Upgrades to the King’s Wharf pier will mean it matches “the size and stature” of Heritage Wharf, so that larger ships are able to berth there, according to the Ministry of Transport.

Piling drilling and the laying of prefabricated concrete is due to start on October 2, creating 100 feet extensions on each side of the Kings Wharf terminal building, between the pier and the dolphins.

It will also create more gangways, so passengers can more easily embark and disembark the ships.

Ability to host larger cruise ships

If all goes according to plan, it will open in April 2026.

A transport spokeswoman said: “Should time and weather cooperate, the tour dock on the north side of the terminal will be extended by 100 feet to accommodate the Norwegian Cruise Line tender Spirit of St George so it may berth across from the NCL ships while they are in port.

“The vision is to upgrade Kings Wharf to size and stature of Heritage Wharf.”

The work is being done through a partnership between the ministry, Norwegian Cruise Line and the Bermuda Land Corporation.

Transport minister Wayne Furbert has said it improves Bermuda’s ability to host the kind of large vessels that currently berth at Heritage Wharf.

The spokeswoman said: “By extending the pier, it will provide more options for various ships, enhance ship operations and the guest experience, allowing for faster disembarkation and embarkation passenger flows.

“The extended pier will also attract certain ships back to Bermuda.”

Deal to bolster tourism

King’s Wharf and the Royal Naval Dockyard were built by convicts shipped over from Britain in the early 1800s and at one stage was the UK’s largest overseas naval base.

It operated as a naval base for more than 100 years, when Dockyard was regarded as a key part in the strategic defence of the Western Atlantic.

In recent decades, Dockyard has evolved into a tourist destination, and King’s Wharf has undergone a series of construction projects so that it can host increasingly large cruise ships.

The latest work comes after Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings extended an operating agreement with the Ministry of Transport to 2037.

While construction work takes place, Bermuda will receive fewer cruise ship visits, but the ministry says the move will sow the seeds for a busier 2026.

NCLH executive vice-president Dan Farkas has said the expansion will mean the King’s Wharf pier can “comfortably accommodate our larger vessels” and “enhance the overall visitor experience”.

The agreement, he said, “underscores our commitment to the island”.

The post King size project in the West End appeared first on RG Magazines.

Because while there’s an exciting future in store for the former Casemates Barracks, the National Museum of Bermuda is determined that we don’t forget its culturally important past.

“Through a phased, multi-year effort NMB intends to repurpose the entire five-acre property for innovative and educational uses,” said Elena Strong, the executive director of NMB.

“To do this, we must save the buildings.”

And that’s what’s been happening for nearly two decades.

The buildings were originally the home of soldiers who manned the Royal Naval Dockyard’s fortifications and ammunition storehouses about two centuries ago.

They later served a variety of purposes, including housing the Scottish “Black Watch”, British military officers, Canadian Navy and incarcerating men as Bermuda’s maximum-security prison from 1961 to 1994.

Protecting history

However, after its abandonment 31 years ago, natural forces — wind, rain and invasive vegetation — wreaked havoc on the buildings.

But Ms Strong noted the Casemates complex has played a key role in two centuries of local and global history.

“The buildings and tunnels that comprise the site are exceptional records of 19th century architecture and military technology,” she explained.

“The thick limestone walls of the buildings are bomb-proof, and the casemated roofs were false targets for incoming attacks.”

Since 2006, the Museum has carried out pre-restoration work on the property, including clearing invasive vegetation and debris, and cleaning up via teams of community and corporate volunteers.

The buildings were documented using a 3-D laser scanner and secret tunnels, historic features and old roadways were archaeologically recorded; artwork on the walls of the buildings from the prison era were photographed and documented.

Injection of support

The Government of Bermuda transferred Casemates and its adjacent fortifications to the then Bermuda Maritime Museum in 2013.

This created the NMB, which is committed to historic preservation, saving Bermuda’s cultural assets and re-imagining derelict historic buildings as public resources.

Things stepped up last spring thanks to an injection of philanthropic support to the National Museum’s The Future of History Campaign.

