Every remodeling project comes with a litany of essential factors and considerations you’ll need to keep in mind.
A bath conversion project is no exception. A lot of homeowners disregard details – whether it’s minor or significant – when it comes a bathroom remodeling project; and that can be a big mistake. They tend to gloss over a few details to quickly complete a project, resulting in a poor outcome.
Here’s a list of essential considerations before you start on your bath remodeling project.
How much change can your existing space accommodate?
For most homes, a bathroom is already a tight and compact space as it is. If you’re doing a bathroom conversion, you’d want to use every inch of space wisely. This is where the expertise of an experienced bath remodeling specialist comes into play. They can help you plan and know how to work with the space you’ve got properly.
Do you need a tub?
Nowadays, most homeowners prefer a shower instead of a tub. If you’re not the type of person who often uses a bathtub, you may opt for a tub-to-shower remodel. A shower remodeling specialist can remove your tub entirely and install a nice shower, customized to your liking.
There are large shower models with different size shower head options. There are also shower installations that come as a part sauna.
However, if your household does need a tub, you can just upgrade it. Either way, the standard rule is to leave at least one bathtub in your home, in case you need it.
Does your bathroom have adequate lighting?
The bathroom is where people do their personal grooming. Whether it’s putting on makeup for the women or shaving for the men, you need to have adequate lighting in your bathroom.
Furthermore, if there’s low visibility in the bathroom, you may not see puddles of water or electronics plugged in. This will prove to be dangerous. If you can’t get plenty of natural light in your bathroom, make sure your bathroom lighting fixture is sufficient enough to give off light.
Can the materials withstand moisture?
Moisture is unavoidable in the bathroom. When you take a bath or shower, steam is produced. This can warp wood. Thus, it’s essential to use materials that can handle it. Wallpaper, textiles, wood, and other porous materials are not moisture resistant.
Consider water-resistant materials such as acrylic and tiles. Be smart when choosing products. Experienced bath remodeling specialists know precisely what materials are made to adapt to the changing environment in the bathroom. They should be able to give you expert recommendations when it comes to choosing the right materials.
How much storage do you need?
Your bathroom is home to many different items from skincare essentials to hair products, towels, bathrobes, and cleaning supplies. You need enough storage in your bathroom to store these items, so you don’t clutter the rest of the space in your house.
When doing a bath conversion project, many homeowners don’t take storage into account. Remodeling experts can suggest storage solutions that should work seamlessly with your remodel.
For example, go for counters that can double as cabinets and drawers. Install shelves, racks, and hooks on the wall rather than leaving it bare.
Aside from storage, you can also add essential bathroom appliances. One popular item is installing a towel warmer rather than an ordinary towel rack. This gives you nice, dry towels (who doesn’t love the feeling of a towel fresh out of the dryer). Towel warmers also don’t take up too much space and will look good in your bathroom.
How’s your toilet?
Local building codes specify that your toilet should be a certain distance away from your counters or walls. Check with your local jurisdiction about this. Also, your bath conversion specialist should know this critical detail.
Generally, there must be at least a 20-inch clearance in front of the toilet and at least 15 inches from the sides to the middle of the toilet seat.
If your bath remodeling plan includes adding more counters or putting up walls, make sure that you’re still working well within the building code to avoid any penalty.
Does your bathroom give you enough privacy?
Bathrooms are a personal space. Thus, make sure that you still have your privacy when converting your bathroom. Install motorized retractable screens. Make sure the windows are high enough away from peering eyes. There are some practical ways to control your privacy when you do your bath remodeling project.