Whether you are thinking about planning a bathroom, or are just kicking off the process of renovating your bathroom and want to ensure that your plan is in line with your goals, this comprehensive guide is full of tips and tricks that can help you get on your journey.
Bathroom remodeling is an exciting endeavor and also for many homeowners, it’s the moment they have been waiting for, when they wave goodbye to an outdated bathroom suite as well as an old plumbing and hello to a clean, sparkling and spa-like space.
Before you take a ride to the first bathroom showroom you visit, take some time to design the bathroom in a way that is efficient, research all the possibilities for bathroom layouts and fitting, and then think about who can carry out the work for you. Be aware that many builders can assist you with your bathroom design.
Bathroom installation: Do I need a professional builder?
There are many trades in the bathroom installation process -for instance, a builder, tiler, electrician and plumber. You might also need the services of a decorator or plasterer. Certain builders are able to do all the work required in the fitting of bathrooms. If you hire a builder that can supervise and project manage the bathroom installation, they could as well hire and coordinate the trades for you.
Your route should reflect several aspects, including your budget, the quality of your DIY abilities, what kind of timescale you are working to as well as the amount of work likely to be involved with the bathroom installation, and the kind of bathroom fittings you’ve picked.
There are several common scenarios in which hiring a contractor to oversee your bathroom remodel is the best option to take, for example:
Building a brand new bathroom by starting from scratch. This is typically the case for larger remodeling projects where bathrooms are installed inside the extension of the bathroom or are constructed from rooms previously given over to a different use.
When walls are shared (walls that are shared by you and a neighbour) can be affected.
In the case of internal walls, they need to be constructed or removing. This is particularly the case when the walls are constructed to be structural (load bearing).
The new fixtures require the floors of the old ones to be reinforced which is a typical issue in the case of luxury baths that are brand new are being built.
For the creation of a wet room, where structural calculations, waterproofing and drainage concerns are often confronted.
When you have decided to get all fittings and fixtures from different companies instead of using an in-house supply and-fit service from an expert in bathroom design. A builder can run the project for you.
Where building regulations (also known as building rules) approval or conformity is necessary.
When opting for certain fixtures and fittings that require expert know-how to put in, such as heavy, large-format stone tiles, or wall-hung bathroom fittings.
If you’re struggling to manage the bathroom fitting yourself (perhaps because of time constraints). Utilizing a builder to handle the entire process means that you’ll have an expert on be on the job, and they can make use of their own group of reliable tradesmen. Taking this option means most of the work organisational is left to someone else and the majority of builders are proficient in every aspect of bathroom installation such as tiling, plumbing and electrical wiring, so you won’t have to search for trades in isolation.
Choosing a builder
When choosing a builder to do your bathroom remodel, make sure they have a good understanding of not just the building regulations surrounding bathroom installations, but can demonstrate a good comprehension of the bathroom renovations you’re planning to undertake and have completed similar work in the previous.
How to plan a bathroom
Before you begin selecting bathroom supplies and exploring the latest bathroom designs, you should spend time planning your bathroom carefully to make sure it’s for your needs.
If you’re using construction contractors to build your bathroom, be sure to talk with them right from the beginning about what you’d like to get from the new space — an experienced builder can be very helpful when it comes to explaining the benefits of fittings, layouts and the probable costs.
A concise and clear idea of what you’d like to see in your bathroom should make up the design brief you provide to your bathroom supplier, installer or builder. Many Master Builders can help you design your bathroom. So, incorporate them in at an early stage.
When it comes to remodeling a bathroom, start by exploring bathroom layouts that maximize the space.
Begin by determining the best position for the toilet, looking at the location of the current soil pipe as well as the point at which it enters the room- this will show you which is the most suitable location for your new toilet. You can then work around that.
Utilize graph paper to mark out doors or windows as well as any fixtures that could impact the layout of your bathroom, such as Dormer windows and bulkheads alcoves , or sloping ceilings.
It is then possible to play on the best place to put your the sanitary products (basin, bath, shower enclosure) be sure to draw it on the same scale.
If you employ an interior designer to oversee the project, they might be able to collaborate with you to design your bathroom or even suggest several bathroom layout ideas for you.
It is crucial to think about whom the bath will ultimately be used by. Anyone with young children such as children, might require a bath, and ought to consider easy-to-clean as well as non-slip flooring. A walk-in shower or twin basins may be better suited for a main en suite bathroom.
