Which Tile is the Style?

Posted on January 10, 2012 by admin

Tile in a bathroom can easily give the room a customized look with the different colors and textures available. Whether your style is European, Contemporary or a 1950s “Retro” look, tile is the perfect choice. With all the choices available deciding what type of tile to use can be a daunting task.      

Ceramic

Traditional ceramic tile is composed of clays and other naturally occuring materials.  It is mined, shaped and then kiln fired.  Non-porous and very durable, ceramic tile comes in a variety of sizes and can be used in wet applications such as shower surrounds and shower floors as well as used on countertops and flooring. 

Ceramic tile is made up of red and brown clays and often has a lot of natural texture and dimension to the color.  Non-porous and very durable, ceramic tiles can also be used on coutertops and flooring.

Ceramic tile can be glazed or unglazed.  Glazed tile should be used with caution on a wet surface such as a shower base because it can be more slippery than unglazed tile.

Porcelain

Fast becoming the more popular choice of tile among homeowners, porcelain tile is composed of different clays than ceramic.  Typically porcelain is a white clay that has been kiln fired at higher temperatures than ceramics. This process makes porcelain denser, less porous and more stain resistant than traditional ceramics and can actually be harder than granite.  

The properties of porcelain tile make it ideal for colder climates since it is less prone to cracking during extreme temperature changes.   Porcelain tile is ideal for wet areas.

Regardless of whether you choose ceramic or porcelain both types of tile offer a variety of sizes and styles including trim and accent tiles to compliment any design. Tile offers an unlimited variety of choices and can truly customize your bath.

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Spa Bathroom At Home

Posted on December 20, 2011 by admin

After a long day at work or a weekend of playing hard, to be able to relax and unwind at a spa would be a dream come true for most of us. And, let’s face it, most of us do our best thinking while relaxed in a bath.  Reality check!  Most of us don’t have the time, energy or money to spend each day pampering ourselves like that!  So how do we bring the spa home with us at a price we can afford?

Small little things can make all the difference in the world!

The Coolest Shower Heads in the World

Spa shower heads can make all the difference in how much you enjoy and relax during a bath. Positioning shower sprays on the walls or ceiling of a shower can create a feeling of luxury.  If the water pressure in your bathroom is adequate to support extra plumbing, adding a few inexpensive shower heads can instantly bring the spa home. 

Rain showers, jetted showers and body sprays positioned on the wall add a variety of water stream choices and can create a spa-like feeling in a bathroom every time you turn the water on.Warm Your Hands (and Towels)

Reach out of a shower and grab a warm toasty towel.  Often provided in high end hotels and spa resorts, towel warmers are an inexpensive option to add a spa feel to your bathroom.  Metal towel warmers double as towel storage and can be mounted on the wall or stand freely on the floor.  Attractive glass towel warmers are also available and come in a variety of colors.

Toasty Toes

While summertime may be warm and wonderful, fall and winter bring cold and stepping out of a warm shower onto a cold tile floor kills the relaxed atmosphere of a bath.  For centuries heated floors have been used to add comfort.  Seventeenth century French noblemen used heated flues in their bath houses and greenhouses.  Radiant heat mats installed underneath flooring add warmth to a room without using much energy.  Perfect for tile, laminate or wood flooring, radiant heat can keep the entire room at a perfect cozy temperature. 

Talk About Teak

Wood accents instantly say “spa” and teak wood is the perfect choice for bath mats and shower benches.  Teak is the most water and insect-resistant wood and dries quickly.  Bath mats are very inexpensive accents and shower benches are available in varieties of shapes and applications.  Other accessories such as storage shelfs and soap dishes made of teak compliment any color and design and if you want to spend a little more money to acheive the teak wood look, consider installing a complete shower base made of slatted teak wood. 

While there is no replacement for a weekend away at a spa resort…complete with room service and champagne breakfast…simple little additions to your exisiting bathroom can make each day feel a little more spa like.

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Grab Hold!

