Renovating a bathroom is a bit more daunting than most other rooms, except for maybe the kitchen, because you can’t easily move the fittings around once they’re plumbed in. This is why you have to plan ahead and plan very carefully. Here are some pointers to help you to make it a success.
Plan your layout and don’t deviate from it
When you lay out the sanitaryware, try to keep everything pretty much where it is now so that you don’t incur extra plumbing costs. If you don’t mind the additional pipework and the expense, then you can move things around more, but it’s always best to keep the toilet in place so that it’s connected to the wastepipe.
Once you’ve got your design, run it past a tiler, an electrician and a plumber to make sure you haven’t created any issues for them.
Find an electrician early on
You need any wiring to be done early on in the project so that the plumber or builder know what they’re working around. Make sure you choose an electrician from a directory of reputable tradesmen.
Mix cheaper and more premium fittings to save money
You should choose white items and shop around different suppliers to get the best deals. Some things, however, you shouldn’t skimp on. Shower trays need to be well-made and sturdy so that they don’t bend and break their seals, for example.
Keep it simple
The simpler the design, the less it should cost. Avoid steps, plinths, fancy mouldings and overly ornate fittings, as these not only cost more but they date rapidly.
Bring in a bit of tech
Now’s your chance to install that waterproof TV! Or, at least, some smart lighting and an automatic curtain puller. Anything involving electricity needs to be factored in at the start, remember.
Always buy the best brassware you can afford
If you skimp on the concealed pipes that lead into your shower or tap mixer, for example, then you’ll just have to replace them all the sooner, which may involve a bit of expensive dismantling.
CONCEAL PIPEWORK
Hide the pipes
For a modern, clean look, your pipes should be hidden under flooring, in the ceiling and in some boxing. Hiding these elements away makes tiling and flooring easier, but you need the important bits to be accessible for repairs.
Remember ventilation
Bathrooms are damp places, so if there’s no window, or if you don’t like opening yours in the winter, then you’ll need a decent ventilation system to prevent damp, condensation and mould.
Stay warm
If you’re making your bathroom bigger, you may need more heating. This could come from a bigger radiator, a heated towel rail or underfloor heating. Another thing to remember is, if you’re plumbing in extra sanitaryware, to make sure the water pressure won’t be affected.
Add in some storage
The last thing you want in your new bathroom is piles of damp towels, rows of bottles, scourers and so on. Make sure you have enough storage space to keep cleaning products out of sight and enough rails to keep damp towels off the floor.