Are you planning to renovate your bathroom or starting with a blank slate?
There are many ways to achieve a new bathroom.
A quick update is the best option for anyone who is looking to make a change on a shoestring. Maintain the layout in good order to prevent the need to move plumbing but incorporate the latest sanitaryware and accessories, as well as storage, or the possibility of a heated towel warmer.
Remodelling a bathroom usually involves moving things around, and possibly adding an additional WC, or taking some space from an adjacent bedroom. This can involve new or altered plumbing systems.
For new builds or larger renovation projects, bathrooms may be created in an entirely new space, and in that the assistance of a contractor or professionals will be essential for ensuring that your pipework and electrical systems are compliant with building regulations.
In all instances it is recommended to discuss the transfer of plumbing, waste, pipework and electrics with your builder at the design stage.
Selecting sanitaryware
A toilet and basin are bathroom essentials. Beyond that, it all is a bath or shower enclosure or both.
Shower over-bath or separate enclosure?
Anyone who is looking for ideas for small bathrooms ought to think about an over-bath shower. Consider 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, which are best with the non-slip surface.
If you are looking to install a shower enclosure then the most comfortable size is 760mmx760mm with a clearance at least 600mm. The enclosures with fixed glass panels and sliding doors that don’t require an out-swing space are the ideal choice for small bathrooms, whilst larger walk-in enclosures provide a feeling of luxurious.
What is the standard bath size?
Baths are a great addition to family bathrooms . Although the standard size of a bath is 1700mmx700mm, you can buy smaller or larger baths that are larger than this, as well in double-ended baths, which are where the waste is situated centrally.
The decision to select the right basin
When it comes to selecting a basin, bigger is better. Therefore, choose the biggest size that you can, particularly in a family bathroom. Wall-hung and semi-pedestal basins can create a better sense of floor space and allow you to set the maximum height to which they are fixed. Full-pedestal basins tend to be less expensive and have a classic look.
What building regulations do I need to consider?
If you’re planning to renovate a bathroom (as instead of building a brand new bathroom) it is likely to require services like plumbing, electrical and waste connected. But, if you’re remodeling your bathroom fittings or fixtures or changing the arrangement of your sanitaryware and fixtures, you may discover that you need additional pipes or wiring or require the services you have to be relocated.
Although replacing old taps and sanitaryware will not require building regulations approval the relocation of a bathroom or installing a new one will.
Likewise, any electrical work in and near wet areas such as bathrooms and showers, should comply with building regulations and also any work that expands upon or alters existing drainage systems.
Another area in which the help of a skilled contractor will help guide you through the construction. Many builders will be in a position to employ reliable tradesmen for plumbing and electrical tasks, in the event that they manage your project for you.
Once the job is finished, your hires should hand over the required certification that proves the work conforms to Building Regulations if necessary. This is an essential part of the procedure providing that you employed qualified tradesmen. Remember that it’s your responsibility to secure your certificates and display them at any time – prospective buyers may want to see the appropriate documentation when they want to sell your home.
How long does it take to set up the bathroom?
The length of the time needed to complete a complete bathroom remodel could vary from a couple of weeks for simple installations to several weeks for larger and more complicated bathroom remodels.
The builder will give you an estimate of the timeframe so you know what to expect, but it also helps to understand an average schedule of works to install a bathroom.
Typical schedule of works for the installation of a bathroom
Create a bathroom plan and establish your budget.
Find a builder and show them your project and request three quotes before you hire.
Select your builder, agree to an agreement in writing, record your work and finalise the timetable. (Plan ahead since the majority of good builders will not be available to start immediately).
Confirm your final brief and pick your sanitaryware materials, fittings and fixtures together with your builder.
Get rid of and eliminate the existing bathroom.
First fix plumbing and electrics, putting new services in place and dealing with outdated wiring and pipes.
Setting walls, fitting plasterboard or tile backing board, plastering.
Repairing and plastering ceiling.
Reinforcing, leveling (where it is necessary) the floor, screeding and waterproofing the flooring.
The second fix plumbing includes an installation for the toilet as well as heated towel rails, taps and bath enclosure as well as taps and basin.
Second fix wiring, including installing an extractor fan, shaver points, electric underfloor heating, lights and switches.
Wall and floor tiling.
Final decoration.
All necessary certificates are handed to you to ensure safekeeping.
Enjoy your first soak in your new bathroom!
