Tile, paint, plumbing fixtures, and countertops are fun to shop for, but the first step of a bathroom remodel is to create a functional design. More glamorous details sometimes overshadow opportunities to make a bathroom functional as well as stylish. A bathroom renovation is a great time to improve the function and aesthetics of your bathroom.
Don’t Forget the Following When Updating a Bathroom
Grab Bars
Bathrooms are where many accidents in the home occur, especially among those with mobility challenges. Installing grab bars in showers, bathtubs, and near toilets helps people maintain their balance and avoid slips and falls. Choose grab bars that comply with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) guidelines.
Exhaust Fans
Mold and mildew thrive in warm moist, humid environments. These organisms can be harmful to your health. A quality exhaust system will quickly remove moisture to prevent mildew, rust, and peeling paint. Many new models also incorporate lighting and heat.
Storage
A bathroom remodel is a great time to improve storage. Proper storage planning ensures everything has its place and is easy to access. There are numerous ways to customize bathroom storage, including dividers, hot tool drawers, vanity towers, medicine cabinets, and more.
Lighting
Often, bathrooms have insufficient lighting. Lighting is essential for both aesthetics and safety. The overhead light in the ceiling and vanity lighting may not be sufficient. Carefully plan out the types of lighting to ensure that all areas, including the shower, have adequate lighting. There are lighting fixtures available to complement any bathroom decor.
Outlet Placement
Most bathrooms don’t have enough electrical outlets. Hairdryers, toothbrushes, and other electronic devices are common in today’s bathrooms. When planning your bathroom redesign, discuss outlet placement with your contractor. An outlet inside the vanity allows you to plug in a rechargeable toothbrush, while outlets on both sides of a double vanity are helpful when sharing a bathroom. Make sure to install GFCI outlets during your remodel.
Grout
It’s usually an afterthought, but grout is an essential element of any bathroom design. Grout seals out dirt and water and firms up the structural integrity of tile installations. There are many colors and types of grout to choose from, and an experienced bathroom remodeler can help you make the right choice.
In the Shower
A shower bench may not seem vital, but once you have one, you’ll be glad it was included in your remodel. It makes shaving and aging in place easier.
Recessed niches or shelves provide extra storage space and prevent shampoo and other items from occupying floor space.
Big rain shower heads look great but don’t forget to add a handheld shower. Handheld showerheads make cleaning yourself, your children, your pets, and the shower walls easier. Install a rain shower head and handheld combo for the best of both worlds.
Accessory Placement
Plan your accessory placement early in the design process. It’s essential to have proper spacing and location for towel bars, rings, robe hooks, grab bars, and toilet paper holders. Trying to alter their placement after the project is completed is not recommended.
Flooring
Choose non-slip flooring to prevent slips and falls. This is especially important if small children or elderly family members use the remodeled bathroom. There are many non-slip flooring options, including rubber, vinyl, and ceramic tiles. Look for flooring that is certified slip resistant by the ADA.
Privacy
If you have the space, consider adding a water closet. It allows you to have multiple people use the bathroom simultaneously while ensuring privacy. A water closet is an excellent option if several people use the bathroom to prepare for work or school.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Unless you enjoy cleaning, design a bathroom that’s easy to maintain. Choose tiles, countertops, flooring, and grout carefully. A countertop with a nonporous surface is easier to clean. White grout quickly gives bathrooms a dingy appearance. A light gray grout will hide stains. Choose your new fixtures carefully as well. Some toilets and bathtubs are easier to clean than others. A big free-standing bathtub may look great but be difficult to clean.
Aging in Place and Accessibility
There are many ways to improve the safety of your bathroom and ensure that it is accessible for all family members. A bathroom remodel is the right time to plan for the future. Simple upgrades like grab bars, slip-resistant flooring, and other features will make your bathroom comfortable now and well into the future.
Call A Trusted Plumbing Remodeling Specialist
R.A. Guinner Plumbing Company provides complete remodeling services and specializes in guiding clients through every step of a bathroom remodel. We can handle the entire project when you’re ready to renovate your bathroom, from design to demolition to refinishing.
Our company is family-owned and operated, and we pride ourselves on “top of the line” service. All our plumbers are licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection. No project is too big or too small for us to handle, and we always hold ourselves to the highest standards to ensure you are completely satisfied with the results. Call us today at 314-752-9850 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.