Contractor Says Homeowners Most Want a Separate Toilet Chamber in Bathroom Remodels

This article was prepared from source material that includes an interview with Kevin Mond, co-owner and vice president of HDR Remodeling, as quoted in the original article.

Homeowners remodeling a bathroom most often ask for a toilet chamber that separates the toilet from the main bathroom, according to Kevin Mond, co-owner and vice president of HDR Remodeling.

"This is not always possible, but clients always strive to have a toilet chamber where the toilet is separate from the main bathroom," Mond said. The separation can be a wall, a glass door, or a fully closed-off room. Mond said it improves privacy, hygiene, and functionality, particularly in bathrooms used by more than one person regularly.

Four Other Upgrades Clients Seek

Additional storage is another frequent request, Mond said, because reducing clutter helps a bathroom feel clean and relaxing. Custom drawers, cabinetry, and shelving allow essentials to be stored in the bathroom rather than elsewhere in the home.

Heated floors are popular for comfort during cold months and allow homeowners to keep the tile flooring they want. Mond said heated flooring also removes the need for noisy heated fans and can boost home value.

Skylights are a common lighting request, Mond said, because natural light brightens the space. When a roof installation is not possible, windows can be placed at the tops of walls or configured with frosted panes.

Heated towel racks, which warm towels and robes, are also widely requested. Mond noted that they are available in many finishes to match a bathroom's existing hardware.

Cost and Trade Considerations

Mond cautioned that bathroom remodels are complex and that homeowners should work with their build team to balance priorities, budget, and lifestyle. "It takes almost as many subcontractors to create a beautiful bathroom as a kitchen remodel," he said. "Bathrooms take a huge beating every day they are used, so spending the right amount of money, typically $80 to $100k plus, is worth it so you do not have issues one or two years down the line."

He also advised against having the same person handle demolition and waterproofing, tile, or electrical work. "It is important to have dedicated people doing their specific trade or specialty," Mond said. Cutting costs upfront, he added, often leads to major repair bills later. He recommended working with a designer to manage what he described as more than a thousand decisions in a bathroom remodel.

Features Mond Says to Remove

Mond listed four outdated features worth removing: heated bathroom fans, pedestal sinks with no storage, non-tempered windows, and fixtures with high GPM (gallons per minute).