Not necessarily a splurge but I only wanted skirted one piece toilets when I was renovating.

Skirted means the hideous swirls on the side are hidden so they are both more aesthetic as well as being easier to clean as my old swirly toilet were more difficult to clean.

One piece is also theoretically easier to keep clean because you have one less opening for dirt to collect in.

In terms of "splurge", I don't regret buying Toto toilets as they have operated completely trouble free for three years - which is when I moved back in.

I also splurged on a Toto washlet which is one of the best parts of my remodel. Not only does it do the standard bidet stuff but it also presoaks the sides of the toilet with Ewater which means the toilet pretty much cleans itself. The toilet has a Sana finish which is more non-stick than standard finishes and my washlet has a deodorizer.

The lid also rises and falls automatically which is a feature I never realized I would really love. You can program it so that the actual seat will rise (and fall) when someone stands in front of it which would be a boon for any women who have accidently sat on a toilet where the lid hasn't been placed down.

Always, tell me what brands / models / features mean the least worry and maintenance. Thank you!

Honestly you can't go wrong with any Toto toilet. My friend had a mix of Toto and Kohler but she replaced the Kohler toilets with Toto toilets after a relatively short period of time because the Toto toilets were so superior.

In terms of models as both of us have posted, you definitely want skirted and I added one piece - again because those features make it easier to clean.

My Toto toilets are both comfort height with elongated seats but the model you get would depend on what the style of your bathroom is. I have a Guinevere in my guest bath because it has more of a vintage look and my guest bathroom. My master bath has a more modern looking toilet because I wanted the Connect+ for my washlet. Even if you decide not to go with the washlet at this point, I would have an electric outlet installed behind your toilets so you have the option to add one easily at some point. It's inexpensive for the outlet to be added while you are building but difficult to do at a later point if you decide you want one.

And you didn't ask but also get grab bars installed in your shower while you are building since they need to be installed in the studs and so it is more difficult after you have tiled to locate the studs. Mine don't look institutional at all but just match the rest of the fixtures.

Thank you @Helen for the thoughtful reply and the idea of grab bars. I have built a custom home once before, but always room for improvement and I’m taking notes and trying to capture everything.

I have both Kohler and Toto -- both work well, no complaints about either.

But if you're thinking about getting a Washlet, then definitely go with the Toto. The Toto Washlets don't work with every brand/style of toilet, so best to stick with Toto toilet if a Washlet is in your future. And Toto is the #1 game in town when it comes to washlets, don't get a knock-off, get the original and the best. Helen gave good advice about the electrical outlet; I had to have one put in and it's not in an optimal location -- not terrible, but not completely out of line of sight, either.

Also depends on where you live. In California, for example, you'll need a 1.28 gpf toilet, or a dual-flush to save water. One-piece toilets are nicer looking, IMO. Most toilets come with elongated bowls and an option for comfort height. I usually spec Kohler San Souci or Toto.

We purchased a condo with Kohler toilets that were put in around 2005 and 3/3 have issues, so we’re replacing with Toto which will hopefully perform better. I was quite surprised because I’ve lived with cheap builder grade American Standards for years with zero issues, and thought the Kohlers would be an upgrade. I actually decided against skirted because they are more difficult to install (need to be anchored in more points vs standard, we’re on a slab so that can get tricky) and replacing toilet seats on them is harder.

We have 2 Toto toilets, both are the Soiree model (one piece, skirted). We have had one since 2010 and the other since 2013, and both have been trouble-free, except for replacing a flapper or two. I highly recommend them.

We swapped our builder grade out for Toto. I think they’re Drake model, lower end about $275 each. Hate the finish inside as everything sticks, so I suppose they’re not nonstick surface. As well, just the general design is a PIA for keeping clean - the outside, the inside at water line and under the rim. Not skirted. They are comfort height which we’ve had before and like very much. Ugh, otherwise terrible design all. Toilets flush very well and fully but I’d never buy those models again.

A 1.6 flush....................... ( .and LEARN to flush as you "go", please!!!!, and flush........again ) . A concealed trap. a soft close seat. Toto is nice. Beyond that? It's a crap shoot of what you like. Pun intended

Go to a dedicated plumbing supply to select.