A new bathroom is a significant project in the scheme of house renovation and re-designs, so don’t jump into it without ample thought and research.

There are many considerations involved in planning a new bathroom, so don’t underestimate them. When I was renovating our bathroom there were so many considerations I wasn’t able to list them in order of importance, instead I initially focused on the overall look and ambience that I wanted to create; that is a great place to start your research if you haven’t already established your new look. The other important factor is plumbing; it can be expensive if you need to move plumbing from one side of the house to another.

Do you want a sleek ultra-modern shiny look with a lot of chrome and glass?If you have an old house you may want to keep your bathroom to conforming to that era and a Shabby Chic or French Country look would suit. Either way, the points you will need to consider are still the same.

As mentioned, there are many areas to consider when researching bathroom design, below I have listed some that I considering important.

Flooring: A hardwood floor can look great in a bathroom, but consider the implications if the bath overflows, or just the general day to day wet and steam a bathroom produces.  In colder climates some homeowners prefer a bathroom-specific carpet, yet in the warmer climates, usually only floor tiles would be considered.

Lighting: Whilst most bathrooms contain recessed lights, or a combination heat/fan/light system, don’t go past a glorious chandelier.I hung a beautiful crystal chandelier in our newly renovated all white bathroom with great resutls. This dramatic look can work well with alot of decorating styles.

Don’t forget natural light as well.  Perhaps during this bathroom renovation it is the time to install a larger window in the bathroom to allow in more light and ventilation.

Walls: Most homeowners opt for wall tiles either floor to ceiling or half way up. If you are after a more dramatic look why not think about some funky wallpaper, just ensure that you don’t use an uncoated paper as it will not last the distance.  Wall paper is an option if you like to change the look of a room often, as it is relatively easy to remove and hang another style, and it won’t break the budget.

Bath Tub: Do you want a separate bath tub from shower, or do you need to put the shower over the tub?  These days the array of bath tubs available is fantastic, from the vintage look claw foot bath, to the more modern stand alone tubs. Remember all those sunken baths in the 70s, maybe they’ll make a comeback? Whatever you decide make sure you research all that is available before making your decision.

Bath Tub & Basin Faucets: Where do you start to think about this vital component of your new bathroom?  I think the best place is to decide what you want the faucets and taps made from – chrome, brass, aged brass, etc. That will then narrow down your options.Bathroom faucets can cost well up into the hundreds of dollars each, but there are cheaper options so shop around to find one in your budget.  As always do your research as there is good quality, low price options available. Having said that make sure they are made to a quality that will last the distance.

Toilet: Is the toilet going to be in the bathroom, or does space allow you to install it in a separate room?  The most important aspect of this decision is the plumbing.  Will new plumbing have to be laid?

Electrical Outlets: How many do you need and where do you want them?You also don’t want to forget shaver sockets.We know water and electricity don’t mix, so ensure you comply with your local regulations when planning the electricals for your bathrom. Some countries won’t even allow electrical sockets in the bathroom, so ensure you know your local laws.

Storage: Think about what you plan to store in your bathroom.Will your bathroom need to store all your towels? If your bathroom will only be storing toiletries, then you could consider a large vanity with cupboards and draws. If you are one of the lucky ones with a large bathroom space, then consider built-in cupboard to hide everything away, or even an elegant armoire of you have a vintage style bathroom.

I dream of the day I can have a bathroom the size of a large bedroom complete with open fireplace, a large claw foot bath in the middle of the room and a big comfy sofa … ah keep dreaming.

If it is time for a new bathroom and you have thought about it for awhile now there are many ideas that can be done in your bathroom renovation.  Any ideas are good but it also a good idea to out them all down on paper that way your contractor will know what your are thinking about.  Many things can be done to your bathroom to spruce it up from adding a mirror to changing the color of the paint.

If you are planning to change to door, pocket doors do not need a wide arc to be opened.  By adding a pocket door you will give your bathroom some added space.  If it is added space you are looking for you need to get rid of your bathroom closets, all you bathroom should need are shelves hanging on the walls and maybe a few hooks to hang whatever you may need to hang.

For the walls you should go for a lighter color such as white or cream.  Lighter colors make your bathroom look as though it has opened up.  Dark colors may make your bathroom appear shut in and cave like.  If you hang lots of mirrors in your bathroom it gives an illusion as thought the bathroom is larger then it is.  More mirrors will make your bathroom look bigger.

If you are gong to do a total makeover for your bathroom then you must look into installing a stand up shower.  The shower stall that sits in the corner of the bathroom are best because they allow for you to have some extra floor space outside of the shower. 

Whatever it is that you choose to do to for your bathroom renovation if it is going to be a larger renovation plan ahead and write in down on paper.  Also you may want to hire a professional to do the electrical and plumbing.

Bathroom Renovation is not as easy as many people think. You can do it yourself but you really need to plan things and take your time so that you do it right the first time. Do not let this job left undone. Don’t get over whelmed with your bath job, just pay attention to the details and don’t make these mistakes.

