The Complete Guide to Creating a Dream Bathroom

Before embarking on your renovation journey, it’s crucial to identify the challenges at hand and the desired outcomes. Are you tackling a primary suite bath, considering an addition, or revamping another full bath or powder room? Will this project stand alone or be part of a larger renovation plan?

Often, a lack of space serves as a primary motivation for renovation. You may have endured a cramped setup with a combined bath and shower or commode crammed in the corner, leaving you longing for a more spacious and luxurious retreat.

Define your needs for the space first - what can’t you live without in your new bathroom? Think about your ideal materials for basics like floor or wall tile, cabinets, and plumbing fixtures. What will you be excited to see and use every day? From there, we can take it further with wants and wishes. Consider upgrades like an oversized soaking tub or a steam shower with multiple shower heads. This is your opportunity to redefine the space, from layout to finishes, to align with your vision of comfort and functionality.

Imagine your dream bathroom: a calming space that works seamlessly for you. Is low-maintenance cleaning a priority? Perhaps improved accessibility is critical. Maybe you simply crave a fresh, beautiful look.

No matter your vision, with proper planning, a bathroom renovation can create a tranquil haven that elevates your everyday routine. As you explore design options, consider how each element will enhance your space and bring joy to your daily rituals.

Even spacious primary suites can sometimes feel cramped or outdated. But, with a clever redesign, you can tap into the full potential of your existing space. A skilled design-build firm can create a new plan that maximizes your current square footage by carefully evaluating your bathroom’s layout and considering adjacent areas. This can breathe new life into your bathroom, making it more functional and enjoyable.

Expanding your home with an addition provides the potential needed for your primary suite. This blank canvas allows you to design a dream bathroom oasis with luxurious features like heated floors and a freestanding tub.

Collaborate with your designer to bring your vision to life, ensuring every detail is crafted for your comfort and enjoyment.

Why should I think about my tile’s grout? Old grout can harbor bacteria, and it doesn’t look good as it gets old and crumbles away. Use newer non-organic grout products that are antifungal and antimicrobial so they do not grow mold. Another consideration when selecting your new grout is that very light and very dark grout colors are often more challenging to keep looking clean. While light grout and tile can help a space read larger, and dark grout can add depth to your tile design, dark and light grout tend to show more dirt and stains over time, while neutral grout, such
as beige or grey won’t show dirt as readily.

Today, the most common bathtub materials are acrylic, fiberglass, sometimes stone, and porcelain enameled steel. Porcelain is lightweight and inexpensive but can be prone to chipping. Acrylic tubs are resistant to chipping and cracking but can quickly develop scratches and get cloudy. Fiberglass is affordable and easy to install but less durable than other options. Have you considered the idea of a cast iron tub? While it’s heavy and more challenging to install, cast iron is incredibly durable and has superior insulation capabilities, potentially saving you some money on hot water bills with the bath staying warmer for longer!

A few other elements to consider for safety and accessibility:

• A floating sink means a wheelchair or a walker can pass underneath for easy use.
• Install low-traction floors so that slipping on wet ground is less of a concern.
• Shower doors are typically constructed from tempered glass. This type of glass is specially treated to break into small, pebble-like pieces rather than sharp shards, significantly reducing the chance of injury from accidental falls or impacts.
• A renovation will require the installation of GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets near wet areas if they have not already been installed.
• Ensure you install water-rated lighting. Since building codes typically prohibit light fixtures directly over bathtubs, please consult with a qualified design-build partner to explore safe and suitable lighting options for your bathtub area.
  
  

Your design-build partner will help you make the right decisions to improve your quality of life and bring the bathroom up to code without sacrificing aesthetics. A safe, accessible, inclusive bathroom can be an oasis for anyone.

Before

After

• Do they have a clear and transparent pricing and billing process?
• Do they follow good practices for keeping the workspace and the rest of your home as clean and safe as possible?
• Where are people parking when they come to work on your home?
• How do the tradespeople dispose of waste materials from the project?
• What kind of warranty is offered?

Consider the price and quality of work, but also pay close attention to the level of service and communication your remodeler upholds. Service should be consistently professional, and communication should be clear and frequent. Additionally, you will want to work with a company that provides a warranty comparable to the investment you are making.

This is a partnership that both you and your design-build partner should be comfortable with. Better Builders has developed a successful and proven process over thousands of renovation and homebuilding projects.

During our first meeting with potential clients, we focus on finding the perfect fit for your project. If we're not the right match, we'll do what we can to help you find someone who is. We believe informed homeowners make the best decisions, so we'll equip you with everything you need to choose wisely.

Learn how to successfully interview design-build partners with our 19-question checklist, "19 Questions to Ask When Looking for the Right General Contractor."

Revitalizing your bathroom is not just about updating aesthetics; it’s about transforming a functional space into a personal sanctuary. From optimizing layout to enhancing safety and accessibility, every decision should reflect your unique needs and preferences. By partnering with a trusted design-build firm, you’ll embark on a transformation journey, culminating in a bathroom that elevates your daily routine and enhances your quality of life.

Begin planning your at-home bathroom oasis by downloading the eBook: "Better Builder's Proven Roadmap to Create the Home of Your Dreams."