A: First, a bidet toilet seat is a toilet seat that has the added features of a "personal" warm water spray nozzle. When activated, the nozzle will extend from the back control panel of the seat unit, and gently spray water on the appropriate areas to clean the user.

Speaking of gentle, I'm trying to explain this in the most non-offensive way I can. But, basically it's like a car wash for your backside. Anyway, bidet seats are becoming quite popular for the very reason that you mentioned. No longer is a separate bidet plumbing fixture needed, since the seat gives you a two-for-one deal. In your case it will save on materials and labor for new construction, and for existing bathrooms it makes an easy bidet addition without major remodeling work.

Remember, this seat is a high-end luxury unit, and many come complete with remote controls, lights, heaters and drying fans. So, it will still set you back a few bucks, but it should still be less expensive than installing a standard bidet that needs to be anchored to the floor and piped in separately.

As far as what you need to do now to prepare for a future installation... First, make sure you purchase an "elongated" toilet so it will accept the bidet seat. In most cases a smaller "round front" toilet won't accept the bidet seat. Second, since most bidet seats use electrical power, you need to have your electrician follow local codes to install an approved water-safe GFCI outlet next to the toilet, to supply power to the "plug in" style seat. And that's about it, the seat should be able to use your standard water supply valve.

Last tip, make sure you only use your bidet seat when someone is sitting on it, or else you might end up in a backward situation where the toilet starts squirting at you!