Remodel Your Bathroom

Mistake #1 – Deciding to Just “Wing It”
One mistake that many people make when it comes to bathroom remodeling is deciding to just “wing it.” This will turn any remodel into a big disaster. Many people have the idea that renovation is very easy and all they really have to do is just change out a few things and they will have new bathroom. You can’t afford to “wing it” when you are trying to remodel your bathroom. Having a plan is the best way to get the job done. If you do it this way you will not waste your time and your money.

Mistake #2 – Buying the Very First Thing You See
Another mistake that people make when they try to remodel their bathroom is to purchase the first items that they come across. Many people just buy something they see the fist time and thing they like without shopping for more options. You should never just purchase the very first thing that you come across. Online is a great way to check out your bath items and see what is out there. Not only is shopping around a good idea so you find the best items for your bathroom remodeling project, but it can save you a lot of money as well.

Bathroom Remodeling Fixes

Mistake #3 Installing the item if you do not know how to
This is a very expensive mistake to make. If you have no idea how to install something, you should not try to and make the mistake of trying. Many times do it yourselves try to put in a new toilet or sink but forget that there is plumbing involved. This lands them in a huge disaster, that is not only frustrating, but very costly as well. You will be better off to pay someone to install something for you than to try to do it on your own, mess it up, and then have to pay someone to do it anyway.

If you avoid these mistakes, your bathroom remodeling project will go much smoother for you. Just make sure you plan things out as best you can and look for as many ideas for bathroom fixes as you can find. This way your remodeling project in the bathroom will end up being a success.

For more information check out Bathroom Remodeling Steps

The bathroom is one of the most commonly used rooms in the house and, as such, the design and style is important. They can be designed in many ways depending on the tastes designer, current fashions and the amount of money available to spend. Many people find that the bathroom vanities are a great place to start. Other factors that may dictate the bathroom design include the tastes and preferences of the user which may be dictated largely by factors such as age of the user, culture, friends and other external factors. When considering a bathroom design, it is necessary to focus on the following tips to get the best results.

Allocation of space:
There are a number of areas to perform given activities whilst in the bathroom. It is vital to fully think about these different areas or zones when designing the bathroom. If not fully considered then problems may arise such as less room available for the shower than the toilet.

Position of the bathroom in the house:
The bathroom should, ideally, not be positioned too far away from the bedrooms. In fact, the bedroom, dressing area and bathroom should be close to each other in an optimal bathroom design. Putting in an en-suite bathroom is a common solution to this issue in the modern house.

Make the bathroom comfortable:
The bathroom is actually one of the most private and frequently used rooms in the house. Therefore, comfort is of paramount consideration. The comfort of the room can be affected by issues such as flooring, soft furnishings and heating. These are all important points in the design stage.

The bathroom should reflect your taste:
Your bathroom should not only be redesigned for the sake of it. Your own individual style and personality should be reflected in the design of your bathroom. For example, if you like nature then let that be reflected in your room.

Fixtures and fittings:
Compatible fixtures and fittings play a part in the look of your room. Matching items, such as your bathroom vanity units is vital in achieving a good appearance. That means that the colors should be well selected such that there is no color clash. It is often advisable that you get some opinions from an interior designer to avoid incompatible settings. You should ensure that necessary measures are taken to reflect modern taste.

Involving all the users of the bathroom is important in your bathroom project. It is recommended that you ask around to get a number of ideas for your next project.

Probably the greatest challenge in remodelling a bathroom is figuring out how to achieve the style and build in the features you want within the limits of what is possibly the smallest room in the house.With a little of common sense, remodelling a bathroom will be relatively easy.  For those with bathroom design software the job can be made that much easier.Follow these six steps and you should be on the way to the bathroom of your dreams

1) Think about the layout in your existing bathroom and decide which are the most serious problems you should fix. 

2) Electrical outlets and switches are usually much easier to move than plumbing pipes, provided there is easy access to the wiring.If you think that your current layout is livable, leaving the mechanical systems as they are will mean you will have more budget for upgrading fixtures and fittings.

3) Consider your lighting arrangement.You should use strong lighting over any mirrors (a 60W strip bulb should suffice).For the rest of the bathroom it is likely that you should require 3.3.5-4 Watts of lighting per square foot of floor space.

4) Make a detailed drawing of your existing bathroom layout and design.  Use a sheet of graph paper or CAD software if you have it.Include all wall details and don't forget to include the location of doors and windows.Make note of the width and length of your floor cabinets and bathtub as well as the distance from the nearest wall to the centre of the toilet.Note also the locations of all electrical outlets as well as the switches and fixtures.

5) Gather up style ideas and make notes.Decide which fixtures that you will want in your new bathroom.Determine colours, the finish materials, lighting, storage details and accessories.Work out a layout that will meet local clearance requirements, fits you needs and will make efficient use of the space you have.

6)  Draw a floor plan of your proposed bathroom.  Again, if you have CAD bathroom design software available then make use of it.You may also decide to get it checked by a professional designer to get any additional ideas.