So, you’re thinking about taking on a bathroom remodeling project. As with any type of home renovation, there’s a lot to consider with a bathroom remodel. Lucky for you, Meridian Design Build, an NC general contractor, is weighing in on what you might need to consider before getting started.
NC General Contractor talks Bathroom Remodels
Functionality first
While the design is highly important, the functionality must be at the core of your bathroom renovation project. So whether you’re working with a small powder room or a full master en suite, there are a few things you can introduce to ensure you’re thrilled with both function and design.
Plumbing.
Did you know that residential plumbing typically uses 11/2 inch pipes for the drains? Well, it’s likely that at some point in your life you’ve experienced the dreaded clogged pipe. This typically results in you finishing your shower in standing water. You’d be shocked to discover just how much gunk and hair go down that drain. By introducing a larger pipe, you reduce the risk of clogged drains. And the good news is, the cost difference to upgrade to a 2-inch pipe is practically negligible.
We’d recommend that you ask your general contractor if your framing would allow for this simple upgrade.
Lighting.
Brightening up the room is a must. Whether you’re shaving, applying makeup or plucking your eyebrows, it’s important to see exactly what you’re doing close up. Strategically and properly placed light fixtures can help you do just that as well as introduce some variation into space. Consider installing a dimmer switch so you can adjust the ambiance in the bathroom. Consider placing recessed light fixtures throughout the ceiling and one or two into the shower. You’ll want to be certain that the shower has the proper shower trim if you do this.
Shower sills.
You might be more familiar with window sills, but shower sills aren’t too terribly different. Like with a window sill, it’s important that the sill is sloped properly into the shower. You’ll want to choose a material that is solid like quartz or stone. Tiling the shower curb might look nice, but water can sit on the grout lines and seep through the framing eventually. So we’d recommend avoiding that if possible.
Shower floors.
There’s a lot to consider when selecting your shower floor. It’s important to select a smaller, textured tile and there are a few reasons for that. Larger tiles are traditionally more difficult to slope properly. And they can be slippier because the grout lines are further apart. Though the options are fairly endless, smaller tiles tend to offer more traction even without any specific texture.
Shower or tub?
An important question to ask yourself when caught in this debate is how many baths do you take a year, really? When taking on a home renovation project, it’s really easy to get caught up in the idea of what might appeal to any potential future buyers. But it’s essential to remind yourself that you are also doing this renovation to best suit yourself. So when you’re considering a bathtub or shower-only, do some reflecting to determine what best serves your needs and desires.
We are Meridian Design Build, Ltd. a Charlotte construction company and NC General Contractor that provides every client with comprehensive, timeless results with an unwavering commitment to quality, character, and integrity. Ready to start a project?
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