by Pat Krushen

Standards touch your life every day. Products that you encounter and use in daily life should be expected to conform to certain standards and certifications. Whether you are using your toaster, driving your car, using the elevator in a building or purchasing clothing or toys for your children, we all look to standards to ensure that product quality conforms to our expectations.

Canadian Standards International states “A standard is a document that has been prepared, approved, and published by a recognized standards organization, and contains rules, requirements, or procedures for an orderly approach to a specific activity. Standards may include product design requirements, test methods, classifications, recommended practices, and other considerations.

Many standards define safety requirements intended to reduce the risk of personal injury due to electrical shock or fire. Some standards set levels of performance for products. Some address social concerns, such as how our environment is managed or how information is used.” http://www.csa-international.org/who_accepts_csa/

For manufacturers, the process of certification is time consuming and very expensive. That cost is in-turn passed on to you the consumer, but it means a higher quality product and you can be confident that the manufacturer has put great effort into ensuring your safety. It also means that a product will be compatible with other household components such as electricity and plumbing.

There are a variety of walk in bathtubs on the market today with a great range in price. Those that are selling at an unbelievably low price are often not certified to Canadian and US standards. This may be because the manufacturer has just not wanted to spend the time or money to certify the product or it may be because the product is being manufactured in a country where such standards are not important.

When a qualified installer comes to do a walk in bathtub installation in your home, he/she must abide by the rules set out the trade industry which insist that the product being installed conform to CSA/UL standards for Canada and the US. If the product and or its components are not certified, a tradesperson cannot install it without putting his license as a tradesman in jeopardy. If there are problems with the product in regards to quality or safety you can go back to the manufacturer and expect to have the problem corrected.

A walk in bathtub is expected to ensure safe bathing for the user. What can be more important than safety, particularly to those who are most vulnerable, seniors and those with disabilities?

Does walk in bathtub certification matter? Yes, of course it does and though there may be models on the market that are so much less money than others, pay attention to their certification – it may mean the difference in your safety and yes, in even getting it installed.

For further information on safe bathing and walk in bathtubs visit http://www.safetybath.com.

About the Author

Pat Krushen is a former teacher and sign language interpreter, hugely aware of lifestyle limitations due to physical abilities. She is currently a web designer and free lance writer, now involved in the walk in bathtub industry.

Image courtesy of reVISION

A Good Renovation Agreement Should Include…

* Protect your valuables. Clear the work area so it’s free of furniture, drapes and art. Make sure you cover anything left behind so it doesn’t get covered in dust.

* Product Selections should be made early. To ensure the smooth progress of work, having specific items, like cabinets, flooring and lighting, already chosen will make the process quicker.

* Be available to your renovator on short notice. You will have to make a number of smaller decisions throughout the process so contact with your renovator will make sure the schedule stays on track.

* Keep changes to a minimum. Although most renovators are willing to accommodate changes to the original plan, it may result in a cost increase and time delay.

* Discuss your concerns as they arise. It’s never a good idea to wait for the “right moment”.

* Provide payment as agreed upon. Make sure payment terms are agreed upon in advance.

* Accept the unpredictable with grace. Foul weather, unavailable products and unforeseen complications are part of the renovation experience and will be dealt with by your renovator in a professional manner.

Tips to Incorporate into your Green Renovation

A green renovation will improve indoor air quality, which in turn will improve your quality of living and your health. Just by incorporating natural materials and high quality, energy efficient lighting will inevitably give your space a natural beauty and comfort. On top of this, you will gain the ecological benefits by lowering your carbon footprint. Some tips that will lead you to a greener way of living could include following:

* Non-toxic sealants, paints, flooring, cabinetry and countertops
* Hard surface flooring for easy cleaning and easy care
* Abundant natural daylight
* Locally extracted granite countertops
* Light-colored interior finishes allowing light to bounce around the home (ex, white, low VOC paint)
* Energy efficient lighting
* Water efficient fixtures
* Energy Star appliances

This article was provided by reVISION Custom Home Renovations. Its company mission is to “make it happen” and help you realize your vision for your renovation. We partner with you to make your dream a reality. We are transformation specialists working with you to put heart into your home. For more info visit www.revisionrenovations.com or email: info@revisionrenovations.com and call: 604.835.4033.

BUYING YOUR FIRST PLACE?

Then HGTV is looking for you!

MY FIRST PLACE, HGTV’s hit series, is coming back for an ninth season and looking to cast first-time homebuyers (and their agents!) in the St. Louis area and in Austin RIGHT NOW!

The show is looking for fun, high-energy people who are just starting the home-buying process for their first place and would like to share their story with HGTV.  The goal is to capture all the trials and tribulations of looking for, bidding on and buying your first place.

Taping takes place this summer. Ideal candidates will be enthusiastic buyers with a great story to tell and a desire to share their experiences. Singles, couples and families are all invited to apply!

Candidates who complete taping will receive a surprise housewarming gift as part of the show and also a DVD copy of their episode to document their first home buying experience for all time!

Request an application by emailing:

astoehrmann@highnoontv.com