Add a bathroom to your home to create better traffic flow, allow room for guests or cater to a growing family. Sometimes those bathroom renovations need to start from scratch, when a closet or spare bedroom is converted into a two-piece or three-piece bath. Those projects require a few special concerns, and should be well planned out with a professional bathroom remodelling contractor. Check out these tips to tackle your bathroom renovations the right way.
Choosing a Location
Consider where your bathrooms are currently located, and where a second or third bathroom may be required. It helps to place these rooms close together—located in the same corner of the first and second floor, for instance—to facilitate efficient plumbing design. But convenience remains the most important factor.
Many families appreciate having a bathroom near the side or rear entrance, providing a place to clean up after gardening or playing in the yard. A powder room on the main floor also provides a convenient place for guests, maintaining privacy in your main family bath. Take a look at your closet space on the main floor, and consider whether a laundry area or portion of the garage can be transformed into a cozy main floor bathroom.
If you were thinking about second-floor bathroom renovations, location may be less of an issue. Master ensuites can be carved out of walk-in closets or nearby bedrooms, while family bathrooms should be located within a few steps of the bedrooms. Consider shifting bedrooms to allow for the space required.
Plumbing Considerations
Your bathroom contractor will need to start from scratch with every aspect of this room. Find out whether the new plumbing can be efficiently connected to the existing plumbing system. Your plumber will run water supply and drainpipes into the space, and may need to renovate and add bulkheads in adjacent rooms.
Plumbing codes also come into play, including clearance requirements. According to most code requirements you must allocate at least 30-inches for a toilet installation, or 15-inches on center. Toilet location is also dictated by sink and tub location, as you try to keep traffic space and functionality in mind. Talk to your plumber about the ideal design, bringing together all factors to create an efficient, comfortable space.
Space Saving Tips
How can you transform a closet into a fully functioning bathroom? Use these space saving tips to design a bathroom that works in the area available with as little renovation as possible.
Use a pocket door to maximize space both inside and outside the new bathroom. Pocket doors fit into the wall space, and may require additional support and wall framing. Choose a locking model to provide the necessary privacy and security. If pocket doors won't work, consider swinging the door into the hallway for better function inside your new bathroom.
Wall hung vanities and pedestal sinks optimize space, without detracting from function. You may even be able to include dual sinks, with the right design and placement. Corner sinks work well in powder room bathroom additions, and can help to accommodate larger bathroom fixtures such as a shower stall or bathtub. Play with design and placement to discover the very best combo, providing efficiency and function in an attractive space.
Add wall-mounted cabinets and shelving for linen and toiletry storage, or get creative with storage elsewhere in your home and keep this bathroom renovation clear and clutter-free. Over-the-toilet storage can be used, as long as you avoid installing bulky units that darken the space.
Opt for a one-piece toilet. These models provide a smaller footprint that's perfect for limited space. Modern models can also save space by hiding the toilet tank behind or within the wall, providing a few extra inches in front of the bowl.
Neo-angle showers may look sharp, but these fixtures require a lot more floor space than standard shower stalls. Use lighting and windows to brighten the shower and this shower will be just as comfortable, not to mention more affordable.
Lighting Considerations
It may be impossible (or expensive) to add a window or skylight to your new bathroom. Stick with what you have and install high quality, well placed lighting for a cheerful bathroom renovation. Think about recessed pot lights for good overall coverage, with a vanity strip or wall sconces to add atmosphere.
Lighting should be soft and without a harsh glare. Try frosted light bulbs for a diffused glow or direct your fixtures away from the center of the room. As long as your wall color is fairly reflective, this type of arrangement will provide flattering, comfortable light.
Colors and Finishes
Choosing the right paint and flooring colors will also help to make a small bathroom more comfortable and inviting. Look for neutral tones—beige, taupe, off-white and pastel colors—that help to reflect light. Avoid using bold patterns, as they can make this space busy and hectic. And stick with only a few accent colors to give the space a punch of excitement.
Install durable flooring materials, such as tiling or vinyl, for a low maintenance finish. Some people even opt to finish the walls in tiles for a contemporary, easy to clean surface that also helps to brighten the area. Try subway tiles for a fresh look, or use a contrasting tile to create a chair rail or border around the room.
Are you thinking about adding a new bathroom, but can't find the space? Think about transforming existing closets, pantries, or spare bedrooms with well planned bathroom renovations. With the help of a plumber and a few design tips, these compact spaces can become a fully functioning bathroom. Opt for space saving fixtures, like pedestal sinks and wall mount storage systems, proper lighting and neutral colors to optimize the area and create a comfortable, efficient bathroom.
Posted by: dianaSuggested Reading For You
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