subject: Revamping an Older Bathroom [print this page] Revamping an Older Bathroom Revamping an Older Bathroom
Older homes are favored by many but they do present special challenges during any remodeling project. For instance, exactly how do you go about turning that quaint but not very functional old bathroom into the modern spa like space you'd love?
Stick With the Basic Scheme of Things
A remodel of an older bathroom is going to be at least twice as difficult as well as twice as expensive if fixtures have to be removed completely instead of being replaced. In other words, if you really do not have to move it don't. If you do want to switch things around make sure that you and your bathroom remodeling contractor know exactly what is going where before the work begins. Designing on "the fly" is particularly problematic in a bathroom.
Flooring Considerations
Marble or ceramic tile look fabulous in a bathroom but the bathroom floors of older houses tend to be rather uneven, which will probably lead to cracking and lifting a few months down the line. Leave any tiling work to a pro they will know just what has to be done to the old subfloor to make everything work.
Use All the Space
One great thing about many older American homes is that, in comparison to their modern counterparts, these houses often have huge bathrooms. All this space opens up a myriad of possibilities for your bathroom remodel and you should make use of all the space you have. You don't have to follow any rules; anything goes a sauna, a relaxation area, even a second laundry room.
Septic System Concerns
If you are remodeling an older bathroom and will be adding new fixtures it is important that you check whether or not your septic system can accommodate the increased water usage.
Practical considerations aside ,some areas have regulations that can lead to hefty fines if your septic tank is being overtaxed. Check with your local building department to find out what the rules and regulations are in your area before bathroom remodeling work begins.
