Many clients think and dream about a bathroom project before it becomes a reality. They read shelter magazines, visit showrooms, and surf the Internet. Many have a file of ideas about design, products, fixtures, materials, and other features. By asking questions about preferences—or definite specifications—you are moving from general ideas to specific decisions to be made about the design.
In some cases, your client may have a specific item from the current bathroom to be included in the new one. Or, they may have salvage items, such as cabinet or door hardware, to include in the new design. Be sure to determine if there are any pieces like this. Get detailed information such as size, and any mechanical requirements such as plumbing connections. Form 5: Your Client’s Bathroom Preferences will prompt you to collect this information.
Some clients may prefer to shop for, and select, certain pieces such as a mirror or a faucet, on their own. If the client is going to provide items for the new bathroom, this information will need to be specified in your contract. You and your client will need to agree on the specifications of the items they will provide. Timing will be important as well, so that the installation of the new bathroom is not delayed waiting for a client-provided item.
Budget
At some point, you will need to discuss the project budget. Unless your client has carefully researched the issue before meeting with you, there is a good chance that their budget amount is not in the same range as their ideas. You will probably want to get an idea of the client’s budget at the time you are gathering the information you need to develop the design. The farther their ideas are from their pocketbook, the more you will need to focus on priorities. Help your client think about what they really need, want, and would like to have, in their bathroom. The clearer these ideas, the easier it is to make budget decisions.
Form 5: Your Client’s Bathroom Preferences
Use these questions to get general ideas about your client’s preferences, and then as a check to make sure you have the specific details needed.
Features
• Are there specific materials, fixtures, cabinetry, or other features that have been preselected by the client that are to be included in the project?
• Do they want a shower or bathtub? if they want both, will they be separated or a combination?
• Do they want a toilet, a urinal, or both?
• Do they want a bidet?
• How many lavatories do they want? Do they have ideas about the style?
• Do they want luxury features, such as a jetted tub or spa, soaking tub, steam shower, or sauna?
• What about clothes storage? Will this be adjacent to or included in the bathroom space?
• Do they want a linen closet in the bathroom? Will it be used to store household linens or just towels?
• Do they want to include a laundry area? What about a washer or dryer?
• Do they want an exercise area?
• Do they want a food or drink area, such as for coffee, tea, or snacks? Will this area include appliances, such as a coffee maker, refrigerator, or microwave? Should this area include a separate sink?
Layout
• What ideas do they have about arrangement of the bathroom?
• Do they have ideas about areas that should be spacious or compact?
• What areas should be open to another?
• Do they want a compartmentalized bathroom? if so, what areas should be separate?
Windows
• Will the bathroom have windows?
• Should the window(s) be operable?
• What style of window is preferred?
• is there a view to be considered? From where in the bathroom should the view be visible—such as the bathtub or vanity?
• What about window privacy?
Doors
• From what rooms will they enter the bathroom?
• Should the doors swing in or out? Or is a pocket or folding door preferred?
• is a locking door preferred?
General Preferences
• Style?
• Color?
• Architectural details retained in existing space?
• Architectural details added in new bathroom design?
Cabinetry
• Door style?
• Type of wood or face material?
• Color?
• Hardware?
Fixtures—Style, Color, Material
• Lavatory?
• Bathtub?
• Shower?
• Toilet?
• Urinal?
• Bidet?
• Other fixtures?
Fittings
• Material or color? Style?
Countertops
• Material?
• Color r pattern?
• Backsplash?
• edge treatment?
Finish Materials
• Floors? Heated?
• Walls?
• Ceilings?
• doors, windows?
• Moldings and trims?
Lighting
• Style?
• Control features?
• Type of light sources?
• Furniture?
Accessories
• Towel bars or warmers?
• Toilet paper holders?
• Mirror?
• Full-length mirror?
• Other items?
• Appliances?
• Other materials or fixtures to include?
Scope of the Project
• What is the potential for structural changes in the bathroom, including:
• Can the location of the bathroom be moved?
• Is an addition to the home being considered?
• Is there opportunity to incorporate space from within the home, such as a closet, hall, or bedroom?
• Is relocating the plumbing an option?
• Will there be other building or remodeling projects that will be happening at the same time as the bathroom?
• Are there specific construction parameters or limitations, such as walls or doors that cannot be moved?
• What part of the project, if any, do the clients want to do themselves?
• Is there any part of the project to be done by another professional designated by the client?
• Contact information:
• What is the time frame of the project?
• Are there specific events that affect the project schedule?
• Is there another bathroom in the home?
• Are there specific times when the workers cannot have access to the bathroom space?
