If you’re working from home because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this could be a good time to work on that bathroom remodel you’ve always been planning for your Atlanta home. Many homeowners all over the country are using the opportunity to do home improvement projects while they can stay at home and supervise the job.
Interestingly, the pandemic has affected more than just the timing of home improvements. As people learn more about germs and viruses, how they behave, and how disruptive they can get, they have also become more aware about the things they can do to keep their surroundings free from these health threats and make their home more welcoming for sheltering in place.
In remodeling your bathroom, you might want to consider these emerging trends in the wake of the pandemic.
1. Install a bidet
At the start of the health crisis, everyone scrambled to the nearest grocery stores and stock up on essential supplies. One of the first items to disappear from the shelves was tissue paper—and that was a mini-crisis in itself. This has led to brisk sales for bidets, as everyone started seeing them as more of a necessity than a luxury. As a hands-free gadget, bidets also provide a layer of protection between you and germs—something we’ve come to appreciate given the situation today.
2. Adopt smart technology
The fewer surfaces you touch, the less your chances of spreading germs. With smart technology, you can minimize contact with surfaces in the bathroom. Fixtures can be operated using voice command or presets, temperatures can be automatically regulated using sensors, and so on. With more and more people incorporating smart technology in their homes, it has become more affordable, with more options being introduced to cater to different budgets.
3. Use antimicrobial materials
Thinking about what material to use for your new countertops? Consider quartz. It’s not only beautiful and durable, it’s also completely non-porous, so germs and bacteria have no crevices to hide in. It’s also easy to clean and disinfect using just soap, water, and a cleaning cloth. If you’re looking for more affordable choices, consider non-porous solid surface countertops using a blend of resin and natural materials. Laminate countertops also have antimicrobial properties but you have to consistently keep them dry to prevent moisture buildup at the seams.
When it comes to fixtures, you may want to do away with stainless steel and opt for copper, brass, or bronze. These metals have natural antimicrobial properties and will not need sealing. They’re also long-lasting materials that age beautifully.
You can also ask your bathroom remodeling experts about sealants or finishes with antimicrobial properties.
4. Consider multigenerational features
The need to stay indoors and avoid person-to-person contact has led many families to regroup in just one dwelling. After all, isolating yourself from the world is best done with the people closest to you. Before the pandemic, multi-generational homes have already been a rising trend, but when the crisis hit, families’ preference to shelter under one roof was enhanced even more.
The bathroom is one part of the house that often needs to be improved to accommodate the needs of household members of various ages and abilities. Handrails, non-slip flooring, flat floors, and large doors where wheelchairs can fit are essential safety features for elderly family members or those with mobility issues. Consider the ages and abilities of your household members and design your new bathroom around everyone’s needs.
Get more ideas on how to make your bathroom germ-resistant and perfect for sheltering in place from Atlanta’s bathroom remodel experts.
Sources:
5 Ways Covid-19 Is Expected to Influence Home Design Trends, HertsAd.co.uk
This Is How Covid-19 Could Affect Homes of the Future, MarketWatch.com
