When it comes to accessibility, few rooms are as important as the bathroom. This is a space we spend time in every single day and having it right for our individual needs makes a difference. If you have accessibility needs, this becomes even more important. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are looking to create an accessible bathroom in your home or place of work.

Doorways — To accommodate walkers, wheelchairs, and other assistance devices, you will want to widen any doorways to no less than 36 inches. This provides ample room for a person to enter the bathroom with ease.

Pull Handles vs. Knobs — Along with a wider doorway, change out traditional doorknobs for pull handles. This enables those who have difficulty gripping or turning knobs to securely open and close the door.

Levered Faucets — Similar as with the doorknobs, you will want to replace sink and shower knobs with levered faucets. These types of devices are more comfortable for those with accessibility issues to use.

Light Switches & Latches — Wherever possible, look for ways to lower the height of light switches and latches so those who are in wheelchairs can reach them more easily. The standard height of 48 inches for light switches is the maximum height for ADA compliance. Lowering switches to a height between 15-42 inches complies with ADA standards and makes accessibility easier.

Counter Height — Just as other items in your bathroom are lowered to accommodate accessibility needs, so should your counters. Ideally, not only should the counters be lowered, but they should also have open space below such that a wheelchair can roll up and have room for leg space. Ideal height for wheelchair accessible counters is approx. 34 inches.
 
Grab Bars — Grab bars are essential for those who need help transitioning from a wheelchair to or from a toilet, as well as for safety in and around tubs and showers. Be sure to have these installed securely so they can withstand the pressure of a person's body weight.

Showers/Tubs — If your bathroom has a shower or tub, look to modify the space with either a roll-in shower or a walk-in tub. Also, plan to add a seat in your shower designed specifically to help with accessibility. The decorative seats provided in most pre-formed shower inserts are not sufficient.

If you would like assistance with any of these bathroom accessibility modifications, please give the team at Fort Rock Construction a call today at 541-767-1611. We are certified accessiblity experts and have been serving the Willamette Valley since 2001.

If you’re considering a remodel for your home, you’ll want to keep your storage needs in mind. Whether its a kitchen or bathroom remodel, it’s easy to get swept up in style of the room vs. the functionality. Planning ahead to add storage into your design makes the space more useful for you now and helps if you later decide to sell. Here are a few ideas for bringing more storage into your kitchen or bathroom remodel.

Cabinetry
Cabinets today are not bound by the same restrictions of generations past. Today’s cabinetry comes with a wide range of storage solutions designed with ease of access. In the kitchen, for example, you can get cabinets with large drawer systems to store your pots and pans and other countertop appliances. Now, instead of getting on your hands and knees and stretching to the back of the cupboard, you can pull open the drawer and your items are right there for you. Built-In lazy susans and retractable shelving systems are available for the typically underutilized corner spaces, too.

In the bathroom, look for cabinets that make good use of the space around the sink plumbing. Often this space is ignored and you’re left with a big awkward space. A simple solution to make the most of the space under the sink is to bring in sliding organizers like those typically seen in your office. You can fill each one with like items and simply pull out the one you need. Ideas include filling one with cleaning items, one with hair styling items, one with hygiene products, etc. You can also buy expandable shelves that fit around the plumbing.

Shelving
Shelving can help when you need certain items easily accessible on a regular basis. Think about places where this might occur most often such as near the kitchen sink or stove, the kitchen island, the bathroom sink, and the bathtub. Look for shelving that complements the design of your cabinetry to create a consistent style. Also, make sure the shelving you select gives you enough depth for holding a variety of items so you’re not limited on what you can display.

Seating
When it comes to storage, seating isn’t often the first thing considered but there is lots of space that can be used. A couple easy ways to add storage include selecting benches or chairs with lift tops. You can easily store less frequently used items here like seasonal table place settings and tablecloths, booster cushions for younger guests, etc. You can also look at choosing barstools that nest or tuck under your countertop. This makes your space more streamlined and creates an open feeling.

Built-Ins
Popular in older homes and making a comeback in newer homes, built-ins offer great storage and functionality. Whether it’s pocket storage in the bathroom walls for your perfumes, makeup, shaving goods, etc. or a built-in buffet in your dining area for your China and serving dishes, every inch is available for your use in a beautiful and stylish way.

At Fort Rock Construction, we’ve been helping homeowners in the Eugene, Oregon area with kitchen remodels and bathroom remodels since 2001. Please contact us at 541-767-1611 today to see how we can help you, too.

Thinking of starting a bathroom remodel in your Eugene, Springfield, or Cottage Grove home? The bathroom may be small, but it's one of the most important rooms in your house.

Did you know that there are buyers out there who will settle on a home based solely on how dynamic the bathroom looks? That's why it's a good idea to make sure that your bathroom remodel has some influential elements that will last a long time.

Remodeling a bathroom takes expertise. A complete bathroom remodel needs to be handled by a skilled, general contractor; someone with experience.

