Envision a new bathroom as a living room— just for you!

Do you have to book a reservation to use your bathroom? You surely deserve a relaxing retreat to call your own. You may have dreamed of a secret spa hidden behind a revolving bookcase just like in the movies. Well, why not? As we say at Popham—you dream it, and we build it.

Adding a bathroom allows you to custom create a space for your particular needs and desires. It’s not always feasible for homeowners to add on to their homes, so many choose to renovate. When renovating an existing bathroom, you may have to design around existing structures, plumbing, electricity, and ductwork. Of course, a good contractor can advise you about those kinds of issues and can help make your ideas a reality.

If you’re considering adding or renovating a bathroom, you’re probably envisioning a luxurious soaking tub, a spa shower with seating, and heated towel bars. Those features sound wonderful, but there are other aspects of a bathroom design that you may not have considered. Information on the following topics can help ensure a successful bathroom project.

Budget

It’s not the fun part of planning, but you’ll save time if you keep your budget parameters in mind. To get a general idea of project costs in our region, consult this reputable industry source: Cost vs. Value 2015 | East North Central Region | Remodeling. It’s wise to figure a 10 to 15 percent cushion into your budget in case of hidden issues like water damage or corroded plumbing pipes. If you don’t need the cushion, you’ll be happy to find another use for the money!

Ideas

Start planning your new bathroom retreat by collecting ideas online using websites like houzz.com. Our Remodeling Resources page lists additional sites along with concise tips about selecting cabinets, countertops, faucets, bathtubs, showers, and more. This information will help streamline the decision process for you. We encourage you to shop locally to see products in person.

Light

Consider the orientation of windows and use of skylights to bring natural light into the rooms. Although bathtub advertisements often feature a photo of a woman enjoying a bubble bath in front of a panoramic window, in reality it may not be a good idea!

Storage

By starting from scratch, closets, custom hidden storage, shelving, and cabinets can be configured for maximum space usage. Think ahead about sizes and shapes of items to be stored.

Noise

Ask your contractor about ways to quiet exterior noise caused by the wind, traffic or even neighbors. Interior noise may also be an issue from hardwood floors, media equipment, and fans. You’ll not only want a quiet bathroom but one that doesn’t create noise that may affect others in your home. Transitional areas that lead into the bathroom such as linen closets on each side or a dressing room can create a buffer zone from one room to another.

Ventilation

It’s imperative that your bathroom fan vents to the outside of your home instead of the attic or crawl space. Otherwise, the warm, moist air from your shower will cause interior mold and deterioration. Investing in a quality fan will protect your investment. The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends a ducted system that’s at least 50 cubic feet per minute though you may need twice as much ventilation if the space is larger than 100 square feet or if you plan to install a steam shower. Humidity-sensing units are available, which automatically turn on and off depending on the amount of moisture in the air.

Universal Design

Today’s environments are designed to be inherently accessible to people of all ages, and people with or without disabilities. Plan for wider doorways and level thresholds for safety and accessibility. Modern fixtures have grab bars and other safety features incorporated in the design.

Your home’s exterior

An addition should look an original part of your home—a seamless blend of architecture and style. Discuss exterior features with your contractor such as the roof line, façade options, shingles, siding, trims, doors, and windows that may be used.

Haste makes waste

The best advice is to take your time planning. With multiple components within a confined area, adding or renovating a bathroom is a complex project. We can help you. Make Plans with Popham! Please Request a Free Consultation or call us today at (812) 479-5850.