Whether you plan to do a complete revamp or just change up some aspect of the space, you definitely need to start somewhere with the right bathroom remodeling ideas.
Bathroom Flooring Ideas
Bathroom floors have their specialty: safe, stylish, and waterproof. But there are two ways to customize them and they will also determine the cost of bathroom flooring.
If you want an easy-care bathroom floor: Go for glazed or porcelain tiles, and avoid porous natural stone tiles like limestone. Unless you seal them vigilantly, they’ll absorb drips, spills and ultimately become stained over time.
If you want a nonslip bathroom floor: Choose tiles with textured surfaces, sand-containing glazes, or matte finishes. Another option is to go with small tiles that have lots of grout lines. They will offer a better grip than large tiles.
Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant heat underneath the tiles makes it toasty underfoot. You can simply add an electric mat to your bathroom’s existing heating system.
Most likely, it will take as long as 45 minutes to warm up. Also, you can use a programmable thermostat to chase away the chill by the time your alarm goes off.
How Much Space Do You Need For a Half Bathroom?
You can fit in a sink and toilet in an 11 square feet bathroom and still meet the national building codes. However, for the sake of comfort, always look for an area that is 3 to 4 feet wide and 5 to 8 feet long. Always check with your local codes for additional requirements before you begin your bathroom remodel.
Master Bathroom Remodeling Ideas
Master bathrooms are usually an extension to a home’s master bedroom. Furthermore, they are typically located within or adjacent to the master bedroom. Here are some tips to simplify your design decisions about your master bathroom remodel.
- Toilet room: Gives this area a bit of privacy. It would be best if it has a door.
- Double vanity: You should place two sinks 36 inches apart or more, measured drain to drain. This will allow you more elbow room. Try to give each sink enough outlets and lighting, as well as a mirror, storage space, and countertop space.
- Wide pathways: Wide traffic lanes of 36 to 42 inches will allow two people to pass each other without running into each other.
Shower Niches
A recessed cubby in a shower or tub gives shampoo and soap a permanent home, unlike over the showerhead organizer. You can also size it to minimize tile cuts.
Remember to line the bottom with a piece of stone or solid surface countertop and not tile. By doing so, you will not have to scrape away scum from grout lines. If you have kids, add an extra cubby around the knee height for their convenience.
Sink, Storage, and Vanity
Every sink style has its own trade-offs. Always go for the one that suits your needs when you’re remodeling your bathroom.
1. Pedestal Sink
A pedestal sink is a favorite in small powder rooms and small bathrooms. However, it offers zero storage and little deck space.
2. Vessel Sink
A vessel sink sits above the counter, allowing you to have more room for drawers and storage space below. The work surface has less space usable and is challenging to keep clean.
3. Vanity with Sink
While a vanity with a sink takes up the most room, it offers the most utility. An average 30-inch vanity has almost 15 cubic feet of storage space and around 10 inches of countertop on each side. However, you will need sufficient space to open the cabinet doors or pull out the drawers.
Bathroom Countertops
1. Natural Stone
- Best for: High-end bathrooms cared for by vigilant homeowners.
- Pros: Natural beauty in every slab. Allows under-mount sink. Polished granite countertop is highly stain and scratch-resistant.
- Cons: You must seal them regularly. Porous types like marble and limestone will stain and scratch if dropped toiletries and cleaners aren’t wiped up fast. Smoothed surfaces can show water and oil marks.
- Price: $50 to $300 per square foot.
2. Resin-Based
- Best for: Countertops with unusual shapes or sizes.
- Pros: Whether a straight resin (solid surface) or one made with marble dust (cultured marble), these can be formed as a single, seamless piece. Further, they often include the sink. Also available in a wide variety of colors, and there’s no need for sealing it regularly.
- Cons: Lacks the upscale feel and beauty of the natural stone.
- Price: $50 to $125 per square foot.
3. Laminate
- Best for: Bathrooms on a tight budget or short bathroom remodeling length.
- Pros: Laminates are affordable, available in preferable slabs, and are stain and scratch-resistant. Further, you can find them in a huge variety of colors, finishes, and textures.
- Cons: It can delaminate over time. The look of laminate can be downscale. Unfortunately, it can’t accommodate under-mount sinks.
- Price: $40 to $80 per square foot.
Change the Wiring of Your Bathroom
The 15-Amp wiring in your old house has probably been abused for years by high-power draining hair dryers. So don’t just change your GFCI outlet. Similarly, you also need to replace wirings with a dedicated 20-Amp circuit along with plenty of outlets for all your appliances.
Add Bathroom Vanity Lights
Add light fixtures at eye level, i.e., around 66 inches, ideally placed 36 to 40 inches apart. Try to see the fixtures in action before you buy in order to make sure the amount and quality of light are sufficient. If there is no room for side sconces, try to place a long fixture on the wall above the mirror to ensure adequate lighting in your bathroom.
Accessible Bathroom Layout
Handheld showers are comfortable to hold, and lever faucets suit people of all abilities, and you can install them quickly. Still, you should plan permanent features early when you’re thinking of different bathroom remodeling ideas. Grab bars should be secured to block between ball studs and placed 33 to 36 inches off the floor. You can also consider a barrier-free shower, a wider doorway, and a sink of lower height.
Bathroom Vent Fan: Pick the Right One
The bathroom vent fan is a necessary upgrade and it is an important aspect of the bathroom remodeling ideas. The lack of ventilation in your bathroom can cause the buildup of mold and mildew.
For the master bathroom: Use an ultra-quiet unit that won’t make a lot of noise and make sure it has enough power for back-to-back showers.
For a regular or guest bathroom: A model that has mid-range noise and power will save you some bathroom remodel costs. Either way, spend a bit more on one that has a humidity sensor. Consequently, you then don’t have to rely on kids or guests to turn it on every time.
Simple and Significant Bathroom Remodeling Ideas
1. Upgrade Your Bathroom Cabinets with New Hardware
Replacing old or unattractive cabinet hardware is one of the easiest and most effective bathroom remodeling ideas. Further, there are a variety of knobs and pulls available to choose from in various styles, shapes, and colors that can transform your bathroom cabinets.
2. Throw on a Fresh Coat of Paint
If you’re looking to revamp your bathroom remodel design, repainting the walls is one of the best ways to start.
Ensure that you use a quality, stain-blocking primer to cover up old paint completely. After that, select a new color palette to work with. Moreover, if you’re looking for the best shades to bump up the resale value of your home, neutral colors are always a safe bet.
3. Put in New Tile for a Fresh, Updated Look
It might be time for a replacement if the bathroom tile on your walls or floor is damaged or deteriorating. New flooring can convert a room, making even the tiniest spaces look big. Today, plenty of colors, sizes, and shapes are available to satisfy even the most creative bathroom remodeling requests.
4. Upgrade Your Bathtub for Increased Comfort
An old bathtub can be challenging to reuse, depending on the age and style. Even if you can clean it up, you will never be happy with it if it is naturally painful to look at.
If you are remodeling your bathroom, luxury options like a Jacuzzi tub or steam shower are most likely to give you the most significant return on investment in the long run.
Bathroom Remodeling Checklist
- Measure your area entirely so that you know what size fixtures it will fit.
- Find all water shutoff valves so that there are no floods when taking out fixtures.
- Make arrangements for a backup bathroom in case of emergency.
- Always check recent references for contractors, plumbers, and other professionals you hire.
Ensure that you work with professional bathroom remodeling contractors near you to get the best results. Since your bathroom remodel is a significant investment, you should avoid making hasty decisions to implement bathroom remodeling ideas without choosing the right bathroom remodeling contractor.
