Having a new multifamily build means you have some important decisions to make for the design and appearance of the bathroom. You want a bathroom that’s functional and accessible for everyone who uses it.
After all, if you’re keeping it in the family, you don’t want Grandma struggling to get in and out of the tub where the toddlers have their baths. And you don’t want Dad, at 6’ 2”, to lean over the same sink to brush his teeth as your five-year-old who just passed 40 inches.
On the other hand, you’ll make more generic decisions if you invest in a multifamily build to rent out to others. You might not know who will occupy the multifamily build, so you’ll have to rely on the renters being happy with the bathroom. For this reason, you’ll probably want to go with what’s popular.
Today’s blog is about your new multifamily build and how you can design it to attract tenants or be family-friendly. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is A Multifamily Build?
A multifamily home is a “single building divided to accommodate more than one family living separately.” There are several kinds of multifamily dwellings, too:
- Duplex/triplex – A duplex has two separate units/homes connected by a wall. A triplex is the same way but with three divisions. A wall is the only thing you’ll share – these homes have separate entrances. Some also have their own yards and garage, though this is not guaranteed.
- Condo – A condo is a unit in a community or building. These are like upgraded versions of apartments. The difference? You own a condo while you rent an apartment. Here, you’ll share walls like in an apartment building.
- Townhome – Townhomes are like houses, but they aren’t single-family units since they share a wall. A townhome usually comes with two or three stories. While you can use a townhouse to house separate families, they will have less privacy and may need to share part of their homes with each other.
- Semi-detached houses – Semi-detached houses are similar to townhouses but are larger and offer more privacy.
Your Multifamily Bathroom
A multifamily bathroom might be the same as your standard bathroom if each separate living space has its own bathroom. In that case, a tub/shower, sink, and toilet are all you need. It doesn’t require more thought than what you want to put into it.
But if your new multifamily build is for you or your loved ones, and bathrooms will be shared, there are quite a few things to consider. As we mentioned at the beginning of this blog, you don’t want multiple generations to struggle using the same bathroom if that’s how your home will work.
Evaluate Your Space
Your first step should be to evaluate your space to ensure enough room for what you envision. This is a great time to break out the measuring tape, so you have a completely realistic idea of how much space you have.
You can still design a great multifamily bathroom with limited space. You just have to get creative with how you design your space. For example, you could install your toilet in the far corner to take up empty space that might typically go un-designed. Have a small sink? Install a soap dish above the sink to clear space for other items.
Shower vs. Bathtub
If you’re housing college students who only hop in the shower for a quick rinse, you’ll likely want to install a shower. But if Grandma loves taking bubble baths, you’ll want a jetted tub.
The difference?
A shower only uses 10 to 25 gallons of water for every five minutes of use. A tub uses around 70 gallons of water when full.
There is no right or wrong decision here. It comes down to who will live in the new multifamily build and what they will need.
The Sink
Everyone will use the sink, so you’ll want a functional choice that works for everyone. That might mean installing two sinks: one for the little ones and one for the grown-ups, so everyone can brush their teeth without making a mess.
Consider a pedestal or wall-mounted sink if you’re working with a small space. Or, if you want built-in storage space, opt for the traditional framed, under-mounted, or surface-mounted sinks.
Install Low-Maintenance Features
The last thing you want is for a multifamily bathroom to need repairs that make the bathroom inaccessible. While you can’t foolproof your bathroom from everything, you can pick low-maintenance features that are designed to last.
Use materials in your bathroom that can stand the test of time – composite showers, quartz countertops, and metal and recycled glass are examples. Want to get fancy? Try a porcelain ceiling fixture!
Use Natural Lighting
No one wants to deal with burned-out or flickering lights. They often involve a trip to the store and climbing on a step-stool to replace them.
Now, we’re not suggesting you go without lights in your bathroom! But we are suggesting that you use natural lighting for your benefit. This will decrease how often lightbulbs need to be changed out.
If you have a bathroom with a wall that faces outside, consider installing a window and allowing that natural light to flood in in the mornings. You can install a window of any size and install curtains or blinds for privacy.
Superior Commercial Solutions
Are you investing in a new multifamily build? Whether it’s for your own family or a property you’ll be renting out, the bathroom is an integral part of the home. Superior Commercial Solutions is the leader in multi-family cabinetry, including your bathroom.
Everything that comes with the SCS seal is high quality. You can rely on us for any part of your home that requires cabinetry, including kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, custom cabinet hardware, quartz countertops, and under-mount sinks.
Our in-house design, product development, estimating, sourcing, and installation teams will see your project through from start to finish. For more information, contact us today. We’re excited to work with you to build the perfect bathroom for your multifamily build.