In the United States, over $300 billion is spent on remodeling. Bathrooms are one of the most popular rooms to remodel.
There are a lot of trends when it comes to remodeling bathrooms. Gaining more space, getting new fixtures, and changing the layout of bathrooms are all popular.
If you want to do any of these things, you're not alone. This article will cover several plumbing remodeling tips to keep in mind during a remodel, as well as the benefits of hiring an expert.
Plumbing Remodeling in a Bathroom
When you remodel a bathroom, you will have to contend with plumbing. Water pipes bring water into our bathrooms, and drainpipes take it away. It's a complex process, which is why you should allow experts to handle the job for you.
1. Keep the Layout in Mind
Whatever style or features you want in your bathroom, you'll need to remember how much room you have available. However, if you have it within your budget, you can always have a professional expand your bathroom to larger dimensions.
If you aren't expanding the bathroom, then it's important that measurements are taken before you add any appliances. For obvious reasons, you might have trouble squeezing a double sink into a bathroom that isn't wide enough.
2. Look Toward the Future
When people hire a professional to renovate their bathroom, too many only take into consideration the present. Instead, you'll want to keep the future in mind. You want your new bathroom to still be useful several years later.
Before you plan what types of changes you want to be made, ask yourself a few questions:
- Will your family be growing? If you're planning to have children, you might want a double sink. Or maybe you'll want to turn the half-bathroom into a full-service one.
- Who will be using the bathroom most often? For example, if the new bathroom is for your elderly mother or father, you might want to install safety rails.
- Do you plan to sell the house in a few years? If so, you'll want to make sure to do changes that will give a bigger return on your investment.
3. Make Visual Changes
If you want to make a big visual change to your bathroom, replace the fixtures. For many people, this will be enough that they are satisfied once again with their bathrooms.
If you end up wanting more, you can always continue with additional remodeling choices. Having new faucets and showerheads does give you a good starting point. You may find that what you want out of your bathroom will change and become less with just a few alterations.
4. Don't Forget Moisture Damage
Water can damage any bathroom, no matter how gorgeous or clean it is. However, there are a few renovation ideas you can incorporate to help reduce the chances of moisture damage occurring.
First, consider having grout used. Grout does the tough work of sealing out water from seeping into cracks. Once moisture has found an opening, mold won't be far behind.
You'll also want to use tile or beadboard with oil-based paint on the lower half of your bathroom walls. Between showering and washing your hands, there's bound to be a few incidents where water splashes the walls. Tile and beadboard repel water and won't be damaged.
Finally, if there's no fan in the bathroom, that should be at the top of your renovation list for a professional to install. Good ventilation is essential for any bathroom. A fan in the bathroom will help cut down on steam in the bathroom and lessen how much condensation forms. Without a fan in the bathroom, mold and mildew have a better chance of forming.
5. Don't Forget Outlets
If you use electronic devices inside the bathroom, it's important to keep outlets in mind for the renovation.
For example, if you use a hairdryer or curler, then you'll want an outlet somewhere near the mirror so that you can see what you're doing.
What if you have a double vanity? If both you and another family member tend to use the bathroom at the same time when brushing teeth and so on forth, consider adding an outlet at both ends. This will allow both people to use a hairdryer or other device at the same time without inconveniencing either.
6. Upgrade to Efficiency
If you’re going to upgrade your toilet, for instance, change it over to a low water use model. Modern appliances and lights are cheap to maintain and operate and don’t run up an expensive water or utility bill.
If you want to go green but don’t know how, consult with your plumber. In the St. Charles, MO area, you can always consult with St. Charles Plumbing Co. for ideas on your remodel. Plumbers have a lot of experience in updating and changing bathrooms.
7. Hire a Professional
It should go without saying, but anytime you remodel a room that will require plumbing remodeling, you’re going to need the help of an experienced plumber. This is due to building codes, safety, and other risks.
Also, an experienced plumber will know far more about the intricacy of reworking pipework and how to lay tiles down the correct way. Many people have tried to save money by doing the bathroom remodel themselves, only to end up with a disaster.
Save yourself the headache and instead opt to trust an expert to do their job.
Your Bathroom and Your Style
Everyone spends a lot of time in the bathroom. Having a bathroom that works for you, provide you with the space and look you need and want is important. Don’t risk damaging your house. Any plumbing remodeling that you are undertaking should be done by a professional.
If you’re in the St. Charles, MO area, book an appointment with us. St. Charles Plumbing Company can get you on your way with your remodeling project. We will make sure that you get what you want, and that the work does is right the first time.