Major work was carried out on the roof early last year. Since then, construction teams have been:

• pointing the roof parapet
• fixing chimneys
• adding roof access doors
• removing invasive plants from the building’s face
• adding new water overflows and drainage systems
• fixing damaged historic walls
• sealing up the building to allow drying out.

The Bermuda Project Management Limited is overseeing the work, which is carried out by Island Construction, Crisson Construction and Gray & Co.

Exciting future

The NMB is excited about the Atlantic World Studies plan and is engaged in a feasibility study and options analysis.

They plan to “generate and share new research findings and use its work to inform strategies and new approaches to tackle global issues”.

Ms Strong said: “Our vision is to establish a multi-disciplinary research institute partnering with universities, institutes and scholars to advance research in Atlantic World Studies.

“The intention is to foster an environment for transformative thinking and research on the 1,000 years of human interaction in the Atlantic World.”

It will mean more access to higher education for local and overseas undergraduate and graduate students pursuing social sciences, the humanities, the sciences and the arts, equipping them with the skills for new discoveries. It will also be a space for community learning and engagement.

“Operating under the umbrella of the National Museum of Bermuda it will cement Bermuda’s position as a global centre for fresh scholarship, collaboration and innovation,” Ms Strong said.

The post Preserving our history appeared first on RG Magazines.

When do you Do It Yourself? And when you should call in a pro?

A short answer is to hire a professional when you need a break, when you have more money than time, when you don’t want to do the job yourself or you don’t know how, or when the outcome will be reviewed by an inspector.

When it comes to household projects, if you are knowledgeable and safe, you can DIY. Here are

some projects and tips on when you want to do it yourself:

Painting

Yes, but be careful with elevation, said Patrick Caton, founder and president of Caliper Engineering Services.

Working with ladders, staging, and especially when you are on a roof, keep safety in mind. Also be sure to get the right type of paints and be careful with solvents.

“They have warning labels for a reason,” Mr Caton said. Be sure you have the right equipment, including protective gear.

Changing a light fixture

“Well,” said Tim Augustus, founder and principal consultant at Novum Solutions, “it depends on the fixture!”

Understand that if it is not the exact same fixture, you will most likely have to change some of the components. For example, Mr Caton said you cannot install a dimmer switch on LEDs or any fluorescents as it is a fire hazard.

Hire a pro if you’re even a little bit uncertain of what to do.

Hacking furniture

This is a resounding yes. Not only can you learn new skills while you’re doing a project for your own home, this can evolve into a nice side hustle for those who are so inclined. As long as you are not altering the structure or loading of the piece, you are fine, Mr Caton said.

Fixing countertop appliances

If you have a systematic, inquisitive mind, sure! Mr Caton shared that he was the type of child that took lots of things apart (got some licks while he was at it!) but got to the point that he could put things back together and they worked. Trial and error once more comes into play (scars and burns, anyone?), so he encourages safe exploration during this process. If you’re hesitant for whatever reason, take it to a professional. Safety always comes first.

Updating electrical

“Oh my goodness, no!” they both exclaimed. This is an “always hire a pro” situation unless you are a qualified electrician yourself.

There have been sufficient “spaghetti-mess” situations to have them both solid in this answer. With our stone and cinderblock walls, this can be a particular challenge.

“Our building codes exist for a reason,” Mr Caton laughed. “They stop you from bursting into flames or falling apart.”

For the sake of public knowledge, look up the building safety codes if you want to do a DIY project. Look up the International Building Code online for any structural projects, the National Electric Code is available for any wiring jobs, the BOCA Code is there to look up any plumbing work, and more.

Safety first

So when should you always hire an expert? Basically, anything that comes to life safety. This includes foundations, roofing and, in case you’ve forgotten, electrical.

Also remember that when you have a permit to conduct your work, the inspectors are your friends: they are not picking on you.

“They want you to live,” Mr Caton said. Take advantage of their expertise so you can get the job done right. For example, have someone look over your drainage network as sewer gases are a major hazard.

Nothing is off limits, depending on your ability, but you should temper your enthusiasm on the more dangerous things. Consider the safety of others as well as yourself.

“This is the difference between installing a landscaping or hardscaping project and putting up a structure,” Mr Augustus explained.

