Top tips to consider when remodeling a bathroom
As with any renovation within your home, there are many considerations that go into creating the perfect bathroom for you that looks great and functions as needed. we’ve got a few crucial tips for you to keep in mind for a successful bathroom remodel.
1. Pick durable materials
Bathrooms have a lot of wear and tear every day. They need to be able to cope with big temperature changes and many different levels of humidity and outright water exposure. Bathrooms also endure a lot of foot traffic, and need to be cleaned more often and stand the test of time with harsh cleaning materials and cleaning tools.
It can be quite the task to pick materials that cant stand up to all of this.
Getting the most out of a bathroom remodel often means knowing where to save and where to spend money on high-quality materials. Often, cutting costs on materials will end up costing you much more in the long run as they’ll need replacing in a few years.
The most durable bathroom materials will look like new for much longer and some will last your lifetime or more. They’ll retain their high-quality aesthetic and won’t be prone to damp-related issues.
Be sure to specify high-quality, non-porous tile in your design. Porcelain is usually a good choice.
Avoid cheap particle-board cabinets that can quickly swell and fail in damp environments. Likewise, choose solid wood trim over MDF.
Most porcelain sinks and cast-iron tubs, even less expensive ones, will hold up well, but avoid cheap fiberglass or acrylic surfaces.
Invest in high-quality plumbing fixtures with solid brass mixing valves; they will last a lifetime, whereas cheap plastic fixtures will likely fail within a few short years.
2. Bathroom accessibility
While you’re remodeling your bathroom, it’s smart to think about making it accessible. While the idea of having a disability or being less mobile might seem a distant concern, taking a few simple steps now can save you money later.
Accessibility doesn’t necessarily mean adding in grab rails today. Instead, you can add blocking behind the drywall to support grab rails in the future. A walk-in, curb-less shower is also a beautiful option that provides the added benefit of being accessible.
One major feature for accessibility is the choice between bathroom types such as a standard bathroom, half bathroom or even doing a wet bathroom instead.
Standard Bathroom
A standard bathroom or full bath is one that contains a sink, toilet, and a bath, shower, or both. Some older homes were designed with just one full bathroom that the entire family was meant to share.
Master en-suites have the same basic features but are accessed via the master bedroom. Homeowners remodeling or adding a master suite often go for a luxurious spa-like vibe. Think skylights, a soaking tub, and separate steam shower. A properly designed master suite can be a rejuvenating escape at home.
In most cases, a master suite can be added on to a home if one doesn’t already exist. That can free up the existing standard bath for family use and can eliminate long lines at morning shower time.
Half bath
A half bath, or powder room, is a small space that has only a sink and a toilet. If you live in an older Seattle home that has only one full bath, your life could really improve by adding a half bath. If you have guests over for dinner, they can use the powder room and not have to invade your personal bathroom space. Likewise, if you have house guests staying over, it can take some of the pressure off your main bath if you’re all trying to get ready at the same time in the morning.
One of the best things about a half bath is that it doesn’t require a big footprint. We’ve fit half baths in the tightest of spots, including closets and unused corners. Adding a half bath can be an easy way to boost the value of your home as well as make your life easier.
Wet bathroom
A wet bath is a type of full bathroom where the shower isn’t in a separate cubicle or behind a curtain. Wet baths are completely waterproofed, including the floor, cabinets, and walls.
Creating a wet room is one of my favorite approaches to bathroom design. It can look sleek and modern, without any cumbersome shower doors to get in the way. But it is also eminently practical. Because they are fully waterproofed, you don’t have to give a second thought to water splashing on the floor or walls. Wet baths also lend themselves well to universal design principals because there are no curbs or other obstacles that keep someone with limited mobility from passing safely into and out of the shower.
3. Layout, layout, layout
The bathroom layout can be a huge factor in accessibility, aesthetic and maybe most importantly cost. If cost is a major concern think about the existing plumbing and electrical placements, and if possible use them in the new bathroom design. Not moving electrical or rerouting plumbing can save you a lot of money and time when it comes to your bathroom remodel.
