Designing Your Bathroom the Right Way: What to Consider Before You Renovate
- Jennifer DeVito
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
A beautiful bathroom starts long before tile is installed or fixtures are selected. The layout, plumbing, and electrical planning determine how well your bathroom functions for years to come.
Here is what you need to think about before starting your renovation.
Bathroom Dimensions and Layout
The size of your bathroom will dictate the size of the different components you need to purchase.
Tub Size: 30" x 5' is the standard. They do offer 32" x 5', which is nice if you have the room.
Toilet Size: 30" is the minimum space you should have.
Vanity Size: Is determined by the remaining space and comes in a variety of sizes.
Windows, Doors, and Framing Details
Window Selection
The brand and make will match the rest of your windows, but there are a few options to make it optimal for the bathroom:
Obscure Glass: A coating on the window glass making it so that people can't see in, but still allowing light to pass through.
Picture Window: Can be placed higher up on the wall, offering privacy and natural light, but it doesn't open for ventilation.
Awning Style: A shorter window that can also be placed higher up on the wall for privacy and can be opened for ventilation.
Door Options
Hinged doors use standard framing. While pocket doors save space, they require additional framing within the wall.
Other Framing Elements
Framing allows you to customize functionality with features like:
Soap niches
Soap ledges
Benches
Linen closets
Half walls
Medicine cabinets
Plumbing Fixtures and Shower Bases
Fiberglass Base:
Economical option
Different drain locations available
Available in standard sizes only
Tile Base:
Upgraded option
Requires a waterproofing membrane to be installed
Custom-made to fit any size opening
Drains sold separately and are specific to the shower base style
Tubs:
Available in fiberglass or cast iron
Standard Dimension - 5' x 30"
Wider and deeper tubs are available
Drain sold separately
Freestanding clawfoot tub option available
Toilets
Elongated vs. Round Front:
Elongated is preferred when space allows
Round Front: Shorter in depth, used when there's a space constraint
Comfort Height: Taller, making it easier to get on and off, now available in most styles
The flush handle can be purchased separately to match the finishes of your other plumbing fixtures
Shower Doors
Styles: Sliding Doors, Door & Panel, Hinged Door
Frameless: Measured to custom fit the opening
Finish: Can be selected to match other interior finishes
Sealer Upgrade: Applied to the inside of the glass, prevents water stains
Lighting & Electric
Vanity Lighting:
One over each sink/mirror
One in the center of the double vanity
Wall Sconces - One on each side of the mirror
High Hats:
One over the tub/shower
Additional vanity or toilet area
Bath Fan:
Use a high CFM fan in your ceiling, 290 CFM
Vent to the exterior
Outlets:
Shift away from the mirror
Additional outlets are an inexpensive option
A Smarter Way To Plan Your Bathroom
By now, you can see how many moving parts go into planning a bathroom renovation… layout decisions, plumbing configurations, electrical placement, and more! Every choice affects how your bathroom functions for years to come. For many homeowners, this is where the process starts to feel overwhelming.
That’s exactly why Bath in a Box was created.
Instead of navigating every structural and material decision on your own, you choose from six thoughtfully designed packages. Pricing is transparent, and timelines are defined from day one.
Bathroom renovations should feel organized and exciting, not chaotic and stressful.
Ready to take the first step? Call or text us at (631) 824-4623 to get started.
See you in the next post!
–
Jennifer DeVito
Owner & Founder, Evolution General Contracting
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