When planning and researching a bathroom remodeling project there is always much to consider. Most of the decisions and information are obvious. What layout and type of fixtures should we choose? What color and style for the tile will look best? And of course, how much will it cost? When after thoughts pop up they tend to hinder the construction progress of the remodeler and annoy the homeowner with the added cost and oversight. Here are six common items, task and/or decisions that tend to come up after the order, during the construction, or after the completion.

1. Wall Blocking – Whether it is part of the plan up front or a future consideration, grab bars for ease of access in and out of a bath tub or shower can be quite helpful. For the best installation, solid wood blocking should be fastened between the wall studs in planned areas of grab bars before the drywall is installed. This will make the installation of grab bars easier, better, and more secure.
2. Extra Lighting – Even with a glass door, a shower tends to be a dark area. Even showers with a window do not get light at night and as we all know showering is not limited to the morning. Whether it is for task or just a cheery brightness, a waterproof recessed light should be considered for a shower ceiling. Also, will a vanity light be enough for the room? Many exhaust fans models have a light, but often the best placement of the fan is not necessarily the best location for the light. Therefore, the Design Build Planners recommend considering one or more ceiling recessed lights strategically place in the room.
3. Temperature Control – Anyone (which means everyone!) that has left a hot bath or shower only to shiver from a cold bathroom has wished for more heat. Bathroom temperature control planning and considerations should include a heated floor, infrared bathroom ceiling heater, and/or a heated towel bar (both for added room heat and the luxury of having a warm towel ready and waiting).
4. Insulation – Regardless of the source, prudently, you want the heat to remain in the bathroom. Most bathroom remodels involve (or should) removing and replacing all the drywall. Having insulation existing in the outer wall(s) does mean it is “good” insulation. Older insulation may be under-sized, flatten out, or wet; all resulting in less than desired performance. Replacing the insulation is a small expense that can lead to smart savings and comfort. Another consideration should be “gap sealing.” Gap sealing is applying spray foam insulation around exterior openings or seams as to prevent drafts. Window frames, outlets, and wall framing plates are areas of concern. Imagine a billowy, warm winter coat that had a rip across the back. A gust of wind will make you shiver regardless to how thick the coat is.
5. Sound Control – This may not be important to all, but if you lived with a loud, but tone-deaf, shower singer you may want to muffle this, and other sounds. This can be achieved by adding insulation to the interior walls and/or using a denser drywall product such as QuietRock.
6. Storage – For today’s modern family, having enough storage in each room of a home is often an issue, with the bathroom being no exception. A vanity cabinet may not be enough and a hall linen closet sometimes is not as convenient as we wish. Therefore, explore and consider options for added shelves, cubby holes, wall cabinet(s) sitting on the vanity top, shower wall niche, extra towel bars, and hooks. Plus, the Design Build Planners have seen newer bathrooms that were designed and completed with no easy or logical place to mount a towel near the shower, causing a wet, cold person to take a few steps to reach a towel.

The bathroom remodeling projects pictured are from a Design Build Planners Preferred Remodeler, AK Renovations in Georgia.