Bathrooms - Small Rooms - Big Potential
With Ontario real estate at a premium these days, it’s easy to understand why our Lake Simcoe region is so attractive. Many people are choosing to renovate not only to capitalize on improved market sales, but also to make their homes more suitable to their changing needs. Even homes just recently remodelled for resale are being changed by new owners particularly the bathrooms a phenomenon that doesn’t surprise me. Often the smallest room in the house, the bathroom is prob- ably the most important and most misunderstood when it comes to remodelling. Starting with cost and the amount of moving parts involving skilled trades and product selection, it outweighs other interior projects when compared on a square-foot basis. But, if designed and executed with insight and skill, bathrooms also deliver an equally proportionate rate of return in terms of daily comfort, convenience and property value. Here’s a little perspective if a bathroom reno- vation is on your horizon.
First, your bathroom design must serve your immediate personal needs and be easily adaptable should your requirements change. While most homes today have more than one bathroom, this can vary greatly, so the size and design of your project will be influenced by space availability, in- cluding whether you can rearrange or enlarge existing layouts. Essentially it depends on a choice among tub and shower combinations, and this is where having a clear understanding of the importance of universal design principles for multi-user friendliness is essential. Tub and toilet heights and design options matter. Clever design incorporates inconspicuous features that ensure the health and safety of homeowners. Consider:
There’s a decided difference between gender expectations. No. 1 on the woman’s list is cleanliness, followed by lighting, storage and the ability to “power” multiple grooming devices simultaneously. Think of how we use our space and the not-always-so-subtle differences between the personal daily care routines we each follow. • Work of subtrades and materials required for tear-out, plumbing, electrical, rebuild, wall and floor prep and tiling, glass, finishing millwork, cabinetry install, painting is generally more than the cost of finished fixtures.
You can reduce costs through careful planning, by tying design into existing drains and minimizing the relocation of major plumbing, elec- trical and ductwork. Choose products that are less difficult to install, particularly floor and wall tile, to significantly reduce labour cost. Otherwise, what might appear to be a bargain for surface materials and fixtures might end up costing more. A bathroom is like a symphony orchestra, requiring a director who unerstands the importance of all the moving parts that must be synergistically coordinated to deliver a successful performance. Managing the details is complicated. The best jobs start and finish with skilled professionals properly insured and trained to ensure all substrates, such as waterproofing systems and flooring, meet highest industry standards. They also should be licensed to confirm plumbing and electrical meets appropriate codes. It’s not their job to choose surface materials or fixtures, so ensuring your selections ultimately deliver the function and aesthetics you expect is your responsibility.
Tips For Choosing Fixtures and Surface Materials
- Tile Porcelain rated for floors, with a matte or texture-finished surface will resist moisture and be more slip resistant. The larger the tile, the fewer grout lines you’ll have. When finished with a non-porous quality grout, these lines will resist stains and won’t need to be sealed. Wall tile doesn’t require the same hardness or slip resistance as floors but be careful to avoid calcium-based nat- ural stones, such as marble, limestone or travertine, require sealing and ongoing maintenance. A good tile job depends upon the qual- ity of the preparation materials and tile-setter’s workmanship.
- Countertops made from engineered (man-made) quartz or natural granite, will offer years of easy care. Granite is a silica based stone, unlike calcium based marbles and limestone, and is ex- tremely durable and stain resistant. Using the same material to make the edge trims for your tub or shower (jambs and thresholds) gives a smooth clean transition between the tile and shower glass and will add real value to your project.
- Fixtures When you choose a toilet or bathtub, try it out for size. Sit on the toilet and get into the tub. A deep free-standing tub might look great but make sure you can get in and out safely. Shop with professionals at recognized bath showrooms where staff is properly educated to assist you. Choose fixtures that line up with your existing drains and cabinetry. Today, most toilets are pretty efficient for flushing and water consumption, so shop for value, but be aware of design features; straight sides are much easier to clean. Double sinks, while allowing two people to function simul- taneously, reduce available counterspace and double the cost, including plumbing. While pedestal sinks save space, they offer no storage capacity. Check faucet finishes for finger marks and water stains before you decide.Vessel sinks can be more difficult to keep clean and reduce counter space.
- Custom shower glass is more affordable than you might think, and opens up space, allows light and can be easy to maintain. Euro- style half doors are a great option for shower/tub combinations.
- Cabinetry drawers offer a better storage option than doors, where contents of your cupboard are often hard to see and reach. • Lighting should be in all main function areas, including toilet and shower, and switched on a separate dimmer. But be sure to add a vanity light either over or on either side of your mirror to prevent its shadowing.
