Bathroom Planning Tips

Plan your bathroom redesign or renovation well in advance of the work that will take place. Proper planning is key, in ensuring all of the various issues that could arise are addressed. This will allow your project to go much more smoothly. Here are a couple of simple bathroom planning tips that will get you started on your way to a new bathroom.

Waterproofing

Since bathrooms are rooms that use water as a part of their central activity, waterproofing is essential to avoid the formation of mildew or mold and avoid rotting of any wood. An area commonly overlooked when renovating is waterproofing. Anyone who has dealt with rotten wood floors in a bathroom will agree that waterproofing is will help to keep floors and walls in good shape. To keep water out of the wood you should use a specialized product made specifically for waterproofing. Note that PVA is not a sufficient waterproofing agent. If you have sufficient ventilation you may not have to waterproof certain solid walls but any hollow wall must always be waterproofed completely. In addition, always fully waterproof the shower surround.

Creating space

There are ways to make your small bathroom appear larger. Using light colors is one way. Another is to use large porcelain tiles. They enlarge the appearance of the room and give it a modern, stylish look. They are however very hard and you will need commercial graded tools to make any cuts. Clear showers also create the illusion of space. Avoid non-transparent stalls if possible. Pedestal basins take up less space than in the counter type basins but you will lose some storage space. Use large mirrors and lighting to create the impression of a larger area and avoid any clutter. Keep personal items to a minimum. A counter and floor free of clutter will appear larger, particularly if reflected in mirrors.

Miscellaneous Tips

• Meet all local code requirements.
• Measure door openings for proper opening and closing.
• Use non-slip material for flooring.
• Plan where you will place fixtures so doors do not cover them.
• Plan storage space.
• Plan for proper heating and ventilation.
• Plan the layout prior to purchasing major components.
• Design your bathroom around one focal point; typically, this is the bath and/or shower.
• Use a design that will last. Avoid cutesy or trendy items that will quickly go out of style.
• Assess your needs before deciding on a design. You may find that a particular design just is not appropriate for your needs.

Careful planning and adhering to your budget are two areas that will have a considerable effect on moving your project forward. You should contact a professional or get the advice of an expert when doing work with which you are not fully familiar