This Is the Most Popular Bathroom Remodel, Contractors Say

With the right design elements, a primary bath, and even a powder room, can become spa-like sanctuaries that bring relief and respite after long days. There are a number of changes homeowners turn to in order to make this relaxing space come to fruition, but one stands out above the rest.

We spoke with an expert who shared the most popular bathroom renovation, as well as a handful of other options that guarantee a clean, serene space. Here’s what he had to say.

The Most Popular Bathroom Remodel

Of all the bathroom remodels building expert Kevin Mond sees, there is one request that comes up over and over.

“This is not always possible, but clients always strive to have a toilet chamber where the toilet is separate from the main bathroom,” he explains.

Whether it’s separated by a wall, glass door, or in its own, fully closed-off room, homeowners often seek out this type of renovation. It creates better privacy and provides a more luxurious, spa-like feel to your bathroom.

It’s also cleaner and more hygienic, and boosts the functionality of your bathroom, especially if there’s more than one person regularly using it.

4 Other Popular Bathroom Remodels

The following four request are also most common among homeowners looking to remodel their bathrooms.

Additional Storage

In order to make a bathroom feel truly clean and relaxing, clutter should be kept to a minimum. That’s why bathroom storage is another one of the biggest requests Mond sees.

Custom solutions mean you can truly outfit a shower space that gels with your needs. The right drawers, cabinetry, and shelving mean you can properly store essentials.

It also removes pressure from the rest of your home to accommodate items like towels, cleaning supplies, and back-up staples.

Heated Floors

If it’s spa-like you’re after, heated floors are a must. They make mornings in the bathroom much more pleasant, especially during the coldest times of the year. This functionality still allows you to have the style of tile flooring you desire.

Having heated flooring installed also takes away the need for noisy heated fans and boosts your home’s value.

Skylights

A large determining factor in creating the right ambience in this room comes down to bathroom lighting. While you can consider different sconces, pendants, and recessed fixtures, Mond says he’s had many clients ask for skylights.

These offer natural light and instantly brighten up the space. Even if the roof isn’t an option, windows can be cut at the tops of walls or in another configuration—like a large window with frosted panes—to bring in more light.

Heated Towel Racks

One of the best upgrades (and exceedingly popular) is a heated towel rack. These additions make toweling off feel even more luxurious.

Not only do they warm your towels and robes, but nowadays there are so many variations, allowing you match the exact finishes in your bathroom.

Bathroom Remodel Considerations

Bathroom remodels are complex, so Mond points out that it’s important to consider what features are most important to you and work with your build team to figure out a plan that is fit for your budget and lifestyle needs.

“It takes almost as many subcontractors to create a beautiful bathroom as a kitchen remodel,” he explains. “Bathrooms take a huge beating every day they are used, so spending the right amount of money, typically $80 to $100k plus, is worth it so you do not have issues one or two years down the line.”

He also notes that the person who does the demolition should not be the same person who does your waterproofing, tile, or electrical.

“It is important to have dedicated people doing their specific trade or specialty,” Mond says.

Although it might save you costs initially, he has noticed many people end up having major issues down the road that cost even more to repair.

“There are over one thousand decisions you have to make on a bathroom remodel, so it is important to work with a designer to lead you through these,” he says.

4 Outdated Bathroom Features Worth Removing

Outside of these often-requested changes, Mond also mentioned the bathroom features that aren’t so popular. Here is what’s worth removing from your modern-day bathroom:

• Heated bathroom fans
• Pedestal sinks with no storage
• Non-tempered windows
• Fixtures that have high GPM (gallon per minute)