Things to know when remodeling a bathroom!
There are many reasons why anyone would need to remodel a bathroom in their home. Sometimes it’s just an upgrade to current esthetics, a little tile work and a paint job. Sometimes the reason is accessibility need for a person with extra needs. Most common reason we see for remodeling a bathroom is water or moisture damage. No matter what the reasons are, it is important to get the most out of any home remodeling that you need to do.
Space in the bathroom
There are many reasons why expanding the bathroom might be needed. To have the bathroom handicap accessible you need to follow the ADA guidelines. A person with a walker or on a wheelchair might need more space then presently available to safely utilize the facilities. Expanding doorways and hallways might be needed to make the bathroom accessible to all, so plan ahead.
Safety features
Think about the safety of the users. Pick floor coverings that are not slippery, many options are available. It is also better if the floor is not high gloss. Utilizing non-skid floor strips is also an option, but it’s better to plan ahead and install more permanent solutions that are aesthetically pleasing. Grab bars are available in all kinds of finishes and lengths, but in order to install the grab bars securely, appropriate backing is vital. It doesn’t cost much more to install backing on the perimeter of your bathroom at about 33-36 inches from the floor.
Tubs, Showers, and Accessories
There are many options for tubs and shower inserts that are available. Each option should be evaluated based on the need of the homeowner. There is no, one size fits all when talking about the tubs and showers.
Plan for a bench or a step in the shower, this feature can become very useful.
Niches for toiletries is another feature that warrants planning, lack of space to place your toiletries can make the shower experience very burdensome.
Handheld shower head can also make the shower experience more pleasant, placing the handheld shower head on a sliding bar is a good idea, this way you can control the height for different people in your household.
Wiring
Electricity and water don’t mix, that is why installing a GFCI outlets is extremely important in proximity to water sources. Increasing the wires from 15-amp to 20-amp dedicated circuit near the vanity can improve the functionality and avoid any overload that can happen if too many things are plugged in. Installing an outlet near the toilet for a bidet or a seat warmer is also a good idea.
Heated Floors
Since most homeowners select tile as the material of choice for the floors in the bathroom, if the cold floor in the morning is not your thing, consider installing a radiant floor heating system that will transform your morning routine. With advancements in technology, the system may not be as expensive as one would think.
Lighting
Properly lighting your bathroom can mean a difference between being clean shaven or going to work with missed patches on your face. Don’t let that happen to you. The options are many, can lights, vanity lights, LED lights, mirror lights, etc. If you are worried about it being too bright and hard on the eyes in the morning, ask your local electrician to install a dimmer switch.
Ventilation
Any closed in environment that has lots of moisture like the bathroom, ventilation is extremely important. If proper ventilation is not in place, the homeowner is risking moisture damage, mold, and an array of health issues that can be terminal. Each fan has its own advantages and disadvantages. Power of the unit is one of the considerations, the larger the room, the more power is required for proper function. Noise levels is another consideration, when purchasing a unit for the master bathroom, it is best to invest in an ultra-quiet unit to avoid sleep disturbance. When installing a unit in a family or guest bathroom the noise level is of less importance. In some instances a laud fan might be what you are looking for, for sound privacy. Fans also come with build it lights and Bluetooth speakers.
Glass Doors or Curtains
There are many options for keeping the water contained to the wet areas. Frameless glass shower doors are one of the most utilized. The other option is tack systems, they are more affordable but require more maintenance to prevent growth from forming on and around the track. A good ole rod and curtain is an economical option, and one of the most versatile, you can change the curtain design any time, and it allows for full access to the space without limitations.
Vanities
There are style implications when selecting the appropriate vanity cabinets, no doubt. One other aspect of this selection should be storage and utility. Options include floating vanity, double vanity, corner vanity, freestanding, vessel, undermount, and so on…
There are other considerations when talking about a bathroom remodel, but these categories comprise of the main components. If you see something on Pinterest that inspires you, consult your local remodeling contractor to make sure that the components are available in your market. Best of luck with your remodel!
