7 Considerations When Planning the Layout of Your New Bathroom

Planning a bathroom remodel is more than choosing finishes and fixtures—it’s about creating a space that supports your daily routine while maximizing comfort, functionality, and flow. The layout is the foundation of any well-designed bathroom, and getting it right can make the difference between a remodel that simply looks good and one that actually makes life easier.

Whether you’re designing a primary bathroom oasis or upgrading a compact guest bath, it’s important to think through how the space will function day to day.

Naperville Home Remodeling suggests starting with a clear plan that considers how the space will be used, who will be using it, and how the layout can best serve those needs. They advise homeowners to focus on layout decisions before diving into style choices to avoid common design missteps and keep the project running smoothly.

Here are seven considerations to guide your planning process and help you create a bathroom that works as beautifully as it looks.

1. Assess the Size and Shape of Your Space

Before making any layout decisions, take time to measure and assess the actual space you’re working with. Understanding the room’s dimensions, ceiling height, and the location of existing doors, windows, and plumbing lines will help you determine what’s realistically possible.

Questions to ask:

• Can the current layout accommodate your vision?

• Will walls need to be moved or extended?

• Are there architectural features like sloped ceilings or bulkheads that limit design?

Knowing these limits early prevents costly changes down the road and helps you build a layout around what’s achievable—without compromising functionality.

2. Prioritize Function Over Fixtures

It’s easy to fall in love with design ideas you’ve seen online, but if your layout doesn’t support how you use the space, you’ll likely end up frustrated. Start by mapping out your daily routine. Do you need two sinks for a busy household? Is storage more important than a soaking tub?

Consider:

• How many people use the bathroom?

• Do you need more privacy in specific areas (like the toilet)?

• Is the bathroom mostly for guests, kids, or personal relaxation?

The best bathroom layouts begin with function and work backward from there. A stunning layout should always serve your needs—not just your Pinterest board.

3. Think About Fixture Placement and Plumbing

Moving plumbing lines can be expensive and time-consuming, especially if you’re working with a concrete slab or limited access. Whenever possible, try to keep toilets, showers, and sinks close to their current locations.

However, if your current setup doesn’t work, reconfiguring the layout may be worth the investment. For example, separating the toilet from the vanity with a partition or placing the tub near a window can drastically improve usability and visual appeal.

Be sure to consult a professional to determine how feasible your desired changes are in relation to your home’s plumbing layout.

4. Plan for Proper Clearance and Code Compliance

Even the most elegant bathroom layout can become a pain to use if it feels cramped. That’s why clearance and spacing are critical when designing your layout. Building codes provide minimum distance requirements, but for comfort, you’ll want to allow more wherever possible.

Recommended minimum clearances:

• Toilet: 15 inches from the center to any wall or fixture

• Sink: At least 30 inches of total width, with 21 inches in front

• Shower entrance: Minimum 24 inches of space

Also consider door swing, drawer extension, and traffic flow. Will the bathroom door hit the vanity? Do you have enough space to open a shower door fully?

Mapping these clearances out on paper—or using painter’s tape on the floor—can help you visualize the final layout.

5. Create Separate Zones for Privacy

For bathrooms that serve multiple users, a layout that separates key areas can make a big difference in daily comfort. Dividing the bathroom into functional zones—like keeping the toilet in its own space or having dual sinks with separate mirrors—can prevent bottlenecks during busy mornings.

Ideas to enhance privacy:

• Add a partition or half wall to shield the toilet

• Use frosted glass to separate the shower

• Incorporate a water closet for high-traffic family bathrooms

This thoughtful zoning allows for simultaneous use of the space without sacrificing comfort or functionality.

6. Maximize Natural Light and Ventilation

Good lighting and ventilation are essential in any bathroom—but the layout will determine how well your space takes advantage of them.

If possible, try to position the tub or vanity near a window to maximize natural light. Be careful not to block windows with tall cabinets or bulky fixtures. Natural light not only brightens the space, but also makes it feel larger and more inviting.

At the same time, ensure that ventilation is prioritized—especially in bathrooms without windows. A well-placed exhaust fan can help prevent mold, mildew, and damage to walls and finishes.