“One has a lot more safety issues to consider than the other.”

Both men have seen people build an entire house from the ground up with no papers, so it is crucial to recognise your skill level no matter what the project.

Ask for help

Local charities and organisations can offer advice, but Mr Augustus and Mr Caton recommend “YouTube University”.

“This Old House on PBS has some of the better, more methodical techniques for one to follow,” Mr Caton said.

“Fine Homebuilding and a lot of the building trade magazines have good structural stuff on their websites as well.”

Don’t forget Pinterest!

If you are going to DIY, share as much information as you can with the person you are purchasing from. Mr Caton named Karolina at Rowe Spurling Paint and Kenny at Masters Ltd as great advisers, but insisted most stores are happy to help.

To sum it all up, know yourself. Be safe. Call a pro when needed and DIY when you can. Enjoy!

The post To DIY or not to DIY appeared first on RG Magazines.

Steven Douglas is general manager at Otis Bermuda and Patrick Chapman is lead mechanic. They explained what maintenance is required to keep elevators in good, safe working order, gave advice for taking care of them in between inspections, and warned what can go wrong when they are not serviced regularly.

How much maintenance an elevator requires depends on how often it is used, and Otis Bermuda offers a variety of maintenance contract options.

“We tailor it to the demand,” Mr Douglas said. “We can either give you monthly, quarterly or semi-annual maintenance plans.”

Regular services include checking the elevator’s mechanical, electrical and safety components along with preventative measures such as lubrication, cleaning and component replacements, and emergency repair services.

They also have a 24-hour call back service. “We can’t turn the phone off,” he laughed.

Conserving energy

Otis Bermuda installs and maintains small residential elevators and chairlifts, wheelchairlifts, escalators, dumbwaiters, conveyor belts and commercial elevators for both small and large buildings.

The oldest elevators they maintain have been in use for more than 60 years. The most modern system they have installed, and manage, is a machine roomless, belted, ReGen elevator in a Class A City of Hamilton building, complete with security system that tracks users via swipe cards.

The Otis ReGen drive conserves energy that would be wasted as heat during braking. It captures this energy and feeds it back into the building’s electric grid. It can then be used for another building system such as lighting.

“If you do a good install from the beginning, the first five years is what is known as your ‘free time’,” continued Mr Douglas.

“You’re just doing maintenance and cleaning. After that, you start to see more wear and tear in components. The first things to start changing are door rollers. Those are the ones working the most.”

Replace old components

In between inspections, building managers and owners should also ensure debris doesn’t get stuck in the door tracks, conduct regular visual checks, and report issues immediately so they can be fixed before requiring major repairs. The machine room should also be kept clean and dust free.

While some elevators in older buildings might be decades old, he explained: “Back then, they were built to last. Nowadays, they build most components to replace.”

So, even though modern elevators look good, incorporate sophisticated technology and have customisable interiors, he recommended modernising them after 15 to 20 years. This is because some of the components start to become obsolete.

“Modernisation doesn’t entail ripping everything out,” assured Mr Chapman. “You look at changing all the electricals, the ropes and the door operators.” You’re not reinstalling a whole new elevator, just replacing the major functioning items.

Inspect regularly

To illustrate the cost of not keeping up elevator maintenance, they shared an example of an elevator that was shut down when a building tenant moved out.

“They cut the maintenance contract, then 2½ years later, they got a tenant,” they said. “The elevator started back up, but every month there were major issues because components hadn’t been used or maintained.

“Without regular inspections and maintenance, elevators are prone to breakdowns that could lead to costly repairs or even accidents.

“Common issues that arise from neglect include malfunctioning doors, failure of safety mechanisms, electrical failures, and worn-out components. In the worst cases, poorly maintained elevators can become a safety hazard, putting passengers at risk.”

The post Elevate your elevator appeared first on RG Magazines.

Yet, despite its benefits, the adoption of solar panels in individual homes remains sluggish.

The question remains: What’s holding us back from harnessing the power of the sun?

According to Stratton Hatfield, BE Solar’s chief sales and marketing officer, three primary obstacles stand in the way: the upfront costs, challenges with planning and the regulatory authority, and a pervasive knowledge gap.

