Things to Keep in Mind During a Bathroom Remodel

A bathroom remodel is one of the most significant investments you can make in your home. This is why a consultation with design experts should always be done before finalizing a project. While functionality and appearance are essential aspects that you should consider in your bathroom design, there are other important things that you may have forgotten to take into account — such as ease of cleaning and safety.

Here are the things homeowners tend to forget when remodeling their bathrooms.

Water Usage

Modern bathrooms are designed with function and comfort in mind. It’s common to see multiple shower heads, water jets and faucets added during bathroom remodeling projects. With the number of amenities present in a high-end bathroom renovation, homeowners tend to overlook one crucial factor: the rate of water usage. Remember that the more water-related features your bathroom has, the more water is needed for them to perform satisfactorily. If you’re planning to have more water fixtures installed in your bathroom, consider enhancing your water lines and heating systems to accommodate a larger volume of water.

Storage Capacity

Storage is also an important factor to keep in mind during your bathroom remodel. Having enough storage for towels, bathroom necessities and self-care products will allow you to organize your space. Homeowners tend to forget storage issues because they may have already gotten used to a lifestyle of moving around the house to store and access their toiletries. The best bathroom remodels can easily address this issue by adding more cabinets and storage space for your comfort and convenience.

Cleaning

Another common factor that is overlooked with most bathroom remodels is the ease of cleaning and maintenance. To keep your newly remodeled bathroom in pristine condition, regular cleaning must be done. This lets you avoid mold growth and dirt buildup. The accumulation of grime, mold and mineral deposits can easily be prevented if your bathroom is easy to clean and maintain. Though most families don’t have the time to clean every corner of their bathroom every day, there are ways to lessen dirt buildup. Here are some tips:

• Colored Grout

Even if your bathroom is designed with a traditional look, historic restorations expert Cottage Industries, Inc. recommends the use of colored grout to resist and hide stains more easily. White tile grout easily gets discolored and is hard to clean. Meanwhile, light gray grout can maintain its appearance and blend in with the look of your bathroom even as it becomes a little worn.

• Flooring

Homeowners think that bathrooms should have a flat floor, but this will actually cause water to drain poorly and pool on the surface. This water buildup will increase the humidity in the room and promote the growth of mold and mildew. To avoid constant mopping and drying, make sure your bathroom floor is slightly sloping so that water can easily flow toward the drains, allowing gravity to do the work for you.

• Wall-Mounted Toilets and Faucets

When cleaning, it can be a hassle to reach around the corners of faucets and toilets if they have small spaces behind and around them. The best way to make your bathroom easier to clean while retaining appeal is to have wall-mounted toilets and faucets installed. There won’t be a need to clean behind them if they’re snugly fit into a wall, and you will be able to clean them faster as well.

• Non-Porous Surfaces

Another factor that homeowners forget when choosing construction materials is porosity. Porous materials can have small holes and cracks where grime and water could seep – which can be difficult to remove as time passes. When choosing countertops, always look for non-porous materials like porcelain and ceramic. These materials are generally easier to clean and maintain. If you’re in doubt about what kind of non-porous material would be best for your bathroom design, consult renovation experts.

Lighting

Lighting is an important aspect to keep in mind during bathroom remodels. They affect the design and visibility of your bathroom, but homeowners sometimes forget that not all types of lighting are ideal for bathroom spaces. Positioning and the strength of light are also essential considerations.

If you want your light source to illuminate a majority of your bathroom space without being too overpowering, a glowing ceiling light is a good choice. And if you want the focus to be on certain areas of your bathroom, consider installing downlights in those spaces. Though lighting design can be tricky, you can always get the best results by consulting a lighting expert.

Toilet Orientation

Toilet placement may sound like a trivial matter, but it can affect your privacy when using the toilet. The proper orientation of a toilet will give you peace of mind since you won’t have to worry about being stumbled upon while doing your business. Good renovation companies often recommend installing partitions around the toilet area to ensure privacy. If your bathroom has the space for it, you might want to consider walling off the toilet area.

Flooring

Flooring is one of the most noticeable aspects of your bathroom. When remodeling, factors like appearance and quality are typically covered by design experts. However, you may overlook the importance of a comfortable and safe bathroom floor. Since bathrooms are constantly wet, consider installing non-slip flooring for your safety and comfort. Ceramic tiles are a common choice for bathrooms, but they tend to become slippery when wet. If you want to employ better safety measures, ask your designers how you can incorporate rubber or vinyl flooring into your design. Rubber doesn’t get slippery even when it gets wet, while vinyl flooring is slip-resistant and highly customizable.

Hiring a Reputable Remodeler

To get the most out of your bathroom remodel, it’s best to thoroughly check the reputation and track record of the contractor you’re considering for your project. Have a look at the online reviews by their previous clients. Remember that even the best designs and materials can end up performing underwhelmingly if the remodel was handled by a contractor who doesn’t have the necessary experience and skills to deliver the bathroom you envision. To have an idea about the quality of their work, you can request a portfolio of their recent remodeling projects. Seeing the results they have delivered can give you the assurance you need.

Improve your home’s versatility and functionality by installing home additions with the help of Cottage Industries, Inc. Our company is dedicated to ensuring the satisfaction of our customers. Get started with your home remodel today by filling out our contact form or calling us at (610) 293-9750.