Convenience Planning - 9 tips for your bathroom

Thinking of making changes to your home? If you are considering replacing your bathroom there are several things you might want to consider before going ahead. Careful planning will help to make the best use of space available and to produce a result you are happy with. 

Once the work starts it could be time consuming, inconvenient and expensive to change your mind!

1. Re-designing the layout of your bathroom means pipework will need to be altered, and access required under the floor, which is not so difficult if there is a void below, but will require more work if it is concrete! 
   
   
2. Correct positioning of a bath, shower tray and waste pipes is crucial to get the right angle of fall to ensure water drains away efficiently. Once fitted, careful checks need to be made to make sure there are no water leaks. 
   
   
3. Water pressure is important when considering a shower, to get sufficient water flow. Combi-boilers are usually the most efficient and cost effective.  If you do not have a central heating system you will need to install an electric power shower.
   
   
4. A heated towel rail is a space saving way of heating a small bathroom. Alternatively a dual fuel radiator which works off the central heating system and also has an electric element means towels can be dried even when the system is off. Other heating options include traditional radiators or underfloor heating.
   
   
5. Ventilation is very important, especially if several people are taking showers and baths each day. Warm moist air can cause condensation and mould growth, which is unsightly, unhealthy and can damage ceilings and walls. Even if your bathroom has a window that opens, a good powerful electric extractor in the right position can make all the difference.
   
   
6. Surfaces need to be waterproof: ideally walls should be tiled from floor to ceiling or part tiled, part painted using special waterproof bathroom paint. Floors should be covered in non-slip tiles or vinyl.  
   
   
7. Lighting should be efficient and safe: either a main ceiling light or spot lights, and a light over a mirror are options which need to be considered at the planning stage so the electrical wiring can be installed at the start of the work.
   
   
8. Storage solutions are especially important in a small bathroom. A ‘vanity unit’ under the basin is an efficient use of space; and a wall cupboard with mirrored doors is both functional, and useful for reflecting natural light. 
   
   
9. Advice from an experienced specialist can help you to formulate ideas and to work out what you need, what is possible, and what is cost effective.