“These challenges often result in delayed decision-making or outright decisions against adopting clean energy,” Mr Hatfield said, highlighting a pivotal issue in the quest for a cleaner, greener future.

Financial fears and innovations

For many, the financial aspect of solar installation is daunting.

The initial investment can be significant, and coupled with limited financing options, it can deter potential adopters from taking the leap. However, Mr Hatfield notes innovative solutions aimed at making solar more accessible.

“Local banks like Clarien, HSBC & Butterfield are offering lower interest green loans, and policies like net metering and a Feed-in-Tariff help reduce project pricing,” he explained.

The Bermuda Government has also cut duties on solar components to zero, making the prospect even more appealing.

Technical troubles – and solutions

Apart from financial concerns, technical and logistical hurdles also manifest, such as grid integration and installation delays due to the Department of Planning and weather.

BE Solar’s approach involves streamlining the permit process and designing custom solutions, ensuring a smoother transition to solar.

Mr Hatfield said BE Solar is working closely with the Department of Planning and Belco to overcome such obstacles.

Policy and perception

Local and national regulations can also play a significant role in solar panel installation feasibility.

Lengthy approvals and changes in electrical codes can stymie progress, but efforts are underway to simplify the process. Mr Hatfield described the Competent Persons Programme, an initiative aimed at expediting installations, as a positive development.

Misinformation and lack of awareness can also serve as barriers. BE Solar is combating these through workshops, case studies and community engagement.

“These efforts have been effective in increasing interest and adoption,” Mr Hatfield said.

“BE Solar continues to host free workshops to provide clear, factual information to those looking to learn about clean energy technology including its benefits and limitations.”

The company also regularly showcases successful installations to build trust and inspire confidence, and spreads the word at schools, local events, and on social media.

The road ahead

BE Solar’s focus in the coming months will remain on lobbying for government and regulatory support, reducing costs, improving energy storage solutions, and enhancing policy support.

Mr Hatfield encourages potential clients to participate by educating themselves, supporting clean energy policies, and investing in solar technology.

“Empowering a Sustainable Bermuda is more than a slogan: it’s a shared responsibility that calls for collective action,” he said.

“By tackling the barriers to solar installation head-on, Bermuda can blaze a trail for renewable energy adoption, leading by example and inspiring others to follow suit.

“I truly believe that with informed initiatives and community engagement, the dream of a fully sustainable island doesn’t have to be light-years away. After all, the power to accelerate clean energy lies within us,” he maintained.

The post Speeding up clean energy appeared first on RG Magazines.

Spearheaded by Friends of Hospice and guided by an empathetic vision, this initiative seeks not only to provide medical services but to redefine the entire approach to care for the elderly and terminally ill.

Jennifer Mahoney, the executive director of Friends of Hospice, spoke with RG Construction about the underlying philosophy of this revolutionary care model.

“Our goal is not just to redefine palliative and end-of-life care in Bermuda, but the concept of care itself – regardless of the area of focus,” she said.

A groundbreaking celebration took place on site, in Spice Hill Road, Warwick, last September, after the lot was cleared for construction.

The project is now going through a carefully detailed and phased building programme, from excavation to interior fit-out.

According to Ms Mahoney, the systematic approach underscores the meticulous planning and community hope invested in this project.

Woodland Grove Care Centre isn’t just a building: it’s a sanctuary designed to offer exceptional, unconditional care.

Ms Mahoney said: “Our six core values are not just abstract ideals but are palpably reflected in the centre’s architecture, programmes, and most importantly, its ethos.”

Care with dignity

Ms Mahoney emphasises a holistic approach driven by the Eden Alternative ethos, which is supported by the charity’s core values: dignity, compassion, respect, excellence, empathy, and innovation.

The Eden Alternative’s influence is evident in every facet of the centre’s design.

“Every element and space within the Care Centre and on its grounds were developed with this care ethos and our core values in mind,” Ms Mahoney explained.

This model fosters an environment where seniors aren’t just housed but are genuinely cared for in a manner that promotes their quality of life and ongoing engagement with the community.

