where can I find a good design tool for a tiny 3/4 bathroom?

Question

I have a 3/4 bathroom that I have gutted to the studs that only measures 3 1/2' x 8' and would like to get ideas on how to design and decorate it.

Answer 1

Depends on what's going back in that bathroom - shower, toilet, sink, or just toilet and sink ? If you are doing the remodel yourself, electrical and plumbing will be your biggest hits if you move things around from their original location. To get started, go to your local home improvement store ( Lowes', Home Depot, etc...) and look at items you intend to use. Then go to the manufacturers website, and get the installation guide for each item. This will give you item footprint dimensions, and show any special things you need to consider when installing ( clearances). Once you have that, and want to play with layout - get a sheet of 1/2" foam insulation board ( with the foil covering) and cut out the shapes of the items you will be installing. Then you can move these around in the room and see what plays well and what doesn't. Pay attention to the location of windows and heights of windows when placing fixtures and cabinets.

I did a master bath remodel last year and was quoted $29,000. I did it myself ( with help of local trades that I engaged for plumbing, tile and electrical) for around $17,000. I got a better design than the remodeler was offering and for a lower price. It took me 4 months from start to finish, including time I spent waiting on the trades to show up and do their work. Using the foam templates helped me spot tight spots and fine tune the design prior to committing the layout to the trades for installation. As a result we didn't have to re-do anything, it fit perfect the first time, and it looks great.

Answer 2

We're big fans of online sources and use thisoldhouse.com and diynetwork.com a great deal. The This Old House link below has articles dealing with how to design small baths so they feel roomier and big help for small baths, to name just a few. At the diynetwork site, if you key in small bathrooms in the search engine, you'll fine a number of programs that feature small bathrooms and will probably get a lot of good ideas there. Good luck.

Answer 3

I just gutted and redone my bathroom that is not much bigger. I put paneling on the lower half of the walls, painted the upper half, installed a smaller sink/vanity, installed just shower, put in extra light (exhaust fan with light, and light fixture above sink). This really made my bathroom look alot different and bigger. I have before and after photos if you are interested.

Answer 4

I would recommend taking a scaled sketch to a local home improvement center either a big box store or a local lumber yard and see if they will help you design it. Of course you should also consider purchasing from them as part of the deal. If you want to do it yourself, I would suggest not contacting contractors as they are likely to charge for their assistance if you do not accept their bid.