Showers
- Put the valve near the entry so you can turn on the water without getting wet.
- Add a hand shower on a slide bar for rinsing, cleaning and seated use.
- Use a niche or ledge sized for real bottles, placed off the main spray path.
- Consider a bench, built-in or fold-down, for shaving and comfort.
- Low or no threshold entries are easier for everyone and future-proof the room.
- Linear drains allow one-direction slope and larger floor tiles.
Storage
- Drawers instead of vanity doors, with dividers.
- Outlets inside a drawer or cabinet for hair tools.
- A recessed medicine cabinet to free counter space.
- A tall linen cabinet if there is no hall closet.
- Hooks near the shower in addition to towel bars.
More on vanities in bathroom vanity remodeling.
Lighting
Use side lighting at the mirror, a general ceiling light, a light in the shower and a low night light. Put them on separate switches or dimmers. Even, shadow-free light at face height matters most.
Ventilation
A quiet exhaust fan vented outdoors, on a timer or humidity sensor, protects paint and cabinets. People run quiet fans; they turn off loud ones.
Finishes for hard water
Hard water is common in the Phoenix area. Choose:
- Large-format tile for fewer grout lines.
- Matte or brushed fixture finishes that hide spots.
- Simple glass panels, with a protective coating.
- Lighter countertop colors that show less residue.
Layout
- Toilet room: a separate compartment adds privacy in shared bathrooms.
- Two sinks only if there is room for counter space at each.
- Door swing: a pocket or barn-style door can free space in tight rooms.
Long-term safety
Add wall blocking behind tile now so grab bars can be installed later without opening walls. Choose slip-resistant floor tile, especially inside the shower. Comfort-height toilets and lever handles help at any age.
Permits
Swapping fixtures in place is a minimum plumbing permit in Scottsdale, while moving fixtures or walls needs plans. See the city list.
Budgeting? See bathroom remodel costs. Ready to start? Plan your bathroom remodel. Going high-end? See luxury bathrooms.