With so many elements to consider, we explore what you should know before diving into your next bathroom project…
It’s time for a new bathroom project and you’re already dreaming of your new scheme, but before you delve into the world of basins, tubs and tiles, take some time to ask yourself a few important questions that could help you save time and money in the long run.
To guide you, KBB journo Laurie Davidson has spoken to the experts and come up with a few key points to mull over, whether you’re remodelling or building your dream scheme from scratch.
What do I want for my new bathroom project?
Having a rough idea of what you’re looking for from your new bathroom project is a good point from which to start.
For example, do you want a soothing, spa-like bathroom that makes you feel relaxed? Perhaps you’ve always longed for a wet room? Or maybe you need a larger family bathroom than the one you currently have, with plenty of storage? Do you want it to feel luxurious like a five-star hotel, or have more of a country manor-style vibe? Do you need both a shower and bath?
On the last point, many will opt for what they consider the more ‘saleable’ feature, but it’s wise to go with what suits your lifestyle best unless you’re designing your new bathroom purely to sell the property.
Who will use the bathroom?
Asking yourself who will be using the bathroom, and how often, can dictate the type of design you need. If you’re a family with small children, including a bathtub can be practical, and you may want to consider shower thermostats that balance temperature and tap mixers with technology that help them stay cool to the touch. Walk-in showers are ideal if you like a speedy morning routine, and if more than one person uses the bathroom at the same time, maybe a double sink and steam-free mirror would be helpful.
“We would design a very different space for use by children compared to a more private ensuite bathroom for adults,” says Amy Bokenham, principal designer at Switch Interior Design. “For instance, with children, you may wish to consider a fully enclosed shower rather than a wet room (as kids tend to splash water around a bit more, which can become a slip hazard). And we might also use hard-wearing, easy-to-clean tiles, like ceramic or porcelain, rather than natural stone tiles which need to be treated a bit more carefully.”
What’s my budget?
Nailing down the amount you have to spend is the baseline for any home renovation. “Bathrooms often cost more than you first think and it’s important to share the budget with your designer from the onset,” Amy Hunt of Amy Hunt Interior Design explains. “Understanding financial constraints can help prioritise design choices and avoid overspending. You may be happy with a bathroom quote, but have you considered the cost of removal and installation or factored in underfloor heating? It’s wise to have a contingency budget, too, as sometimes there are issues that can only be seen once the old bathroom has been stripped out.”
It’s easy for your budget to fluctuate as you begin to explore and compare products, but Leigh Price, co-director of Real Stone, Tile & Bathroom has some valuable advice. “Allow stretch for a premium ‘showstopping’ piece, as there will likely be (at least) one luxury product you are keen to incorporate in your interior. There’s always scope for saving money elsewhere to take home the piece you’ve fallen in love with, so don’t be put off by the price of an individual item.”
Should I change my bathroom’s layout?
When planning a new bathroom, it’s often the case that your fittings will be replaced like for like, as the plumbing is already in place – so a vanity where the previous vanity was sited, for example. However, it’s worth looking at whether the layout you have actually works for you. If you’re designing a new bathroom from scratch, consider how you intend to use it so the design can be planned accordingly.
“Ask yourself if there are likely to be any structural or architectural limitations,” Crosswater’s head of design Jorge Hernandez explains, “as if you’re trying to keep costs down, ideally, you don’t want to be moving plumbing fixtures, so will need to work around original pipes.”
Louise Ashdown at West One Bathrooms agrees: “There are technical questions to be asked and feasibility may depend on a site survey from your installer,” she says. “For example, if you want to move a wall and create a larger bathroom in one space, this is something a builder would need to check as the wall may be load-bearing. Or if you’re looking to move the position of your WC, it can be possible in lots of scenarios, but in some properties, soil pipes may be cast and set in position.
“Always seek advice from installers and consider that in Grade 1 and 2 listed properties, you will most likely need planning permission and to check the building regulations to make interior changes.”
How much storage will I need?
Having a stylish bathroom is all well and good but if it’s overrun with toiletries and towels then chances are it’s going to look more messy than dressy, and can make your daily routine longer if you’re constantly having to search for things. That’s why it’s important to take into account what storage you’ll need – from space to store towels and toiletries, to a laundry basket and even bath toys for kids.
Factoring that in at the beginning means you’ll have a better-designed bathroom that works for you in the long run. “While the pinned image of a minimalist spa retreat may look appealing, it can quickly fall short if there’s nowhere to hide all the ugly stuff,” says Victoria Newall at interior design studio Drawn. “Prioritise functionality then layer on the aesthetics to ensure your bathroom meets your needs for the long term.”
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