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Whether you’re building a new home, remodeling the bathrooms of your house with the help of a professional plumber, or you just want an upgrade for your existing structure, the right bathroom fixtures can add enormous pleasure to your living experience in your home and add value to your house. In fact, the kitchen and bathrooms are the rooms that sell houses!
Choosing the right fixtures is the first step in creating a luxury master spa or a jewel box of a powder room. The right plumber is also necessary to ensure that the fixtures are installed correctly and that you won’t have plumbing issues in the future.
Here are some things to consider when choosing the right bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers.
Determine Your Budget
And don’t forget to account for labor! Your local bluefrog Plumbing + Drain design team can help you with an estimate depending on the extent of your replacement fixtures. Fix the amount you want to spend for each feature of your bathroom before you visit a showroom and keep those numbers firm.
In a beautiful showroom, it’s easy to get carried away with all the selections, and salespeople are trained to guide you to the top-of-the-line items, even if you have a moderate budget. Stay on track in order to prevent cost overruns and frustration later.
What Do You Need?
Are you remodeling the entire bathroom, or do you simply wish to upgrade your sinks? Maybe you want to install a bidet or convert a shower/tub combination to a walk-in shower and garden tub. Once you decide what you want (and what your priorities are), then it’s time to shop.
If you have an older home, you may need to upgrade some of the bathroom pipes and sewer lines, depending on what you want and whether you’re remodeling and moving water lines around to accommodate your new fixtures. Your plumber can give you the best advice – and make sure to account for infrastructure replacements and plumber labor in your budget, too.
Start with the Sink
A sink can truly be a work of art – from the sharp, clean lines of minimalist design to richly decorated antique styles, your bathroom sink catches the eye and can tie the entire décor together.
Sinks come in several styles:
- Self-rimming sinks are installed in the countertop opening and fixed in place with adhesive, forming a waterproof seal. The basin is mounted underneath the countertop, which makes it easier to clean, as there is no raised lip.
- Integral sinks are crafted from solid surfacing and fused with the countertop for a seamless, easily maintained area. These are probably the most hygienic choice, and great for families with small children.
- Vessel sinks are some of the most sculpturally pleasing, with their shapes and colors adding a striking design element to the bathroom. These sinks come in a variety of exotic materials from heavy-duty glass to stone, metal, or fireclay.
The styles above are incorporated with a counter. The two below are free-standing and may have a satellite counter nearby. It’s important to determine how much counter space you need before selecting your sink, and a plumber can help you figure out how much space to account for.
- Pedestal sinks have one thick “stem” or pedestal leg on which the basin sits. They’re a popular choice for a half-bath or powder room, but they don’t offer any under-sink storage for toiletries.
- Console sinks are similar to pedestal sinks but stand on 2 or 4 legs.
Time to Pick the Tub
While a jetted jacuzzi is a luxurious choice, remember that you’ll have to clean the jets often, to prevent bacteria from growing. An oversized garden tub is another option for those who want a tub the size of a kiddie pool in their bathroom. These tubs are stand-alone, so you’ll have to install a shower, too.
You may simply be replacing your shower-tub combination or upgrading for better materials. Consider a thicker porcelain tub, rather than fiberglass if you want a more elegant look – the ceramic material will hold heat better, which is a consideration if you love taking baths.
Bear in mind that if you’re switching to a separate tub and shower set-up from a shower/tub combination, you’ll need a plumber to install extra water lines and ensure that all the seams of your pipes are sealed properly.
Shower Selections
If you have a separate tub, then you have a lot of exciting options for designing your shower. You could opt for a glassed-in version, using either transparent glass or a smoky opaque finish, for more modesty or to match a grey-toned bathroom.
Another thing to consider is the long-term life of the bathroom. If you’re older, or a caretaker for an older relative, think about redesigning your showers for easier access, such as roll-in for a wheelchair or something with a small lip to prevent trips and falls. Walk-in showers don’t have to look like nursing homes. Slim tiles, like a backsplash in a kitchen and a built-in seat, plus a luxurious rain head showerhead can make stall showers an immersive experience.
Toilet, Bidet, or Both?
While the commode isn’t the most glamorous aspect of choosing new bathroom fixtures, your plumber will tell you that a great one versus a below-average one doesn’t just make the bathroom experience more pleasant but can also reduce the instances of drain clogs and overflows. Plus, a sturdily made toilet with a heavy seat will stand up to thousands of open-and-closing, so choose one that’s durable especially if you have children.
You can also opt for a toilet/bidet combination, which requires a plumber to install if you need new water lines. Bidets are more sanitary, and many people swear by them!
Finally – Pick the Right Plumber!
When you’re ready to replace your plumbing fixtures, give our team at bluefrog Plumbing + Drains a call. We have extensive experience installing a variety of porcelain and we do it right the first time. Book your plumbing appointment today by calling your local bluefrog or visit us online today!
