Bathroom remodelling is a perfect opportunity to improve plumbing. Although it’s among the most expensive aspects of a home upgrade project, a bathroom remodel can significantly increase your home’s value.
The cost of remodelling your bathroom is primarily determined by the plumbing work you want. Plumbing works must be planned well to correspond with the design. When upgrading your bathroom, the faucets, tiles, and cabinets you pick should reflect your taste.
However, less glamorous plumbing aspects should be considered to avoid delays and unnecessary costs. If you plan to remodel your bathroom, here are essential considerations you need to bear in mind:
1. Relocation of Plumbing Fixtures
Another important plumbing aspect to consider when remodelling your bathroom is the relocation of fixtures. Changing the location of plumbing fixtures will cost more. It increases the turnaround time for your renovation project and requires more investments in purchasing fittings.
For instance, if you want to shift your toilet, you must refit the pipes and mount the tanks. Vents must be changed or moved, and the walls reworked to position the vents. Mounted tanks also need recessed or hidden drain systems. Consult an experienced plumber before remodelling and plan well to avoid mistakes. You can tell whether plumbing companies have the right expertise by checking their LinkedIn page.
2. Plumbing Pipe Placement
Plumbing pipe placement is a critical consideration when planning a bathroom remodel. In some instances, plumbing pipes are installed along the external wall due to configuration or space needs.
However, this option isn’t viable when your property is in a state that experiences cold weather. If you must install plumbing lines along exterior walls, ensure they’re heavily wrapped and well-insulated to keep them from freezing.
3. Plumbing Line Layout
Plumbing line layout is a crucial plumbing consideration to think about when remodelling your bathroom. An important decision about the layout is whether to hide or expose your plumbing lines. To a large extent, this isn’t a functional but a design aspect of your bathroom remodel.
Exposed plumbing lines add an industrial theme to your bathroom and make it look spacious. On the other hand, concealed pipes give it a modern look and appear clean and neat. Although hiding plumbing lines is easy for an experienced contractor, it’s costly to reverse if you change your mind.
4. Upgrading Plumbing Fixtures
The fixtures you want to replace are the other plumbing consideration when planning a bathroom remodel. If you have outdated showerheads, faucets, and toilets, you may wish to update them with efficient ones. For instance, you can upgrade to eco-friendly fixtures like dual-flush toilets that keep your water utility costs low in the long run.
Deciding which plumbing fixtures to replace can be tricky. Working with an experienced renovation specialist can help you make the right choice. Consulting an expert ensures that you get new appliances that fit the inlets and outlets you have in your bathroom.
5. Enlarging Drains
As you plan a bathroom remodel, consider your drain size and whether you want to enlarge them. Small drains can cause frequent clogging. They’re easily obstructed by wastes, such as hair and scum. Enlarging small drains reduces the chances of clogs.
Standard drains measure 1.5 inches. If you don’t specify a different size, your plumber will likely install the standard size, which narrows with time due to the collection of debris and hair. Upgrading to 2-inch drains can keep your maintenance costs low in the long run.
6. Installing Curbless Shower
A bathroom remodel gives you a unique opportunity to replace your shower. A great way to upgrade your bathroom is to install a curbless shower. However, setting up such a shower requires expertise. A curbless shower requires a sloped base to function.
You shouldn’t place the shower base directly on the concrete floor. Instead, you need to remove the floor, place the base, and then attach it. Improper installation can lead to water dripping on the bathroom floor. To avoid the wrong installation, get a professional plumber to ensure the proper angling of the shower floor.
Final Thoughts
Bathroom upgrades give homeowners a chance to boost the value of their homes. Plumbing works form an integral part of any bathroom remodel. Whether you want to change a shower, enlarge the drains, or shift the toilet, you’ll need to work with a plumber to make your remodelling project successful.
Although the cost of your bathroom remodels may be determined by several factors, plumbing works consume a significant chunk of your budget. Planning with the plumbing considerations discussed above can increase your success chances if you plan to upgrade your bathroom in the coming months.