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Bathroom Planning

The old saying that beauty is only skin deep goes double when it comes to bathroom renovation. Before you begin your remodeling project, you should evaluate the plumbing and other systems that make your bathroom function. If they are outmoded, updating them is a priority. Always work on the systems before you have fun with the aesthetic finishes.

In keeping with that philosophy, the BarefootFloor.com crew likes to begin a bathroom renovation by stripping everything down to the wall studs and subfloor. That is the only way to really see what needs to be replaced. With the structure in plain view, you can seal leaks, repair rotted structural supports, replace outdated plumbing and wiring.

Just about anything is possible when it comes to remodeling, but not everything is worth the time or money. So before you begin planning your bathroom remodeling project, get a rough idea of what your project is going to entail.

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Choosing a Type of Bathroom

The best way to begin developing a bathroom plan is to clarify what you want and need. Do you want a place to bathe the kids, a luxurious adult retreat, or a stylish half-bath where guests can freshen up? As you are deciding what features your bathroom should include, focus on the specific needs and preferences of the people who will use it.

Master Baths

No longer just a washroom attached to the bedroom, the master bath can now feature luxurius amenities, from sitting areas and entertainment centers to fireplaces and panoramic views. The once ubiquitous boxy white bathtub has been replaced with whirpool and soaking tubs, and the shower may feature water-massage jets for a soothing spa experience. Two sinks and an oversized mirror are a must. To accomodate all these extras, the master bath has grown to huge proportions.

If your house was built for a bygone era, you may have difficulty finding enough space for an elaborate master bath. It may be possible to annex a closet, a landing or a small bedroom, but be aware that older homes often lack adequate support for modern fixtures such as oversized whirpools and soaking tubs. Unless you are building an addition, you may need to have a contractor reinforce the floors and supporting structure. If you want to keep things simple or you can't find the room to expand, consider skipping the oversized tub and substituting it with a roomy shower or a smaller, lightweight whirpool.

Shared Baths

If your bathroom will serve more than one person at a time, it should offer each user a little personal space. A typical configuration isolates the toilet and shower from the sink and grooming area. Ideally, the toilet should be concealed in a separate "water closet", but a low wall, or even a decorative screen can provide a measure of privacy.

To effectively accomodate multiple users, a shared bathroom should have two sinks, as well as a personal storage area for everyone. Whether you install a dual-sink vanity or separate pedestal sinks, each grooming station should have a mirror, an electrical outlet, and adequate lighting.

Children's Baths

A shared bath that will be used mostly by children has to be kid friendly, low maintenance, and, above all, safe. It should also be easy to update, as the kids grow older, and their needs, tastes and sizes change.

Try to situate the bath in a convenient location; if possible, place it between two children's bedrooms, and install a door on each side. Put shelves, towel bars and towel stands and clothes hooks within easy reach, and create a color-coded storage area for each child.

Consider pullout bathroom faucets and shower nozzles for tearless hair washing. For safety, choose slip-resistant flooring, skid-proof rugs, and a tub with a textured bottom. All glass shower doors should have tempered safety glass. A countertop with rounded edges will help prevent cuts and bruises.

Powder Rooms

A two-fixture (toilet and sink) bathroom in a public area of the house, the powder room is also known as half-bath. Because it is small yet conspicuous, it should be carefully planned.

A powder room should be private, so the door should not open into a public area such as the living room or kitchen. Ideally, it should be off of a hallway.

Designers consider 4.5 by 5 feet to be minimum dimensions for a half-bath, but at this size, your options for arranging fixtures will be very limited. It is not always that easy to find place for a powder room. Many designers like to use space beneath the staircase. Sometimes the solution to creating enough space for a person to be able to stand is to rearrange the floor joists, creating a step down into the room. Another option is to cut into the overhead stringers and add steel braces to hold the staircase up.