Keeping the bathroom warm this Winter

It’s probably fair to say that nobody likes to experience that cold chill from stepping out of a hot shower into a frosty bathroom. Fortunately, there are various options to warm up your bathroom so you can keep that fuzzy feeling. Here we will look at different ideas to keep you warm and comfortable in your bathroom this Winter.

Underfloor Heating

An energy efficient and effective method of heating your bathroom is to use underfloor heating. There are different systems, namely slab heating and thin film heating, which use either electric cables or hot water pipes, and are suitable for small or large spaces. Slab heating uses off peak electricity or natural gas, while thin film heating uses peak electricity but is more efficient than other electric heaters. Underfloor heating not only heats the floor but also warms the entire room, leaving a balmy temperature. Using a timer, you can save more energy by having the floors heated only when needed. This subtle heating mechanism will leave a lasting impression on users and you will find it hard to walk bare foot on cold tiles again!

Heat Lamps

Heat lamps are the most common type of heating as they are immediately hot when switched on. You will find them mounted on the ceiling combined with lights and an exhaust fan, usually in small bathrooms because of the centralisation of heat around its location. To overcome this problem, additional heat lamps can be installed. Greater efficiency can be achieved by models with temperature controls.

Permanent Heaters

This heating system, also known as strip, bar or radiator heaters, is mounted on the walls. They heat up quickly and produce sufficient heating for a room. Ideal for bigger bathrooms, the electrical wires can be linked to light switches to keep all the controls together. While radiator heaters work safely lower down, bar heaters should be fitted higher up as they emit plenty of heat and consequently, comes a risk of burns.

Heated Towel Rails

What is better than using a dry towel? A warm, dry towel! Heated towel rails are powered by electricity and are designed to dry and warm your towels. The key to maximising the warmth from your heated towel rail is positioning as they release enough heat to pass through the towels to warm the air temperature of your bathroom. Unfortunately this is a slow process, so this product is best suited for smaller bathrooms.

Positive Temperature Coefficient Bathroom Heaters

Looking for a more energy efficient option? A Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater may be for you. The heat is generated by small ceramic stones that once a certain temperature is reached, it will sustain that level of heating – making PTC heaters energy efficient and safe. You can also purchase these heaters combined with energy efficient lights and an exhaust fan.

Tips to run your bathroom heating efficiently

Whether you are heating up a personal bathroom, you can keep it efficient. The foundation is to choose a heater that is an appropriate size for the space. This will prevent the heater from working harder than necessary to produce sufficient or oversupplying heat. Secondly, only have the heating system on when needed – this can be supported by installing a timer to program the required hours. 

There are plenty of options available to heat your bathroom safely and efficiently. To make the experience more pleasant, use soft hand towels or a warm hand dryer, consider a set of aroma reeds for a lasting scent. A bathroom or restroom should be a comfortable environment for users and this can be achieved with ease. 

 

Granny Flats aren’t just for Grandparents

Have you ever thought about expanding your home, but not sure of the requirements or value in doing so?

Having a secondary dwelling on your property is becoming increasingly popular across Australia. Whether it’s a solution for our growing and ageing population and rising rental prices or an escape to a parents’ retreat, granny flats are an affordable way to expand the living space on your property. Not only do they improve the value of your home, but also accommodate for more private living.

Granny flats as self-contained extensions can be constructed in three ways – within the house, attached to the house, or separate from the house. NSW Government outlines that granny flats must be on the same lot of land as the principal house and not on a separate lot, in a strata plan or in a community title scheme. There is only to be one house and one granny flat existing on the property – not on a subdivision.

There are particular standards and regulations that come into play when designing and building a granny flat. The legal maximum size for granny flats is 60 square metres, and they must be built in line with the Building Code of Australia. Furthermore, the combined total floor space of the two structures needs to comply with local council standards. Planning controls must also be met, including building height and setbacks, floor space ratios, and open space.

Designing a granny flat comes with endless possibilities – from an open-plan studio space to spacious two-bedroom apartment set-ups. The opportunities for different layouts and styles enable home-owners to use the space for a variety of uses, depending on their spatial needs. Some suggestions are a home office, rumpus room, parents’ retreat, design studio or home gym.

The flexibility of and range of functions for granny flats is what drives their attractiveness to home owners. As long as adequate backyard space is maintained, the addition of a granny flat on unused space can successfully improve your property value – particularly as you can rent out the space for some extra income.

So, if your teenagers are driving you crazy, or you need the extra room for another person, a granny flat could be your solution. The diversity in design choices will allow you to create a space that will meet your needs and improve the value of your home.