When planning a new home construction, one of your decisions will be how many bathrooms it should have. While this often correlates with the total number of bedrooms, you should also factor in how your family will live and use the house to guide your decision.

Factors to Consider

The ideal ratio is generally two bathrooms to three bedrooms, but you need to account for future plans and needs as well. The primary consideration should be family size. If you don’t plan on adding more people to your household, settle on the number of bedrooms to build, then go from there; for example, the occupants of two bedrooms can share one full bathroom with a vertical shower, toilet, and sink.

Also, factor in the floor plan of your new home. Some homes might not have enough floor space for the ideal bedroom-to-bathroom ratio. If this is the home you want to grow old in, consider a master suite with an attached full bathroom that has a separate area for a toilet and sink. This setup allows for simultaneous use of the bath by other occupants while providing more space for those with impaired mobility.

Lastly, think about your new home construction budget. Bathrooms are among the most expensive parts of the house because of the plumbing and fixture installation and labor required. Weigh the convenience of another bathroom against its cost. If you don’t think you’ll use it often, you might be better off putting that money toward a multi-purpose room or extra storage.

How to Balance the Bathroom Distribution

Ultimately, the ideal number of bathrooms in your home will depend on how much your household values convenience and privacy. For example, a two-story house with one full bathroom on the ground floor is impractical. The same goes for a home with four bedrooms and one bathroom—people will have to take turns using it, leading to long wait times and little privacy. If you’re concerned about these issues, constructing powder rooms or half baths that contain only a toilet and sink will accommodate more people’s needs with less space and expense than a full bath.

If you’re seeking professional assistance with new home construction planning, count on the professionals at Redwater Construction in Kailua-Kona, HI. Known for building quality homes throughout the Big Island for more than 20 years, they also assist with remodels and renovations. Call (808) 325-7880 to request a free estimate on new home construction, or view their gallery of completed works online.