Solution to senior living needs

Addressing Bermuda’s acute need for senior housing, Ms Mahoney highlighted the critical role of Woodland Grove.

“It’s not just about the number of seniors that will be able to call Woodland Grove home —there will be 25 available spots — but the environment that will be made available to them and how it will impact their quality of life.”

This approach promises to mitigate issues like depression and isolation by engaging seniors in meaningful activities, a cornerstone of the centre’s operational philosophy.

Moreover, the facility is poised to serve as a beacon for educational excellence in palliative care.

Shaping future caregivers

“Our first step was to establish the Friends of Hospice Brian Morris Palliative Care Scholarship fund,” Ms Mahoney noted.

“The longer-term goal is to partner with the Bermuda College Nursing Programme and have Woodland Grove support their students by acting as a training center.”

This strategic educational component is vital as it ensures ongoing professional development and exposure to innovative care practices, such as the Eden Alternative training.

Community involvement in the project has been robust and encouraging.

“Everyone has been extremely supportive of the project, and we really do see this as a community project,” Ms Mahoney said.

Such involvement is crucial for the sustainability and operational success of healthcare initiatives, particularly those that challenge traditional paradigms and introduce innovative care models.

According to organisers, the Woodland Grove Care Centre is striving to be a testament to the power of visionary leadership and community collaboration in creating spaces that honour the full spectrum of life and care.

Through this ambitious project, Bermuda is setting a precedent for the future of senior living and palliative care, projecting a model that other communities globally might be inspired to emulate.

The post Building a place of love appeared first on RG Magazines.

But what happens when the unexpected occurs?

“Typically in Bermuda the predominant reason why homeowners claim for insurance is obviously due to our active hurricane season,” said Tanya Bule, head of International Wealth and Personal Banking & Marketing at HSBC Bermuda.

“But we also sometimes see claims associated with damage due to water leaks or roof damage or many other unexpected issues. Occasionally, we see issues arising from a landlord-tenant relationship.”

HSBC does not provide insurance directly, but acts as a sales agent for BF&M. Most insurance companies in Bermuda offer similar policies.

“I think the primary issue related to insuring property is property potentially being underinsured,” she said.

“This is when there is a gap between the insured value of the property and actual replacement value. This can occur for many reasons, such as the rising cost of construction.

“Thankfully, we don’t see this very often, but what you can sometimes see is that the projected cost of replacement doesn’t actually meet the cost of rebuild or replacement.”

Take responsibility

It’s important, then, that the value of a property reflects current market conditions and takes into consideration any upgrades or high-end finishes that may have been installed.

“Sometimes people see this as the responsibility of the insurance company, but it really is the responsibility of the homeowner, or the asset owners themselves,” Ms Bule said.

“The challenge of that is, of course, if unfortunately the worst did come to pass, you obviously want to be able to replace your home. It is a borrower’s legal obligation to ensure that any mortgaged property is adequately insured at the property’s full replacement value.”

Unlike in the past, total property losses may increase with the prevalence of stronger storms due to climate change.

“You need to make sure you’re adequately insured for all types of probabilities and this assessment should take place every year upon renewal of your property insurance,” she said.

“We recommend discussing this with your insurance company. We strongly recommend insuring your property for the entire current value of the property or there could be some serious issues if you have to make a claim and the property was not insured for its full value.”

Avoid a big risk

Most people, Ms Bule believes, understand why insurance premiums are necessary.

“Especially if you’re seeking financing, they’re aware that it’s a requirement to insure the property for the full replacement value of the property. We explain to customers that this insurance doesn’t only protect the bank, it protects the customer as well,” she said.

“But insurance is generally one of the first things that people try to ‘do without’ when they are in financial distress. Not only could this breach the terms of a borrower’s mortgage, but it is like playing Russian roulette with their future financial health.

“We encourage people to discuss different options for paying premiums, such as where a customer can pay premiums annually, monthly or quarterly, to try to ease the financial burden.”

The post Don’t play insurance Russian roulette appeared first on RG Magazines.

That seems to be ever true if you’re looking for a career in the construction industry.

According to industry veterans Tim Augustus and Patrick Caton, however, there’s more than one way to get your foot in the door.

