Once you’ve decided what part of the house the bathroom will serve best and who will be using it, the next basic question is, What type of bathroom am I planning? To find your answer, inventory the shortcomings of your current bathroom. Keep a running list of your general wants and needs in mind as you start to get more specific about your remodelling plan and what size bathroom you want to create.
Don’t rush the process. According to many design experts, you should spend as much time planning and design your new bathroom as it takes for the construction phase of your project. Take the time to visit real-estate open houses and design shows to gather design ideas, and check out plumbing supply firms for product ideas. Following are the three basic bath options, along with size requirements for each.
Half Bath
A sink and toilet constitute a half bath, also known as a powder room. Typically, half baths are located on a home’s main level, close to the main living areas. They’re intended primarily for visitors use and to provide backup for the main bath. Common dimensions for half baths are 4×5 feet or 3×7 feet. In a pinch, they can be as small as 3×6 or 4×4 feet and still work effectively Powder rooms are often the most overlooked part of the house. It’s tempting to ignore a room that’s not used often, but think of your guests and the impressions they’ll take away from their visit. Because they are generally small, powder rooms offer an opportunity for fun, offbeat, or lavish decorating. Powder rooms also can pack a lot of convenience in a small space. Adding one can increase the value of your home – both as an enjoyable place for your family and as a real estate asset.
Three-Quarter Bath
Equipped with a shower stall instead of a tub, a three-quarter bath can be squeezed into a space that measures 6×6 feet. If your family prefers showering to bathing, a three-quarter bath could solve your morning traffic jams. Other good uses for this kind of bath include a guest bath, a bathroom for older children, and a backup to the main family bath.
Full Bath
Typically located close to bedrooms, a full bathroom consists of a sink, toilet, and tub. In place of a tub, a full bath may contain a separate tub and shower or a combination of the two. The minimum room size needed to accommodate this full range of fixtures is 5×7 feet. Many different floor plans are possible, though it all depends on your particular wants, needs, and budget.
Create a Children’s Bath
Children have their own wants and needs that can be met by a bathroom designed especially for them. One possibility is to modify a drab family bath into a colourful, kid-friendly oasis where everything from brushing teeth to scrubbing behind the ears is suffused with fun. Individual sinks, such as those shown, left, and dressing areas for each child will help morning and evening routines go more smoothly Waterproof, easy-to-clean surfaces are naturals here. Safety is another important consideration. Faucets that prevent scalding appropriately placed grab bars and slip-resistant surfaces can help prevent accidents.
Simple accent colours on such places as the walls, cabinet knobs, and accessories can be changed easily when children grow and taste change.
Create a Compartment Bath
In any bathroom that’s typically used by more than one person at a time, a few strategically placed walls can make one bathroom function as smoothly as two.
By dividing the room into sections or compartments, two people can use the space at the same time with greater efficiency and an enhanced sense of privacy. The bathroom shown at left divides the vanity area, for example, from the tub and encloses the toilet in its own nook. This strategy is especially useful when you want a bathroom that will function better but expanding or create two separate bathrooms is out of the question.
