Bathroom remodeling is one of the best investments you can make for your home. You increase the value of the home considerably more than any other home improvement project you can undertake, including kitchen remodeling.
When thinking about ways to improve the design and function of your bathroom in preparation for remodeling, you might overlook some key upgrades. Here are some ideas for the best upgrades you can do when bathroom remodeling.
Low-flow toilets
Low-flow toilets have become a necessity in many homes as more people become aware of the need to conserve water. Low-flow toilets consume 4,8 liters of water at most per flush, which is at least 20% less than conventional toilets.
You can also gain a bit more space if you choose a low-flow toilet with a hidden cistern, as this means about 12 inches of space gained. A hidden cistern requires putting it inside the wall rather than in front, so that means breaking into the wall and relocating the waste pipe as the toilet itself is hung on the wall. Simply installing a low-flow toilet with a hidden cistern involves a lot of work, which is why the perfect time to do it is during a remodel.
Another water saving option for toilets is the tankless toilet. This uses a pressure valve to ensure a water supply for flushing. It uses even less water than a low-flow toilet, but it does make a lot more noise during operation. Most people consider this unavoidable, so it is not really an issue.
While these modern marvels look best in modern bathrooms, you should still consider it for your traditional bathroom. You might camouflage it with a false skirt to make it blend in better. At any rate, you can definitely score some brownie points from guests as well as potential homebuyers if you include a low-flow or tankless toilet in your remodeling plan.
Textured floor tiles
Slip and fall accidents in the shower or bathroom floor is one of the leading causes for injuries in the home, resulting in injuries to 250,000 people a year in the US. This is especially dangerous for the elderly.
One way to prevent these types of injuries is to replace your bathroom and shower floors with textured tiles. The rough surface allows a better grip for the feet, which is especially important when the floor is wet.
You have many options when it comes to textured tiles. Ceramic are the affordable choice, but you can also choose granite tiles for a more elegant look. Mix and match patterns and colors to make it visually attractive, but the main purpose of this upgrade is safety. Make sure to include this in your remodeling plans.
Bigger pipes
The standard size of PVC drainpipes for residential bathrooms is either 1? or 1? inches in diameter. However, these are prone to clogging with heavy use, so you might want to consider replacing them with bigger pipes. A 2-inch pipe might not seem all that much bigger, but that is enough to eliminate most clogging problems.
The cost of the pipes is minimal, but replacing them is a big job. You can save a lot of money by including this upgrade during a bathroom remodel as your contractor will have to get a licensed plumber to do the job. This might still cost a lot, but it will be worth it in the end.
Indulge in a better shower
Most people take a shower rather than a bath because it is faster and more hygienic. However, some people put in a bathtub because it looks nice. Do not fall into this trap unless you actually plan to use it. Putting in a bathtub is expensive and it takes up a lot of space. Since bathrooms usually have limited space, you are not doing yourself any favors by wasting valuable space on something you are probably going to use very rarely, if at all.
Instead of putting in a bathtub, invest in the best shower you can afford. You have many options in this, including showers that have a massage function. Look through your options with your remodeling contractor before deciding on the best one for your bathroom. You can be sure that you will enjoy it much more on a daily cases than the luxurious bath you have no time to draw.
On the other hand, if you are doing a remodel in preparation to selling your home, adding a bathtub might be a good idea. Realtors say that home-buyers look for at least one bathtub in the home, and having one improves the chances of a good sale. If you have more than one bathroom, and one already has a tub, then you do not have to put another one, especially if the tub is in the master bathroom.
Put in a window
Most bathrooms have at least one window to the outside to keep humidity down. If your bathroom does not have one, you should put one in. This will help keep your bathroom free from molds and mildew, and ensure fresh air at all times. It also lets in natural light. Put the window in the shower area to allow steam to escape more quickly.
However, if a window to the outside is not possible, make sure you put an appropriate powered vent fan. This will move the air sufficiently to keep it from getting too wet.
Conclusion
Bathroom remodeling is often a complex project, but you can make the most of the time and money you spend on it by including the best upgrades you can do. You improve the look and function of your bathroom, and you save money by doing them all at the same time instead of piecemeal. Consult with your remodeling contractor about integrating these upgrades into your design.
Mimosa Kitchen and Bath is your best resource in the DC metro area, Columbia, Rockville, Bethesda, Jessup, Chevy Chase and surrounding areas. We have many years of experience in expert remodeling, so your bathroom remodel is in good hands.
At Mimosa Kitchen and Bath, we deal only with high-quality products manufactured by leading brands in the industry. When you purchase your products from us, we guarantee speedy delivery compared to ordering from big box stores. We will customize the product according to your specifications and install it into your home quickly and with excellent artisanship.
We sell a host of products, including but not limited to bathroom and kitchen cabinets, flooring, faucets and sinks, and vanities. Some of the brands we carry include Zodiaq, Fabuwood, Forevermark Cabinetry, Caesarstone, MSI, Kitchenmaid, Wolf Cabinets, Cambria and Hardware Resources. You can visit our showroom in Elliicott City, Maryland to see the many products and stone slabs we have available. This includes marble, granite and engineered quartz.
All of our products come backed with brand warranties. Contact us today to get a free quote for your kitchen or bathroom upgrade!
