Bathrooms are no longer utilitarian rooms, tucked away in the cold and dark. Homeowners today want to enjoy and relax in them. The addition of tile floors and vanity countertops rarely make up for an out-dated layout and slow drains. A modern bathroom requires a closer examination of the layout, drainage and structure of the space.
When it comes to the actual renovation itself, it is important to balance out style and substance. With the help of Browns Plumbing, your water lines, and ventilation will be just as impressive as the rest of the new bathroom. By upgrading the existing fixtures and plumbing, and removing an unused bathtub, the cramped, dated space gets replaced by a beautiful and efficient area.
Thinking Outside the Tub: Getting Out and Staying Out
For the last several decades, the average residential bathroom has been characterized by the presence of a large tub, usually combined with a shower. While bathing is an important activity for families with very small children, such a design often fails to account for space. Medium and small-sized bathrooms become cramped and dark around the tub.
Replacing a standard bathtub with a modern, walk-in shower is a great way to open up a cramped bathroom. Walk-in showers have glass walls, which allow more light into the room. Even small bathrooms may appear larger and airier after the change. In addition to the light coming in, the walk-in shower itself also makes the space more accessible, allowing for people to enter and exit freely, and making cleaning easier.
Bathing in Style: Fixtures and Plumbing
The conversion from tub to shower is a major process. Not only does the removal of the tub change the feel of the room, but it also modifies the way that water is brought into and removed from the area. Any major plumbing, such as the water supply or drain, should be dealt with before tiling or installing the shower pan.
The main issue that comes up when switching from a tub to a shower is the size of the drain. Many standard tubs use a 1 1/2 inch drain, while showers with powerful shower heads or multiple jets require a 2 inch drain for better water removal. If the drain is not upgraded when installing the shower, water may accumulate on the floor of the shower, making it slippery and damaging the tile. The correct pitch of the floor is a major element in the construction of the shower, allowing water to run off quickly and efficiently, without being trapped behind the walls.
It is also a good idea to replace old, corroded, or damaged supply lines with new PEX piping in order to avoid leaks and pressure issues in the future. Paying close attention to the details of installation will prevent a multitude of headaches later on.
Bringing the House into the 21st Century: Smart Fixtures
The addition of smart fixtures to the renovated bathroom is a sure fire way to bring style and substance to the area. Not only do they provide modern flair, but they also cut down on water usage and bills.
- Thermostatic Digital Shower Valves: are excellent for controlling the temperature of the water. They allow homeowners to set their ideal temperature and hold it, without worrying about fluctuations due to other people using water in the house. This is especially useful in larger homes or multi-family buildings, where a flush from the toilet or a shower being turned on upstairs can cause freezing cold or scalding hot water to come out at the shower head.
- Low Flow, High Pressure Shower Heads: allow for the conservation of water, without sacrificing any comfort. Older shower heads tend to use a lot of water, especially if the flow is reduced due to minerals blocking the holes. Modern shower heads use air pressure to push water out in a fine spray, using up to thirty percent less water than older models.
- Touchless and Eco-Friendly Faucets: are becoming much more popular, as a way to limit the spread of germs and ensure that only the right amount of water is used when washing hands. Many commercial buildings already use touchless faucets, and the technology is beginning to trickle down to residential buildings and homes. The use of motion sensors means that germs are not passed on by touching the same surface, and water only comes out when the user puts their hands underneath the spout.
- Toilets with Dual Flush and Wall Mount: capabilities also allow for the conservation of water and the ease of cleaning. Wall mounted toilets have all the mechanics of the toilet contained within the wall, allowing for a cleaner look and more space. The dual flush option means that the user has the ability to choose between a lighter or heavier stream of water, based on whether they are going number one or two. This dramatically reduces the amount of water used per toilet flush, which has a major impact on yearly water bills.
Keeping the Water Out, and the Moisture In Check
The best showers also have the best water protection, in order to protect the integrity of the bathroom. The constant presence of moisture in the bathroom can lead to rot and decay in the subfloor, if not properly guarded against. Often, the rot occurs before it is even visible on the drywall, or in the ceiling, leading to major structural issues and potential mold damage.
When converting a tub to a shower, it is important to apply an impermeable membrane to the floor and walls of the new shower. This membrane needs to be continuous, with no holes or gaps, especially near the edges of the shower. The membrane also needs to run up the walls of the shower, in order to prevent moisture from getting trapped behind the tiles and causing damage. In addition to any waterproofing membranes that may need to be applied beneath the tile, it is important to install an exhaust fan, which removes moisture from the air, protecting the bathroom’s drywall and frame.
Making it Accessible and Worthwhile
When it comes to the overall design of the renovated bathroom, it is important to make it both modern and accessible to everyone in the house. Converting a tub to a shower is a great opportunity to make the bathroom handicap accessible, as well as easier for the elderly.
Walk in, or curb less showers allow for people to get in and out with ease, without the hurdle of a curb to get over. The use of reinforced walls in the back of the shower allows for the easy installation of grab bars, which can help people to stand up from a seated position, or provide additional support. These additional accessories allow for the bathroom to remain useful and accessible to everyone, including children and the elderly.
As for the overall resale value of the property, many homeowners are now choosing to renovate, rather than put up with the dated feel of an older bathroom. Modern buyers are often looking for a home with a finished, updated bathroom, with larger showers rather than tubs. By converting a bathtub to a shower, a homeowner can capitalize on the demand for such properties, and raise the value of their home.
Final Notes on Modernizing Bathrooms
When it comes to modernizing a bathroom, there is more to it than just tile and vanity counters. Comfort and functionality come from a combination of the new, larger shower that takes the place of the old, cramped bathtub, and the upgraded plumbing and fixtures that bring the entire space up to date. By using the advice in this article, a homeowner can create a beautiful, efficient space that will be enjoyed for years to come. By paying attention to the details of both the tile and the plumbing, the new bathroom becomes a pleasure to use, and a long lasting addition to the home.
Team Home Spacess shares simple, practical design ideas that work for real families. The team focuses on cozy décor, soft colors, and natural textures that make a space feel truly lived-in. From everyday decorating tips to creative home projects, Team Home Spacess is dedicated to helping readers create warm, comfortable, and inviting spaces with a fresh and personal touch.