Bathrooms constitute the smallest area in our homes; however, we spend a considerable amount of solo time there.
The bathroom is your personal comforting space where your mind feels free, relaxed, and optimistic. Research has shown that when the mood is positive, one is able to think more creatively. No wonder, the best ideas are generated in the shower! If you are considering remodeling your bathroom, it makes sense to plan for it well in advance.
Whether you desire a down-to-earth cozy restroom or a luxurious bathroom suite, it should be comfortable, well-designed, and pleasing to the eye. Research suggests that bathroom remodeling is, by far, the most common remodeling jobcarried out in the United States. Numerous construction firms can, therefore, confuse you with tall and unrealistic promises on remodeling/renovating yours. Before approaching them, it is critical to be aware of certain factors that will help make your bathroom functional and aesthetic.
Here are seven points you must bear in mind when remodeling your bathroom to ensure that your new space works well for you and stands the test of time.
- Plan the Layout Wisely
You definitely do not want to feel claustrophobic in your new bathroom. Therefore, plan the layout of your bathroom so that there’s enough space for you to move around freely.
Do you really need that bathtub? A tub not only consumes extra area, but also adds to maintenance costs in the long term. You can consider replacing it with a shower area, which is more practical and will consume less space. You can add a shower curtain for differentiating the space from the toilet area.
A well-planned layout will help you use the bathroom space in a better manner. Installing wall-mounted toilet seats, fixing sleek wash basins, and fitting sliding doors are other ways to use the space effectively and make it look larger.
Choose the Right Type of Floor Tiles
The wide variety of floor tiling options is bound to baffle you; however, the durability and the functionality of the tiles should be the primary factors to consider when choosing them for the bathroom. For instance, if you’re choosing between porcelain and stone (like limestone/marble), go for porcelain tiles as they last longer, and are easy to maintain and resistant to discoloration/staining.
Further, larger tiles tend to offer poor traction (unless they are textured) and lesser slope for the water to drain. On the other hand, smaller tiles have closer grout lines and hence, offer better grip/traction. Whether or not they are textured, small tiles dry faster and effortlessly as they offer better slope.
- Pay Attention to the Plumbing
Every fixture in your bathroom – the sink, the toilet seat, the shower, the water heater – relies on the quality of plumbing you choose. Properly-planned plumbing will ensure that your bathroom functions optimally and allow your bathroom fixtures to be compatible with each other. Therefore, it is crucial that you understand what type of water supply/draining system you will require.
For instance, it is advisable to use a two-inch or wider pipe for your bathroom drain. A large amount of hair, dead skin, detergent, and filth goes into the drain, and if the drain pipe is narrow, the probability of it getting clogged is high.
If you live in an area where the temperature drops below freezing point in winters, consider running the pipes in the interior of the wall insulation to avoid damage to them.
A local kitchen/bathroom remodeling team will be able to guide you on the appropriate plumbing for your bathroom as they possess knowledge of the local climate and environmental conditions that can affect the pipes. For instance, if you’re a resident of San Diego, a San Diego bathroom remodeling agency will know the type of bathroom plumbing systems that will be most appropriate for your house.
- Check out Your Storage Options
One can never have enough storage space in his/her home. This applies to the bathroom too. You need to have enough space for installing medicine cabinets and vanity storage. Drawers are easy to install and can fit into any space so that they do not come in your way. You can also dedicate a corner to shelves or a tall closet.
- Keep Safety in Mind
Bathroom accidents are quite common with about two-thirds of accidental injuries in the U.S. occurring in a shower or a toilet. It makes sense to take steps to avoid accidental falls and injuries.
When placed judiciously, grab bars are extremely useful safety elements for the bathroom. Place them near the shower or the toilet seat where you stand/rise or move. Make sure the grab bars are anchored securely to the wall to offer you the necessary support when required.
- Ensure Adequate Lighting and Electrical Supply
Plan enough functional and aesthetic lighting in your bathroom. Include one or two faint lights in the shower area to bring in some visual appeal. Install a brighter light near the mirror to see clearly when you dress up or shave.
Install multiple electrical outlets in the dry area for your grooming appliances like an electric shaver, hair dryer, and hair straightening iron. Choose a 20-Ampere circuit to prevent electrical overload, and to enable your electric appliances to function properly without getting damaged.
- Keep Other Important Accessories in Mind
You will need space to hang your clothes, bathrobes and towels in the bathroom. Make it a point to install clothes hooks, towel bars, toilet paper holders, and soap dispensers/dishes/holders. These minor aspects often get overlooked, which is why you must incorporate them into your plan early on.
Remodeling a bathroom is an extremely enjoyable experience; however, you must be careful when you make aesthetic/practical decisions related to it. When remodeling your bathroom, you will have to deal with a host of construction professionals who may/may not have your best interest in mind. In such cases, knowing what to expect when you remodel your bathroom can go a long way in making the right decisions. The above-mentioned ideas will help you remodel your bathroom in a way that it looks and feels comfortable and useful.