5 Different Types of Bathroom Remodeling Projects

Kenneth Wilson

5 Different Types of Bathroom Remodeling Projects

There are many reasons why homeowners want to remodel their bathroom. Sometimes it’s because their current one is outdated and more than two decades old while others find that there is just not enough space - whether it be for the fixtures or their bathroom products. 

When we think of bathroom remodels, some people think that it means tearing down the entire room and replacing it. However, bathroom renovations can range from something as simple as replacing countertops to a major project such as breaking down a wall to extend the space.

Whether you moved into a new place with an unsightly bathroom or your family has gotten larger, here are the different types of bathroom remodeling projects you can do to make your home more comfortable. This way, you’ll know what you really want to do with your bathroom so you won’t have regrets halfway through the project.

Cosmetic Remodel

One of the most common reasons homeowners want to remodel their bathroom is because of how it looks. It is probably outdated or has become an eyesore with ugly walls, chipped porcelain, unappealing vanity, or dull-looking countertops. That’s why to make the place more aesthetically-pleasing as well as comfortable, they get a cosmetic bathroom remodel.

A cosmetic bathroom renovation - whether big or small - can make a huge difference to the space. Simple projects such as replacing the vanity, countertops, sinks, faucets, and other fixtures can be enough to change the entire look of the room. Some bathrooms don’t even have vanity or cabinets, so they can add one for their cosmetic remodel. On the other hand, they can do a bigger project and upgrade the flooring and walls. They can retile, repaint, or change the material for a fresh look. 

Cosmetic remodels are often limited to anything that can be changed at the surface level. This meant that it shouldn’t go too deep, such as changing the floor plan or the plumbing and electrical system. But even if this doesn’t completely change the entire space, it can still make your bathroom feel brand new again. 

Floor Plan Change

A floor plan remodel will be much more complicated than a cosmetic bathroom renovation. This will typically involve major changes, from upgrading the shower area into a bathtub to redesigning the entire space.

Most homeowners go for this renovation when their current bathroom isn’t working for them anymore - whether it be the space or the design. It could be their family is growing or they moved into a new home with a bathroom that they find is too small. With these issues, they will need a floor plan redesign.

There are different kinds of floor plans that you can choose from. Before we discuss these, remember to keep in mind your needs for your new bathroom. Consider the fixtures you will need or want to add, how many people will be using the bathroom, how often it’s going to be used, and the available space in your home. Now, let’s find out more about the most common bathroom floor plans for residential homes.

Small Bathroom

For homes with limited space, the go-to floor plan - as expected - is a small bathroom. This type of bathroom usually has a sink, a vanity with a mirror, a toilet, and either a bathtub or a shower. 

Even if the bathroom is small, it doesn’t mean that it can’t look or feel luxurious. As long as it’s nicely designed and has a good flow, then it would be both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.

There are also ways to maximize the space and design the bathroom to make it visually bigger. Double-purpose furniture such as medicine cabinets and floating fixtures can help utilize the space and make the floor area easier to clean. Don’t forget to take advantage of the vertical space such as recessed areas and alcoves for integrated storage. After all, a bathroom will also look smaller with products cluttered around.

Master Bathroom

One of the most popular bathroom floor plans is the master bathroom. Who wouldn’t want a bathroom that screams luxurious and spacious? Plus, this elegant space always ends up being a private spa in your home.

This type of bathroom often has a shower and bathtub area, his and her vanities (each with a mirror and storage cabinets), a semi-private toilet, and best of all, plenty of storage. Some bathrooms even go beyond, with fireplaces and appliances such as a television, refrigerator, and voice assistant technology. 

It’s not just features and space, but even the design of the master bathroom will be grand. It often has high-quality materials for the tiles, flooring, walls, countertops, cabinets, and fixtures - expect it to be custom-made, or made out of marble and other expensive material.

Three-Quarter Bathroom

Most of the time, homes will have a master bathroom and then have a second bathroom which is for the children or guests. It’s usually a three-quarter bathroom. Which consists of a sink, a toilet, a shower, and storage space. 

Compared to the master bathroom, this one will have more basic materials for the fixtures, cabinetry, floors, and walls. However, this doesn’t mean it’s just a plain, extra bathroom. If a small bathroom can become a luxurious space, so can three-quarter baths. By carefully designing and upgrading certain fixtures, any bathroom size can become a Pinterest-worthy bathroom.

Half-Bath or Powder Room

You may think that a small bathroom is the smallest, but there’s a floor design that can accommodate even a tinier space. A half-bath, or often called a powder room, is a bathroom that only consists of a sink, a vanity with a mirror, and a toilet. You may think that it’s a waste of space, but even a bathroom as small as this can be beneficial.

This type is often found in living rooms or kitchens, and perfect for those who love to entertain. If you prefer not to let other people use your personal bathroom, powder rooms are what you need. It can be used by guests who won’t be staying overnight as well as contractors who are working on any home improvement projects. This way, you won’t have to worry about any personal stuff lying around. Plus, if you have a big home, you don’t have to run up a flight of stairs just to get to your master bathroom.

If you’re planning to add one, one of the spaces in your home that you can convert into a half-bath is the area under the stairs. Since it is a tiny area, you would probably find a spot for one. You also need to be careful with the layout so that it won’t be difficult to move around as well as make sure it doesn’t feel cramped.

Bathroom Extension or Addition

If your current bathroom space is not enough, you have an option to extend the current one or add a new bathroom - provided that your home can accommodate the changes. This is popular among homeowners whose family has grown or realized that one bathroom wasn’t enough for their home. It could also be for aging in place or senior-friendly remodel (more about this in the next section), requiring a larger bathroom or a bathroom downstairs.

Senior-Friendly Remodel

This type of remodeling is common, especially for those who are planning to stay in their current home until they get old. Bathrooms can be hazardous for the elderly and even the handicapped. Fortunately, there are new features and upgrades that can be done to make it safer while still making it look and feel like a normal bathroom. 

Since normal showers can be slippery, it is recommended to install a shower seat and adjustable showerheads. If you can, it’s also better to replace showers with a walk-in bathtub, which is recommended for homes with senior citizens as well as small children. To make it safer, the floors can be upgraded to non-slip tiles, and there should grab bars placed all around, such as the vanity, toilet, and shower/tub area.

Laundry-Bathroom Combo Remodel

Sometimes homes want a laundry room but since they have limited space, they convert their bathroom into a laundry room as well. The laundry-bathroom combo is a floor design that is both functional and space-saving.

However, the problem with this type of bathroom is that it can remove the sense of calm or spa-feel of the space. Not to mention adding the appliances and laundry products to the room - it can get very cramped.

If you prefer or need to use this floor plan, make sure to utilize the space properly. It would help to have stackable washers and dryers or combos. You may also want to conceal these appliances to still get that feeling of serenity, maybe with a large cabinet to store them away from sight. You could also use a partition wall or bi-fold doors to hide away the laundry area within the bathroom, properly separating the two.

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Kenneth Wilson
January 12, 2021
Bathroom Remodeling

Kenneth Wilson

Retired contractor. Currently residing in Southwest Florida. Now in semi-retirement, I write and manage this blog focused on helping home owners make savvy decisions when it comes to finding contractors and getting their projects done. I also operate remodeling design service for homeowners.

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