand-blocked or mass manufactured. It comes in an astonishing range of patterns and prints, is easy to hang and even easier to keep clean.

Choose wallpaper that is specifically designed for the bathroom, as this will avoid problems with wrinkling. Most DIY shops stock a good selection. Create contrasting wall designs by hanging one section in deep gold and combine it with an opposing wall in dark green. Almost immediately the room will resemble a Regency or early Victorian bathroom.

Team the wallpaper design up with crimson towels and bathmats and perhaps a striped shower curtain. Add appropriate taps and a deep, ceramic sink. If possible, add a freestanding bath and you will have the perfect period bathroom.

Given that there are so many finishes that can be used in a bathroom, kitchen, and patio, or for wall cladding or floor tiling, many ask why the use of travertine in buildings is so popular. Travertine has been used for centuries and some of the most famous buildings in the world have been constructed or clad with travertine including the Colesseum in Rome and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Paris. A natural stone product from the limestone family and is formed with calcium carbonate and is usually found in the form of deposits near warm or hot springs, travertine is ideal for use both inside and outside of buildings.

Travertine comes in many forms of finish because it is a stone that is soft and delicate to look at. The classic aged look of Travertine tumbled stone will warm your home. A polished or honed travertine becomes a bit more formal, yet it’s still inviting. Because of its earthly hues travertine is regarded as being in tune with nature, not surprising when you consider how it was formed. Many prefer to leave the surface in its natural state with the small holes and pits unfilled, giving it a warmer aged look which will acquire a beautiful patina over time. However leaving the stone unfilled will affect the durability and it can attract dirt much easier than a filled travertine making it harder to keep clean.

Travertine is a natural stone material from the limestone family and is formed with calcium carbonate and is usually found in the form of deposits near warm or hot springs a beautiful natural product that is ideal for domestic and commercial use, such as travertine tiles, for example.

Underfloor heating is an excellent way to keep your home warm and when installed correctly is one of the lowest maintenance and safest systems around. However, a word of warning, this system is electrical, which means that DIY enthusiasts need to exercise caution, as electricity really isn’t something to be messed with. Sadly, horror stories can be heard of lives lost through mistakes when working on electrical installations and one slip really can leave the house ‘live’ and lethal.

Unless you are a qualified electrician you need to seriously consider spending the money getting a professional in to fit your underfloor heating, as he will know exactly what he is doing. Take recommendations from friends and family and choose an electrician who can prove he has all the legal qualifications, so that you can be assured you are working with someone who really knows what they are doing. In addition, by having a professional in to do the work you will also get a guarantee for the work. Should there be any minor issues later on, the installer will come back and resolve them for you.

There are sections of the installation process that can be done by a DIY enthusiast, which will save some time and money, but certainly not when it comes to dealing with electricity, as this really is a massive issue. The product you choose, whether it is a water underfloor heating system or an all-electric system, will need proper electrical installation to be completely safe.

It seems as if every day brings a new design or concept into our bathrooms. Interior designers and bathroom accessories have revolutionised the way we now look at and use the room.

Where once we would have had to visit a luxury hotel to enjoy a steam sauna or Jacuzzi, the option is now there for us to indulge ourselves in the comfort of our own home. Best of all such luxury comes at a very affordable price.

A good casing point is the sharp rise in domestic whirlpool installations. Particularly popular is the air-jet variety. This appliance streams air, at high pressure, directly into the bath. The user can relax for hours by adding fragrant oils or cleansing salts, an experience previously available only to the very rich and privileged.

But why stop there? Chromotherapy is another innovation that is fast becoming popular. This works by placing lights inside the bath, which are operated by a remote control unit to produce a variety of light patterns. By doing so, the manufacturers claim that the body experiences intense relaxation.

Aromatherapy works on roughly the same principle. Different fragrances drift around the bath, creating a unique atmosphere in which to contemplate the travails of modern day life. Users claim that the as the body relaxes, the mind becomes sharper and focused, so is better equipped to deal with whatever problems the next day throws up.

Finally, whirlpools are not only good for the body; they are also kind to the bath. Because of the constant circulation of water, unpleasant fungi and spores have a vastly reduced chance of building up.

For most bathrooms, particularly those with limited storage facilities, a vanity unit is the ideal accessory. Space saving and elegant, functional yet stylish, a vanity unit can easily become the focal point of your new or existing bathroom.

However, many people seem deterred by the thought of installing a vanity unit. Perhaps they are worried about the cost of hiring a certified engineer, if so, they should not be, for if they follow a few simple pieces of advice they will soon realise that anyone can do it and save money in the process.

Firstly and most importantly, have a good look under the existing sink to see exactly what it is attached to. The chances are that the sink will be attached by nails, screws or some form of adhesive agent. Simply remove the nails or prise the sink away from the glue, it is as easy as that.

Before completely removing the old sink, remember to turn off the water at the mains, and then unscrew the water supply. A good tip is to have a bucket to hand.

