Unlike a standard bathroom, a wet room consists of just the shower and the bathtub — a dedicated bathing space with different design considerations than standard bathrooms. In today’s post, trusted “bathroom remodeler near me” DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Northwest DC takes a look at some of its design do’s and don’ts.
Do Choose Materials Carefully
Most materials that are suitable for bathrooms can be used for building a wet room, keep in mind that the latter has prolonged exposure to moisture. Materials for the flooring and wall need to be appropriate for such applications, porcelain or ceramic tiles.
Don’t Skimp on Waterproofing
A typical bathroom only needs waterproofing in certain areas. A wet room, on the other hand, needs waterproofing in all areas. This emphasizes the need to work with a remodeler who understands this requirement — a poorly-sealed wet room can allow moisture infiltration in areas where it could allow mold growth, or even flooding if there is a finished room below it.
Do Ensure Proper Drainage
It goes without saying that proper drainage is important. Wet rooms are not usually part of a standard home floor plan, which means you’ll be more likely building a new one rather than renovating an existing bathroom. Therefore, the drain lines will all be new, which means your remodeler should get it right the first time around. More importantly, it must be included in the detailed bathroom estimate.
Don’t Forget About Storage
A wet room may be designed entirely for bathing, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have storage in it. Built-in shelving, niches or wall-mounted vanities are great for storing bathing essentials from soap bars to bathrobes. As with the materials for the wet room, choose shelving that is made with materials that can withstand humid environments.
Do Leave It to the Pros
Taking the DIY route may be tempting, projects like wet rooms are ideally left to professionals. Given the work needed — from designing it to building it — it can be too much for the average homeowner. The greatest risk for DIYers is they will have to pay out of pocket to correct mistakes. In comparison, professionals are less likely to commit mistakes. Workmanship warranties or quality guarantees are also in place to safeguard homeowners against otherwise costly corrections.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Northwest DC offers a wide range of professional remodeling services, including bath and shower remodeling. Get started with a no-obligation consultation and an accurate bathroom quote by giving us a call at (202) 933-7196 or by contacting us online. We serve homeowners in Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Arlington, McLean, Georgetown, Woodley Park, Friendship Heights, Glover Park, Cleveland Park, The Palisades, Donaldson Run, Bluemont, Lyon Village, and Glen Echo.
