We know how exciting planning a bath remodeling project can be, but we also know that sometimes, choosing the best options for your home and budget can be an overwhelming task. Here at The Kitchen Master, we’ve been helping Chicagoland homeowners realize their kitchen and bath remodeling dreams since 1977, so we know a thing or two about the process. A good bathroom design is a blend of creative dreams and practical realities, and we can help you get there. Read on to learn more.
First Steps to a Bathroom Renovation
In order to make a bathroom work, it’s a good idea to think about the smaller details first, such as fixtures, colors and finishes, and then work backward to the larger elements, like walls and flooring. In many cases, those little details are what can make the biggest impact in your everyday use of the space.
When many homeowners start thinking of a custom bathroom design process, the focus tends to be on layout, paint colors, heated floors and moving fixtures around. These are all great things to consider, but if you don’t think about what lies beneath the existing walls and floors, your project may soon go off track (and over budget). In order to make the design work well and affordably, here are three things to consider:
What’s Under That Tile?
Regardless of the age of your home, small problems under tile can become large if left unchecked. At times, when you start to replace tile in older homes, you might find what is known as “wet bed.” This basically means that the tiles were originally installed on poured concrete—an outdated method.
Wet bed tile can be difficult and costly to remove, so if you are on a very tight budget, you may want to design around your existing tile and spend your money elsewhere. But don’t despair—vintage tile is very stylish and many people go to great lengths to install classic tile in their homes.
Plumbing and Mechanicals: Avoid Hidden Surprises
In order to avoid pricey mistakes and do a more organized job, it’s important to carefully consider all the connections to your new plumbing fixtures, lighting and ventilation. Water, vent and drain line placement to fit a totally new design has to be analyzed and carefully planned before you even buy the fixtures.
You also need to consider the proper planning of bathroom exhaust fans and ducting to the exterior of your home to comply with current building codes.
New electrical code requirements include the installation of a separate circuit to the bath. This can get every expensive if the line has to be piped from the basement of a two story home to the second floor. An experienced and professionally trained bathroom designer should be consulted before you tackle a major bathroom renovation project.
Consider Privacy
As most bathrooms tend to be shared at one time or another, a separate toilet room can make a big difference. Installation is not too difficult if you have the needed space and it can add value to your master bathroom. The added privacy can also help with a busy schedule by allowing two people to use the bathroom at the same time.
Are two bathrooms better than one? You bet. But if that is not an option, side-by-side sinks are a great alternative for larger master bathrooms.
You can even build a partition, giving each person a private nook. That may make the master bathroom feel a little smaller, but in the long run, it can enhance your everyday use of the space.
Tell us: What did you learn from your bathroom makeover? What are you hoping to accomplish? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.
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