Bathroom Renovation – Part 1: Layout Design

There are many elements that go into a bathroom remodel, but the most crucial is determining the layout of your new space. Form and function are a must, as well as finding a way to fit in a bit of luxury to create that spa atmosphere we all desire our bathrooms to be.

What are You Looking for?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the design process, you need to determine what you’re looking for in a bathroom. Do you want that spa feel? Is this a bathroom for just you and your spouse, just the kids or will everyone be sharing this space? These are important questions that will help you decide on a slew of things. Here are a few more items to consider:

• Do you want a bathtub, shower or both? If both, do you want them separate? Will space allow that?
• Do you need more storage?
• Would dual sinks be a necessity or luxury?
• How and when will the space primarily be used?
• Is your current bathroom too small? Is there a way to expand it?

Flow of Your Bathroom Space
The most important aspect of planning your new bathroom space is making sure that the design optimizes flow and function. You certainly don’t want a toilet or sink making it hard to get into your bathroom because it’s too close to the door.

Keep in mind, however that, while kitchens generally have a rectangular layout, bathrooms can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so there is more to consider. First, try and utilize the current wet wall (the location of all the plumbing) for the location of your tub/shower, toilet and sink. While moving these access points is possible, it will cost you a lot more money on the renovation. Of course, if the sink is so close to the bathroom door that you have to pass it in order to get the door closed, then utilizing that wet area may not be an option.

Meeting Building Codes
The codes differ for each state (and sometimes even within each city) so you’ll want to double check on requirements. Per Springfield Missouri Building Development Services, for a bathroom renovation in Springfield, you will need a Building Permit, Electrical Permit and Plumbing Permit at the least. For projects in Nixa, Missouri, you or the contractor will need to fill out and submit Residential Remodel Permit Application. Generally HA Construction will obtain these permits for the project, but it is a good policy to request a copy from Andy.

Many cities and states will likely follow the International Residential Code (IRC) for remodels and construction. In regard to bathrooms, a few of the IRC requirements include:

• The center line of a toilet must be at least 15 inches from any other wall, fixture, or obstacle in the bathroom
• Clear floor space in front of a toilet, lavatory and tub must be at least 21 inches
• Minimum clear floor space in front of a shower must be 24 inches

Additionally, you need at least one GFCI outlet (although its good practice that all of them are), and it must be within three feet of the sink. GFCI outlets monitor the current in an outlet and trip that outlet if an imbalance occurs. This, of course, is a measure for preventing a surge when water is present, since water and electricity don’t mix well. All electrical outlets must be wall mounted (i.e. nothing facing upward from the counter top).

Appeal to the Masses
Even if you plan on growing old in your current home, it’s a good investment to design a bathroom renovation that will appeal to buyers, if you ever have to sell. One element to consider is “universal design.” This design concept, consisting of wider doorways, roomier floor plans, curbless showers and taller toilets, is usable by most anyone (even handicap accessible), which is what makes it “universal.”

The Little Things
While most people don’t think about items such as the toilet paper roll, it’s an important element to plan at the beginning of the renovation process. The little things aren’t actually so little, because you may end up not having enough wall space for your toilet paper hanger or towel rack if you don’t plan.

Lighting is also an important element that goes unnoticed – that is until that first time you attempt to put makeup on and can hardly see. Consider all types of light (accent, ambient, task and decorative) and plan your bathroom design accordingly.

If you find the whole design process overwhelming for your bathroom renovation, HA Construction Design will happily help you come up with a stellar plan. Simply tell Andy what you need and what you like, and you’re bound to come up with something fabulous (and far better than what you currently have) together.

Part 2: Bathtubs
Part 3: Showers
Part 4: Choosing Tile
Part 5: Sinks, Toilets & Fixtures