A typical 5 x 7 bathroom has many elements- lighting, tile, shower enclosures, etc. You'll have to consider all of them whether you are creating a brand new bathroom or just remodeling your existing space. We offer tips to make your bathroom the best it could be, including how to find a good bathroom contractor.

Bathroom Vanity Light Fixtures

• Never use a clear light bulb, select soft white instead,
• If your vanity lights hang down, use a ceiling fan light bulb (soft white) instead of a regular sized light. The smaller ceiling fan light bulb will not be as easily seen and provide the same amount of light,
• Don't exceed the wattage of the fixture. Try 40 watt bulbs instead of 60 watts,

Bathroom Fan Switches

• Install an automatic timer switch that turns the fan off after awhile. Saves energy and you won't run your fan extensively. Recommended for bathrooms used by teens, kids or adults who act like them,

Bath tub glass enclosure

• Don't install glass doors if you are bathing young children or wash your dog in the bath tub. The doors will just get in your way and spoil all the fun,

Ceramic tile and Marble Tile

• Use ceramic tile joint spacers to achieve 1/8 inch spacing on walls and floors. Also 1/4 inch spacing is fine for floor tile,
• Use sanded grout on ceramic tile floors and wall tiles that are 1/4 inch or less,
• Use non-sanded grout on marble tile. Sanded grouts will scratch marble,
• Use sanded bathtub caulking if you applied sanded grout to the walls. Tile shops usually carry it,
• Laying floor tiles on a diagonal creates the perception of space, use it on walls to create different pattern too,

If you have the space, go for his and hers vessel sinks and an open shower plan.

Shower valve problems

• Buy a shower valve extension kit if your plumber installed the shower valve too far into the wall or to compensate for thick wall tile. It beats tearing down the wall and costs about $20.

Let the light in with Glass Block

• See our article on using glass block for those bathrooms where there's a window right next to the tub.

Find a Good Contractor

• Although bathrooms are relatively small spaces, there's a lot going on in them. Improve the odds for a successful bathroom remodeling project by finding a competent contractor in your neighborhood.

 

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