The article below is from a series of home design articles and videos about bathroom remodeling …

Sometimes, the only place you can be alone with your self is in the bathtub, so it’s important to select a tub that allows you to soak comfortably. A carefully chosen bath design will provide a beautiful escape in your own home. In this article, we’ll tell you how to remodel a bathroom into a private sanctuary.

The first thing to consider when deciding on how to remodel a bathroom should be about the purpose of the room. A guest bathroom, a child’s bathroom or a master bath will all have different needs and therefore a different style. When considering your bath design, you should also take into account your budget. A bathroom for your master suite may be worth a major investment, but a tub for the guest room, or other small bathrooms, should be more modest since they won’t be used as much. Bathtubs with luxury components like jet spas can be fairly costly, so do some research and shop around.

You also need to consider the available space and what it will take to get the tub installed. Check to see if additional carpentry will be needed for installation and find out how much the tub will weigh when it’s filled. A tub filled with water must be adequately supported, so check your framing. Cast-iron tubs, whirlpools, soaking and sunken tubs usually require additional support. A tub sized for more than one person will put additional demands on the home’s hot water heater too, so you may also require an upgrade or a new water heater.

Besides the typical rectangular shape, tubs also come in corner, oval, circular and freestanding styles. Built-in tubs can be alcove, drop-in or corner style. An alcove tub is standard in most homes and are often tub-shower combinations with waterproof surrounding walls. Drop-in tubs can be sunken into the floor or a tub deck. Drop-in models that are mounted into their own frame or deck will need additional carpentry or framework, which can add to the overall cost. Corner model built-ins are installed in the corner, with surrounds on two sides. A free-standing tub has legs or ball-and-claw feet. These tubs frequently have rolled edges and slipper backs for soaking.

There are a variety of tubs to select from, so test a bathtub for comfort before making a decision. A soaker tub should hold 15 to 20 inches of water, but it’s likely that you’ll need additional plumbing fixtures. Most tubs are made of porcelain on steel because they are durable. Fiberglass is a less expensive option, but it’s not as durable. If you really want a tub that will be a showpiece in your bathroom, as well as a great home addition, then consider going with cast iron, solid surfacing and natural stones. Whether you’re looking for functional or fabulous, the right bath design will be the cornerstone of your room.

For more information on home interior design, go here: DIY Home Renovations

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