Bathroom Renovations
Fear not, we have pulled together the best expert tips for renovating a bathroom, to make sure your remodel is a success.
Bathroom Renovations Cost Explained
Our promise is to always be fair honest and open on pricing. Bathrooms can vary based on what you choose to fit and your personal requirements it would be unfair of us to mislead you with a roundabout price. This is why we carry out a full on-site inspection before giving you our best price.
Bathroom Renovations
Expert tips for renovating a bathroom
Fear not, we have pulled together the best expert tips for renovating a bathroom, to make sure your remodel is a success.
Plan a layout and stick to it
Avoid making unnecessary changes to your existing sanitaryware layout — the fewer alterations you make, the lower your plumbing costs will be. If you do need to move some key elements, then at least keep the toilet close enough to connect to the existing soil pipe.
Once the design is finalised do not change it, but before signing it off show it to the electrician, tiler and other related trades to make sure they can't see any issues that will interfere with their part of the project.
Don't forget to appoint an electrician early on
You will need to find an electrician for any rewiring, lighting schemes and the addition of an electric shower or shower pump. Chat to one before any building or plumbing work starts so they can plan their jobs into the schedule.
Make sure you choose a registered electrician as you will get additional protection should something go wrong. The approved schemes and regulations around electrical installations differ between England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, but you can find a comprehensive list of registered electricians in your area by going to electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk.
Choose sanitaryware before plastering or tiling
To ensure the hot and cold pipes and waste are in the correct positions, you need to choose all sanitaryware – bath, sink, loo – taps and showers, plus bathroom furniture, before plastering or tiling. Specify everything before first-fix stage, as leaving key decisions until the sales are on can mean expensive alterations.
Salvage any usable sanitaryware
Reuse any good-quality taps or sanitaryware, such as a classic roll-top bath, or, for a cost-effective way to update existing fittings, you can always re-enamel or add a new surround to a bath. This is not only cost-effective, but a great way to maintain character.
Mix and match to make savings
Stick with white, and mix items of sanitaryware from different suppliers, in order to offset affordable buys against luxuries such as a quality bath. However, avoid cheap fixes such as plastic baths or shower trays that are so thin they are flexible and, therefore difficult to seal and make watertight.
Simple is effective
Keep the design simple and avoid curves, steps, ornate decorative mouldings and non-essential details or ornamentation. The simpler the design, the more cost-effective it will be to fit out.
Think about waterproofing the space
Tile backer boards can be used to line bathroom walls and shower enclosures. They are 100 per cent waterproof when taped and jointed, and act as insulation too (so are a great recommendation when installed below underfloor heating). These will limit the risk of leaks which can be incredibly damaging and costly to repair.
Take the opportunity to include tech
For smart home tech fans, myriad options include waterproof televisions that sit flush within a wall, built-in hi-fi systems, smart lighting controls with preset moods for atmosphere, and automation of blinds and bath fillers. Again, these need planning in at the offset so that wiring can be accounted for.
Use mirrors to make a small bathroom feel bigger
Use large mirrors to make a small bathroom feel lighter and more spacious – a frameless mirror covering the whole of one wall is very effective. To avoid misting up after showers and baths, fit heated pads behind the mirror.
Reputable tradepeople
Avoid traders who ask for cash – it is illegal for them not to declare their income and if you have no receipt, you have no comeback should things go wrong.
Likewise, beware of requests for upfront payments which can imply cash flow problems, or that builders' merchants won't give them credit.
Any reputable builder will be happy to sign a simple contract with you and a third party to ensure the agreed work is on schedule.
Never Skimp on Brassware
These are the items that are in use every day, in particular concealed valves that regulate your home’s water temperature. Look for 'rub clean' showerheads with easy-clean nozzles that will prevent limescale build-up; great in a hard-water area.
Conceal pipework
For a clean look, ask your plumber to conceal pipework and services in flooring, ceilings and boxing wherever possible. This also makes tiling and laying flooring much easier. However, be sure to make sure vital components are accessible in the event of a leak.
If you are installing a freestanding bath away from walls, you can raise it on a plinth and hide pipework underneath.
Don't forget about ventilation
Many cases of damp are due to condensation. A bathroom is damp and steamy by nature, so install adequate ventilation systems (such as an extractor fan) to keep moisture to a minimum.
If your bathroom has wooden windows, a window vac that can suck up condensation will prove invaluable for quickly getting rid of water that may rot the frames.
A bigger space will need more heat
If you are extending the bathroom space don't forget that this will mean a larger area to heat. As a result, re-assess existing heating and upgrade the heat output if needed with a more powerful towel heater or radiator. You could also take the opportunity to include underfloor heating. At the same time, check that the water pressure isn't affected by the addition of new sanitary ware.
Check materials are suited to a bathroom environent
Always choose materials that can withstand the conditions of a bathroom. From appropriate bathroom flooring to waterproof paints and sealed wall tiles, there are products designed to withstand high volumes of water.