7. Don’t Forget Storage and Accessibility

No matter how beautiful your bathroom is, it won’t feel complete if it lacks convenient, usable storage. Be sure to factor this into your layout, not just your cabinetry choices.

Ask yourself:

• Do you need tall linen storage or just under-sink space?

• Can you integrate recessed shelving or a built-in niche in the shower?

• Would a wall-mounted vanity free up more floor space?

Also, think ahead. If you plan to age in place or want your bathroom to be accessible for everyone, consider features like wider entryways, curbless showers, and easy-reach storage zones.

Layout choices that accommodate changing needs can extend the life and usability of your bathroom for years to come.

Final Thoughts

The layout of your bathroom is the blueprint for everything else that follows. Get it right, and your new bathroom will not only look amazing—it will also function effortlessly for your lifestyle.

By focusing on size, function, spacing, privacy, light, and future-proofing, you’ll avoid the most common layout mistakes and create a space that truly works for your home.

Before making any major decisions, take the time to sketch out ideas, weigh your priorities, and talk with professionals about what’s possible. A little planning now can save you from big regrets later.

Common Plumbing Pitfalls When Remodeling A Bathroom

A bathroom remodel is one of the most exciting upgrades a homeowner can take on. It’s a chance to transform an outdated or cramped space into something more comfortable, efficient, and reflective of your personal style. But amidst all the decisions about tile, lighting, and fixtures, there’s one critical element that’s often underestimated: the plumbing.

Plumbing plays a central role in how your bathroom functions—and getting it wrong can lead to major setbacks, unexpected costs, or even long-term damage. Many homeowners dive into remodeling without fully understanding how even small plumbing mistakes can snowball into larger issues down the road.

That’s why Teleios Plumbing & Electrical recommends taking the time to plan and assess your existing plumbing system before the first hammer swings. Their team often sees simple oversights turn into expensive fixes that could have been avoided with the right prep work and professional input.

Here are some of the most common plumbing pitfalls to watch for when remodeling your bathroom—along with tips to avoid them.

1. Forgetting to Check Pipe Condition

If your home is older, chances are the plumbing hidden behind your walls has been there for decades. Failing to assess the condition and material of existing pipes is a major oversight during remodeling.

Older pipes—especially galvanized steel, lead, or cast iron—can be corroded, clogged, or nearing the end of their lifespan. Connecting new fixtures to aging or damaged lines can create flow issues, leaks, or contamination risks.

What to do:
Before installing new sinks, showers, or toilets, have a plumber inspect your pipes. If necessary, budget to update any outdated or deteriorating plumbing during the remodel. It’s much easier to do while walls and floors are already opened up.

2. Ignoring Proper Drain Slope

A common mistake in DIY bathroom remodels is improper drain slope. All drain pipes require a specific slope—typically 1/4 inch per foot—to allow gravity to carry wastewater efficiently away from the bathroom.

Get this wrong, and you’re likely to experience:

• Slow-draining sinks or tubs

• Frequent clogs

• Sewer odors backing up into your space

• Long-term pipe damage due to standing water

What to do:
Make sure your plumbing layout is designed and installed by someone who understands code-compliant drain slopes. Even small miscalculations can cause big headaches later.

3. Overlooking Venting Requirements

Venting is essential to any plumbing system. It allows air to enter the pipes so that wastewater can flow freely, preventing airlocks and pressure issues.

When remodeling a bathroom, especially when moving fixtures, many homeowners forget that each major fixture needs to be properly vented. Poor or missing venting can result in:

• Gurgling noises from drains

• Sewer gases entering the room

• Slow or stalled drainage

What to do:
Ensure your remodel includes updated venting that complies with local plumbing codes. If you’re adding a fixture in a new location, consult a licensed plumber to evaluate whether existing vents can accommodate the changes—or if new ones need to be added.

4. Moving Fixtures Without a Plan

Moving your toilet, sink, or tub to a new spot may seem like a great design choice—but doing so without understanding the plumbing implications can lead to costly complications.

Each plumbing fixture relies on supply lines, waste pipes, and venting. Relocating them often requires:

• Breaking into floors or concrete slabs

• Rerouting pipes and drainage systems

• Modifying framing or joists

• Updating permits and plumbing inspections

What to do:
If your remodel includes moving fixtures, have a plumber assess the feasibility early in the planning stage. Sometimes a design adjustment—like rotating a vanity instead of relocating it—can save you thousands while still achieving your desired look.

