After the kitchen,
the bathroom is the next most complicated room in the home. There are many
details to think about with this project, which can make planning difficult.
With these five tips and tricks, you can take the stress out of the planning
process so your remodeling project goes smoothly.
1. The Tub or Shower Is the Centerpiece — Don’t Hesitate to Splurge!
Because tubs and
showers are the largest fixture in most bathrooms, they tend to take center
stage. Even if you are planning on a budget remodel, you’ll find that it pays
to give these fixtures a bit of special attention. The options available will
depend on your budget, of course, but here are a few ideas to help you get
inspired, no matter how much you plan to spend on a tub or shower update:
- If you’d like to keep costs low, consider
replacing the essentials — the faucet, showerhead and other hardware.
Sometimes, replacing hardware that looks worn and aged is all you need to
give your shower or tub a fresh look.
- Among mid-range projects, shower door
replacement (or installation, if you currently have curtains) is a great
way to update the look and feel of your bathroom.
- Tub or shower replacement is a project
at the costlier end of the spectrum. Though if the fixture is showing its
age through stains, hairline cracks or other faults, then this project
will be well worth your while. You’ll need to take a few factors into
consideration — such as potential bathroom reconfigurations to accommodate
a tub or shower in a new size or shape — but the result will give you a
modern, functional and beautiful bathroom.
2. Get Inspired!
Today, there are
so many ways to find inspiration for a bathroom remodel. Of course, the Internet
is an excellent resource, filled with remodeling blogs, image galleries,
contractor portfolios and more — all of which are great ways to get ideas and
look at elements such as color schemes, lighting configurations and more.
Beyond online
galleries, however, there is another resource of which you should take
advantage. Whenever possible, make sure to visit showroom floors. At Modern
Bathroom, for instance, our showroom in
North Hollywood displays a wide selection of products and fixtures you can
see in person. This is a great way to get inspiration. More importantly, a
hands-on look at the fixtures you are considering will help you decide which
pieces are the best fit for your needs and personal taste.
3. Learn About Standard Bathroom Dimensions
Planning can be
tough, especially if you are thinking about moving the major fixtures from
their original places. As you lay out your new bathroom on paper, it is essential
that you know what some of the most common standard bathroom dimensions are.
Here is a quick list to get you started:
- Toilets require a space that is at
least 30 inches wide, although wider — up to 36 inches — tends to feel
more comfortable.
- Though bathtubs vary, a standard
off-the-shelf bathtub measures 60 inches in length by 30 or 32 inches in
width. Depths can vary, ranging between 14 and 20 inches.
- Sinks need at least 30 inches of space
but keep in mind that those 30 inches will leave you with very little
counter space; 36 inches or 48 inches is better.
4. Create an Exhaustive Remodeling Plan
Once you have
ideas, dimensions and other details in hand, it is time to make a thorough
bathroom remodeling plan. Start by making a list of the individual projects
that you’d like to take on — anything from a new
medicine cabinet or towel racks to painting, lighting and new fixtures.
You’ll also want to make lists of suppliers, prices and even contractors that
you’d like to contact about the project.
Another great way
to plan is to make a blueprint of your bathroom. It doesn’t need to be a
complex technical drawing. Simply use some graph paper to draw the general
outline of the space, then sketch the fixtures as you’d like to see them once
the project is complete. This will help you to ensure that the bathroom comes
together exactly as you envision it. Just make sure that as you take
measurements, you don’t forget about features such as dividing walls and other
often overlooked details that can alter your measurements.
5. Don’t Forget the Details
Speaking of
details, you’ll also want to go through your bathroom plans and make sure that
you aren’t forgetting anything. Lighting, for instance, is usually overlooked.
Homeowners sometimes simply replace existing light fixtures with new fixtures,
instead of thinking how the lighting in the bathroom might be moved to increase
the room’s functionality or sense of spaciousness. Some other details to
consider include:
- Electrical outlets and light switches
and their placement.
- Grout, caulk and other sealants, both
colors and finishes.
- Hardware — especially coordinating
cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, light fixtures, towel racks and faucets so
that colors and finishes match.
As you can see,
there are lots of details to consider before you take on that bathroom
remodeling project. Be sure to take a look at the products
available at Modern Bathroom if you need some inspiration — and don’t
hesitate to reach out with questions about the products that interest you.