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Maybe you're building a house, or you're remodeling. With the all the things you're thinking about, the toilet probably doesn't seem too important. However, don't forget about the toilet, a true hallmark of a civilized home. Following a few straightforward steps can help you find a toilet that is right for you, both functionally and aesthetically. Remember, all toilets are not built the same!

Look for this in a toilet:

1). The toilet bowl's shape: You can choose an elongated shape or a round one. The round front tends to be two inches shorter, and works well for smaller spaces. The larger elongated front is more comfortable and sanitary, since there is less drip on the toilet.

2). The toilet size: There are lots of choices, with different lengths, widths and heights To get a comfortable fit, make sure you measure the available space. Don't forget about the rough-in space - the distance of the bowl's center to the finished wall - as this too will determine the toilet's maximum size.

3). The toilet trapway's size: The trap way is that part of the toilet that through which the water and waste exit. The smallest size available passes through waste of a 1.5 inch diameter. Larger trapways make it less likely that the toilet will get clogged.

4). How the toilet flushes: In the US, by law all toilets must have a 1.6 gallon tank to conserve water. However, you do still have some choices. In gravity fed toilets, the weight of the water from the tank pushes the waste through an S shaped trap way, as the siphon that is created empties the bowl. For a little extra flushing help, pressure assisted toilets use compressed air in the toilet tank. When flushing, the pressurized air pushes the water more strongly into the bowl, resulting in a better flush. On the downside, besides the bigger expense, these toilets tend to be noisier and harder to repair.

5). 1 or 2 piece toilets: For the budget minded, toilets consisting of the two separate pieces of toilet bowl and tank are appropriate. There are up to six parts in a one piece toilet that seamlessy make it up. These have a bit more style to them (with a correspondingly more expensive price tag), and need less space and are easier to clean.

6). Ease of maintaining: Many higher end toilets are built explicitly for ease of maintenance. For instance, Toto, an innovative Japanese manufacturer, has SanaGloss, a ceramic glaze which prevents bacteria and mold buildup, making the toilet easy to clean. American Standard has its EasyClean feature. The designers at Kohler have come up with an insulated liner that prevents moisture from condensation on the toilet tank's outside.

7). Appearance: While a toilet needs to work well, it also needs to look good in your bathroom. It's a good thing that modern toilets are available in a wide array of styles, sizes and colors. This can come at a price - for instance, non-white toilets tend to be more expensive. One approach you may to consider is to choose a toilet that is part of a bathroom suite, thus ensuring that are the fixtures are in harmony.

8). What else?: If you're willing to spend the money, you can get a fancy toilet with a built in bidet, heated seat or air drying system. Kohler Comfort Height toilets have a higher seat, making sitting down and standing easier.

You're now ready to go and choose your perfect toilet.