Master Bathroom Renovation – Why To Create A Concept First

I’m participating in an interesting “blog off” hosted by elocal USA – the Nation’s #1 Online Directories. It is a series intended to bring bloggers and professionals together to discuss the hot trends and topics in the world of home improvement and design while providing useful information and engaging conversation to you (the homeowner). Here is the first question in the series. Q:  “When in the design process should plumbing and electrical decisions be made”? A:  Should the homeowner create a concept for the space first, saving all plumbing and electrical decisions for later, so as not to influence the creative vision?

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A:  Should the homeowner make plumbing and electrical decisions first, designing a concept around the appropriate plumbing and electrical capabilities first? Here’s a more detailed version of my answer: A: I’ve lost count but I’ve probably designed close to one hundred bathrooms over the years.  They’ve come in all shapes, sizes and budgets, yet at the end of the day each of my clients share one common goal: To re-design their tired, dingy and dated master bathroom by improving its overall function and bring it into the 21st century. Whether it’s a partial remodel or a full bathroom renovation – you’ll be required to re-think the space from top to bottom, and in order to get exactly what you want – you’ll need to ask yourself questions like these:

• What is our creative vision?
• How do we make this space more user-friendly and elegant at the same time?
• Do we need to remove walls, add space, add new or relocate windows, plumbing and electrical to get what we want?
• Where is the best location for the spa tub and steam shower for two?
• Do we have space for a private WC?

We live very differently today than in years past and many times the dysfunctional bathroom layouts of 20+ years ago, require some re-working of the floor plan in order to provide you (the homeowner) with a more user-friendly design.  An efficient floor plan, layout and flow are everything!  If your original bathroom footprint works for you – fabulous!   But often times the perfect design solution means re-orienting and relocating plumbing and electrical to accommodate the changing needs of the homeowner.  In this case function and concept come first and the mechanics follow. The smart approach to creating your spa retreat is to develop the concept for your master bathroom space first – saving all plumbing and electrical decisions for later, so as not to compromise the creative vision and the mission at hand. The reality is, when conceptualizing your new master bath plans, plumbing and electrical considerations are made in conjunction with the overall design concept – as they are integral to the ideal design solution. Remember, If your master bath’s original footprint continues to meet your needs and functions perfectly well, then maintaining the original plumbing walls, stacks and other mechanics will save you money in the long run.  If however you’re borrowing some existing space from within the home or even adding extra square footage to create a larger master bath, then it’s more than likely that the plumbing and electrical will need to be relocated and supplemented for your new master bath work more efficiently. Join in on the discussion.  Would love to hear your input and comments. http://www.elocal.plumbers.com/blog/blogoff-when-to-make-plumbing-electrical-decisions-4259 Stay Inspired! I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation” Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.