adding or remodeling a bath
Assess your space
Indulging in a bathroom renovation? Lucky you.
Like most people, you probably dream of having a well-appointed bath that
functions like a luxurious personal spa—a place where you can let
your cares melt away. Bet you can feel your muscles relax just thinking
about that whirlpool bath. You’ll be in that tub soon enough, but
taking the plunge into bathroom remodeling requires some careful thought
and planning first.
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Bathroom Lingo Units like tubs, showers, sinks, and toilets are referred to as fixtures. Faucets and showerheads are often called fittings, although they can also be called fixtures. A toilet can go by the name water closet or commode. The bathroom sink is also called the lavatory. If you want to sound really knowledgeable about interiors, call it the lav. But don’t ever use this term to refer to your kitchen sink!
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Maybe you dream of relocating your bathroom to the back of your house, where you can bathe while gazing out upon your garden. Before you start, though, you're going to have to think about something a lot less pretty than garden views and decorative tile—your plumbing.
That's because bathrooms need water and lots of it, and they get it through your home's various plumbing lines that ultimately connect to the waste or soil stack, the primary waste line of your home that connects to the sewer line.
You want to locate your bathroom fixtures as close to this stack as possible. Sure, you can snake lengths of pipe to connect to it, but beyond a certain point you’ll wind up with gurgling pipes and backed-up drains. The alternative is to add a new stack, and they don't come cheap. The cost of materials and labor could run you $4,000 or more. You can probably think of better ways to spend your remodeling dollars than on a new plumbing stack!
Your best bet is either to expand your existing bathroom, possibly by grabbing space from an adjacent room or closet, or to add a new bathroom next to it or directly above or below.
Ask the Experts
Who can help me design my new bathroom?
Don't skimp when it comes to design help. An architect is your first
stop for a bathroom addition or total remodel that involves changes to
the room’s structure or systems. A certified bath designer (CBD)
is a good choice if you’re taking footage from existing living space
and not moving heating or plumbing lines. Be sure to hire a contractor
who's experienced with bathroom remodels and will hire qualified subcontractors.
My designer keeps talking about"compartmentalizing" and "zoning" my bathroom. What is this?
"Zoning" is a popular trend in bath design. By separating
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