5. Skipping Shutoff Valve Upgrades

Shutoff valves allow you to control the water flow to individual fixtures. Yet during bathroom remodels, many people focus on the big items and forget to update these small but critical components.

Old or corroded valves may:

• Fail when you need to turn them off

• Leak over time

• Be incompatible with new fixtures

What to do:
As part of your remodel, replace all fixture shutoff valves and supply lines. It’s a low-cost step that increases safety and makes future maintenance much easier.

6. Using the Wrong Materials

Not all plumbing materials are created equal. Choosing the wrong size, type, or connection for your pipes and fittings can lead to leaks, code violations, or fixture malfunctions.

Common DIY mistakes include:

• Using incompatible metals (e.g., copper and galvanized)

• Installing undersized drain pipes

• Choosing plastic fittings where brass is required

• Not applying thread sealant properly

What to do:
Stick with trusted materials and don’t cut corners on pipe quality. If you’re not familiar with plumbing code or product specifications, always check with a professional.

7. Poor Shower or Tub Drain Planning

Showers and tubs have specific drain and overflow requirements—and these systems must be precisely aligned with the plumbing below. Failing to get the slope, drain height, or waterproofing right can cause major issues post-installation.

Risks include:

• Water pooling in the pan

• Leaks beneath tile or subflooring

• Mold growth and water damage

What to do:
Use quality drain systems designed for your fixture type. Whether it’s a traditional tub or a curbless walk-in shower, make sure your plumbing supports proper drainage and long-term moisture protection.

8. Not Getting Permits or Inspections

Plumbing updates often require local permits and inspections to ensure the work meets building codes. Skipping this step may seem like a shortcut, but it can backfire if you ever sell your home or experience a plumbing emergency.

Unpermitted plumbing work could:

• Delay your home sale

• Void your insurance coverage

• Lead to fines or forced repairs

• Leave you with unsafe systems

What to do:
Check your local building requirements before starting. A licensed contractor or plumber can help handle the permit process and schedule necessary inspections along the way.

Final Thoughts

Bathroom remodeling is a chance to improve one of the most-used and most valuable spaces in your home. But without proper attention to plumbing, even the best design can fall flat.

By understanding the most common plumbing pitfalls—like drain slope, venting, material selection, and shutoff valve placement—you can avoid costly setbacks and keep your project running smoothly.

Planning ahead, consulting experts, and making smart decisions can turn your bathroom remodel into a success story—not a plumbing disaster.

Signs Your Home Needs Crawlspace Encapsulation

Many homeowners rarely think about what’s beneath their floors, but your crawlspace significantly impacts your home’s air quality, energy efficiency, and structural integrity. When exposed to moisture, pests, or temperature fluctuations, problems in your crawlspace can silently spread throughout your home.

This is where crawlspace encapsulation makes a difference. The experts at The Crawlspace Kings recommend starting with a professional inspection to evaluate conditions and determine if encapsulation is right for your home. Their experience shows that many homeowners wait until structural damage or moisture issues have already developed—when earlier intervention could have prevented these problems and saved money.

Encapsulation effectively seals and protects your crawlspace by installing vapor barriers, insulation, drainage systems, and sometimes dehumidifiers to combat moisture, pests, and outdoor air infiltration.

So how do you know when it’s time to consider this important home improvement? Let’s explore some clear signs your home may need crawlspace encapsulation and what steps to take if you recognize these warning signs.

1. Persistent Musty Odors Indoors

One of the most common and often ignored signs of a problem crawlspace is a musty, damp smell coming from the floors or HVAC vents. Even if you don’t have visible mold or water leaks inside your living areas, a foul odor often points to moisture buildup or microbial growth below your home.

The smell is caused by high humidity, organic material (like wood or insulation), and poor airflow—conditions that mold and mildew love. Because up to 50% of the air on the first floor of your home can originate from the crawlspace, odors are one of the first clues that it’s not as dry or sealed off as it should be.

2. High Indoor Humidity

Are your windows fogging up or your air conditioner constantly running? A humid home may be directly linked to a wet or exposed crawlspace. Unsealed crawlspaces allow ground moisture to rise and spread through the home, especially during hot and humid months.