Home DIY stores make it look as if you can do all of the remodeling in your home by yourself. That usually is not the case. A small kink in the works can lead to a major problem that you may not be qualified to fix..

Here are some tips for bathroom remodels:

1. What are you remodeling? Are you looking to replace a few things, such as a new sink or toilet? Or are you going full throttle and tearing it all out? Make sure that you have considered what you want to be done before you call your home remodeler. You don’t need to have all the answers, but if you have an idea of your goals they can give you the best advice. Make a list of everything you want to be changed and also the things that are staying.
2. Settle on a budget. For some people, money is no obstacle, but be sure to have a realistic amount of money put aside for your big bathroom remodel. Contact your remodeling contractor so he/she can give you an estimate of the costs. Your estimate should closely match the actual work done. Work performed for other satisfied customers can be a useful guide to the reliability of a contractor.
3. Dare to think small. Don't forget that small changes, such as lighting, color, and stylistic accents, can all make big impacts when it comes to remodeling your bathroom. Transforming your space doesn’t need to cost the earth.

Talk out your plans with a qualified home remodeler, like Fort Rock Construction, today. You will find we have lots of ideas for your home because we have both the experience and design skills to visualize changes. Plus, we've just about seen everything you can imagine when it comes to bathroom remodels. If you live in the Eugene, Springfield, Cottage Grove or surrounding area and you want your bathroom remodel completed quickly, within budget, and without damage or fuss, give us a call at 541-767-1611 for advice and assistance.

For most people, the bathroom is one important room early in the morning and again, late at night. This is where you start your day and isn't it nice to know that you do it in style? If you've been thinking awhile about re-decorating your bathroom, now is the time to call your remodeling contractor.

For bathroom remodels, there's nothing trendier than a great bathroom sink. Gone are the days when you had to make do with a box cabinet complete with the standard sink. Now, your options for a new bathroom sink might leave you awestruck.

Trends in bathroom sinks

• Vessel
  Vessel sinks sit above the cabinet and come in a wide variety of textures and shapes. From clear glass to frosted glass, porcelain, marble, and in every color you love, you can transform your bathroom overnight with just the right type of vessel sink. Coupled with beautiful hardware and gorgeous cabinets, you won't want to leave home.

Have you considered creating a more contemporary bathroom but are unsure where to start? It’s difficult to understand exactly where you can add bathroom accessories without it seeming like “a bit much”. At the end of the day, all you want a new, clean look without overdoing it. Here are some modern examples of bathroom accessories you can add at an affordable cost.
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1. The 12X Magnification Vanity Mirror
   (http://www.coolthings.com/12x-magnification-vanity-mirror/) (http://netdna.coolthings.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/12xvanitymirror1.jpg)  is a great addition to any home. Let’s be honest, popping zits is always better right in front of a mirror. The mirror has a 12X magnification lens so you can see practically any pores that need work. Whether you are applying make-up or removing blackheads, this is a great addition to any modern bathroom.
   
   
2. The Kohler Moxie Shower Head
   (http://www.coolthings.com/kohler-moxie-showerhead/) (http://netdna.coolthings.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/kohlershower1.jpg) actually features a built-in, waterproof blue-tooth speaker. We all enjoy singing in the shower so why not add to it by pumping up the music volume. Not only does this product offer an extremely streamlined and contemporary design, it offers quality 60-degree angled nozzles, easy-to-clean silicone spray face and a durable exterior.
   
   
3. Temji Hot and Cold Shower Taps Bands
   (http://www.coolthings.com/temji-adds-numbered-dials-to-your-hot-and-cold-shower-taps/) (http://netdna.coolthings.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/temji1.png) add a simple feature to showers that can make all the difference. The bands are numbered in hotness and coldness, making it easy to determine how hot or hold cold the choice of water is. The numbered bands are made of rubber and are very durable.
   
   
4. The C-Pump Single Hand Soap Dispenser
   (http://www.coolthings.com/joseph-joseph-c-pump/) (http://netdna.coolthings.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/cpump1.jpg) provides an immensely simple, yet smart design. While a lot of people love automated soap dispensers, this pump-based dispenser reimagines traditional design. This pump allows you to use the back of your hand to press while your upturned palm receives the soap. Simple and clever, this dispenser is both cool and contemporary. 
   
   
5. The  Bödysöf
   (http://www.coolthings.com/bodysof-adds-soap-with-water-from-your-shower/) (http://netdna.coolthings.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/bodysof2.jpeg) is a shower accessory that mixes your soap and water before it even leads your showerhead. All you do is install the gel dispenser right next to your exiting shower fittings and add in a fitting that lets soap get into the shower tube. The idea is that is completely eliminates having to grab a bar of soap or squeezing on a bottle of body wash. It looks pretty cool too. 
   
   

If you want to provide your bathroom with a complete contemporary look, Fort Rock Construction can remodel your bathroom to whatever you may want or need. Please contact us today and we can provide you with whatever information you may want or need.