Here are a few bathroom upgrades I'd want you to think about before the drywall goes up.
1. Add Blocking
This is one of those upgrades I'd ask your builder about during framing.
Blocking is simply extra wood installed between the wall studs to give you something solid to attach things to later.
I'd want blocking anywhere you plan to install towel bars, toilet paper holders, heavy mirrors, and especially grab bars.
Without it, you may end up relying on drywall anchors to hold everything in place.
Those can work for certain accessories, but I'd much rather have screws going into solid wood, especially for something that might get pulled on regularly.
2. Bathroom Electrical
Before your electrician finishes rough-in, I'd spend a few minutes thinking about everything you might eventually want to plug in or hardwire.
One outlet I'd absolutely consider is an outlet next to the toilet for a future bidet.
Even if you don't plan on installing an electric bidet right away, having the outlet ready makes adding one later much easier.
I'd also think about a hardwired make-up mirror, vanity lighting, and any other electrical features you might want in the bathroom.
These are much easier to wire while the walls are open.
3. Shower Niche
A shower niche is one of those things that seems simple until you see one installed in an awkward spot.
I'd figure out the size and location before your shower walls are finished.
Think about how many bottles you actually need to store, how tall they are, and whether you want one large niche or multiple smaller ones.
You also want to make sure your niche works with the tile layout.
If the niche is placed without considering the tile dimensions, you can end up with skinny little tile cuts around the edges that don't look nearly as good as they could.
Make sure the niche is properly waterproofed and the bottom slopes slightly toward the shower so water doesn't sit inside it.
4. Recessed Dryer Vent Box
This last one isn't technically a bathroom upgrade, but it's worth mentioning if your washer and dryer are tucked into a bathroom or nearby laundry closet.
I'd ask for a recessed dryer vent box behind the dryer.
Normally, the dryer exhaust duct needs space behind the machine, which can keep the dryer from sitting close to the wall.
A recessed vent box gives the duct connection room inside the wall cavity, allowing the dryer to sit farther back.
That can make a big difference if you're trying to fit a washer and dryer behind closet doors or inside a tight laundry space.
Don't Wait Until the Walls Are Finished
None of these upgrades is particularly complicated when you're building a new house.
But once the drywall, tile, and cabinets are installed, making changes gets a lot more expensive.
I'd go through your bathroom plans before rough-in and make sure you've accounted for blocking, electrical, shower storage, and any laundry equipment that needs extra space.
These are exactly the kinds of details I keep in my Ultimate Home Building Checklist. It helps you catch the little things before construction gets too far along, when they're still easy to add.
