When it comes to designing a new room in your home, one must ask themselves multiple questions before beginning. What is the function of this space? This is especially true in regards to bathrooms.
You may have heard of the terms “full bath” and “half bath,” or “powder room.” Or, you may have heard that a home has “1.5 baths” (the one stands for the full and the five stands for the half). A full bathroom has all items needed for personal hygiene – a bathtub and/or shower, a toilet, and a sink. However, a half bathroom, or powder room, only has a toilet and sink. Powder rooms are also generally smaller.
An additional full bath or half bath adds major value to your home, but it’s important to determine which one is needed to suit you and your family’s needs. Here are two important questions to consider below.
What floor is your new addition on?
When designing a bathroom, a bathtub and/or shower are also incorporated into the space. One may want to consider whether it is appropriate or a hassle to add a full bathroom on the main floor of the home. This is the floor where family members and guests are in and out of each room, and adding a full bathroom can interfere with one showering and your family’s overall privacy. If you are interested in adding a bathroom near your mudroom or foyer, a powder room will suit your needs.
Is this new bathroom mainly for guests or for your family?
Is your new addition for guests when you are entertaining and to simply freshen up? If so, designing a powder room would be beneficial for your needs. Powder rooms are functional, and most importantly, do not interfere with your family’s privacy. However, if you are looking for a bathroom with specific features, it is best to opt for a full bathroom where you have the space to add more features.
What is your budget?
It’s important to factor in a budget for the bathroom of your choice. With half baths, or powder rooms, one is expected to pay less than designing a full bath because there are less appliances and space. With a full bath, the size of the room and its features can be costly since it is going to be a room shared by many on a daily basis.
