A renovated bathroom adds value to your home, updates its style, and makes it better adapted to your current needs. Renovations are the best time to introduce improvements that will serve you and your family for years to come.
If you're spending money for a bathroom remodel this year, consider making one or several of these essential changes to improve the functionality, storage and comfort of your bathroom.
A low-flow, hidden-tank toilet
Hidden-tank toilets save you precious space, and low-flow models help save water every time you flush. It's a smart choice that increases the value of your home after the remodel.
They are appropriate for all bathrooms styles, but they fit especially well in modern and contemporary decors.
Small, textured tiles on the shower floor
You'll have tons of flooring, wall and tile choices to make during your bathroom remodel. The most important for safety will be the floor tiling of your shower.
Choose a small, textured shower tile. The texture and the extra grouting will keep your feet from slipping once the floor gets soapy and wet. Most modern bathroom tiles are easy to clean and resist mold, humidity and stains.
Tile gives you many style and decor possibilities. Mix and match different patterns and colors for maximum visual impact, or do something more understated for a harmonious look.
2-inch plumbing
This is a small, invisible improvement that will make a BIG difference in the functionality of your bathroom.
Typical bathroom plumbing is 1.5 inches. This plumbing type clogs easily, especially with several family members using the shower and/or bath. Installing 2-inch drains instead of 1.5 costs the same, and will dramatically improve the quality of drainage in your bathroom.
A tub--only if you take baths
Too many people add a tub to their bathrooms just because they feel like they "should". But a bathtub is not always a necessity, especially if you never take baths.
Even though the remodel might help sell your home in the future, you should consider how you are going to use the room for the next few years. If you love baths, then by all means include it in your remodel. If you take something five baths a year, maybe it's better to just get a large shower.
Of course, if you have a large bathroom, you get can both without worrying too much about space. But if you have to choose, you should always go with what is most functional for you at this time. And a bath isn't always the most functional choice.
A window in the shower
One of the biggest enemies of a clean bathroom is the humidity that stays trapped in the space because of bad or insufficient ventilation. Although a good bathroom fan will make a big difference, the best ventilation is always natural ventilation.
Adding a window in your shower is going to help keep your bathroom clean and free of mold and mildew. The natural ventilation is effective, especially if you leave the bathroom door open after using it.
Discuss the appropriate type of window with your architect or contractor, but remember to slope the sill downwards so water doesn't get suck, and use a frosted glass for privacy.
A recessed medicine cabinet
Get more storage space and a sleeker look with a recessed medicine cabinet above the vanity. By putting it a few inches inside the wall, you save yourself some needed space and make your bathroom look sleeker and more modern. The job of framing the wall doesn't usually cost much in the grand scheme of a full bathroom renovation.
This is especially useful when your vanity is on the shallower side. You give yourself extra space to bend over and use the sink by using a recess in the wall. Fewer worries about banging your head on the edge of the mirror, that's for sure!
Improved lighting
Bathrooms tend to have little access to natural light, hence the need for excellent lighting. As you plan your bathroom remodel, consider changing or adding to your current lighting to improve the functionality and mood of the space.
The first important lighting change should be a dimmer for the main lights. If you like to take baths, you know that baths in full artificial light aren't very fun. A dimmer will let you set the mood.
Add recessed fixtures around the mirror to give you the best lighting possible when doing your hair, applying make-up or, shaving, other task that requires lots of light.
You should also consider adding lighting in the shower, rather than around it. Surprisingly, you'll find your showers more pleasant when they're lighted properly.
Remodel and improve
A bathroom remodel should make your bathroom more efficient, more functional and more stylish. When planning what kind of work you want done to improve your space, you should consider some of these small yet important improvements.
https://www.thespruce.com/improvements-for-next-bathroom-remodel-4008849
