It doesn’t matter if you’re designing a bathroom, or have just started a bathroom renovation and want to make sure that the project fulfils your vision – this guide will provide you with a wealth of valuable tips and information to guide you on your way.
Remodelling a bathroom is an exciting endeavor and also for many bathroom remodelers, this is the moment they have been waiting for, is when they leave behind an outdated bathroom suite and a dated plumbing system and welcome to a sparkling, fresh luxurious retreat.
But before you get carried to the first bathroom showroom you visit, take some time to design the bathroom in a way that is efficient Explore all the possibilities for bathroom layouts and fittings, and consider who will carry out the work for you. Keep in mind that many building contractors can assist you with the design of your bathroom.
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How do you install your bathroom? Do I require a professional builder?
There are numerous trades with bathroom fittingfor instance, a builder, tiler, electrician, and a plumber. You may also require a plasterer or decorator. Certain builders are able to carry out all the work required for fitting the bathroom. If you use an expert builder who will oversee and plan bathrooms, then they could employ and coordinate trades for you.
Your route should reflect several aspects, including your budget, the level of your DIY abilities as well as the kind of timeframe you’re working with as well as the amount of work that is likely to be required in the installation of your bathroom and the type of bathroom fixtures you’ve chosen.
There are many situations where hiring a builder to manage your bathroom renovation is the right approach that include:
Building a brand new bathroom starting from scratch. This is often the scenario with bigger remodelling projects where bathrooms are being built within the extension of the bathroom or are constructed out of rooms that were previously converted to another purpose.
When walls are shared (walls that you share with your neighbour) are liable to be affected.
When internal walls need constructing or being removed. This is particularly the case in the case of walls that contain constructed to be structural (load bearers).
In the case of new fittings, the floor to be strengthened — a common issue in the case of luxury baths that are brand new are being installed.
In the design of a wet room, where structural calculations, waterproofing and drainage problems are frequently to be dealt with.
If you’ve chosen to buy all fixtures and fittings from different vendors instead of using an in-house supply- and-fit service provided by the bathroom expert. A builder can manage the entire project.
In cases where building regulations (also known as building regs) approval or conformity is needed.
If you are considering certain fixtures and fittings that require professionals skills to set up, such as heavy, large format stone tile, or wall-hung sanitaryware.
If you will struggle to manage the bathroom fitting by yourself (perhaps due to time limitations). using a builder to oversee the entire project ensures that you’ve got an expert on have on hand, who will use their own team of trusted trades. By choosing this method, most of the work organisational is assigned to a third party in addition, the majority of builders are proficient in all aspects of bathroom installation which includes tiling, plumbing and electrics, so it is not necessary to seek out trades on your own.
Selecting the right builder
If you are choosing a contractor for your bathroom renovation, make sure they have a good knowledge of not only the building codes that apply to bathroom fixtures, but also demonstrate a solid understanding of the bathroom remodeling you’re undertaking, and have carried out similar projects in the previous.
How to plan a bathroom
Before you get started choosing bathroom accessories and considering the latest bathroom designs, you should spend time planning the bathroom correctly to ensure it is perfectly suitable to your personal needs.
If you’re using a builder to install the bathroom for you, make sure to communicate with them prior to the construction regarding what you would like to achieve in the new bathroomA skilled builder can be very helpful when it comes to explaining the benefits of fittings, layouts, and the likely costs involved.
A clear and concise idea of what you would like from your bathroom could make up the proposal you send to your bathroom supplier, installer or builder. Many Master Builders can help you design your bathroom so bring them into your project from the beginning.
If you’re thinking of renovating your bathroom, start by taking a look at bathroom layouts which maximize the space.
Begin by taking note of the position of the toilet, observing where the existing soil pipe, and also where it enters the room -it will reveal which is the most suitable location for your new toilet. You can then adjust that.
Utilize graph paper to draw the doors and windows as well as any features that may impact on the bathroom layout , like Dormer windows and bulkheads, alcoves and sloping ceilings.
Then, you can play with where to place the sanitary products (basin bathtub, shower enclosure), being sure to draw it to the same scale.
If you hire an architect to manage the construction, they might be able to assist you to design your bathroom or even suggest different bathroom layout concepts for you.
It is essential to think about which people the bathroom is utilized by. Anyone with young children such as children, might need a bath. You must think about clean as well as non-slip flooring. Alternatively, a walk-in shower or two basins could be better suited to an ensuite bathroom with a large space.
