When planning a new bathroom, it’s easy to concentrate on the overall finished look, without considering the important groundwork that will need to be completed first. So, in today’s post I’m running through a few things you should think about before you start:
Will it fit?
Good bathroom design is not about shoehorning in every fixture, fitting and detail you want; it must be a workable space, which often means compromising, especially in our typically space-challenged UK bathrooms. There’s no point having a walk-in shower and separate bath, even if it’s what you really want, if it’s going to overcrowd the space. Far better to compromise and settle on one of the two if it means you can move around comfortably. Otherwise it will become a daily frustration, so you really, REALLY need to draw a scaled plan and be sure about the proportions of any bath, shower tray or vanity unit before you commit.
Can pipework be concealed?
In a perfect world your plumber would always be able to conceal unsightly pipework under floorboards and behind the bathroom suite. But don’t assume it is always possible; sometimes, if the fittings are located on internal walls, the waste pipes have to run around the room to reach an external wall where they can meet the drain pipes outside. A concrete floor can also be problematic – sometimes boxing in the pipes is the only option.
Will you need to install a pump?
There’s no point dreaming about having an amazing fast flowing power shower if your water pressure isn’t up to the job. Check your water pressure first. If the flow rate is below a certain level, your shower may not function well enough, meaning you may need a water pump to boost the flow. As it depends on the sort of shower you’d like, where it is being located and the current boiler system you have, why not compare Stuart Turner pumps and seek advice from a qualified plumber.
What if you are remodelling your room?
If you plan to completely change the layout, will the door still open without bumping into something? Perhaps it could be hung the opposite way in that case. If you are ripping everything out and starting from scratch, it could be worth considering installing underfloor heating, which would free up wall space usually occupied by a radiator in the process. You would probably still want to install a heated towel rail though to keep towels nice and warm! Think about the maintenance of any materials you use – whilst a natural stone tile can look luxurious and spa-like, it is more porous and needs resealing regularly. Porcelain tiles, though more expensive, are stronger than ceramic ones.
Can you build in some storage?
Plan where you will store your bottles and containers, so the space doesn’t get cluttered up. Does your sink need a vanity surface or drawer; how about a shelf for your toothbrush? Over the bath, can you build in an alcove for shampoo and shower gel? Maybe a mirrored wall cabinet would help contain items.
It really pays to think about every little detail before you embark on the project, so I hope this has given you some things to consider before designing your new bathroom!
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© Copyright 2018 Antonia, All rights Reserved. Written For: Tidylife
