For small businesses in the Corridor, bigger is not always better

by Katie Mills Giorgio, correspondent

When it comes to Corridor bathrooms, these days it seems bigger isnt always better.

We are seeing a trend of bathrooms downsizing to accommodate ease of use and care, said Mary Jo Kloft, showroom manager at Master Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning in Cedar Rapids. The 28-year-old company handles service and installation of new products related to plumbing, heating and air conditioning, including bathroom remodeling projects.

Kloft said many homeowners these days are undertaking bathroom remodeling projects that involve removing an existing tub-shower combination and simply installing a shower in its place.

Another trend, Kloft said, is replacing standard height toilets 14 to 16 inches high with comfort-height stools 17 to 19 inches high.

Rob Hajek, president of building and remodeling for Home Repair Team in Cedar Rapids, agreed that clients planning to stay in their homes longer are undertaking remodeling projects to make their home more ideal for their wishes.

The aging in place population wants showers only, he said of the remodeling projects Home Repair Team, a repair company in business since 1998, has worked on.

Walk-in showers, he noted, are very popular as well.

People want a large open shower with glass and either natural lighting or can lights inside the shower area, he said.

Other popular materials and enhancements range from Vikrell a hard, fiberglass material used in pre-made shower modules to custom tile work, cut stone floors and decorative glass incorporated on walls.

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For small businesses in the Corridor, bigger is not always better