Excess humidity can lead to:

• Poor energy efficiency

• Warped wood floors

• Mold growth on walls or ceilings

• Increased allergy or asthma symptoms

Crawlspace encapsulation helps regulate moisture levels throughout your home by installing a vapor barrier and controlling the internal environment—keeping that damp air where it belongs: outside.

3. Cold Floors in Winter, Hot Floors in Summer

If your floors feel icy cold in the winter and uncomfortably warm in the summer, your crawlspace could be acting like an open window beneath your home. Uninsulated and unsealed crawlspaces allow outdoor air to enter freely, creating temperature imbalances and making your HVAC system work harder than it should.

Encapsulation adds insulation and thermal barriers, reducing drafts and making the home more comfortable year-round. It’s one of the most effective ways to improve energy efficiency in older homes with vented or open crawlspaces.

4. Increased Energy Bills

A crawlspace that lets in outside air or holds excess moisture can put a huge strain on your heating and cooling system. If your energy bills are creeping up despite thermostat adjustments and system maintenance, it might be time to take a look underneath the house.

Poorly sealed crawlspaces force HVAC systems to run longer to maintain comfortable temperatures. Over time, that not only affects your wallet—it shortens the lifespan of your equipment, too.

Encapsulation helps seal off energy losses, reduce heat transfer, and ease the workload on your heating and cooling systems, often leading to noticeable savings.

5. Sagging or Warped Floors

Moisture in the crawlspace doesn’t just affect the air—it can impact the structure of your home. Prolonged exposure to humidity or standing water can cause wood joists, beams, and subflooring to swell, warp, or rot. This often results in:

• Bouncy or springy floors

• Uneven spots when walking

• Visible gaps between flooring and walls

If the floor feels different underfoot or starts to shift over time, it’s a sign the crawlspace is under stress and needs immediate attention.

6. Frequent Pest Problems

Pests love dark, damp environments—and crawlspaces provide the perfect hideout. Rodents, insects, and even snakes can squeeze through small gaps in foundation vents or cracks in the crawlspace walls.

You might notice:

• Droppings around the home’s perimeter

• Scratching sounds beneath the floor

• Ants or termites in baseboards or corners

Encapsulation creates a sealed barrier that blocks pests from entering and discourages nesting by removing moisture and warmth. It’s a long-term solution for pest prevention—more effective than repeated exterminator visits alone.

7. Visible Mold or Water Damage

If you’ve seen mold patches, mildew stains, or standing water in your crawlspace, the time for action is now. Mold thrives in humid crawlspaces and can spread quickly—not just in the wood framing but through HVAC systems and into your living areas.

Standing water can come from poor drainage, plumbing leaks, or even high groundwater. Over time, it leads to:

• Wood rot

• Foundation cracks

• Mold infestations

• Reduced indoor air quality

If your crawlspace shows signs of visible damage or mold, encapsulation should be part of your long-term remediation plan.

8. Uneven or Cracked Interior Walls

Foundation movement caused by shifting soil or moisture changes beneath your home can affect everything above it. If you notice cracks in drywall, doors that won’t close, or crooked trim, your crawlspace may be the source of the problem.

An unstable or damp crawlspace can lead to settling or shifting of structural supports, which translates to cosmetic—and sometimes serious—issues inside your home.

Crawlspace encapsulation helps maintain consistent moisture levels, which supports the long-term stability of your foundation and framing.

How to Move Forward

If any of these signs sound familiar, it may be time to explore crawlspace encapsulation as a lasting solution. Sealing off the crawlspace with a vapor barrier, insulation, and moisture control systems helps protect your home from below, improving comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Crawlspace issues rarely fix themselves—and the signs are often subtle at first. Musty smells, cold floors, rising humidity, and unexpected pests may seem minor but can all point to deeper problems lurking below your home.

Encapsulation creates a healthier, more energy-efficient environment from the ground up. It protects your home’s structure, improves air quality, and provides peace of mind—especially in regions where moisture and seasonal temperature swings can do real damage.

Pay attention to the signals your home is giving you. When in doubt, get your crawlspace checked out before the next big problem shows up where you least expect it.