When planning a bathroom remodel, it’s natural to want to jump straight to decisions about fixtures and finishes. After all, these attention-grabbing items are part of what stands out in a bathroom’s visual design, and for many people, they are a core part of the vision underlying a bathroom renovation.
But bathroom remodeling experts will tell you that looking at finishes first is putting the cart before the horse. To truly transform a bathroom space, functionality comes first. Finishes remain important, but they are downstream of functionality.
In this post, I’ll give three reasons why experts know that the first step is to maximize functionality, after which they can incorporate high-end fixtures and finishes into the design plan.
Reason #1: A Dream Bathroom Demands Everyday Usability and Convenience
Bathrooms are unique in that you generally only enter them when you need to use them. It’s not like a hallway or main floor living room that you might pass through to get to another space in your home. This underscores the fact that bathroom design should start with a focus on usability.
When planning a new bathroom, especially a master bath that you expect to use every day, it’s essential to prioritize function and convenience. Even the most beautiful bathroom can be a letdown if it creates everyday frustrations. Examples of these frustrations that you’ll find in some fancy-looking remodels include:
- A lack of reachable outlets for plugging in things like hair dryers, electric toothbrushes, or electric shavers
- Towel racks or robe hooks that are too far from where you need them
- Cabinets that are too low or too deep or that have doors that are blocked from fully opening (which too often detracts from the value of custom cabinetry)
- Showers without a niche to place soap, shampoo, or other items
- Poor lighting that creates shadows at the mirror, making daily grooming and hygiene more difficult
These are just a few examples of the types of things that frequently get overlooked. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
A full bathroom renovation includes everything from demolishing the old setup to designing and installing new fixtures, which is why design experts know that a major remodel is an opportunity to create both convenience and compelling aesthetics.
Reason #2: Functionality Never Goes Out of Style
Both individually and in popular culture, stylistic sensibilities can change dramatically over time. What’s en vogue often becomes passé (and then maybe even becomes popular again). But functionality never goes out of style.
For instance, choosing a layout that makes your bathroom feel more open and accommodating is something you’re unlikely to ever regret, even if your aesthetic preferences change over time.
Even further, it’s usually possible to update fixtures and finishes in the future without the need for a big and costly remodel. But it can be far more burdensome to have to redo a bathroom remodel to fix functionality issues, especially if it requires changes to the floor plan or moving plumbing, electrical, or HVAC infrastructure.
Future-Proofing with Design Features for Accessibility
Although it may not be top of mind now, it can be worth thinking about usability and accessibility in the future, especially for people who plan on aging in place. Accessibility modifications ensure comfort and safety for all users. These modifications can include grab bars, walk-in tubs, and barrier-free showers. Non-slip flooring is also recommended as part of accessibility renovations for safety in the bathroom.
Considering accessibility in your remodel’s design is a way of future-proofing your bathroom, and with a quality interior designer, it doesn’t have to come at the expense of aesthetics.
Reason #3: Designing “Backwards” Imperils a Bathroom Renovation
Trying to design a bathroom backwards — by prioritizing finishes first — often leads to a lack of cohesion in the final result.
There’s no doubt that designing and installing fixtures is a key component of a full bathroom renovation. But if you want a smooth process that delivers stunning results, you shouldn’t start a complete redesign by focusing on small details like a particular finish.
Custom bathroom designs reflect your unique style, so you can certainly let a designer know if you have a vision that includes specific aesthetic elements. But the design process should start with the bigger picture, like layout, core components, and how the bathroom can complement your everyday routines.
This doesn’t mean that you don’t pay close attention to the fixtures and finishes. In fact, the expert approach ensures that those fixtures and finishes will come together with the rest of the design so that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. In the end, high-quality finishing touches are most beneficial in full bathroom renovations when they achieve the desired aesthetic and optimize functionality.
Finding an Expert Bathroom Remodeler
Professional bathroom remodeling services can make the renovation process smooth and stress-free. But one of the most common struggles for homeowners is finding a great remodeler.
When hiring a bathroom remodeling professional, look for experience, proper licensing and insurance, and great communication. A few specific tips:
- Check their portfolio: Review the builder or contractor’s portfolio to ensure their previous work meets your expectations. If things like custom cabinets and high-quality materials are important to you, look for these features in their past work.
- Utilize referrals and reviews: Ask around for recommendations, read client reviews to gauge past performance and customer satisfaction, and check a contractor’s references.
- Check the paperwork: In Pennsylvania, all home improvement contractors must register with the state’s Attorney General’s office. Verify the contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection. If it’s not already available, you can request proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance from the contractor.
- Get project details: Obtain detailed written estimates that include a breakdown of materials, costs, and payment terms. Read the proposed contract, which should cover all project details, including scope of work, material costs, and a payment schedule. In addition, ask for a clear project timeline that includes start and end dates.
- Inquire about permitting: Your bathroom project will likely require a building permit, especially for changes to plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems. Make sure the remodeler will take care of this important step.
- Assess their communication: For a major project, you will work closely with a remodeler over a period of months. Look for someone who takes the time to listen and explain and keeps their word about following up.
Expert Bathroom Remodeling Services in Chester County, PA
At Hazley Builders, we firmly believe that you shouldn’t have to choose between functionality and style. With the right approach, you can have both.
For us, that approach is the design-build process. As a design-build remodeler, we manage the entire project from start to finish, which allows us to develop a comprehensive project plan that meets your unique needs.
We’ve been serving our neighbors in the West Chester area for more than 25 years, and our team includes a certified architect, savvy interior designers, skilled craftspeople, and dependable project managers. Client satisfaction is our priority, and we have a proven track record of successful projects.
Whether you’re remodeling a powder room or master bathroom, we invite you to reach out for an initial consultation. During this free consultation, our experienced team can learn about your vision and start preparing ideas about how we can make it a reality.
