A bathroom renovation is one of the most popular home remodeling projects. Not only do you get a great return on your investment in terms of improved resale value, but you also enjoy the revamped facilities yourself. One of the big questions that come up these days during a bathroom remodeling project is whether to install twin sinks, especially when space is limited. We took a look at the pros and cons of doubling up:
Benefits
There’s a lot to be said for having twice the amenities:
- Relationship issues: Having double sinks can allow you and your Significant Other (SO) to feel like you’re part of a mature, loving relationship, rather than sibling squabbling over the facilities, the toothpaste cap or the hand soap.
- Time-saving: When you’re pressed for time in the morning, it means two can wash, brush and floss simultaneously. It’s particularly useful if you only have one bathroom to share and a busy morning ritual, and helps you avoid those traffic jams that make one—or both—of you late for work.
- Personal preferences: If one of you likes to spread out cosmetics all over the place while applying them in front of the mirror (and possibly leave them there afterward) then a double sink with vanity space is a must for your bathroom renovation.
Okay, you didn’t need us to tell you all the reasons why you should consider double sinks for your home. But what about the reasons not to? How does this option affect your residential plumbing installation, and what are the hidden disadvantages that you might not think of?
Disadvantages
- Installation difficulties: This applies to both the plumbing as well as to the actual fixtures. While installing piping and drainage are one-time costs, it also means you might need to increase water pressure to have two faucets operating simultaneously.
- Hot water usage: With double sinks in the bathroom, you’re likely to both be using hot water at the same time, which is great if you have a huge water heater in the basement of your home. If you’re using an on-demand, gas water heater, however, you might find it struggles to keep up with the flow requirements.
- Space requirements: Installing double vanities takes up a fair amount of space, so unless you have a large bathroom, to begin with it might be counter-productive. Having double facilities doesn’t help much if you’re tripping over each other to use them.
- Extra work: This might not sound like a big deal, but if one (or both) of you is messy it’s an additional space that needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. It’s also additional plumbing that can require repairs in the future.
Your best bet is to consult with a professional plumbing contractor before finalizing your plans for your bathroom renovation. Get the low-down on whether a double sink is likely to be right for your bathroom or not, before you set your heart on having those cute his-‘n-hers facilities.