Posted on December 14, 2011 by admin

Safety concerns in the bathroom do not just affect the aging or the elderly. Individuals of any age who may need extra support or help with bathing will benefit from added safety measures in the bathtub or shower; particularly those who use wheelchairs, walkers or canes. Babies and young children spend more time in the bathtub than anyone else and, let’s face it, they are more active and slippery during bath time too! The simple addition of safety accessories to your existing or modified bathroom can make all the difference!

Installing grab bars at strategic places allows for easier manueverability in the tub, shower or other areas of the bathroom.  Available in a variety of sizes, grab bars should be securely mounted to ensure they will not pull away from the wall when used. A 24″ grab bar installed on the long wall of a tub or shower will make it easier to get up out of a bathtub or safer when standing in the shower.  Smaller grab bars installed on the wall on a vertical are an excellent option if stepping over a tub rail is a concern.  No need to sacrifice design for function!  Grab bars are available to match any the finish on other fixtures in your bathroom and can also double as places to hang towels inside the bath area.

Shower chairs add an increased measure of safety for people who can not stand alone safely or who tire easily.  Shower chairs are available in a variety of styles and can be adjusted to suit an individual’s needs. Available with or without arm rests and back supports, shower chairs come in a variety of sizes and costs are often covered by medical insurance with a doctor’s prescription.  Most chairs can be adjusted to various heights, making it possible for more than one person in a household to use the same chair.  For those who can not step into a bath tub without help, transfer shower chairs are an excellent option. 

Shower Chair

                        

Transfer Bench

Shower chairs are placed directly inside a tub or shower with all legs firmly on the tub/shower base.  Transfer chairs straddle a tub rail so that an individual can sit down outside of the tub and then transfer their legs and body onto the chair safely.

For an individual who needs to be seated during bathing, the addition of a hand-held shower is essential.  Available with longer hoses and a flow control option on the shower head, a hand-held shower allows for more independance and control.
Hand-held showers can be added to an existing shower head with the addition of a diverter to allow use of either one.  Mounted on a slide bar, hand-held showers can be used as a stationary shower head or removed and used while seated.  Various jet options are available on most shower heads and come in any trim finish to match other accessories in the bathroom.
From the youngest person to the most elderly person, safety in a bath can mean an enjoyable and stress-free experience. With the addition of small and inexpensive accessories your bathroom can become accessible to anyone!
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Safety First!

Posted on September 6, 2011 by lancasterbath

North American Baby Boomers are booming their way directly into the aging population.  More people will be over the age of 55 than ever before.  Rather than looking for retirement homes or long-term care facilities, many of these Boomers are looking for ways to modify their existing homes as they face physical challenges unique to the aging population.Someone struggling with inflexible joints, surgeries, declining eyesight and general physical weakness associated with the normal aging process often finds the bathroom…in particular the bath tub/shower area…to be a source of worry.  The most common concerns we hear are centered on safety and accessibility.  Clients are concerned with being able to access the tub safely to take a bath.  How will they get in and out of the tub?  What if it’s slippery and they fall?  What if I need to sit to bathe?A variety of products are available that convert an existing bathroom into a safe and beautiful part of the home without breaking the budget or requiring an expensive move to a new home.Walk-In Bath TubsWalk-in tubs are a wonderful choice for people who do not want to give up the option of soaking in the tub.  Easily accessible through a swing door, these tubs come in various sizes and include a built-in seat for safety.  Options include massage jets, in-line heaters and quick drains for safety.  Grab bars come standard on the rail of the tub and are often installed on the wall surrounds for added safety.When considering this type of modification, consider how long you will remain in the home. Installing a walk-in tub is a commitment and should be one that is made for the long-term.There are limitations to installing the walk-in tubs so a reputable installer should walk you through the steps needed to modify your bathroom in order to accommodate the size of tub you are installing.  Typical installations can take 2-5 days depending on the type of home being modified and the style of tub being installed.Tub-to-Shower ConversionsA less expensive option if soaking in the tub is not a priority is a tub-to-shower conversion.  This modification involves removing your existing bathtub and shower and replacing that with a low threshold shower base and wall surround. Some shower bases come with built-in seats while others are non-seated.  Separate seats can be installed in the corner of the shower or a medical grade shower chair can be used safely when needed and stored elsewhere when not in use.  Grab bars are often installed on the long wall of the shower as well as on the outside to assist with entering and exiting the shower safely.Shower doors should be installed on these modifications to prevent water from escaping onto the bathroom floor.  High quality tempered-glass doors should be used but care should be taken to not use the integrated towel bars as safety/grab bars.Tub-to-shower conversions typically do not impact the resale value of a home and are a wonderful option for someone who wants safety but doesn’t want to sacrifice design or style in any way.Typical installations take 1-2 days and the shower is ready to use quickly!Tub Cut OutsThe least expensive option for modifying an existing tub is a tub cut out.  This process involves cutting a hole in the existing tub rail so that simply stepping through the opening into the bathtub is easy.  Clients have the option to have a small swing door installed in the cut out which allows the tub to be filled with water if needed. The area is sealed to prevent water damage.Grab bars can also be installed on both the tub rail and the wall surround to assist with    safety  and stability.Installations typically take less than 5 hours and can be done on any type of bath tub. This option should only be considered if resale value of the home is not an issue.  Safety and accessibility in the bathroom is a high priority for many people as they approach their retirement years.  Choosing the right product for your particular situation is very personal and takes time.  Consult a professional who has all of the above options and you will be able to make an informed decision with the help of someone who has the expertise to guide you through this change.         

