Start the New Year Right With These Relaxing Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Modern bathroom featuring a white bathtub and glass shower enclosure by The Meridian Company for home improvement.

Ideas for Upgrading a Bathroom 

The new year is a time for new beginnings, and what better way to commit to a better lifestyle with more relaxation than by giving the home bathroom a luxurious upgrade? After all, the bathroom is the one place at home where people wash their troubles and stresses away and emerge clean and refreshed, ready to start anew. So, if homeowners want to improve the bathroom experience, here are ideas to help achieve the soothing vibe that’ll help jump-start the new year. 

Get a New Showerhead

Person installing a modern chrome showerhead in a bathroom, highlighting home improvement and bathroom upgrade ideas.One of the best ways to give a bathroom an affordable upgrade is to swap out that old showerhead for a new one. There are a range of options to choose from, so there will be one that will address both a homeowner’s wants and needs in the shower. Some types of showerheads include: 

  • Handheld showerhead: This showerhead can be removed from its mounting and gives homeowners flexibility in bathing and cleaning, which is especially helpful for families with kids or pets.
  • Low-flow showerhead: These showerheads are best for water conservation and saving money. They don’t use as much water, but since the showerhead mixes air in with the water, it can still deliver good water pressure.
  • Rain showerhead: This showerhead can be mounted on the ceiling, but some models fit into existing wall mounts. They are typically wider than most showerheads and mimic the relaxing sensation of rain from above. 

Choose the Perfect Bathtub

Bathtub with modern faucet and soft towel, showcasing a relaxing bathing space ideal for home improvement and bathroom remodeling.Bathtubs may not be as essential a bathroom fixture as a shower, but adding a bathtub to the bathroom is an effective way to create a more relaxing bathing experience at home. Not only are baths soothing, but they also have many health benefits. They are known to ease certain types of chronic pain, boost heart health, promote restful sleep, improve mood, and soothe irritated skin. 

While space is a consideration for adding or updating an existing tub, it shouldn’t stop homeowners from getting a bathtub when doing a bathroom remodel. Tight spaces can opt for a shower and tub combination with an alcove bathtub or another bathtub style. Those with more ample room have many options, such as a freestanding bathtub, which includes classic clawfoot bathtubs, a corner bathtub, a jetted bathtub, and a soaking bathtub. 

Elevate the Bathroom Aesthetic

When updating a bathroom, it’s important to keep in mind the desired style and make design choices based on that. Many things can be done to change the look of a bathroom, including upgrading fixtures like the bathroom faucet, bathroom sink, and even the toilet. 

Homeowners can also choose to change the bathroom tile, bathroom vanity, and paint color to change the look and feel of a bathroom significantly. Adding accessories and decor to the bathroom, including towel racks, mirrors, lighting, rugs, artwork, and plants, can also make a big difference in completing the desired look and aesthetic. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a local family-owned business serving Lansing, MI, and the surrounding areas. They provide fast response, superior customer service, and financing. Call them today for bathroom remodeling services in Lansing, MI

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Finding the Right Outlets for Every Home

Close-up of electrical outlet and plug, showcasing The Meridian Company's efficient design for home energy savings.

3 Electrical Outlets With Safety Features 

Electricity has grown so much in just the last 100 years. A century ago, it was difficult to find homes with lighting. Now, electrical codes dictate that every room in the home has multiple points of use. The most common points of use in an electrical system are the outlets found in every room of the house. Because there are so many outlets around the house, they are a common source of problems stemming from the inherent hazards of electricity. 

Special outlets have been developed to protect the home and its inhabitants from electrical dangers like fires and electric shocks. Installing these outlets in the home is a giant step towards total home safety. With these new devices, homeowners can rest assured that their house is protected from the hazards of electricity without compromising their access to this necessary utility. Here are the three most common choices for outlets with safety features. 

AFCI Outlets Protect Against Fires

Every year somewhere between 20% and 30% of insurance claims are related to fire damage. In a huge number of these cases, the fire is started from an incident called an “arc fault.” Electrical arcs result from electricity not being able to flow easily through wiring. When electricity encounters resistance, it heats up tremendously, melting insulation and igniting nearby materials. 

Arcs most commonly occur in electrical cords or wiring subject to repeated stress. As the wires are damaged, electricity tries to jump across the damaged portion of the wiring, creating an arc. AFCIs are special outlets that sense the change in current that indicates arcing. When they sense a problem, they shut down power in milliseconds to prevent enough heat energy from sparking a fire. 

GFCI Outlets Protect Against Shock 

GFCI outlet designed for electrical safety, featuring a red reset button, preventing electric shock in areas with water sources.Another danger in a home is errant electricity finding its way to a water source and causing an electric shock when someone contacts the water. In the past, these incidents were common, which led to the development of GFCI outlets. GFCI outlets have been a code requirement in rooms with water sources for over 50 years and have led to a major reduction in injury resulting from a mix of water and electricity.

GFCIs are specially-wired devices that sense instances of ground faults. A ground fault is when electricity finds an easier way to create a circuit than the intended circuit. When GFCIs sense a ground fault, they stop the flow of electricity and can’t be reset until conditions are safe.  

Childproof Outlets for Kids’ Safety 

Childproof electrical outlet featuring spring-loaded plastic tabs for enhanced safety in homes with children, promoting electrical safety and preventing accidental shocks.No discussion of electrical outlet safety features would be complete without discussing child safety devices, such as childproof outlets. Children are naturally curious about the environment around them. For young children, outlets are right at eye level, so naturally, they want to poke and prod the things they see around them that grown-ups use. Unfortunately, the results can be serious and potentially fatal. 

Childproof outlets have special spring-loaded plastic tabs that automatically cover outlet openings so children can’t stick things into them. Once a plug is removed, the cover will shut back over the openings. Installing these devices around a home with children is a safety practice that shouldn’t be overlooked. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a family-owned local business serving the community of Lansing, MI, and the surrounding areas. They provide trusted technicians, the best brands, and fast response. Call them today for electrical outlet services in Lansing, MI.