Mr Augustus, founder and principal consultant at Novum Solutions, and Mr Caton, founder and president of Caliper Engineering Services, shared how they got to where they are today, while providing advice on how you can start your construction field journey.

Firstly, they said, you should think about the types of roles or work that interest you. Secondly, find out what qualifications you need for that role. Then complete relevant training to help you get started or find an apprenticeship or on-the-job training to see if it is really for you.

Of course, you have to be both willing and capable of doing a job.

Make an approach

Both Mr Augustus and Mr Caton got their first opportunity through a family member or friend in the industry.

Their next steps included going through government-run or private organisations to become more well-versed in the needs of the Bermuda construction industry.

But never fear if you don’t know someone in the industry: make an approach anyway.

Mr Caton said: “Most of the established firms here would love to have young, interested persons with potential that they could train and level up to get certified in different trades.

“You could even go the professional route and become engineers, architects or project managers as it takes all types to get the job done.”

Get trained

There is a lot of demand for construction workers, but not the matching interest, even though a career in construction can mean jobs in a wide variety of fields, including electrical, plumbing, welding, drywall, solar, millwright and crew leadership. There is something for everyone.

The issue is not unique to Bermuda: the United States are three million jobs short while Canada is down roughly half a million despite robust training programmes.

The National Center for Construction Education and Research programme is offered in some Bermuda schools, providing industry-recognised credentials which can help accelerate your trajectory locally or in the US, Caribbean and Central America. After completing courses through this organisation, you are automatically employable.

The industry believes there are many people in Bermuda who could get the credentials to become knowledgeable, skilled and trained professionals.

Fundamentals

If you’re not sure how to get started, Mr Augustus recommends the Department of Workforce Development as a good resource. The Adult Education School also offers an NCCER course and career advice.

Mr Augustus said: “Getting the work ethic in first is a great way to get into the field. Getting into a good company and just absorbing knowledge is an excellent start.”

According to Mr Caton, there are only three things you need to do to thrive in this field:

1) Show up on time.

2) Do what you’re supposed to do, not what you’re told.

3) Communicate.

Well, I think I’m eligible to start my new career with that knowledge. How about you?

The post Get trained – get a job appeared first on RG Magazines.

A visit to BAC can make it possible. At the showroom on Mill Creek Road, you’ll discover exquisite bathroom fixtures and unexpected innovations you never knew you needed: self-flushing toilets, touchless faucets and luxurious walk-in tubs are among the opulent offerings.

The products are from Kohler, a globally recognised brand renowned for its “quality, innovation, and design excellence”, and its sister brand, Kallista, known for delivering “unparalleled craftsmanship and refinement”.

As the island’s “exclusive authorised distributor” of both brands, BAC offers the products at US manufacturer-suggested retail prices, with freight, duty, wharfage and customs fees already included.

“Kohler is a globally recognised brand known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and design excellence,” said Charmaine Burgess, the director of marketing and communications for BAC Group.

“While it offers a range of premium kitchen and bath products that cater to various budgets, it is also known for its high-end collections that bring luxury and sophistication into the home.”

This includes elegantly designed faucets, spa-like soaking tubs and advanced smart technology in bathroom fixtures.

If you’re looking for luxury, check out Kallista’s cast bronze, polished marble, custom colours and handcrafted finishes, which Ms Burgess said blend artistry with functionality.

Comfortable bathroom experience

Dennis Musson, the assistant showroom and retail manager, said there is a vast range of options on the BAC floor.

Smart toilets are near the top of his list of luxury bathroom items. High-end models have the option of a remote control with such advanced functions that can make the bathroom experience more comfortable and convenient: bidet settings, adjustable water pressure, seat heating and air drying.

Buyers have the choice of floor or wall-mounted, but the latter offers some practical advantages: floor space is freed up, it is easier to clean the area around it, the height can be customised to suit the user and having the toilet tank hidden inside the wall reduces noise when flushing.

“You don’t have to lift a finger. You walk up to the toilet and the lid comes up by itself,” Mr Musson said.

Walk-in baths

Cabinets with LED lighting that can be adjusted to need are another of his favourites, but the retailer believes Kohler’s walk-in bath with built-in seating will also be a huge hit when they arrive, especially with seniors and athletes.

