Building a Better Bathroom

Looking into your bathroom, you exalt a tremendous sigh. Your design is outdated and in a dire need of an update. An expertly remodeled bathroom will provide years of pleasure and comfort. However, you’ll be reminded of a poorly executed remodel every day if it’s not done right. So let’s roll up our sleeves and talk about how to build a bathroom that will both stand the test of time and look great.

Create a Budget

It’s difficult to do any planning for your bathroom renovation without a budget to dictate your purchases. The amount you are comfortable spending will dictate whether you get those Calacatta marble counters or decide on Tan Brown granite. And your budget will set the bar for luxuries like a heated floor or an electronic showerhead. There are plenty of modern innovations appearing in the bathroom today and with a carefully planned budget, you’ll quickly learn which ones you will be able to add to your bathroom renovation.

Insider Tip #1

Always leave room in your budget for the unexpected. Hidden water damage is a common problem in the bathroom, whether it is from a leaky shower or running toilet. If your floor feels “spongey” then there is a good change your bathroom has suffer some water damage.

Plan the Layout

The layout of your bathroom is going to determine all of the major tasks like rerouting plumbing or moving and installing new cabinets for the new design. If you’ve decided on replacing the entire bathroom, you might as well explore the options of shifting its structures around to best accommodate your lifestyle. Trust me, a well-flowing bathroom design will make you happy every day.

One of the most practical pieces of advice to offer is to space on your vanity. It’s the main work area of the bathroom and it’s where you’ll be doing most of your grooming, so having the most surface space you can is appreciated. While a his-and-hers vanity with a double sink has been popular in the past, the countertop space lost as a result can wind up becoming frustrating when the two of you are battling for bathroom countertop space when getting ready in the morning. The truth is that the source of water is typically less important than the bathroom countertop area.

Another great layout tip is to conceal the toilet in its own small room within the bathroom or behind a half wall. If you would like to avoid additional construction costs, use a piece of furniture like a dresser or armoire as a substitute.

Insider Tip #2

When was the last time you took a bath? If it was back when you were in Little League, it may be worth ditching the bathtub for a larger shower. Install his-and-hers showerheads, a body spray system, electronic showerhead, or even steam generators to take advantage of your additional space.

Be Efficient

Be conscious of your water consumption. Toilets, showerheads, and faucets have all become more eco-friendly over the years. There are low-flow, EPA approved WaterSense bathroom appliances that will save gallons of water per years and effectively save you money.

Also, be efficient with your storage. Towels, toilet paper, and other frequently used items should be readily accessible. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to sprint out of the bathroom after getting out of the shower to grab a towel while your dog gives you a confused look. Having space for these items, whether they are under your bathroom countertops, in a quaint wicker basket, or in a small closet, you will be thankful for leaving these items within immediate reach. 

Pick Quality Materials

Picking the materials for the bathroom is highly important for the long run. Wooden and plywood countertops that were popular a couple of decades ago are still in many bathrooms today. Upgrading these materials to more durable ones like granite, marble, quartz, quartzite and other natural stones will provide reliable surfaces that will endure the test of time.

Granite counters are one of the strongest materials that you can put into your bathroom. A material such as Bianco Antico will provide a beautiful and sturdy bathroom countertop option. White marble counters are a classic option that will provide a luxurious and elegant look. Marble counters are certainly durable enough for the bathroom since they aren’t faced with the high traffic flow or acidic liquids that the kitchen is. Quartzite vanities are another great option that has a durability similar to granite but an appearance that’s nearly on par with white marble. Quartz is a non-porous material that will not require any sealing and is similar in strength to granite counters.