SPECIAL SECTION : HOME & GARDEN RENOVATION GUIDE
Besides just being a place to “ get ready ” to meet the day , it ’ s also a relaxing space to recharge your batteries after a long week at work . Hydrotherapy is one of the best ways to relieve stress and help tired , overworked muscles . With tons of specialized showerheads , you can have everything from the sprinkle of a gentle rain to an invigorating massage to bring your body back to center . And a nice relaxing bath in a soaker tub can make the world go away for a while .
Does all this sound like a fantasy ? Maybe not . You may be able to make updates to your bath for less than you might expect .
If a homeowner is just updating and not moving plumbing , heating ducts and electricity , the makeover can start at around $ 10,000 . And the choices for today ’ s bath are incredibly enticing . Many homeowners are opting for larger showers that will not only get you clean but can also bathe you in LED lighting that changes colors to suit your mood . You can also enjoy your favorite music in the shower to either calm you down after a stressful day or pep you up for the daily routine .
Vanities and bath cabinetry have also upgraded in style and functionality . Vanities are no longer empty-shell cabinets that open to a cavernous interior with little customization . Current options for drawers and cabinets include specialized areas for putting your blow dryer neatly away and stackable storage options for all of the essentials . And while you ’ re standing in front of that vanity , you can watch TV in the mirror ! Technology allows your favorite TV program to be projected onto the mirror , so you can keep up with the latest baseball scores or check the weather before going out .
Slate and marble tile are always elegant options for bathrooms , but one of the latest trends in baths are porcelain tiles that mimic wood . These tiles come in sizes up to 48 ” and can be laid to look like natural woodgrain , without the worry of water damage . The woodgrain appearance can really warm up the bathroom .
And speaking of warm — your toilet can be warm too ! Homeowners can opt for a “ throne ” with a retractable base
SPRING CLEANING LIST
As the final snowflakes melt away , it ’ s time to start thinking spring . Most of us start our spring cleaning checklist by sweeping out the garage or uncovering stored patio furniture . But the real cleaning should start from the inside . It is critical to give attention to heating , ventilation , and air-conditioning ( HVAC ), to ensure comfort inside your home . Follow the checklist below to give your home the boost it needs before spring sets in .
• Check and replace filters . Changing the filters in your furnace and air conditioner about every three months ( depending on your filter type ) keeps the air in your home clean and allows for your system to continue to run efficiently . Be sure to first turn off equipment before replacing anything .
• Dust and wash bathroom fans . Clean exhaust fans help with bathroom odor and keep moisture out , guarding against mold and mildew . To clean , remove the bathroom fan cover from the ceiling and wash with warm , soapy water and allow to dry completely . Be sure the electricity to the fan is off before you dust the fan blades .
• Drain and air-out the dehumidifier . Dehumidifiers have several health benefits for your family , including reducing allergens such as dust mites , mold , and mildew . Empty and clean the water collection tank with warm , soapy water and vacuum the intake and exhaust grills to keep your dehumidifier running clean .
• Remove plants around the air‐conditioning unit . Allow for maximum airflow around your air conditioner unit by clearing any encroaching weeds or plants , keeping a twofoot radius around the system .
• Install a programmable thermostat . If you ’ re in the market for a new thermostat , consider a programmable one . These thermostats increase your home ’ s efficiency and offer cost savings through adjustable timing and consistent temperatures throughout the house , optimizing your HVAC system .
If all else fails , put your trust in the hands of the professionals . They ’ ll ensure that your HVAC system is ready for spring .
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