by Cathy Perrins

Created on: September 10, 2008

When starting a construction project list all the things you'd like to have in it and don't worry about cost or any actual reality issues. No limitations, no artificial shortages! If you could have any bathroom you'd like, what would it look like? If you really want to be able to see the stars from your tub, then put that on the list. Maybe your finished project will have a big star viewing skylight or maybe it won't but if it isn't on the list at the beginning it doesn't have a chance of ending up in the finished project. Most of these things are not likely to survive to the final construction list but they are at least fun to think about. Think outside the box and think about what you want and what you need to have a comfortable and useful bathroom. Put it on your list, be creative and adventuresome, we will get a dose of reality in the next step.

Now that you have your fantasy list, it is time to see how well it survives reality. More than likely the lap pool won't fit into the available space you have, although the garden atrium might be able to fit and perhaps the sauna or laundry could be tucked in where that closet used to be. Also investigate "alternate" fixtures. Using the standard fixtures pretty much leaves you with a standard bathroom which is probably what you already have. Think about options, perhaps instead of installing a shower enclosure, put a floor drain in the floor use waterproof flooring and have your shower be anywhere you want it to be. Build a tub in the shape and size you'd like. How about turning that old marble topped table or dresser into a wash stand? Set a "vessel" (also known as a bowl) into the top of it with a drain added at the bottom. Viola! A "vessel sink" at much less cost than a pre-manufactured one. With a drain in the floor for a shower or just a drain in the floor for ease of cleanup, if the rest of the bath is made of waterproof materials and there is a hose attachment as part of the new plumbing, you'd be able to clean your new bath by hosing it down with a car wash sprayer and a squeegee. Much easier than that old mop and bucket routine!

Since a lot of the construction industry is slow right now, you should be able to find contractors and plumbers willing to work with you on non-standard projects. Ask about having a corner tub tiled in or a floor drain or tearing out the whole wall to be replaced with glass block and a planting area added for an atrium or whatever design best suits your desires. It's your bath, have it your way!

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