Bathroom
Ideas

Bathroom Remodeling Basics

Learning about the bathroom remodeling basics before you start planning your ideas will give you a solid foundation for this important project. Remodeling a bathroom may be more complicated than renovating other rooms of your home. Plumbing, lighting, flooring and tiling must all be taken into consideration when you're contemplating a major remodel. Even a more minor remodeling project requires a basic knowledge of how your changes will affect water usage, spatial arrangements and storage space.

For most of us, the limits of our remodeling budgets are smaller than the limits of our imagination. When you're remodeling a bathroom, it's easy to go over budget if you don't plan your project in advance. Although you may dream of a master bath with a sunken tub and radiant floor heating, it may be more practical to choose a glamorous yet affordable antique tub, warm and inviting travertine tiles and wall sconce accent lamps to create a luxurious look. Minor details like replacing grimy faucets with sleek new fixtures can make a big difference without breaking your budget, and can be learned about in our bathroom idea FAQ page.

Remodeling for Space and Storage

Many homeowners decide to remodel because their bathroom seems too small. In fact, the actual square footage of the bathroom may be average or greater than average, but the room feels crowded because of insufficient storage space or an awkward layout of fixtures. If your plans include relocating any of your major plumbing fixtures, such as the toilet, tub or sink, enlist the help of a licensed plumbing contractor to ensure that the job is done safely and correctly.

Large, bulky fixtures or fixtures that don't use space efficiently can make a small bathroom feel even more crowded, especially when your family members are all trying to prepare for the day at the same time. A small bathroom can be made to appear larger by replacing a large, elongated toilet with a smaller, round bowl. A stand-alone pedestal sink can be replaced with a vanity unit that includes extra storage space below the basin, as well as counter space for personal items and daily tasks.

Extensive counter space in a bathroom can be a mixed blessing. On the one hand, long countertops provide plenty of personal care space. Glazed ceramic tiles or granite slab countertops give a bathroom a look of fresh, gleaming elegance. On the other hand, countertops can be magnets for clutter if you don't have adequate storage facilities. Consider recessed shelves and niches, double medicine cabinets, a vanity with multiple drawers or a floor-to-ceiling cabinet to store towels, soaps, shaving equipment and other items that can clutter a counter.

When you're remodeling to increase bathroom size, use decorating tricks to enhance your efforts. Double mirrors create the illusion of depth and space without requiring a major renovation of the room. Replacing the grimy frosted glass in a window with clear glass and sheer window treatments gives your bathroom a brighter, more spacious look. Paints and tiles in soft, neutral shades brighten and enlarge the smallest of baths.

Choosing Fixtures and Accents

Bathroom remodeling is often considered a large-scale project, and improving the function of the room should be a primary concern. No matter how attractive a bathroom may be, its visual appearance won't make the room any more inviting if the space is cramped, cluttered and poorly illuminated. The basics of bathroom remodeling should focus on making the arrangement of fixtures as efficient as possible for everyone who uses the area. Once you've planned the ideal layout for your family, you can hone in on finding the right fixtures and accessories.

Safety is another concern in bathroom remodeling, especially if you have toddlers in your home. When you're choosing flooring, look for a slip-resistant material that's safe for little feet. Glazed tiles may be too slippery for a family bath, but textured tiles, vinyl or linoleum present less risk. Cork and rubber flooring materials are unique skid-resistant alternatives to more traditional flooring products.

These days, growing concern about conserving natural resources has generated an interest in water-efficient toilets and faucets. Water-efficient toilets are designed to consume less water each time you flush, which may save hundreds of gallons each year. Water-efficient faucets limit the flow of water, reducing your family's consumption. All of these environmentally friendly devices can also trim your water bill.

A focus on functionality doesn't mean that you have to give up aesthetic appeal when you're remodeling a bathroom. With a flattering combination of natural and artificial lighting, an eye-catching arrangement of mirrors and attractive tiling and paint, your basic bathroom remodeling results will be as beautiful as they are functional. When in doubt about the functional or aesthetic aspects of a bathroom remodel, consult an interior designer or building contractor for tips and inspiration about how you can improve one of the most important rooms in your home.

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