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How to Choose the Expert

Posted on August 18, 2011 by lancasterbath

When it comes to any home improvement project, choosing the right man (or woman) to assist you with the job can be overwhelming.  Bathroom remodelling projects are especially daunting, even for the seasoned DIY-er! Take a look through your local Yellow Pages and you’ll find an endless supply of contractors and home improvement companies. A study by the Small Business Administration found that nearly 96% of all new contractors were out of business within two years!  So how do you choose someone you can trust?Take your time and do some homework!1. Get referrals from friends and neighbors who have updated their bathrooms. People LOVE to talk about their homes and when they’ve had a great experience with a bathroom remodelling company, they’re happy to spread the word!2. Go online. Check with the Better Business Bureau. Home improvement contractors are top of the “hit-list” for complaints. Find a company with an A+ rating.  Be cautious of online reviews. Many review sites are not monitored and comments are often posted by companies and contractors themselves in an attempt to advertise.  A website such as Angie’s List however can be a great tool to use. Customers must pay a nominal fee to join and all reviews are honest and reliable. If a company has received good reviews on Angie’s List they are worth checking out.3.  Ask for references.  A reputable company should be able to provide you with names of past customers in your area who are willing to speak with you.  Ask specific questions.  Was the work performed on time?  Was your home cleaned and cared for at the end of the project?  How did the final cost for the project compare with the cost estimate? 4.  Make sure the company has the proper insurance and licenses to work in your home.  A reputable business will have no problem providing you with copies of Workman’s Compensation and Liability Insurance information.5. Be wary of taking the lowest bid you are given. Statistically 80% of people registering complaints with the BBB took the lowest bid for their remodelling projects.  You truly do “get what you pay for” most of the time.6. Get everything in writing!  You can never protect your investment enough!7. Enjoy yourself!  Working on a bathroom remodelling project does not need to be stressful.  Find someone you enjoy working with.  You will be trusting them with your time, your money and your home so you’d better like them!

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Re-Bath recieves remodeling award

Posted on December 4, 2009 by lancasterbath

Re-Bath and More is pleased to announce that we’ve won the Lancaster BIA Remodelers Awards of Excellence in Bathroom, Division 1. The Building Industry Association (BIA) of Lancaster County’sRemodelers Council awarded 13 companies with a 2009Remodelers Award of Excellence, a distinction recognizingoutstanding and creative renovation projects in Lancaster County! A team of remodeling professionals from outside Lancaster County judged the projects on workmanship/quality of construction, degree of difficulty, value/cost effectiveness, sensitivity to existing structure, use of space, and customer service. These judges studied before and after photographs and detailed project descriptions before scoring the projects on a numeric scale.We received this award for Richard and Vivian Bennawit’s remodel in Lancaster.  We’re extremely proud to receive this award, and would like to congratulate the entire Re-Bath team on this achievement.To see all the entries, visit http://www.lancasterbuilders.org/remodelers.cfm

