Tired of looking at the same boring, out-of-date bathroom every day? Want a remodel but not sure where to begin?
Start with the basics: fixtures, placement, and plumbing.
In most cases, with bathroom remodels, space is limited. If you have an unlimited budget, you could always knock down walls and expand to your heart’s desire. But in most cases, that’s unlikely. Instead, you’re confined to the logistics of the room: placement of plumbing, wiring, and windows can all impact your imagination.
Your first decision is whether you can re-plumb and re-wire. You may have your eye on the big claw-foot tub, but that may require you move the plumbing a foot or two from its original location. The same goes with the vanity. Replacing it is easy, but if you select a new style, it may require rewiring for new lights, or even move plugins to new locations. Is that in the budget?
Updates can also impact installation.
Many homeowners today are opting to expand the shower space, in some cases removing the tub to make room for the addition. Instead of a standard showerhead, they incorporate multiple streams of water, rain fixtures, even steam shower capabilities. This can require moving plumbing and adding electrical outlets, or even requiring an updated water heater.
What do you want the focal point of the bathroom to be? The vanity is often one of the best places to look. No longer does it have to be a pedestal sink or a standard cabinet and counter. Think bold and original. How about an antique dresser with a vessel sink? How about creating his or hers spaces unique for each of you? These can be statement pieces. And they can stretch way beyond what you find at the big box stores.
How about moving the water fixture into an elegant display attached to the wall instead of to the sink or the vanity? How about using exotic wood to compliment your colors and patterns? Or going for a minimalist style?
Don’t forget about the toilet. There are many new and modern ways to update this old relic. Consider a dual flush toilet to add water efficiency to your home. Or go with a sleek one piece design instead of the two piece. In either case, the goal is to reduce the amount of water you use per flush. The difference compared to what you’re using now can really add up over time.
Remember, bathrooms are used in a variety of ways, morning, noon, and night. Natural lighting can change in each of those situations, requiring you to fill the space with direct lighting to fulfill your needs. This can require moving outlets and installing new lighting fixtures, or requiring dedicated lines. Don’t forget about the fan to protect your home from moisture and potential problems. Getting one that is too loud can ruin the ambiance.