Remove the sink; a friend will come in useful at this point. Previous damage will immediately come to light. If all is clear, ensure the floor on which the vanity unit is to be placed is flat.

Remove the drawers and doors of the new unit. Check that everything is square and symmetrical and slide into position. Reconnect the water supply, turn the water back on and that is all there is to it.

Finding the best deal on underfloor heating system is no different than with any other product, it is all about research and shopping around. Start by deciding what you want, whether you are looking at having an electric underfloor heating system or a water underfloor heating system. Make sure you know the quantities you need and decide whether you are going to have the system installed from start to finish by professionals or whether you are going to do the donkey work yourself and just bring in a tradesman when necessary.

Next, you should use a search engine to find as many companies as possible that offer the service you are looking for and contact each one for a quote. Some will have a quotation system on their websites, while others will need you to call them. When the quotes start coming in, make sure you really are comparing like for like. Don’t overlook costs for items like delivery and fitting and make sure that you understand the quote.

Ask as many questions as you need, with each company, consider things like what happens if the floor takes longer to fit than their quote allows for and what will they charge; also be sure to check what guarantees do they give for the work. Sometimes it may not be the cheapest underfloor heating company that offers the best guarantee and workmanship, so it could be worth paying a little more to use that company, because in the long run, you may actually save money.

The bathroom is a great place to express yourself. Forget bland, functional bathrooms and instead think creatively. Above all, enjoy the bathroom. After all, you spend as much time there as anywhere else in the home. Where else can you be on your own, relaxing, contemplating the absurdities of life?

If you really want to be radical, then completely alter the layout of your existing bathroom. Maximise space by moving the toilet and sink units around. More room means more comfort; exactly what a bathroom should be about.

Accessorise; ditch the old taps and rip up the tiles. Choose a theme for your new bathroom and stick to it, even if it means waiting a little while before you can afford it.

Have a look around the paint shops. Mix colours until you find one that exactly complements your personality and theme. Contrast colours; painting the walls in different shades makes for a vibrant atmosphere. Choose prints of your favourite paintings and frame them.

Add some plants. Many ferns, in particular, thrive in humid conditions.

Have you considered combination showerheads? Imagine standing in the shower cubicle, having strong jets of water pour over every part of your body. Shower curtains now come in a multitude of patterns and designs. Even the towels and bathmat could be swapped for something you have always wanted.

Have a collection of your favourite objects placed around the bath, mingling them with scented candles. Festoon the bath in lights, creating your very own chromotherapy experience. Use fragrant oils, pipe music into the bathroom and above all, enjoy it.

For many, the bathroom is the most important place in the house. After all, we probably spend as much time in the bathroom as in any other room, with the possible exception of the kitchen

It therefore gets a lot of use and that, unfortunately, means having to refurbish it on a fairly regular basis.

Obviously, refurbishment means spending money, which for most of us, is in short supply. However, giving the bathroom a lift, from time to time, need not cost the earth if a few simple rules are followed.

Firstly, buy a new set of towels to complement the décor of your bathroom. Try mixing different colours together. Any contrast well done makes an attractive focal point.

Tiles are expensive, whether they are on the floor or on the walls. Tile appliqués are an inexpensive way to brighten up your existing fixtures. Again, look to contrast and create your own patterns.

Mirrors can be made to stand out by adding a frame or painting over the existing one. Use bold colours to create a stand out effect. Changing the dull medicine cabinet for a bathroom mirror is also often worthwhile.

Get a new shower curtain. These are cheap and readily available in a wide range of distinctive colours. Match it with your towels and bathmat for a sophisticated look.

Even changing your taps will create a totally new appearance. Choose different metals, perhaps brass and complement them with the toilet fittings.

Art Deco is one of the great design movements of the last century. It epitomises glamour, wealth and intrigue. Its clean lines and geometric patterns create an uncluttered environment of space and elegance combined with functionality. What better design could there possibly be for your newly refurbished bathroom?

The first thing is to clear your bathroom of any unwanted items. Art Deco is a minimalist design. Walls should be as free of shelving as possible. Hanging items will also have to go.

Geometric patterns, often in black and white are the order of the day. Tiles should be used both on the floor and walls. Experiment with different patterns. Lay the tiles at right angles to each other or create diagonals. A splash of a strong bold colour creates focal points all over the bathroom.

Try laying a different pattern around a black-framed wall mirror.

Light fixtures should be of a contemporary look. Rustic or Victorian retro is definitely out, as is wood. Chrome fixtures, slim, elegant and functional, are the order of the day. And this applies to the bathroom taps and towel racks. Even soap dishes should be in bright chrome or matt black.

Artwork should reflect the spirit of the age. Black and white photographs and prints could be framed in stainless steel. Slim crystal glass vases, placed next to black ceramic items, also work particularly well.

Lighting should be used to slightly soften the effect. By all means use a bright white light over the mirror, but try blue or even green bulbs to relax when taking a long, hot bath.