How to Decide What Stays and Goes in Your Bathroom Remodel

From a certain point of view, bathroom remodels can feel like spring cleaning. You go through your stuff, critically analyze each item’s use value, and then decide whether to chuck it or keep it. Remodeling a bathroom follows the same principle: if an item has little to no use value, emotional value, or visual value, replace it or take it out entirely.

That being said, we know how difficult it can be to decide what to keep and what to get rid of. There are a lot of factors to take into account—more so if this is your first major remodel. So to help you out, here are some things to consider when deciding what stays and what goes.

Fashion vs. Function

First things first; fashion or function? Do your prioritize practicality over visual appeal, or do you want as much bling as your bathroom can hold?

A lot of homeowners dream of porcelain Jacuzzi tubs, walk-in vanity partitions, or huge, elegant, floor-to-ceiling mirrors. Logistically speaking, such features require a lot of space—and maybe even some serious bathroom surgery. If you want something similar, you need to consider whether it’s actually feasible given your current situation.

There is no right or wrong answer to this; it totally depends on what you prioritize.

If you love decorative pieces, then be sure there’s ample space to put them—like floating shelves for your aromatherapy candles or extra countertops to hold your statement bathroom décor. But if you believe less is more, then feel free to take out anything that feels like it’s merely for show.

Take out the Tank?

When it comes to bathroom remodels, a recent trend we’ve noticed with many homeowners is hidden-tank toilets. They’re smaller, utilitarian, and can help you save precious space. What’s more, the low-flow models are more efficient and economical in terms of water usage. Available in a wide variety of materials and colors, they’re visually appealing for all sorts of bathroom styles.

And did we mention that they add to your home’s overall market value after installation?

Even if you weren’t planning to replace your toilet, we still highly recommend swapping out your current setup for a low-flow, hidden-tank model.

What About the Tub?

Whether or not you should take out the tub (or add one in) heavily depends on your lifestyle. Do you take regular baths or is the shower your best friend? Do you enjoy a long, hot soak at the end of a stressful week or would you rather spend those hours warm and dry on your couch, binge watching movies and munching on popcorn?

Some people install bathtubs because they feel like they should, or they’re driven by “what if” reasoning (“What if I want to relax in the tub after a hard day?” What if someone gives me bath bombs someday? I’ve always wanted to try them out.”)

If you’ve got space for both a shower and a tub, then by all means, keep them both—especially if you take a bath at least three times a month. But if you prefer the efficiency of a shower and have probably used the tub five times in the last year, take it out.

At the end of all bathroom remodels, homeowners should feel nothing but satisfaction and pride. Remodeling is an investment; one that is highly beneficial in terms of financial and emotional value. So why not jump at the chance to give your bathroom a fresh new makeover—just in time for the new year, too.