A Comprehensive Guide to Designing Your First Home’s Bathroom
Designing the perfect bathroom in your first home is an exciting venture that requires careful planning and consideration. For Denver residents, creating a space that suits both your personal needs and the local climate is of utmost importance. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to design a bathroom that’s functional, aesthetically pleasing, and perfectly tailored to the unique requirements of Denver homeowners. We’ll also emphasize the significance of shower or bath remodels if your existing bathroom fixtures are outdated or dysfunctional.
Assess Your Needs
Before embarking on a bathroom design project, it’s essential to identify your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as the number of people using the bathroom, your daily routines, and your style preferences. Denver often requires bathrooms that are easy to maintain, as the city experiences dry climate conditions. Materials that are easy to clean are great for climates like these.
Try to incorporate materials like:
- Acrylic for baths and showers
- Glazed ceramic for countertops
- Laser-etched acrylic tile for no grout or larger traditional tiles with less grout
As you think of what you need for your bathroom, it’s helpful to think of your loved ones, your pets, and other uses for your bath or shower.
Accessibility accessories to keep in mind are:
- Grab bars
- Non-slip shower pan
- Low-threshold shower pan
- Detachable shower head
- Foot pedestals
- & more!
Incorporating these features into your bathroom not only makes your bath or shower more modern and polished looking, but they provide a safe bathing experience for everyone involved.
Budget Planning
Determine your budget for the bathroom project. Research the average cost of bathroom renovations in Denver to set realistic expectations. On average, a mid-range bathroom remodel in Denver costs around $25,000, according to Remodeling’s 2023 “Cost vs. Value Report. Fortunately, in Denver, a mid-range bathroom remodel can increase your home’s resale value by $15,000.
*A mid-range bath remodel, according to the 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, includes: replacing all fixtures to include 30×60-inch porcelain-on-steel tub with 4×4-inch ceramic tile surround; new single-lever temperature and pressure-balanced shower control; standard white toilet; solid-surface vanity counter with integral sink; recessed medicine cabinet with light; ceramic tile floor; vinyl wallpaper.
Planning for a bathroom remodel requires taking into account the size of the remodel, the accessories you are looking for, the design you choose, and the area you live in. Here are some helpful tips for budget planning for a bath or shower remodel:
- Set a Clear Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your bath or shower remodel and stick to it. Having a well-defined budget will help you make informed decisions throughout the project and prevent overspending.
- Prioritize Essentials: Identify the essential elements you want to update or replace in your bath or shower area. Focusing on the most critical components, such as the shower/tub, fixtures, and tiling, can help you allocate your budget effectively.
- Research and Compare: Take the time to research different materials, fixtures, and contractors. Get multiple quotes and compare prices to find the best deals and options that fit within your budget without sacrificing quality. This research will help you make informed choices and save money in the long run.
Space Utilization
Make the most of your bathroom space. Optimize storage solutions, especially if you have a smaller bathroom. Custom-built cabinets and shelving can help maximize storage without compromising aesthetics. If you would rather stay away from building storage in your bathroom, purchasing over-the-toilet storage or a small table with shelves will do the trick.
Shower or Bath Remodel
If your existing bathtub is outdated or dysfunctional, it’s worth considering a shower or bath remodel. Many Denver residents are leaning toward showers due to their convenience and water-saving benefits. However, if you prefer a bathtub, consider modern, efficient options with eco-friendly features.
Opting for a shower in your bathroom can save water and energy.
Here are five ways showers save water and energy in the bathroom:
- Reduced Water Consumption: Showers typically use significantly less water than filling a bathtub. A typical showerhead uses around 2-2.5 gallons of water per minute (GPM), while a standard bath may require 36-48 gallons of water. Using a low-flow showerhead can further reduce water consumption.
- Faster Heating: Heating the water for a shower is faster than filling a bath. This saves energy because the water heater has to operate for a shorter period, resulting in lower energy consumption.
- Shorter Duration: Showers tend to be shorter in duration compared to baths. People often take quicker showers, which means less time is spent with water running and less energy is needed to maintain a comfortable water temperature.
- Temperature Control: Modern shower fixtures, such as thermostatic mixing valves, help maintain a consistent water temperature throughout the shower, reducing the need to adjust the temperature manually. This saves energy by avoiding the wastage of hot water while trying to find the right temperature.
- Reduced Wastewater: When taking a bath, you use a large volume of water, most of which eventually goes down the drain. With showers, the water typically flows directly to the drain as it’s being used, resulting in less wastewater generation and a lower load on sewage and water treatment systems.
By choosing showers over baths and using water-efficient fixtures, you can significantly reduce both water and energy consumption in your bathroom, which is not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective in the long run.
Eco-Friendly Upgrades
As a Denver resident, you value sustainability by nature. Opting for ways to save energy in your bathroom can lower your carbon footprint and get you one step further to a sustainable home. Choosing fixtures and materials that are energy-efficient and water-saving like low-flow faucets and dual-flush toilets can significantly reduce water consumption and your utility bills.
Here are some easy ways to add eco-friendly upgrades to your bathroom:
- LED Lighting: Replace traditional incandescent or CFL light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. LEDs use less energy, last longer, and contain no hazardous materials.
- Eco-Friendly Flooring: If you’re replacing the flooring, consider sustainable options like bamboo, cork, or reclaimed wood. These materials are more environmentally friendly than traditional tile or hardwood and often produce less waste during installation.
- Recycled or Reclaimed Materials: Use recycled or reclaimed materials for bathroom countertops, cabinets, and shelving. These materials not only reduce waste but also give your bathroom a unique and eco-friendly character.
- Non-Toxic Paints: When repainting your bathroom, choose low-VOC or VOC-free paints. These paints emit fewer harmful volatile organic compounds, improving indoor air quality and minimizing waste of harmful chemicals.
Local Aesthetics
Denver is full of art, nature, and other beautiful elements that would look great in your new bathroom. Incorporate elements that reflect the local Denver aesthetics. Earthy tones, stone or tile accents, and rustic touches can enhance your bathroom’s appeal and resonate with the city’s surroundings.
Looking for Denver art inspo? Browse the Denver arts and culture scene.
Professional or DIY?
Working with a professional bathroom remodeling company is imperative to your project’s success. Your first bathroom is a great place to find a trusted home remodeling company that can deliver quality and convenience during the remodeling process. Select experienced contractors and designers who are familiar with Denver’s climate and local regulations. Get recommendations from friends or neighbors, and verify their licenses and insurance.
Learn More about the Professional Remodeling Process
If you are considering DIY, be aware of local building codes and regulations in Denver. Ensure that your project complies with these standards to avoid any legal issues or delays. Plan for easy maintenance. Use materials that are resistant to Denver’s dry climate and require minimal care. Properly sealing surfaces like countertops and grout will make your bathroom easier to clean and maintain.
Bathroom Remodeling in Denver
Designing a bathroom in your first home in Denver can be a rewarding experience. Emphasize functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability in your design, and don’t hesitate to invest in a shower or bath remodel if your existing fixtures are outdated or dysfunctional. By carefully planning and working with experienced professionals, you can create a bathroom that perfectly suits your needs and enhances your Denver living experience.
If you’re looking to establish a long-lasting relationship with a trusted bathroom remodeling company in Denver, contact West Shore Home. Our expert design and installation teams provide a seamless process from start to finish, leaving you with a beautiful, functional bath or shower to enjoy for decades. Learn more by speaking with a member of our team!
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