When planning a bathroom remodeling effort, it's understandable that you might get caught up in beautifying the space. Although shiny tiles and a stylish sink are great reasons to start a bath remodeling project, you should also think about some of the more practical aspects of the job. Here are 5 renovation ideas that will make your bathroom a bit more functional.

A Walk In Tub

Customers often think of walk in tubs as aging-in-place solutions. They certainly are great for folks who have age-related mobility issues, but there is no good reason younger and more able people should chance having a slip-and-fall incident getting into or out of a tub, either. You may be surprised by how well the upright seating options for walk in tubs work for you, too.

Reduced Water Consumption

There are numerous ways during bathroom remodeling work to reduce water consumption, especially if your place hasn't been renovated in the last decade. Low-flow toilets are superb options, and aerators can also give sinks and showerheads efficiency boosts. Automated shut-off timers for sinks will also minimize consumption when someone leaves the water running.

Storage Upgrades

If you're someone who owns a lot of towels, handcloths, and robes, there's a good chance you'll never have enough storage in a bathroom. Upgrades come in the form of racks, cabinets, drawers, and hangers. You also can position the storage to where you need it, such as placing the racks for towels closer to the shower.

It's a good idea to think about all the other things you'll store, too. You'll need a home for soap, toothpaste, brushes, and toilet paper.

Better Plumbing

If you're already going to get into the plumbing system to deal with something like replacing the shower or adding an extra sink basin, this is a good opportunity to improve it. Adding capacity is always an excellent choice. A professional plumber can also study the system to see if it has flaws, such as elbow joints that might be encouraging clogging. It's also wise to look at whether the system is old and degraded enough that a straight-up replacement might be in order.

Lighting

A poorly-lit bathroom looks dingy, but it also can be hazardous. Fortunately, there are many good-looking and functional lighting options. Recessed lighting is an especially popular choice. Likewise, you can remove existing older lighting systems, such as fluorescent bulbs, and replace them with modern LEDs that consume less electricity.