Maintenance & Refurbishment


Bathroom Refurbishment Feature


Research shows that if someone needs alterations to their home to continue to live as independently as possible, the bathroom is the room most frequently adapted


wiping with toilet paper, and can be operated by almost anyone, independently, irrespective of age or ability. A wash and dry toilet is the enabling, universal design answer to something we all do, on average eight times a day, and something that is very private and personal. It is not hard to refurbish a bathroom to be inclusive and accessible. It may


not have to be done as a specific capital project, as many of the tweaks to make a bathroom suitable for all ages and abilities, accessible, can be done as part of a routine maintenance programme. One of the simplest ‘fixes’ is use of colour. Colour not only influences


the ambience, but can be used effectively to differentiate certain fixtures and fittings. Replace a shower tray with a level access shower, or even remove the shower


enclosure completely and create a wetroom. Thermostatic controls and lever taps give any user easier access and enhanced safety. Location also really matters with fittings in a bathroom. Position the WC away from a parallel wall: a Lifetime Homes criterion. Thus, it can be used


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easily by someone in a wheelchair or who uses a frame, in that they can access it from either side, or a carer has space to assist if necessary. If the bathroom is being adapted and refurbished for a specific tenant who has disabilities, a wash and dry toilet may be a sensible option in enabling them to continue to live there for as long as possible, with reduced or no care intervention. As outlined above, the capital cost of such a fixture can be covered under a DFG, so a smart, aspirational upgrade may not even impact on the refurbishment budget. Hang the washbasin within reach of the WC without excessive reaching. It


can then double as a support – assuming the supporting wall and fixings are appropriately load-bearing. The capability to install a hoist is another Lifetime Homes criteria, and is a


change being made with increasing frequency with our increasingly obese society. Where space is at a premium, a ceiling track hoist optimises useable floor space. Versions are available with discreet gantry legs, so if the ceiling is not appropriately load-bearing, there is still a solution. They key in design and installation of an overhead hoist system is that it can reach every necessary point of the room! It sounds obvious, but structural obstacles or placement of fixtures may limit its movability. These few hints will help refurbish a bathroom to be suitable for as broad a


range of tenants and their families as possible. That increases its suitability for occupants. And increases its rental appeal.


Robin Tuffley is marketing manager at Closomat Glass alignment made simple with CRL


HOUSING MANAGEMENT & MAINTENANCE


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With the trend for minimalistic architecture going strong, many designs involve a frameless glass balustrade system that doesn’t require a handrail to meet the legal loading requirements, and that is easy to adjust. To help achieve this, architectural hardware specialist CRL has launched two new adjustable glass balustrade systems. Ideal for residential projects and small commercial applications, CRL Spig-Lite Pro is a fully adjustable glass balustrade system with a unique clamping design that removes the need to hold the glass with locking pins. The elongated holes allow for easy adjustment of the glass panels, ensuring the top edge of the glass is equal when a handrail is not required.


01706 863600 www.crlaurence.co.uk New augmented reality app released


Stelrad has released a new App to help those specifying Stelrad radiators to envisage them in a real life setting. The augmented reality App is free and can be downloaded from your Apple and Android App store. Users will also be interested to see that Stelrad has added more of its sector leading radiator products for domestic and commercial buildings – and they are now available to incorporate in designs.


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Details can be found on the Stelrad website or you can call for further information. You can also follow Stelrad on Twitter @Stelrad or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StelradLimited.


0844 543 6200 www.stelrad.com 38 | HMM October/November 2019 | www.housingmmonline.co.uk


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