If you’re planning to remodel your house and add a bathroom, think carefully about the layout. The way you’ll use the space, your home’s existing design and your budget will influence your decision-making process.
Think About Who Will Use the Bathroom and How
Adding a bathroom is an opportunity to design a space that’s perfectly tailored to your family’s needs. Consider who will utilize the bathroom, when and how.
If only one person will use the bathroom at a time, you’ll have a lot of flexibility when it comes to design options. If multiple people will use the bathroom at the same time, you’ll need to design the space with maximum functionality in mind.
If you and your spouse will share the bathroom while getting ready for work, or if two or more kids will share it while getting ready for school, having two sinks will be a smart move. Giving both people areas to brush their teeth or do their hair and makeup will prevent a lot of arguments.
Your new bathroom can have a shower, a tub, or both. A tub can be luxurious, but it can also take up a significant amount of space and make it hard to fit other essentials. Also, many people like the idea of having a bathtub, but they rarely use it. Before you decide to include a tub in your new bathroom, ask yourself how often it would be used. You might be better off using that square footage for something else.
Don’t Change the Plumbing
Think about where pipes and vents are currently located and design your bathroom around them. Adding or moving pipes or vents can drive up the cost of your renovation project. Avoid those sorts of changes if possible.
Make Sure You Have Enough Storage
Insufficient storage can lead to clutter and make the bathroom feel cramped. Having enough storage space is particularly important if two or more people share the bathroom.
A vanity with built-in storage is an excellent option. You can also install shelves if space allows. If the bathroom is small, consider over-the-door storage.
Experiment With Different Designs
Sketching out various options can make it easier to find the one that will work best. When you draw diagrams with the toilet, sink and shower/tub arranged in different ways, you might realize that a particular design would make it hard for people to move around or that another layout would give you more space for storage.
Talk to your architect or contractor. He or she can help you choose a layout that fits your family’s needs and your home’s existing design.
