Designing a perfect bathroom takes a while. Many people plan the process for several months and even years before pulling the plug. This is especially true if you're planning to expand the room and introduce other significant alterations. In many cases, homeowners also need to replace the old pipes, which is another headache you have to deal with.
And while messing around with design is something we all like, it's much more important to make the space functional. Your bathroom needs to adapt to changing family needs. Most importantly, this is a great time to address small issues that were a source of frustration in previous years.
Without further ado, here are all the steps for creating a perfect bathroom for your family:
- Determine Your Needs
- The process starts with the ideation phase. We always recommend that homeowners plan their bathrooms according to their future needs instead of their current needs. For example, if you're planning to have kids, create a bathroom that will be suitable for them. Similarly, if your elderly parents are coming to live with you, consider adding accessibility options.
- You should plan your bathroom as a part of the larger whole. The last thing you need is to design a rustic bathroom if the rest of your home revolves around modern minimalism. Renovating the entire house is probably the best choice, as you’d allow your rooms to “age together.”
- Plan the Budget
- “Going above the budget is the most common renovation mistake,” warns Aerator, a company specializing in bathroom products (find the perfect bathroom faucet aerator by Aerator.com). According to their representatives, you need to be very liberal during the initial planning so you don’t regret it later.
- When selecting a new tub or a sink, you should add 10% to 20% more to the projected cost. For example, if your sink costs $100, you should count the expense as $110 or $120. Allocating a bigger budget is usually much better as you'll always have unpredicted expenses.
- We also recommend asking sellers for a discount. If you're buying all your bathroom items in the same shop, they'll likely be willing to meet you halfway. Once you figure out how much money you need, start saving toward that goal. We suggest you don't begin any work before you have the full sum.
- Measure the Space
- The next step of the process is measuring the space. You should consider the size of each wall and take into account special features (such as protruding ledges and foundations). Windows and their placement within the bathroom are other things you'll need to consider, as they might force handymen to cut tiles.
- At this point, you should also consider if the current bathroom fulfills your needs. The great thing about renovation is that it gives you the chance to break down the walls and expand the space. However, to do so effectively, you need to consider the placement of outlets and water pipes.
- Discover Ideal Layout
- The easiest way to go about things is to use the same layout you had previously. As we've just mentioned, changing needs might force you to expand the bathroom and install bigger sinks, cabinets, and showers. However, you shouldn't unnecessarily tinker around, as new pipes and walls can be quite expensive.
- Contrary to popular opinion, planning the layout has much more to do with functionality than it has with the design. Take into account everything that was bothering you in the past and try to find a solution for it. For example, you might consider adding larger windows if the room lacks fresh air.
- There are also many things that will change the appearance of your bathroom without breaking the bank. Changing the tiles and painting the walls are probably the simplest solutions that will have the biggest impact. The same can be said for doors and fittings.
- Consult the Experts
- Unfortunately, many homeowners are unrealistic when designing their bathrooms. This is especially true if they're looking to change their current layout, break down the walls, or change windows.
- In these situations, bathroom designers are like a godsend. These experts can provide valuable design advice, measure space, and explain why something can or can't be done. They also know what's trending and can familiarize you with the latest bathroom products.
- Most importantly, bathroom designers can maximize available space while eliminating mistakes homeowners usually make due to lack of experience. Besides hiring an architect, we also suggest you consult a plumber or builder so they can assist you with more technical issues that might pop up.
Conclusion
The process of designing a bathroom is arduous but fulfilling. It is a fun project the entire family will benefit from, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality. We suggest you take your time planning, find ideas on the Internet, and consult experts before going all out.