Bathrooms: Over $75,000 Mendota Heights

McDonald Remodeling, Inc.

Goals:

The goal for this project is to create a private space that allows this recently physically challenged owner to

perform the most vital, the most personal and the most routine tasks. Additionally, create a space that

looks, feels and functions great for anyone needing to use this newly remodeled bathroom.

Challenges:

• Address existing structural bearing locations and to honor surrounding spaces

• Do not make this look like a handicapped bathroom

• Creating a roll in shower

• Concealed storage for the owner’s required personal medical items and making them accessible

• Provide a sanitary shower bench that is sanitary, cleanable, accessible and structural

• Design a shower large enough for future assistance while also maintaining intimate space for warmth and

reach – anticipate future needs

• Protecting the walls and ceilings from water and wheelchair use

• Making sure the reach to the storage cabinet, sink and the view to the mirror works while in a wheelchair

or standing

• Find a toilet that serves the sanitary needs of the owner

Solutions:

Required space was attained when a steel post was replaced with two addition steel posts under the

existing steel beam. Moving the shop door entry provide more space for the bathroom. Removing the

concrete floor allowed for new pad footings, relocating the plumbing lines and also lowered the shower

floor / drain location to achieve the roll shower. Blocking everywhere allows for great flexibility in placing

grab bars or installing bath hardware. Electrical heat cables in the floor gives the space desired warmth.

Tile finishes on the walls and lowered ceilings creates a great look while also protecting the walls from

impact and water. Installing a toilet with a multi function toilet seat on remote control now serves the

sanitary needs of the owner. Storage cabinets with large toe kick spaces, gives the owner great access.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Designing a cabinet for the owner’s medical cart to roll in and out makes this space very functional and

discrete. Placement of the bench top to be even with the toilet, with stainless finishes and a removable,

gripable Corian top with overlapping edges to the frame makes the bench accessible from the toilet when

transferring, safe, sanitary and durable. Fixed and hand held shower heads make the shower easy to use

and clean. Oversized grab bars in the shower allows the owner to use the space alone now, while flexible

enough for smaller bars later; as more space is anticipated in the shower for future showering assistance.

Direct access to the sink, a custom set vanity height, protected utilities and a lowered mirror placement

allows this space to perform. Lowered light switches, lots of cans, lever handles on oversized entry door,

remote control on the TV, intercom system, movable grab bar at toilet, solid – decorative towel bars that

double as grab bar at the sink all aide in tying this space together for anybody to use. This bathroom is

more than universal, it’s beautiful!

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: continued

FLOOR PLAN: before

FLOOR PLAN: after

BEFORE PHOTO: #1

Proposed new vanity location after the toilet has been relocated

AFTER PHOTO: #1

New vanity with clear toe space, protected utilities, protected tile walls, gripable handrail /

towel bar, plenty of lighting and storage

BEFORE PHOTO: #2

Tub and required support post buried in the wall to be demoed and relocated for new

open floor plan

AFTER PHOTO: #2

With tub and post removed, the floor plan was able to be opened up to create the roll in

shower, new toilet location, storage cabinet and new entry location

BEFORE PHOTO: #3

Existing view from the proposed new shower location

AFTER PHOTO: #3

New view from the shower showing the personal storage cabinet, vanity, hard floor,

ceiling and wall finishes, TV and much needed floor space

AFTER PHOTO: #4

This shows the personal medical cabinet for the roll out cart full of supplies and the

needed trash can that is accessed on a daily basis

AFTER PHOTO: #5

This versatile roll in shower provides the ability to transfer from the toilet with great access

to the shower bench that is sized for both independent and assisted showering