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“Bathrooms on a Budget”

Posted on November 11, 2009 by lancasterbath

In the Nov/Dec 2009 issue of Susquehanna Style, there is a great article called “Bathrooms on a Budget.”  Jonathan Witmer, the owner of Re-Bath and More, gives great tips on updating your bathroom without breaking the bank.  Read the entire article on page 84 of their E-Zine at http://www.susquehannastyle.com/ezine. With the largest selection of colors and styles in the industry, Re-Bath will give you a dream bathroom at a fraction of the cost of traditional bathroom remodeling. In a day or less, Re-Bath can transform your bathroom from boring, to beautiful!   Our exclusive DuraBath SSP material comes with a lifetime warranty, and as Re-Bath enters its fourth decade of business, you know our company will be there to back it up.

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2009 Franchise of the Year!

Posted on October 9, 2009 by lancasterbath

We are proud to announce the Re-Bath and More has won the 2009 Franchise of the Year Award!  Read the press release, below:

Accepting the Award

Accepting the Award

“PENNSYLVANIA FRANCHISE OWNER RECOGONIZED FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO FRANCHISING

Named Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 21 – Re-Bath franchisee Jon Witmer of Lancaster, Pennsylvania was honored last week by the International Franchise Association (IFA) with its annual Franchisee of the Year Award.  Franchise owner-operators representing nearly 23 franchise systems were recognized during the IFA’s 10th Annual Public Affairs Conference for their outstanding performance and the contributions they have made to enhance the growth and development of franchising. “The IFA is proud to recognize the outstanding efforts of Jon Witmer with the Franchisee of the Year Award,” said IFA Chairwoman Dina Dwyer-Owens. “The franchising community is an important component of the U.S. economy due to the hard work of these exemplary individuals who have helped bolster the growth of the industry.”The Franchisee of the Year Award is a major component of the IFA’s Public Affairs Conference. During the two-day event, Sept. 14 and 15, over 400 franchise industry leaders met with over 200 congressional offices about issues important to the future of franchising such as healthcare reform and access to credit. The event is supported by founding sponsor ADP Small Business Services.Members are highlighted the economic impact of franchising. According to a study conducted for the IFA Educational Foundation by PricewaterhouseCoopers on the economic impact of franchising, there are more than 900,000 franchised businesses in operation across the country which are indirectly responsible for providing 21 million jobs and generating $2.3 trillion in economic output. In Pennsylvania, 35,735 establishments directly provide 836,500 jobs and contribute 11 percent to the U.S. economy.“By putting policies in place that promotes more lending, franchise businesses can provide better jobs that help the economy recover at a faster pace,” Dwyer-Owens said. 

# # #

About The International Franchise AssociationThe International Franchise Association, the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising, is the preeminent voice and acknowledged leader for the industry worldwide. Approaching a half-century of service with a growing membership of more than 1,300 franchise systems, 10,000-plus franchisees and more than 500 firms that supply goods and services to the industry, IFA protects, enhances and promotes franchising by advancing the values of integrity, respect, trust, commitment to excellence, honesty and diversity. For more information, visit the IFA Web site at www.franchise.org.”

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We’re hiring!

Posted on September 22, 2009 by lancasterbath

Looking for a great job?! Re-Bath is a local remodeling company that has an opportunity for hard working, self motivated sales professionals.  Email your resume to marketing@rebathandmore.com.

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Schreiber raises more than $133,000!

Posted on July 31, 2009 by lancasterbath

This past weekend, Re-Bath & More participated in the Schreiber Rubber Duckie Race.  This year was the largest Rubber Duckie Race in history!  Re-Bath sponsored a game, and we were able to sell over 50 ducks.  We had so much fun, and it was great seeing everyone out at the event!

Ring-A-Duck Winner!

Ring-A-Duck Winner!

[caption id="attachment_79" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="The Duckie Dash"]The Duckie Dash[/caption]
The Ring-A-Duck Game

The Ring-A-Duck Game

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