The North American Bathroom Remodel market is thriving on the back of higher investments by homeowners to improve their bathing experience. Increasing old house maintenance projects and the rising demand for advanced technological solutions are also contributing to the regional industry statistics.
The first step in any remodeling project is to determine how the space will be used. This will help you decide what materials to choose.
Budget
You’d think that remodeling a bathroom would be one of the biggest home improvement projects you can undertake, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. A few smart choices can keep your project on time and on budget.
Splurge only on items that add the most to functionality and style. For example, a new window or skylight can be a big expense, but a few rows of high-end designer floor tiles could give your bath a bold punch of pattern. Also, be careful when selecting faucets and fixtures: non-standard finishes and details can be hard to coordinate with existing fixtures and take a chunk out of your overall budget.
Lastly, don’t forget the cost of labor. Keeping the layout the same, avoiding moving walls, and choosing products that don’t require extensive installation work can help save on costs.
Layout
The layout of the bathroom is a crucial consideration that should not be overlooked. For example, it’s important that the toilet and shower are not too close to each other. It can also be a good idea to have the sink and vanity on opposite sides of the room, which can help keep water pipes from leaking into each other.
Depending on the space available, you may want to consider adding a sitting area or seat in your bathroom. This can be a great way to create a unique focal point in the room, as well as provide an extra spot for you to relax and get ready.
Functionality
During the design phase, you will want to work with the remodeling contractor to ensure your new bathroom meets all of your functionality needs. This can include a shower or tub, a vanity area, storage space, a color scheme, textured tiling and much more. By planning the project in a specific sequence, you will be able to save yourself time and money. For example, if your bathroom is being remodeled on the second floor of the home it makes sense to remodel the ceiling first before moving to the walls and floors.
Narrow spaces don’t have to cut functionality from style. Smart solutions and correct designs offer visually satisfying results for functional bathrooms. In this bathroom, the intelligent use of space in the shower area combines different functions and gives the room the appearance of being larger. It is also possible to have both a bathtub and shower in the same room by using the right solution.
Energy Efficiency
The bathroom is the most energy-consuming room in the house, but you can minimize your environmental impact with a few simple changes. Choosing materials with low embodied carbon, adding storage in creative places, optimizing lighting and ventilation, and incorporating energy-efficient upgrades are important steps to sustainability. Enlisting the help of an experienced contractor like Almar Building and Remodeling is also critical to maximizing functionality and making sure your new space fits you well.
For example, replacing traditional bulbs with ENERGY STAR-certified LEDs will not only save money on electricity bills but also reduce waste from burned-out lightbulbs. Low-flow fixtures and appliances can drastically reduce water usage. And installing a tub-spray valve (TSV) cuts energy use by slowing the flow of hot water to a trickle once you’re out of the shower.
Installing a timer that automatically turns lights off is another great way to save on energy costs, as is incorporating natural light with dimmers or recessed lighting. Water-efficient toilets, sinks, and showerheads can also cut energy consumption.