Once you’ve decided what part of the house the bathroom will serve and who will be using it, the next basic question is, “What type of bathroom am I planning?” To find your answer, inventory the shortcomings of your current bathroom. Keep a running list of your general wants and needs as you start to get more specific about your remodeling plan and what size bathroom you want to create. Following are the three basic bath options:

Half Bath
A sink and toilet constitute a half bath, also known as a powder room. Typically, half baths are located on a home’s main level, close to the main living areas. They’re intended primarily for visitors’ use and to provide backup for the main bath. Because they are generally small, powder rooms offer an opportunity for fun, offbeat, or lavish decorating. Adding one can increase your home’s value.

Three-Quarter Bath
Equipped with a shower stall instead of a tub, a three-quarter bath can be squeezed into a space that measures about 6x6 feet. A three-quarter bath could solve your morning traffic jams. Good uses include a guest bath or a bathroom for older children.

Full Bath
Typically located close to bedrooms, a full bathroom consists of a sink, toilet, and tub. It may also have a separate shower. The minimum room size is about 5x7 feet. Many different floor plans are possible; it all depends on your wants, needs, and budget.