Only 3.7% of houses in America have 1 bathroom while the rest have at least 2, according to the Census Survey of Construction. It’s practically become a status symbol that people are willing to spend between $5,000 – $30,000 per bathroom in designing the ideal one for their homes. Go ahead and let your creativity flow, but pay special attention to some of the common issues that you might encounter when designing your bathroom.

Bathtub, Shower, or Both?

This has been an age-old question that’s sparked a lot of debate. While one survey showed that more people prefer showers (90% of respondents) over bathtubs, they each have their own pros and cons. A tub is preferred by families with kids, but can be difficult for those with the elderly and may prefer to have a shower instead. But at the end of the day, it is your funds and the bathroom’s floor space that will determine which one you opt for. However, if you have enough space and funding, then install both a shower and a bathtub in your bathroom for maximum satisfaction of the entire household.

The Ground Level

More than 200,000 bathroom injuries are reported per year as reported in the New York Times. Your bathroom flooring has to be stylish but it also needs to be safe. Consider choosing non – slip floor tiles, and don’t forget to add a layer of waterproofing to make sure it’s built for the long haul and prevent molds from growing in the surrounding areas.

The Airspace

Your bathroom is going to be wet with water, moisture, and steam as you use it. Poor ventilation will cause the growth of mold and mildew and even an unpleasant smell. Make sure that it has proper ventilation by installing the correct fan size and its position, and adjusting the window size among other things.

The Inner Workings

Bad planning in your plumbing could cause a multitude of problems like pipe leaks, blocked drainage, and low water pressure. This is the invisible part, but also the most crucial thing to consider in your design because nobody wants to hear someone say that the bathroom sink smells when water runs when someone is using your magnificently-designed bathroom. The plumbing layout needs to be in line with the entire house, the position of the bathroom items, and possible external pipes in order to avoid any potential structural problems and possible health risks.

This is not an end-all-be-all, and there are other issues that may arise while designing your bathroom, but keeping these essential things in mind and being on top of it will definitely save you a lot of time, effort, and money.