Conducting a bathroom remodel can be overwhelming, but if you take the time to do your research and plan ahead, it can be a smooth and enjoyable process. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning a bathroom remodel (plumbing included):

Choose Between a Traditional or Wet Bathroom

A wet room is a kind of bathroom where everything is waterproofed, and there is a floor drain to allow wastewater to exit. It is often wide open without anything separating the shower, toilet, and sinks. This means that the flooring and cabinetry must be able to withstand moisture. Often, homeowners use the same tiling throughout the room, floors, and walls.

This kind of bathroom room is also gaining popularity because they offer a sleek, modern look that can open up space. The lack of shower doors or curtains also means less cleaning and improved mobility for physically-challenged family members!

Finalize a Layout

The first and most common reason homeowners remodel their bathroom is to make them more functional. Another reason might be to add a new fixture, but there isn’t enough space in the current layout. Remodeling the bathroom allows you to change the layout to suit your needs better.

In a bathroom remodel, you may be able to change the size and layout of the room to suit your needs better. This may involve changing the location of walls, adding or removing windows, or changing the location of plumbing lines. A professional bathroom contractor can help you plan these changes and ensure they are carried out correctly.

Think about how you want the area to function after it is remodeled. This means considering where to put showers, bathtubs, double sinks, toilets, and more. Choose a layout that makes use of the available space efficiently. You don’t want to use up too much space that could be better used for something else.

Upgrade for Energy Efficiency

While remodeling your bathroom can be expensive, those hefty, upfront costs save money once the project is finished. One way to do this is to upgrade to new, low-flow fixtures that will save water and money in the long run!

• Low-flow toilets utilize less water per flush than the standard toilet. That’s around 1.28 gallons per flush vs. 1.6 gallons per flush. Older toilets use up to 7 gallons! Thus, modernizing toilet and plumbing systems can save you money on your water bill and help reduce your water usage between 20 to 60 percent, which is about $140 in water utilities alone!
• Showers account for approximately 17 percent of a household’s indoor water usage, with the average home using 40 gallons of water per day from showers. Low-flow showerheads emit less than 2 gallons of water per minute, while standard showerheads use 2.5 gallons per minute.
• Bathroom faucets typically have a flow rate of 2.2 gallons per minute. On the other hand, low-flow faucets can reduce the water flow by up to 30 percent, for a maximum flow rate of 1.5 gallons per minute.

To Be Concluded

While remodeling does cost a hefty sum, the right choices make it a worthwhile investment, especially if you’re upgrading the layout to improve mobility and efficiency. You can read more about the last two practices in part two of this series here, or—if you’re already convinced about updating your plumbing in Berkeley, CA—contact L.J. Kruse Co. now! We offer commercial and residential clients high-quality products and services that last long and yield continued savings on their water usage and utility bills.

Request service by visiting our website or calling (510) 644-0260!