Before you get started with your new bathroom.
You probably want to get it all done at once - with a screwdriver in one hand and new towels in the other. It's tempting of course. We promise you, however, that with a bit of patience you'll be really pleased with the results in your bathroom. We have compiled some of our best advice on this page for those of you planning a more thorough bathroom renovation.
Number 1.
Measure your bathroom and make a sketch of the layout. It only has to be a rough sketch. With this in your hand, you can see what changes it is possible to make.
Start with storage space.
Make a list of what you want room for in your bathroom. Be practical about it. Think about how many people will be sharing this bathroom. Once you know how much space the furniture and shower take up, you can then think about lights and other fittings.
Keep to one style.
A mixture of styles can certainly be quite effective, but if you want to stay on the safe side, choose one dominant style for your bathroom - minimalistic, classic or romantic.
Don't forget floor drains and water pipes.
When you decide to renovate, remember to plan around where the drains are located and where the water comes up - unless you are planning to move the pipes.
Does your bathroom have wall or floor drains?
It's a good idea to have this in mind when choosing new furniture for your bathroom and want to conceal pipe entrances.
What are your bathroom walls made of?
Make sure that the wall is solid enough to support the new fittings.
Choose the right size for your shower.
If you only have limited room for your shower, it is worth bearing in mind that a 70x90 cabin will feel more spacious than a square-shaped 80x80. In a space of 70x90, you’ll find it easier to turn and lift your arms when washing your hair.
Do the condensation test.
You know the air circulation in your bathroom is poor if the mirror is still misted over about twenty minutes after a shower.
Keep the damp out your bathroom.
If you don’t already have an extractor fan in your bathroom, then it’s time to get one. Remember that it’s not the water running down the walls that increases the risk of damp and condensation in your bathroom, but the water remaining in the tile joints and the seams of the wall and floor coverings. Mould and mildew thrive in dirt and soap residue. Regularly clean all joints and seams using a rubber scraper.
Call a plumber.
You need to be quite an expert if you’re going to do the plumbing work yourself. Remember that your insurance company will only accept that you have a valid claim for water damage if the plumbing was installed by a qualified plumber.
HVAC in the bathroom lasts about 20 years.
Perhaps this is a good opportunity to replace old pipes and floor drains.
The power supply in the bathroom must be 230 volts.
That’s what the law says. It must also be earthed and connected via an earth leakage circuit breaker.
Before the plumber arrives.
You'll find the sketch you made of your bathroom very useful now. Add the pipes and water fittings to your sketch and fill in any final details. This will enable the plumber to give you a reasonable estimate of how long the job will take. Your plumber will also be able to give you good advice.
Call an electrician.
For insurance purposes and your own personal safety, get a qualified electrician to do all the electrical work. Have your sketch handy to show the electrician how you want your bathroom to look. It will help get the job done more quickly and efficiently and you'll have the sockets exactly where you need them.
Plan the lighting.
Decide what kind of lighting you want – spotlights, fluorescent lighting, on the walls or ceiling. You should also decide what kind of light switch you want, how many sockets and where they should be.
Order the goods in plenty of time.
You’ll save yourself expensive bills if you have all the necessary fixtures ready at home for when the plumber and electrician arrive. They’ll bring all the pipes and cables they need for the job.