Friday 29 January 2021 - Blog

12 Questions to ask yourself before starting your bathroom refurbishment

What’s the purpose of your bathroom? 
What are you looking for from your bathroom refurbishment? Are you looking to make the space more functional for your growing family? Do you want to create a spa-like sanctuary that you can relax in after a long day at work? Do you entertain a lot and want to make your bathroom more presentable to guests? Are you trying to conserve water and electricity by creating a more energy-efficient household? Consider your current and future needs before redesigning your bathroom. 

How much space do I need?
You can fit quite a lot into a small room. As a guide, 76cm is a comfortable width for a toilet, but compact toilets are as small as 36cm wide. Similarly, you should leave at least 60cm clear in front of any fixtures (basin, bathroom, etc.) for passage, and don’t forget to account for doors and shower screens being able to open freely.

In a small room, an inward opening door can significantly restrict the space around the entrance to the room. If possible, rehang the door to open outwards to give more usable space within the bathroom.

Should I have a bath or shower or both?
A standard piece of advice is that it’s essential to have at least one bath in your home if you plan to resell in the future. This is true if your property will appeal to families with small children and a suitable-style bath with shower fitted above can be a good compromise. 

However, if you aren’t in this position, then a luxurious shower can be a good alternative. Perhaps, you have no intention of selling (in which case, do whatever you want!).

How do I keep costs down?
Keeping to a tight budget doesn’t mean you need to compromise on design – it’s all in the planning. At Bathrooms4U you will get one fixed cost with no hidden costs. Our years of experience has allowed us to design smart and functional layouts while use space-saving tricks such as boxing in pipework and incorporating built-in shelves and storage to achieve a bespoke look.

How do I create a feeling of space?
Mirrors are a tried-and-tested way to increase the feeling of space, and even if the room is small, the reflection from a large mirror will help make space feel bigger. Frameless designs fitted wall to wall, or even-floor-to-ceiling styles, look great and maximise this space-enhancing effect, while of course being practical too.

A natural light source also helps, along with good storage, so the room is clean and uncluttered.

Do I have to use tiles on my walls?
Not a fan of tiles? That’s OK! There are plenty of great alternatives. Wet areas, such as shower enclosure, require an utterly waterproof wallcovering. Tiles are the go-to product of choice, consider only using a hard-wearing, water-resistant paint in any splash zones. This could be applied directly to the wall or onto water-resistant panelling. 

What type of flooring can I use?
While looks are important, practicality is essential here. The most popular bathroom styles tend to be hard-wearing, easy to keep clean and moisture-resistant materials.

Tiles are an obvious choice, and with such an array of styles available, there is something to suit any interior. If opting for natural stone, research cleaning and maintenance instructions, and go for a textured surface as it’s safer when wet. 

Natural wood flooring is highly desirable, but solid wood does require maintenance to prevent water damage. For a slightly more comfortable life, consider engineered wood with a lacquered finish or try a wood alternative such as wood-effect vinyl or porcelain tiles.

What steps should I take to ensure my new bathroom is easy to maintain?
It’s all well and good, creating a beautiful new bathroom, but how to make sure it stays that way? 

Boxing in pipework and cisterns not only looks sleek, but it also avoids annoying nooks and crannies that are difficult to clean around. Wall-hung fixtures, such as this toilet and basin, also make floor cleaning a breeze—the B4U design team place functionality at the forefront of each design. 

Do you want a bigger bathroom or one the same size?
The average bathroom is about 4 square meters, which may be cramped if you dream of an expansive oasis. If you want to expand, you probably can. But it will mean moving walls, downsizing adjoining rooms, or carving out space from closets.

The upside of expanding is obvious: more room to relax! Additionally, fantastic bathrooms do help sell homes. We have used adjoining walk-in wardrobes and smaller bedrooms to build our clients the bathroom they’ve always dreamed of. 

What are the most important features to you?
Think about any features that would make using your bathroom a more enjoyable experience for you. Perhaps you want a seat in the shower to relax while you wash? Or underfloor heating so that you’ll never freeze your feet on a tiled floor again? Maybe double basins so that the kids won’t be lining up to brush their teeth each morning! Write a list of things that you’d like to include.

How can I achieve adequate ventilation
Bathrooms are wet spaces, and ventilation is a significant factor for keeping your room dry and mould-free. Don’t fall into the trap of neglecting to think about how to add adequate ventilation to your bathroom plans. A skylight or window that opens to fresh air is favoured to mechanical ventilation alone.

What are your lighting preferences?
Maybe you need bright lights over a vanity for shaving or applying makeup, or perhaps you’d prefer dimmable lights to help set the mood for a relaxing bath. In addition to meeting needs, lighting features can bring your dream bathroom’s aesthetic together. The B4U Team will ensure the space has optimum lighting.

Thinking about a new bathroom?

Our specialist team at B4U can arrange a callback or free in-home consultation.

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