One of the most frequently used rooms in the house is the bathroom. Of all rooms in a house, the bathroom is the one most likely to be scrutinized by visitors, who will then evaluate your entire home and décor based on what they find in the bathroom.

When renovating a home for a fresh feel and enhanced functionality, the bathroom is often the first to receive attention. A well thought out bathroom design can breathe new aesthetic appeal into the entire home. Since homeowners spend a considerable amount of time in the bathroom, it should be efficient and comfortable.

Project Planning

Before putting plans to paper, there several considerations to be made; first and foremost is determining your needs. There are three features normally associated with a bathroom; the toilet, the sink, and the bathtub or shower. When designing areas for these features, accessibility and safety should be primary considerations; décor and aesthetics, secondary.

There are several different types of bathrooms. The type you are planning will influence the layout of fixtures and open space allowances being considered.

Half baths are small bathrooms designed for convenience; they are usually not more than 20 square feet with only a toilet and sink, and little or no storage space. They are often tucked into space near an entrance or recreation area, with the doorway opening into a hallway rather than one of the main rooms or a public area. When designed for or used as a guest bathroom, they often include a shower, requiring slightly more floor space; and might be called a three-quarter bath.

Family baths normally have more floor space than a half or three-quarter bath. Space of 5x7-feet or larger is not uncommon, and family baths usually have ample storage for linens and toiletries. A family bath is often busy; normally used by three or more family members. It is usually located in close proximity to bedroom areas.

Larger family bathrooms often provide features to accommodate use by multiple family members simultaneously; features such as double sinks and possibly a separate shower and bathtub. Smaller family bathrooms commonly have a shower/tub combo, while utilizing available space with recessed shelving, space-saving fixtures, and storage cabinets for maximum efficiency.

Special safety considerations should be made for family bathrooms; especially if small children will be using it unsupervised. Features such as anti-scald guards, safety plugs, grab bars, smaller/lower toilets, and built-in step stools for vanities. In addition, since a family bath receives regular heavy use, it is a good idea to incorporate durable low-maintenance fixtures and ceramic tile floors.

Master baths are considered to be both a sanctuary and extravagance by homeowners. It is not uncommon to “shoot for the works” when designing a master bath; allowing for larger open access spaces and “lounging” space or special use areas – such as a special dressing area.

The master bath is frequently decked out with lush décor, showy gilding on fixtures, and custom features. Master baths might have multiple vanities, a Jacuzzi or whirlpool tub; or luxuries such as a sauna, day spa area, or even a steam room.

In addition to standards that help insure safety and accessibility, successfully remodeling the design of a bathroom with so many activities in a small space comes only after much careful planning. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), with more than 50 chapters throughout the United States and Canada, has published a list of bathroom design standards that assist in planning bathrooms; safe and accessible to all users.

Steps to Successful Bathroom Design

Below are four steps to a successful bathroom design:

• Sketch a Plan - while your individual bathroom design plan may not conform to all the recommended design standards, you will still have to comply with local building code requirements. Sketch a floor plan and wall dimensions to scale; experiment with different layouts to come up with one you most prefer. Remember; drastic changes like relocating fixtures may involve moving plumbing lines and drains, adding considerable cost to the project.
• Check Local Building codes - once you have developed your sketch plan, check with your local building inspector regarding building codes that pertain to your project. Pay special attention to the minimum clearances required around fixtures. If you are short on space, compact fixtures and built-in units may yield the necessary space without compromising on features you want to include. If not, you may need to consider implementing an adjacent closet or extra floor area into the design.
• Create Scale Drawings and a Materials list – this is where every minute detail of your design goes down on paper. This includes all dimensions for the room as well as fixtures; including placement of plumbing service, wiring, and HOT WIRE connections. This is a good time to determine what work you can do yourself, and what you will have to contract out. You may even want an architect or building contractor to help draw up plans.
• Have the Plans Approved – present your final plans to the local building inspector for review and approval. Your plans and materials list will be checked against code guidelines, and recommendations for any required changes will be made. Once final approval is given, you will need to secure any required building permits; sometimes issued individually as certain “phases” of the project are completed. It is not unusual for one inspection to take place after the framing and rough-in plumbing and wiring are in place, and another after the project has been completed.

Bathroom design is greatly affected by the variations available for countertops, vanities, sinks, bathtubs, showers and toilets. With the nearly endless variety of colors, materials, designs, and prices, you should give careful attention to choice selection.

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