According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), almost 90 percent of seniors want to stay in their own homes as they age. To do so, modifications such as non-slip floor surfaces, wider doorways and bathroom aides must be considered. To meet the demand for universal design in the bath, Innovate Building Solutions’ “wet room” eliminates barriers, yet incorporates stylish design elements.
Wet rooms have been popular in Europe and Asia because of tight square footage, and the one-level design makes them an ideal solution for seniors. When comparing wet rooms to traditional bathrooms, significant differences include:
- In a wet room, the entire bathroom acts as the enclosure instead of an enclosed showering space, although a separate enclosure can be included if desired by the homeowner.
- The tile walls and floor of a wet room allow for more shower space.
- Lack of barriers makes it easy for wheelchair-bound homeowners to roll into the shower.
- A wet room is easier to clean.
- Wet rooms can be created in very small bathroom spaces (even smaller than 5 ft. x 7 ft.).
- Wet rooms can offer a spa-like experience, including extra features such as heated tile floors.
One factor to consider when renovating a home with a wet room is that a portion of the walls and the entire floor must be waterproofed.