Bathroom Designs: When asking ahead can save you a headache
I have my head knee deep in bathroom designs these days. Right now, I’m working on
- A master bathroom and a fun powder room for one family.
- Another master bathroom, master closet, main bath, and the addition of a main floor laundry space for another family.
In both instances, I did something that I’ve learned to do ahead of making any plans:
Ask my plumber!
Bathroom Designs
Plumbing
When it comes to designing bathrooms in existing homes, plumbing plays a key role. When I carry out my Renovation Discovery Sessions, I visit the home to see what we are dealing with and what the rest of the home looks like.
Yes – what the rest of the home looks like. Things I’m looking for are:
- Is there a basement and is it developed or not. This includes the basement and whether it has a finished ceiling.
- Have there been any plumbing issues previously?
- What is the current plumbing situation?
- Is part of the wish to go from one sink to two?
All of these plumbing questions and scenarios come into play BEFORE I begin to plan the bathroom.
Can it be done?
As I tell my clients, anything can be done – it just may cost. I believe it’s my job to not design a space that is going to cost hundreds, if not thousands more due to a bad design. I also don’t want to ever get the hopes up to only find out that the design I created is not do-able. Oh man…that would be the worst feeling!
A Real Life Example
Master Bath One
Here is one master bathroom that I am currently working in.
As you can see, there already is a double sink vanity, a monstrous corner bath tub, and a small neo-angle shower. Beside the double sink vanity is a half wall that has the vanity counter continuing across.
On the Wish List
- Better use of cabinet storage. Currently there are doors on the sink cabinet bases. The middle cabinet has drawers.
- My clients wish to have a tub/shower combination. The idea of a nice, large bathtub is on the list of wishes.
- More useable storage.
Answers to my plumbing questions
Prior to me starting the designs of this bathroom, I asked my plumber and site supervisor some important questions.
- Does the new bathtub need to go where the existing one is OR can it go where the shower is?
- Can a new bathtub go where the existing vanity sits?
- What are the budget items I will need to know? I don’t like surprises!
- IF the new bathtub goes where the shower goes, do I need to have a plumbing wall for any reason (6″ ) as opposed to a normal wall (4″).
While some of these questions I already know the answers to,
There is no question that is a dumb question!
I would rather get confirmation, a rough cost estimate, and rough timeline ‘cost’ now, then after!
Creating the bathroom designs
Now that I know the answers to my questions (and so you know ahead of time, the toilet is not moving), I can create the magic. I have the answers I need to create two, functional designs for my clients.
Option 1
The first option is one that I typically do for my clients. It simply is changing out the old with the new, in addition to some modifications.
For this plan, I kept the existing vanity where it is. This will be easier on the plumbing budget to keep things right where they are.
Instead of a stub wall, we can use cabinetry to have additional storage.
For the bathtub area, I’ve specified a nice big bath. By deleting the shower, it allows us room for a nice tall cabinet for additional storage including a clothes hamper pull-out at the bottom.
Option 2
Since I have already asked my plumber and site supervisor what I can and can’t move, this option involves switching the location of the vanity and bath tub. This option, in my opinion, gives a ton of storage! While the plumbing would be a little bit higher for this plan, it’s not crazy expensive more.
For this plan, the entire back wall is cabinetry!
Bathroom Design Renderings
When I create these renderings, sometimes I use the same material and sometimes I switch things up. For these two options, I kept the flooring the same, but changed up the cabinets (option 1 has Walnut cabinets while option 2 is using a deep blue). The renderings are really to give my clients a peek at what their space could look like.
Some bathroom essentials
Oh, I have been writing about the fluff and stuff more and more. It seems like my clients are wishing for me to fully finish their space. Part of designing a bathroom, once the functional layout is solidified, is to source all of the pretty. While we still have a design to decide on, I’m already thinking of this part. Here are a few bathroom essentials I think are needed to complete a space.
My blog contains affiliate links. Any purchases, that are at no additional charge to you, are most appreciated and make this blog possible.
1.Bath Robe. 2.Body Scrub. 3.Succulent art 4.Bath towels 5 .Fluffy slippers
I look forward to seeing which bathroom design my clients go for. I can’t wait to start pulling this space together so that construction can start in the new year!
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As always, I love reading your posts, Sheri, because of the way you help me see your thought process re: budgets + functional concerns vs.wish list items.
I sure hope your clients are able to go with OPTION 2. What an amazing difference switching walls makes in not only the amount of storage, but the way the space will look with that pointed wall.
I can’t wait to see the outcome!
Thank you, Leslie. I too hope they go with Option 2! I’ll keep you posted.
Wow, option 2 looks like a great idea! Nice post.
Thank you so much, Mary Ann.
Such great advice to get a plumbers opinion to stay on track with budget!
Thank you so much, Lisa.
Such a simple, but important, step! Asking the pros what can be done! Yes, nearly anything is possible, but it may cost!
That is so true Linda. Anything can be done, but what’s it going to cost is another thing!
Wow it’s going to be fantastic. What a great size!
Thank you, Shannon.
On point process as always, Sheri! If it were mine, I’d choose option 2, AND the blue for cabinetry! It’s going to be fabulous either way, though!
Thank you Janet. I’m not 100% sure on the vanity colour yet, but I too like Option 2. I’ll keep you posted!
This is so helpful and especially for us baby designers. I would most definitely want to check with my plumbing pro before moving ahead with a bathroom design. Thanks for posting.
Thank you KaSonndra!
What a great blog post Sheri, you are so right, there is no such thing as a dumb question! I love the way you laid out the whole process! Well done.
Thank you so much, Amy.
Really great post. Bathrooms are more complexity in a small space than any other part of the home.
You are so right Judith! Bathrooms can be challenging – especially in a tight space. Wait until you see what we’ve got planned for the powder room!
Awesome post Sheri on all the zillions of details to consider in a bathroom remodel that often are not considered, especially for the DIYers!
Option 2 gives so much more in overall storage and etc. Lucky clients to have you on their projects!
Thank you so much, Mitzi!
I love #2! What I really love too, is the walk through you give us of the specs of the room, client goals and a look at your two options.
I’ve done a lot of bathroom renovations (as the designer) but still am not confident that I know what can go where as far as moving sinks, toilets and showers.
Thank you for this great post!
You are so welcome, Kelly. It never hurts to ask, in advance. 😉
Looks good, Sheri!
I like option 2, but, I’d be worried that when the shower curtain (maybe a curved one) was in, then it would stick out too much into the entrance way. Is there really enough room for a bath plus its accessories there?
I feel like there could be an option 3: does it work if the bathtub was lengthways on the wall with the window, and the sinks next to that tub? Then behind the door would be the cabinetry?? Not sure about the plumbing, and maybe the toilet’s in the way (could be moved?). Just a thought. We’ll soon find out 😉
Wonderful feedback Viccy! We’ll look at creating a third option so you can see the space before we swing that hammer!