How to Plan a Bathroom Remodel That Works for Every Stage of Life

Do you see a bathroom renovation in your future? If so, you are not alone because it seems to be a popular idea for many homeowners. Nearly 38% of homeowners made updates to their master bathrooms last year. And the other bathrooms in the house? Yep, those are getting an overhaul, too.

But here’s the question: just why are bathroom remodels so popular? And if you are thinking of a remodel, how do you make sure that the changes you make will serve you not just now, but in the future, too? In this article, we’ll answer those questions and provide some suggestions on how to make sure your bathroom renovation leaves you with a space you are going to love, not just today, but always.

Why Bathrooms Deserve Extra Attention When Remodeling

Here’s the thing. When you buy a new home, the chances are that you’ll be ready to remodel in ten to 15 years. Why? Because trends change, and needs change, too. And after the kitchen, the master bathroom and guest bathrooms tend to be next on the list.

The reason that bathrooms get such a big focus in home renovations is because of the amount of time you spend there. When you add it all up, you’ll likely spend somewhere between 360 and 420 days of your life in the bathroom. And of all that time, quite a bit is spent in the tub and shower.

That’s why even though cabinets, countertops, sinks, and flooring are a big part of bathroom renovations, homeowners spend a lot of time thinking through the tub and shower that they want.

Start with the Wet Areas First

Most people use their tub or shower every day. And in some homes, multiple people use the bathroom facilities. The reason is simple. We all need a place to get clean. That is why the wet spaces in a bathroom deserve extra thought.

Just what is a wet space? Think of this as any area where water is used regularly. Primarily, this means your tub or shower (though some remodelers may count the flooring or sink as wet spaces, too). Simply stated, wet areas are those that are intentionally exposed to moisture throughout the day. So, the design choices that you make for these wet areas can be super important and have long-term consequences (in the best way possible when you make the right choice).

Here are some questions remodelers will ask you when thinking through your wet spaces, especially if you plan to live in your home for a long time.

• How easy is it for you to get in and out of the tub or shower?
• Do you lose your footing when the floor is slippery?
• How much room do you think you need to move comfortably in the space?
• What happens if you have reduced mobility in the future?
• Do you want an open space or one that is more closed off?

It can be so easy to get caught up in a tub or shower that looks cool or meets today’s trends. But thinking through your needs down the road will help you save money and will help prevent another major renovation when you have other things you’d rather focus on.

Rethinking the Traditional Tub

So many of us have dreams of that gigantic claw-foot tub. You know, the ones made famous in old houses and in the movies? And by no means are we telling you that you shouldn’t have the tub you’ve always wanted. But we do want to make sure that you consider a separate shower space.

While these tubs can be outfitted to serve as a shower space as well, it’s not always practical. It can be dangerous to step up and over the tub walls to get in. And it can be even more perilous to climb out once the surface is wet.

A separate shower, or a walk-in bathtub, can be a much more practical and useful choice. Plus, these tubs come with some pretty big perks that homeowners tend to love. We’re talking things like padded seating, depth for a good, long, deep soak, and heating elements to help you relax. You can also opt for hydrotherapy options.

When you think about it, a walk-in tub like what we described can quickly become far more lucrative than that modern claw-foot tub.

Why Walk-In Showers Make Sense for Every Age

That all said, tubs aren’t the end-all, be-all. Many people aren’t bath-takers and prefer a shower option. Today’s shower options offer so much more space than what we used to see. Today, you can stretch out, take a seat, and so much more.

In fact, some of the most popular walk-in shower options include things like:

• Open, step-free layouts that feel roomy and easy to enjoy every day
• Stylish wall systems that let you pick finishes that match your taste
• Surfaces that are non-porous and easy to clean (who wants to spend more time than they have to cleaning their bathroom?)
• Solid construction that helps keep mold and mildew at bay
• Shelving, seating, and accessories you can tailor to how you actually shower

Thinking Ahead Without Overbuilding

All of this probably has you rethinking how to approach your bathroom remodel. And we get it. There is so much to consider! Don’t let all the decisions take over and create overwhelm. That won’t be fun for you, your general contractor, or anyone else involved in the project. Let this all be fun and exciting. Just make sure that you are thinking through the needs your family has now, and how that might change as the years go on.

In no way should a bathroom remodel get to the point where you are overbuilding. Don’t try to plan for any possible thing that could ever happen. That will simply drive you mad. Instead, think about the best layout that can adapt with you over time. These little decisions now will pay off so much for you as time goes on.

Bathroom Design that Supports You Today and Tomorrow

So, what is the best choice? Ultimately, it’s up to you and how long you plan to live in your home. Perhaps the best decision is to go with a walk-in shower. If you like baths and don’t see that changing (plus many seniors prefer baths to showers), then that walk-in tub might be the better choice.

All you need to remember when planning the best bathroom design for your home is that it is your home. Not someone else’s. So feel free to get creative. The choice is yours.