How to Remodel Half Bathrooms

Take care of towel racks and other essentials first.

Because half bathrooms are small, remodeling these spaces provides special challenges. Half bath remodeling projects must emphasize practical functionality coupled with space-saving tricks and tips. With the right knowledge, you can get the most use out of your half bathroom while also retaining a charming aesthetic.

Things You'll Need

• Building permits
• Medicine cabinet
• Drywall saw
• Paint
• Recessed lighting
• Shallow sink
• Low-flow toilet
• Candles
• Vases
• Artwork

Instructions

1. Obtain permits from the city. Cosmetic changes, such as new paint or tile, do not require building permits. However, if you plan on redoing the sink or installing new lighting, you must get the proper permits.

2. Remodel functional items to be efficient and space-saving. According to home improvement guru, Bob Vila, you must consider function first. If you focus entirely on aesthetic changes, you may find yourself with a less functional and less comfortable space. Make sure the toilet paper roll, mirrors, and hand-towel racks are all centrally located and easy to access. Once you’ve settled on positioning for these essential items, you can turn your attention to the non-essentials.

3. Consider built-in functionality. A half bath remodeling project must emphasize spatial efficiency, and this is best achieved with built-ins. A mirror with built-in medicine cabinet is an easy and relatively inexpensive bathroom addition. You simply need to cut out an appropriately sized piece of the wall using a drywall saw, remove the insulation, and then fasten the medicine cabinet to a nearby stud. Built-in shelves, drawers, and other storage items are also useful, though you may want to hire a contractor for these more complicated built-in installations.

4. Paint the trim and ceiling white, and use pale, soft colors for the walls. Though some homeowners will want to leave trim untreated, or use bolder wall colors, most homeowners will find that half bathrooms benefit from white accents and pallid walls. This subtle color scheme makes the half bathroom seem brighter and cleaner.

5. Install recessed or low-hanging lighting if your budget is large enough to accommodate new lighting. It’s best to avoid large, obtrusive lighting. Using more subtle lighting will help the space seem bigger and more inviting. Additionally, recessed lighting and small sconces are considering as stylish and “sophisticated” according to Do It Yourself Tips.

6. Remodel the sink to save space. Traditional bathroom sinks take up a lot of room, but shallower sinks help maximize half bathroom space.

7. Consider a new toilet if it is feasible within your budget. Newer, low-flow toilets are not only better for the environment, they will also help you save on your water and sewer bills.

8. Accent the space with small home-fills. Candles, artwork, and decorative vases help make a remodeled bathroom feel more like a well-designed room rather than a purely functional space with no personalized style.

References

• Bob Vila: Bathroom Makeover Basics
• Do It Yourself Tips: Half Bathroom Remodel