You may be building your own home for the first time, or constructing an extension for your house which includes a bathroom. You may be tempted to focus on the bedrooms, living room, or kitchen, but with how important a perfectly functional bathroom is to a home, the last thing you want to do is not give it the same attention as the rest of the house. Here are a few things you may want to consider when remodelling or renovating your bathroom.
1. Shower or tub? Or both?
Deciding whether you want a shower, a tub, or a combination of both already places some restrictions on your bathroom layout. Showers are more compact while a tub takes up more space. Ask yourself how often you take baths and if it’s something you’re willing to spend a significant amount of money and space on. If you choose to install a bath, you’ll have to choose between freestanding baths or built-in ones. If you choose to install a shower, you’ll have to decide if you want a cabin or a walk-in. Each type has advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately boils down to your own preferences and the limitations of your space.
2. Plumbing size and layout
Consider the size of your drain and plumbing. Remember that bathroom plumbing tends to clog up with hair and gunk, which could cause inconvenience down the line if you use plumbing diameters that are too small. Go for 2-inch plumbing instead of the standard 1.5-inch. Upfront costs may be more expensive, but it will save you from maintenance or repair costs in the future. If you live in a place with freezing temperatures, plumbing inside the exterior could burst during the winter months. Either avoid running your pipes through these walls or invest in insulation.
3. Niches for storage
Clunky shelving takes up space and is often where scum collects. Carving in a recess for your toiletries and other bathroom necessities creates storage areas that blend more with the room and doesn’t consume additional space. Use solid marble, granite, or other stone for the interior so you won’t have a hard time cleaning.
4. Avoid wallpaper
Wallpaper may be attractive for its wide range of colours and patterns, but it won’t be able to endure a bathroom’s humidity. Stick to regular tile or exterior-grade wainscotting. Semi-gloss paint is also tough and easy to clean but consider brands that offer mildew and mould resistance. Painting your bathroom also allows for more customisation than wallpaper since you can commission someone to paint murals, adding a more personal and artistic touch to an otherwise plain room.
A functional and well-constructed bathroom is vital to any house, and if you take the time to research what materials, layout, and details work best for your bathroom, then you won’t have to worry about the hassle of having one of your bathrooms out of commission because you were forced to make repairs due to poorly planned construction.
