Bathroom Remodeling: How To Choose The Right Fixtures

Dec 14
11:34

2011

Anna Woodward

Anna Woodward

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When crating your budget for bathroom remodeling, remember to include funds for replacement fixtures. While expensive, these can transform the room and increase overall value.

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The biggest expense of many bathroom remodeling projects is picking out and installing new fixtures such as a tub,Bathroom Remodeling: How To Choose The Right Fixtures Articles sink, shower, and toilet. It may be tempting to skip replacement and just keep current but outdated equipment to save money. But if you really want to see a return on your investment, you should allow room in your budget for some new gear. Here is an overview of some of the latest design trends in fixtures.

Vessel Sinks
Also known as above counter sinks, the vessel sink resembles a dish or bowl that is placed on a countertop. They come in a huge variety of styles, materials, colors and shapes, making them easy to customize for any design schemes. The faucets are sometimes included in the dish, but they may have to be installed in the wall directly above it. Vessel sinks pose some plumbing issues and are more expensive than traditional built-in bowls. They can create a dramatic impact that some people love, but they are also prone to damage and could potentially become more dated than timeless in appearance.

Open Shower
Showering without walls is the latest must-have luxury for any high-end home. Open shower plans eschew barriers as much as possible by using recessed floors, tilted floor angles, and the occasional quarter panel of glass to protect the rest of the area from splashes. Depending on the size and current layout of the room, this project could be well within your budget or could be structurally unfeasible. Open showers are versatile in that barriers can always be added on later if trends change. They are also low maintenance, requiring much less cleaning.

Bathtubs
Tubs have somewhat fallen out of favor in many homes, but classic freestanding designs have always been desirable additions to any bathroom-remodeling project. Popular design options are claw foot and pedestal. While they may echo an older time, it's ideal to take the piece more modern by choosing acrylic material (more durable, cost efficient and customizable than others), and high tech additions such as jets and faucet extensions.

Toilets
While there have been a few changes in toilet styling recently, these fixtures are still lagging behind tubs, sinks, and showers in terms of design. If the existing toilet is still in good condition, there is no need to replace it. If it is heavily stained, cracked, or has chronic plumbing issues, then you'll want to find a new one. Toilets now come in several different colors, materials, and styles that include corner fitting. There are few shape changes other than some leaning towards a more cubic appearance. Out of all the fixtures, don't splash out too much to get a fancy color. Toilets look best understated, simple, and utilitarian.

If you can't find it in your budget to completely replace a fixture, try your best to update with less expensive but still useful and eye-catching accents. Natural tiling, a rain showerhead, built in shower shelves, or extra storage below the sink make great additions to any bathroom remodeling project.

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