Are you planning to remodel your bathroom or are you starting from scratch?
There are a variety of methods to create a brand new bathroom.
An easy update is the best option for anyone looking to renovate on a tight budget. The current layout should remain in good order to prevent the need to move plumbing but include the latest sanitaryware and accessories, as well as storage or the possibility of a heated towel warmer.
Remodelling a bathroom usually involves changing items around, or adding separate WCs or even taking some space from an additional bedroom. These can involve new or different plumbing systems.
For the construction of new homes or bigger renovation projects, bathrooms are likely to be designed in a new space, and in that in this case, the assistance of a builder or other expert is essential to make sure that the new plumbing and electrics meet building regulations.
In all cases it is important to discuss the transfer of plumbing, waste, pipework as well as electrics with the construction contractor during the design phase.
Picking the right sanitaryware
A basin and toilet are two bathroom necessities. Beyond that, the decision comes down to a bath, a shower enclosure, or both.
Over-bath shower or separate enclosure?
Anyone looking for bathroom ideas with a small footprint is advised to consider an over-bath shower. Take a look at shower baths that have a bathtub that is formed at one end to allow for more space standing. You should also look for baths with flat bases, ideally with the non-slip surface.
If you’re looking for a shower enclosure then the minimum comfortable size is 760mm x 760mm with a clearance of at least 600mm. The enclosures with fixed glass panels and sliding doors which have no out-swing space is a great option for small bathrooms, while larger walk-in enclosures add a sense of elegance.
What is a typical size for a bath?
Baths are a great addition to bathrooms for families. Despite the standard size of a bath is 1700mm x 700mm, you can buy smaller or larger baths over this size, aswell as double-ended baths, where the waste is located centrally.
Choosing the basin
When it comes to choosing an appropriate basin size, larger is better. Thus, choose the biggest dimensions you can squeeze in especially in a family bathroom. Semi- and wall-hung basins give a greater sense of the space in your floor, and permit you to set the size at which they’re fixed. Full-pedestal basins can be more affordable and have a classic look.
What building regulations do I have to consider?
If you’re renovating a bathroom (as instead of installing a brand new bathroom) there is a chance to have certain services like electrics, plumbing and waste connected. However, if remodeling your bathroom fittings or fixtures or changing the design of your sanitaryware, you might discover you need additional pipes or wiring, or even for existing plumbing and electrical services to be rerouted.
While replacing old and worn-out sanitaryware and taps will not require building regulations approval moving a bathroom or adding a new one will.
Additionally, any electrical work near and around wet areas such as bathrooms and showers, need to adhere to building regulations, as will any work that builds upon or alters existing drainage systems.
This is another area where using a skilled builder will assist you through the project. Many builders will be competent to engage reliable trades to carry out electrical and plumbing work, in the event that they manage your project for you.
When the job is complete, your hires are required to hand over the certification that proves your work is compliant with Building Regulations if necessary. It is a common element of the process if you’ve employed skilled tradesmen. It is your responsibility to keep the certificates and provide them at any time – prospective buyers may want to see acceptable documentation when they wish to sell your home.
What is the time frame to install the bathroom?
The time required to finish an entire bathroom renovation could vary from a couple of weeks for simple installations , to several weeks for more complex bathroom remodeling projects.
Your builder should give you some timeframes so that you know what to expect, but it also assists in understanding a typical schedule of works to install a bathroom.
The typical timeframe for installing an bathroom
Make a bathroom outline and establish your budget.
Find a builder, show them your specifications and ask for three quotes minimum before hiring.
Select your builder, agree to an agreement, document your work , and set the timeline. (Plan ahead since the majority of top builders won’t be available to start straightaway).
Check your final plan and select your sanitaryware, fittings, materials and fixtures in collaboration with your builder.
Remove the bathroom.
It is the first step to repair electrics and plumbing, putting new services in place and dealing with old wiring and pipes.
Levelling walls, fitting plasterboard or tile backing board, plastering.
Repairing and plastering ceiling.
Reforcing, levelling (where required) as well as screeding and waterproofing the floor.
The second fix plumbing includes an installation for the toilet, heated towel rail, taps and bath enclosure basin, taps and basin.
The second fix wiring includes fitting extractor fan, shaver points electric underfloor heating spotlights and light switches.
Tiles for floors and walls.
Final decoration.
Necessary certificates are given to you for safe keeping.
Relax and enjoy your first bath in the new bathroom!
