Bathroom design plans launch major remodeling projects and small design changes with equal success.
Plans help homeowners, interior designers, and contracting professionals to implement changes in a systematic way that saves time, money, and materials.
Remodeling can be as simple or complex as homeowners choose.
New light fixtures, sink and tub reglazing, new sink faucets, and matching accessories can create a stunning transformation under a thousand dollars.
A complete upgrade could cost $10,000 or more.
A great part of the expense depends on the existing plumbing infrastructure and whether the upgrades can utilize the old system of water and drains.
Relocating plumbing can be expensive, but efficient changes might increase the home's value by many thousands of dollar.
The basic design problem applies to large and small bathrooms-how to incorporate many functions into a limited space comfortably.
City and state building codes often limit the possibilities even further.
For example, toilets must be located at least 15 inches from any other fixture.
Sinks, tubs and showers must have a 21-inch clearance for basic user mobility, but universal access has become increasingly important as baby boomers age and live longer lives.
People who plan to remain in their homes for their entire lives might eventually require mechanical mobility aids.
Bathrooms with universal access have larger doorways and clearances to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers.
These features increase the value of homes substantially, so homeowners contemplating major bathroom overhauls might consider incorporating accessibility options into their designs.
Bathroom design plans can come from many sources: magazines, online resources, books, and other homes.
If structural changes are not needed, then the remodeling job is fairly straightforward.
Structural changes could involve major expenses requiring architects and contractors for plumbing, heating and electrical work.
The budget might limit what is possible, and bathroom design plans should include everything to help homeowners decide what changes they can reasonably afford to make.
Lighting, fixtures, tile, vanities, cabinets, window placement, and flooring are important factors to include in the plans.
Good planning can accommodate a surprising number of amenities and still leave room for a few luxuries.
Lighting is an important aspect that many homeowners fail to consider.
Lighting is essential and provides crucial functions of illumination, ambience, and enhancing bathroom decor.
Decorators can choose from ceiling fixtures, recessed lighting, track lighting, chandeliers, indirect lights, pendants, wall sconces, and other options.
Light emitting diode (LED) lights are a great choice for bathrooms because they use one-fourth as much energy, and the diodes last 40 times longer than incandescent bulbs, making this option very eco-friendly.
Natural tile for floors and walls also generate great durability and style.
Decorators can choose creative tile designs to maximize the utility of their new bathroom for many years and include such luxuries as radiant floor heating as an added benefit easy to incorporate during the remodeling process.
Bathroom design plans must often be submitted to obtain approvals for building permits, so drawing up comprehensive blueprints is never a waste of time.
Homeowners should check with the local building authority to get the code requirements before beginning the planning process.
Consider layout carefully and try to retain what is useful.
If homeowners must relocate plumbing, they should try to consolidate pipes into a "wet" wall, which will facilitate repairs and changes in the future.
Wiring changes are less demanding in most cases, and they are relatively easy to implement.