Bathroom Remodel Basics: The Essential Checklist
So, have you decided to remodel your bathroom but aren’t sure where to start? As one of the most used rooms in the home, a bathroom remodel is a major project. The options may seem endless and overwhelming, but completing this checklist will get you on the right path.
1. What type of bathroom are you remodeling or adding? Half bath? Family/shared bathroom? master bath/spa? boys bathroom?
*Advice: Unlike other types of bathrooms, a half bath allows for the use of materials that would not otherwise be used in bathrooms with showers and tubs due to excess steam and splashing. For example, some half bath options include hardwood, bamboo, or cork flooring.
2. How many people will use the toilet regularly?
3. Is this a master bathroom or a family/shared bathroom? Will there be more than one person using the bathroom at the same time?
*Advice: If you install double sinks, a vanity with two sinks provides the most storage capacity, but two pedestal or wall-hung sinks will make the room appear larger.
*Advice– If privacy is a consideration but you don’t have the space to add a separate room for the toilet, consider adding a partial partition wall between the toilet and the tub or sink and installing frosted glass doors. For a less expensive option, use an opaque shower curtain.
4. Are there children? Are there regular disabled or elderly users? Any other special considerations?
*Advice: Even if the answer is no, there is nothing wrong with thinking about the future. Certain features, particularly useful for the disabled or children, can be useful for everyone, some elements to consider: non-slip floors, hand-held shower heads, rocker light switches, rounded edges for towel bars, hooks and countertops.
*Advice: Consider asking your contractor to add plywood bracing and bracing between the wall studs so that, if needed in the future, grab bars can be easily installed.
*Advice: If necessary, consult the ADA Accessible Design Standards for information on standards and clearances for people in wheelchairs.
5. What type of storage will you need? Do you plan to store bedding and towels in your bathroom? What about extra toiletries, cleaning supplies, and appliances like hair dryers? Will you need a medicine cabinet? Will you keep a basket in the bathroom?
*Advice: Large or small, with a combination of cabinets, built-in drawers, adjustable shelves, wall niches, baskets, bins and hooks, your contractor can help you make the most of your space.
*Advice: Don’t overlook cabinet insert storage systems commonly used in kitchens, such as stainless steel baskets on drawer glides or pull-out units that can be used for trash or as a hamper or even a towel rack. removable.
*Advice: Wall niches set back in the wall and can be used to hold small toiletries or add a few inches to shelves. If you have a partial wall separating the toilet, consider cutting storage space out of the wall or installing a medicine cabinet inside the wall.
6. What features do you like in your current bathroom? What features do you dislike in your current bathroom?
*Advice: Although it is seemingly an obvious place to start, it is often overlooked. Start paying attention to the bathrooms of family and friends, as well as the bathrooms on home remodeling websites or in magazines. Focus on fixtures, flooring, and lighting, but don’t overlook the overall design. Try to picture yourself going through your morning routine while you go on your bathroom runs!
7. Do you like the layout of your bathroom? Is there enough space between the accessories? Do you like the location of your bathroom? shower? sink? How is the flow of traffic?
*Advice: When reviewing your existing layout or laying out a new layout, the flow of traffic is very important for your maximum comfort. Do your doors block access to accessories or storage space? Is there a logical path into your bathroom that doesn’t require you to retrace your steps throughout your morning ritual?
8. What is the lighting like in your current bathroom? Do you have any windows in the bathroom?
*Advice: If possible, consider installing windows that let in natural light; Possibilities include skylights and glass block windows or tall windows, which let in light but provide privacy.
*Advice: If windows are not an option, ambient lighting can be used as a substitute. A surface mounted ceiling light is a common option, but also consider cove lighting. For task lighting, if the vanity mirror isn’t too large, vertical fixtures or chandeliers mounted on either side of the mirror are best to cast even light, or for large mirrors, choose a lighting fixture that extends over the mirror. the top of the mirror to make it even. Turning on.
*Advice: Dimmer switches should always be used to provide a range of lighting depending on your mood and needs. Your contractor can help you design a lighting plan that includes a mix of ambient, task, accent, and decorative light sources.
9. Is the flooring strong enough for the accessories you are considering?
*Advice: Your contractor should be able to help you with this determination and possibly add joists to the subfloor, but before you buy that old-fashioned claw-foot tub or soaking tub, make sure your floor is strong enough to support the added weight. Another note about bathtubs: standard water heaters may not be enough for large bathtubs; consider purchasing a tankless water heater if you are installing a large tub.
10. Do you have galvanized or copper water supply pipes? How is the water pressure in your current bathroom? Do you have any leaking pipes? Have you had many jams or jams?
*Advice: Be sure to discuss all of these issues with your contractor.
11. Is the heating in your bathroom adequate?
*Advice: Options range from forced air systems, heat lamps, foot heaters, or radiant heat that rises through the finished floor. Electrical radiant heat maps that are grouted into the subfloor are inexpensive to install, but can be expensive to operate if you leave them on all the time.
12. Check the ventilation of your current bathroom? Is it suitable after a hot shower?
*Advice: Although windows and skylights will help, a fan should also be considered. The Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) (www.hvi.org) is a nonprofit association of manufacturers of residential ventilation products and offers a certified rating program for testing fans. Check the hvi symbol before purchasing a fan.
13. Consider the appliances you will use in your bathroom. Will you need to add any electrical circuits in your bathroom? What is the amperage of your electrical service? Is it enough for your appliances?
14. Thinking of adding some luxury to your bathroom? Electronic controls, televisions, speakers?
Once you’ve answered these questions, sketch out a draft of a design. This will help you narrow down your ideas. Then the fun begins as you consider your options for flooring, countertops, showers, tubs, toilets, window treatments, lighting, and other fixtures.