You finally bought a property to build your dream home. How exciting!
But have you decided which bathroom type you want for the master’s bedroom, kid’s room, and others? It can be challenging, but through this article, we’ll help you decide which room to choose. So sit down, relax, and read through this comprehensive article.
What is a Half, Quarter, Triquarter, and Full Bathroom?
So before we go over and discuss the factors that help you determine which type of bathroom is most suitable for your home, let’s first discover what they are.
Quarter Bathroom
A quarter bathroom, or ¼ bathroom, is a compact and functional space that features only a toilet and a sink. It lacks a shower or bathtub and serves mostly as a convenient restroom for guests or residents for a quick refresh. With only minimal space, these bathroom types are cost-effective, mostly found on a house’s main floors. Although limited in amenities, a quarter bathroom is an attractive addition to your home’s attractiveness and real estate value.
Half Bathroom
A half bathroom, or ½ bathroom, is a small yet equally versatile space with a toilet and sink. Although more significant than a quarter bathroom, it has no bathing area. They are mostly on the main floor or near home living areas. And due to their size, they are also cost-effective to install.
Triquarter Bathroom
A tri-quarter, three-fourths, or ¾ bathroom is a restroom that has a toilet, sink, and shower but no bathtub. It is both a convenient and functional space, which offers essentials for a refreshing shower. It is efficient, cost-effective, and valuable for homeowners who want to save money but not compromising on the essential amenities needed for a bathroom.
Full Bathroom
A full bathroom is also known as the dream bathroom for many people. This restroom has a toilet, sink, bathtub, and shower. It also has enough space for your vanity, such as a LED mirror, an area to place all your cosmetics, etc. Making up a convenient and comfortable space for you!
To get a better explanation of their comparison, here’s a table to simplify things:
Essential Factors to Consider Before Constructing Your Bathroom
Now before we move on to their Pros and Cons to help you pick out the best type of bathroom to add to your home, you must consider the following factors:
The Space
You can’t just dream about having a full bathroom when you only have a small space to accommodate it. Therefore, you must first consider the size of your bedrooms, the kitchen, and if you’re adding a second floor to your home.
The Budget
Of course, you can always dream about getting a bathtub, walk-in closet, shower, bidet, LED mirror, and everything else, but do you have the finances for it? You can’t just keep loaning money when it comes to bathroom construction. Consider how much money you have first to avoid breaking the bank.
The Design
Have you considered how you want your bathroom to look? Before even considering constructing your bathroom, ensure you’ve already planned its design. That way, you won’t exceed the budget to pick two or three at a time.
The Storage
You will need a place to store extra tissue papers, towels, soaps, and more in your bathroom in case you run out. Therefore you need to dedicate some space for storage, such as shelves or cabinets.
The Ventilation
To avoid molds from developing, proper ventilation is a necessity. That’s why if you have a bathroom, have a window or space where air and moisture can freely come and go in your bathroom.
A Trusted Contractor
Are you doing things yourself or simply giving out a design to the contractors? Before you hop on and imagine putting up stuff in your bathroom, you need to have the walls designed and where amenities like your toilet, bathtub, sink, and shower should be situated.
The Pros and Cons of the Different Bathroom Types
Quarter Bathroom or ¼ Bathroom
Pros
- It saves space and is ideal for small homes or apartments with limited space.
- It is cost-effective and requires fewer items in the bathroom, making it more budget-friendly.
Cons
- The limited space minimizes movement and functionality since it only has a toilet and a sink.
- There is reduced convenience since it lacks showers for guests who want to clean up after spending hours outside.
Half Bathroom or ½ Bathroom
Pros
- It conveniently provides essential facilities such as a toilet and a sink on the main floor for guests and family members.
- It adds value to your property since a half bathroom can help increase the resale value of your home.
Cons
- Having no showers and baths can inconvenience overnight guests that want to shower in the morning.
Three-Fourths Bathroom or ¾ Bathroom
Pros
- It has a shower, making it suitable and convenient for guests staying over.
- It adds more value to your property since adding a bathroom can be considered an additional amenity, increasing its resale price.
Cons
- Since there will be space needed for the shower, it requires more space.
- It costs more than other smaller options like the half and quarter bathroom.
Full Bathroom
Pros
- It has all the needed amenities for a bathroom.
- It also has increased comfort since it has enough space to add other specific amenities you’ll need daily.
Cons
- It will be a lot to maintain its cleanliness.
- It will cost higher to build it, including its maintenance.
You must remember everything written above, from pros to cons to their difference, and the factors you must consider. Let it help you choose wisely which bathroom type you should have in your home.
In the end, when it comes to bathroom construction, the decision that must be followed should solely depend on you. However, you must never forget the essential factors as written above and how you must also reduce some spaces for bedrooms within your home, to pave the way for more space in your bathroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential fixtures to consider when designing a full bathroom?
When designing a full bathroom, you must remember several fixtures that should be considered:
- Toilet
- Bathtub and Shower
- Sink and Vanity
- Faucets and Showerheads
- Lighting
- Storage Solutions
Can you convert a ½ bathroom into a full bathroom, and what are the potential costs?
Yes, you can convert a half bathroom into a full one. However, this will require significant renovations. And its potential costs may solely depend on various factors like your bathroom’s size, existing plumbing, and even the extent of improvisations necessary. Expenses that will be required are the following:
- Plumbing modifications
- Tiling and flooring
- Fixture installation
- Labor costs
What are some valuable and creative ideas to maximize the limited space of a quarter bathroom?
To maximize your quarter bathroom’s limited space, wall-mounted fixtures like shelves and cabinets. Add mirrors to the room to create an illusion of a larger space. And most importantly, use lighter colors to brighten the space and make the area feel open and more prominent.
Can I add a shower to my ¼ bathroom?
Yes, you can add a shower to your ¼ bathroom. However, this will depend on the available space and plumbing. Here are some steps to consider:
- Assess the available space
- Consider the plumbing capabilities
- Utilize quality shower types
- Properly waterproofing for the shower to prevent moisture from getting in walls or mirrors