“These tubs will have different features: body jets and all sorts of things,” he said. “You can get a basic tub just to wash yourself, or you can get one with all the bells and whistles such as body jets, different massage components and things of that nature.”
If you prefer to shower, the Kohler Anthem thermostatic valve allows users to set and maintain their preferred water temperature, preventing sudden fluctuations caused by other water usage such as flushing toilets or running appliances.

State-of-the-art showers

Various models are available, and BAC offers one that can manage six showerheads, body sprays, and hand showers simultaneously.

Homeowners can elevate that experience by investing in WaterTile, a Kohler showerhead that integrates seamlessly into the ceiling or the wall. WaterTiles are often used in high-end or spa-like shower systems, sometimes combined with multiple units to create a 360-degree water immersion experience.

Matte black, chrome, brushed nickel and French gold are among the options for finishes.

Mr Musson added: “You can have a ceiling rain shower, you can have a hand-held to wash your hair, or you can just have a regular showerhead that comes out of the wall.”

Music lovers haven’t been forgotten — some Kohler models even offer Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to enjoy your favourite tunes while you shower!

The post Turn your bathroom into a luxurious spa appeared first on RG Magazines.

Hardware stores are seeing a steady demand for materials for simple DIY projects that enhance comfort and turn disused spaces into sleek functional environments.

RG Construction visited Baptiste Limited, on Kyber Pass, Warwick, to get the lowdown on the latest trends, from owner and CEO Sacha Bearden.

Custom closets made simple

“For a big transformation with minimal effort you really can’t beat an Easy Track closet system,” Ms Bearden said.

“We recently installed a custom closet as a surprise for my mom and it was so simple to do – the only tools we needed were a drill, screwdriver and a measuring tape. It actually took longer to empty and then rehang her clothes than it did to install the unit.

“Unlike traditional custom closets which are entirely built-in, with this system all you have to do is mount one track on the back wall of your closet and all of the component pieces are suspended from it.

“Then you simply assemble and hang whatever closet or pantry accessories, such as clothing rods, drawers, shelves or shoe racks, you desire on the track.”

Upgrading your toilet

If your home was constructed before 1980 it might be a great idea to replace your bathroom toilet. Not only are modern toilets budget-friendly, water-saving and more aesthetically pleasing, but there are also models with “chair-height seats” which make sitting down and standing up easier, reducing strain on the knees and joints.

A modern water-saving toilet only uses about 1.28 gallons per flush compared to older models that use anywhere from 3.5 to 7. That’s a water saving of at least 60 per cent, which can translate to a savings of up to 13,000 gallons of water annually in a busy household.

“A lot of people don’t realise just how easy it is to change a toilet – and it so worth doing,” Ms Bearden said.

“These days, every toilet that we sell comes with all the necessary installation parts right in the box including a wax ring, bolts, seat, handle, as well as the internal valve mechanism.

“All you really need to do is watch a couple of how-to videos on YouTube and then remember to turn off the water supply valve before you start disconnecting the old toilet.”

Enhancing outdoor spaces

Don’t let cracked concrete or a lack of privacy stand between you and making full enjoyment of your precious outdoor space this spring.

Baptiste Limited now offers a full range of maintenance free outdoor décor options that can withstand Bermuda’s intense sun and salty air.

“Our Naturae Décor faux foliage expandable PVC trellis and leafy foliage panel can add texture and natural appeal to home gardens, balconies, railings and exterior walls while providing a hassle-free way to enhance privacy,” Ms Bearden said.

“It’s a cost-effective alternative to traditional landscaping, which delivers curb appeal without need for watering or pruning.

“We also stock special paints for tinting worn out concrete and a line of durable planters in a range of fashionable neutral tones that you can fill with real or faux plants to complete your look.”

Whether you’re upgrading storage, enhancing comfort or boosting curb appeal, even a first-time DIYer can complete simple projects with a professional and budget-friendly result.

For further information, visit https://www.facebook.com/BaptisteLimited/ or call 236-2095.

The post From drab to fab appeared first on RG Magazines.