Bathroom Project Tips
Planning to build or renovate one or more bathrooms can be a daunting task. Reduce your anxiety by relying on the expertise of a DPHA member showroom that can assist you in every step of the planning process. Factors to consider when planning a bath include:
Goals
Type of Project: New Construction or Renovation
Bath Type
Style
Layout
Functionality
Code Requirements
Climate Conditions
Users and Their Needs
Goals
Do you want to create a personal haven that provides time to relax and rejuvenate? Are you looking to wow your visitors with a powder room that makes your personal design statement? The first step in the planning process is to determine your goals. It’s okay if you don’t have a crystal clear idea. Many homeowners are not 100% certain of the dream end result, because they are not aware of the infinite options that are available to them. To explore available options, visit sites on the Internet (link to product search), cut out pictures from periodicals and newspapers, take pictures of fixtures, components and layouts of bathrooms at hotels, resorts, neighbor’s homes and other places and bring them to a showroom to discuss your goals. Take all this information to a DPHA member showroom and share it with an experienced showroom professional. The showroom pro will take your concepts and ideas and convert them into a carefully crafted bathroom that will exceed your expectations.
Type of Project: New Construction or Renovation
Is your project new construction or the renovation of existing space? New construction provides a blank canvas to be expertly painted through the assistance of designers, builders and showroom professionals. Each bathroom must be carefully designed with an eye to the future because, unlike the living or dining room, major changes in the bath involve a considerable amount of construction.
Renovating an existing bath may not provide as much flexibility as new construction. We suggest that you meet with your design and construction team to develop an idea of the overall space and layout. Developing a schematic that includes the location of fixtures, windows, doors and vents can help a DPHA showroom professional help you develop and finalize plans to meet your goals.
Bath Type
The major types of bathrooms for a home include:
Master bath
Powder room
Guest bath
Children’s bath
Outdoor bath
Aging-in-place bath
Master Bath
Each bathroom in your home is an opportunity for you to express yourself in a unique way. The options today are almost endless. Your master bath can serve as an in-home spa and as a refuge from the stresses and challenges of the day. This is why a showroom professional is so valuable to the success of your project. Describe your dreams and let a showroom professional make them a reality.
The Powder Room
Typically the powder room is the smallest bath in the house but can have the biggest impact. Powder rooms allow you to make both a distinctive and personal design statement. Your showroom consultant can help you specify the best:
Sinks
Faucets
Toilet
Vanity or cabinetry
Mirrors
Accessories (toilet roll holders, hooks, towel bars, door hardware, etc.)
Countertops
Lighting
Guest Baths
Guest baths generally are designed with visitors in mind. Increasingly, homeowners are dressing up their guest baths to provide a refuge for family and other visitors. You can delight your visitors with an amenity-rich bath that takes the weary out of travel. There are unique and innovative showerheads that can deliver spa-like performance that are perfect for the guest bath. Visit your showroom consultant to get it done right.
Children's Bath
You will want to work with your showroom professional to craft a bathroom that answers these key issues in a children’s bath: safety, functionality and the ability to easily modify as children age and their tastes change. Factors to consider when planning a child’s bath are:
Safety of materials and fixtures
Storage requirements
Accessibility
Ease of use
The DPHA showroom consultant is trained to guide you through this process.
Outdoor Baths
Outdoor bathrooms are becoming increasingly popular as more homeowners are using their homes for entertaining and relaxation. DPHA member showrooms have products designed specifically for outdoor applications that can coordinate with hot tubs, pools, beachfronts, your garden or other outdoor spaces and activities.
Aging-in-Place Baths
An overwhelming majority of Americans surveyed by the AARP want to stay in their home as long as they can and a DPHA showroom can help achieve that goal by identifying and recommending products that cater to those with less mobility. DPHA members offer products for the bath that combine the best of form and function. These fixtures and components are easy to use but do not compromise style or design.
Style
The style of your home or project will set the tone for the type of fixtures and finishes that you select for your bath or kitchen. Gone are the days of simple white and chrome;
a DPHA member showroom features a vast range of product types and styles, models, designs and finishes. DPHA professionals can guide you through the intricacies of specifying and selecting plumbing and hardware fixtures that complement your individual style.
Layout
We suggest that you meet with your design and construction team to develop an idea of the overall space and its layout. Developing a schematic that includes the location of fixtures, windows, doors and vents can help a DPHA showroom professional help you develop and finalize plans to meet your goals. Your team along with a knowledgeable DPHA sales consultant also will review your job to confirm that the design and fixtures comply with local codes. They have the skill and experience to help you configure your bath to ensure that your goals are met.
Functionality
Another planning consideration is to determine if your home can effectively operate the products that you select. The following factors influence the performance of plumbing fixtures:
Water source
Water pressure and supply
Pipe size
Valve size
Number and type of fixtures selected
Amount of water each fixture uses/environmental impact
Showroom professionals can identify products that will work best with your project and community’s infrastructure.
Code Requirements
Whether you are involved in new construction or renovating an existing bath, each jurisdiction has different code requirements affecting the bath. Seek qualified counsel to help assure that your project and the fixtures your select comply with permitting and code requirements. Guidance is available from a professional showroom.
Climate Conditions
The weather and climate will affect the performance and durability of bath fixtures and plumbing components. To determine the finishes and components that are best suited for the climate in which your project is located, consult a qualified showroom professional.
Users and Their Needs
Families come in all shapes and sizes and bathrooms should be designed and installed to meet the needs of their users. Factors to consider with the showroom professional when selecting products for your bath include:
Lifestyle
Amount of time and effort required to maintain different products
Primary users – adults, children, seniors, teens
Location of products and ease of use
Geographic location and influence that the weather and atmosphere may have on products and finishes
Person with primary responsibilities for cleaning and maintaining decorative plumbing and hardware