So you have decided to build or renovate your bathroom. Congratulations!

Before heading to home improvement stores for bathroom fixtures and furnishings, there are some essential questions you must ask yourself first. This way, you can truly achieve the type of bathroom that suits the needs and demands of the entire household. 

Here are five essential bathroom planning questions to ask yourself to determine if a certain idea is worth your money and time.

1. What do I need and want?

Create a list of all the things you need and want for your bathroom. Examples that could come to mind include a mirror, his-and-hers sinks, a shower, a toilet, a bathtub, and lighting. From there, prioritize which amenities are must-haves.

Take note that spacing and money issues may force you to make tough decisions. But if you rank the essential amenities, it would be a lot easier to decide what to include and what to forego.

2. Who will use the bathroom?

The age of the users will have a direct effect on the design of the bathroom. If it will be used by young children, you should include a layered countertop for their easy access. On the other hand, if your elderly parents or relatives will be using it, you may need to add rails and make some alterations in the toilet to ensure their comfort and safety.

In addition, you must consider how many people will be regularly using the bathroom. If you have two or more kids going to school, you could consider installing two sinks and adding more space so they can use the room at the same time and move freely. But if you only have one child, you won’t need as much storage and space.

Aside from the frequent users, your bathrooms will serve different functions as well. The amenities you should include in a bathroom that will be used primarily for relaxation are different from the features that should be present in a bathroom to be used by house guests.

3. How will I create enough storage?

Bathrooms are generally not as spacious as the other rooms in a house. Still, you will need to store lots of essentials in it, like shampoo, soaps, hygiene kits and towels.

While you may not have sufficient space for towels and linens, the storage space can be increased if you think creatively. For instance, you can install under-sink storage for the cleaning supplies and overhead cabinets with stackable bins for your hygiene essentials.

But before opting for any storage solution, you must first consider the items you will store in them. With limited space, you must prioritize storage space for items you will use on a daily basis to make them accessible. This way, if you forgot to refill your shampoo dispenser, for example, you don’t have to go all the way to the kitchen to get some.

4. Is ventilation necessary?

The bathroom is the most humid area in your home. Hot showers will leave not just your mirrors steamed up, but the woodwork and walls as well. And if the room can’t dry out immediately, it can become the breeding ground for pathogens, mildew and mold.

So if you don’t want to add a window to your bathroom for whatever reason, consider installing a ventilation fan instead.

A fan will remove the steam from your bathroom, venting it outside your house. Today, most vent fan models are not as noisy as before. Also, you can choose from a wide variety of options, such as a fan and light combo, a plain fan, or a fan with a heater.

5. What technology is allowed?

Electricity and water, when combined, is hazardous. It will not just cause damage to your property, but will also result in injuries and even death.

You must consider the electrical work in your bathroom and make sure that it will meet all the building regulations requirements. It is highly recommended that you consult building experts if you wish to integrate not just the latest lighting and electric showers in your new bathroom, but also wall-mounted televisions, speakers, heated mirrors, and tech amenities.

Indeed, you have to consider a lot of things to create your dream bathroom. These include your needs and wants, the available space, ventilation, the frequent users, and the amenities you want to integrate. But take note that you don’t have to go through the bathroom planning stage alone. There are reputable bathroom designers who can help you at every stage, from designing your bathroom to purchasing the most durable and eco-friendly fittings.

AUTHOR BIO: Yahya Zarka is the Managing Director at Concept Bath Trading RAK FZE in Dubai. Backed with 28 years of experience in catering to the Middle Eastern market, the company supplies water-saving bathroom and kitchen solutions as well as tiles and LED light products, all delivered in high quality and stylish designs.