If you’re thinking of making plans for a bathroom or are just kicking off the process of renovating your bathroom and want to make sure your project meets your expectations, this comprehensive guide is full of valuable tips and information to guide you on your path.
Remodelling a bathroom is an exciting endeavor and also for many bathroom remodelers, this is the moment they have been waiting for has arrived, when they wave goodbye to an old bathroom suite and plumbing system and welcome to a clean, sparkling, spa-worthy retreat.
Before you take a ride off by the first bathroom showroom you visit be sure to plan the space properly look into all options for bathroom layouts and fittings, and also consider who will perform the work for you. Keep in mind that many building contractors can also help you with the design of your bathroom.
How do you install your bathroom? Do I need a professional builder?
There are many trades in bathroom fitting -such as a builder electrician, a tiler and plumber. It is also possible to require an expert decorator or plasterer. Some builders are able to complete all the tasks required for fitting the bathroom. If you hire a builder who can oversee and project manage installing the bathroom, they could also hire and co-ordinate the trades on your behalf.
Your plan should take into account a variety of aspects, including your budget, the extent of your DIY skills and the timeframe you’re working with and the amount of work likely to be involved in the bathroom installation process and the bathroom fittings you’ve picked.
There are numerous scenarios where using a builder to manage your bathroom renovation is the best option for you, such as:
Installing a brand new bathroom starting from scratch. This is typically the case for larger remodeling projects, such as when new bathrooms are constructed within an extension or where bathrooms are being created from rooms that were previously leased to other uses.
When party walls (walls shared between you and your neighbour) are liable to be affected.
In the case of internal walls, they need to be constructed or being removed. This is especially the case when the walls have a constructed to be structural (load bearers).
When new fittings need the floors of the old ones to be reinforced which is a typical issue when luxury baths are being constructed.
The purpose of this is to create a wet room, where structural calculations, waterproofing and drainage issues are commonly confronted.
When you have decided to get all fittings and fixtures from different vendors instead of using an in-house supply and-fit service from a bathroom specialist. A builder could manage the entire project.
Where building regulations (also called building regulations) approval or compliance is needed.
If you are considering certain fixtures and fittings that require professional knowledge to fit for the purpose, such as heavy large-format stone tile or wall-hung bathroom fittings.
If you are unable to plan your bathroom installation yourself (perhaps because of time constraints). using a builder to oversee the entire project will mean you’ll have an expert on assist you, with their own group of reliable trades. Taking this option means most of the work organisational is left to someone else and many builders are skilled in all aspects of bathroom installations such as tiling, plumbing and electrics, so it is not necessary to seek out trades on your own.
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Choosing an architect
When selecting a builder for your bathroom renovation, make sure they are knowledgeable and have understanding of not just the regulations for building bathroom installations, but can demonstrate a solid comprehension of the bathroom renovations you’re planning to undertake, and have carried out similar tasks in the previous.
How do you plan a bathroom?
Before you start selecting the right sanitaryware and examining the most recent bathroom designs, you must think about planning the bathroom correctly to ensure it is perfectly for your requirements.
If you are using construction contractors to build your bathroom for you, make sure to communicate with them from the start regarding what you would like to achieve to achieve from your new spaceA skilled builder can be very helpful when it comes to explaining the advantages of fittings, layouts, and the potential costs.
A concise and precise idea of what you’d like to see in your bathroom should make up the specifications you give to the bathroom contractor and installer, or builder. Many Master Builders can also assist you in designing your bathroom, so incorporate them in at an early stage.
When you are considering remodeling a bathroom, start by taking a look at bathroom layouts which can maximize the space.
Begin by taking note of the position of the toilet and then look at the position of the existing soil pipe, and also where it enters the room -this will give you which is the most suitable location for your new toilet, and you can then adjust that.
Utilize graph paper to mark the doors and windows as well as any features that may impact on the layout of your bathroom, such as Dormer windows, bulkheads alcoves or sloping ceilings.
It is then possible to play about where you can put the sanitary products (basin or bath enclosure) Make sure you draw it to the same scale.
If you hire an architect to manage the construction, they might be able to work with you to design your bathroom or even come up with several bathroom layout ideas for you.
It is important to think about which people the bathroom is utilized by. Anyone with young children such as children, might need a bath. You ought to consider easy-to-clean or non-slip floors. A walk-in shower and twin basins might be better suited to an en-suite bathroom that is the main one.
Are you planning to renovate your bathroom or starting with a blank slate?
There are several methods of creating a fresh bathroom:
An easy update is the best option for anyone looking to renovate on a tight budget. Make sure to keep the existing layout as it is to prevent the need to move plumbing however, you can incorporate more modern sanitaryware, extra storage, or heating a towel warmer.
Remodeling a bathroom generally involves moving items around, or adding an additional WC, or taking the space of an extra bedroom. It can also require new or modified plumbing systems.
In the case of major renovation or new construction projects, bathrooms may be constructed in a completely new space, in which it is the case that the services of a builder or other expert will be required to make sure that the new plumbing and electrics meet building regulations.
In every case you must discuss the relocation of plumbing, waste, pipework as well as electrics with the construction contractor during the design phase.
Selecting an item that is sanitary
A basin and toilet are two bathroom necessities. Beyond that, it all is between a tub or shower enclosure or both.
Separate enclosure or over-bath shower?
Anyone who is looking for ideas for small bathrooms should consider an over-bath shower. Consider shower baths in which the tub is formed at one end to give more room for standing. Look too for baths with flat bases, and ideally a non-slip coating.
If you’re looking for shower enclosures, then the ideal size for you is 760mm x 760mm, with a clearance that is at least 600mm. Shower enclosures that have fixed glass panels as well as sliding doors that require no out-swing space are ideal for small bathrooms, whilst larger walk-in shower enclosures offer a sense of luxurious.
What is a standard size for a bath?
Baths are great for bathrooms for families. Despite the most common size for a bath is 1700mm x 700mm it is possible to purchase larger or smaller baths that are bigger over this size, aswell having double-ended bathtubs, in which the waste is centrally located.
Choosing an appropriate basin
If you’re looking to select a basin, bigger is better — so pick the largest dimension you can accommodate, particularly in bathrooms for families. Semi- and wall-hung basins create a better sense of the space in your floor, and permit you to choose the maximum height to which they are fixed. Full-pedestal basins can be more affordable and provide a traditional appearance.
What are the building regulations I need to consider?
If you’re planning to renovate a bathroom (as opposed to installing the bathroom from scratch) then you’re likely to have certain services like electrics, plumbing and waste connected. However, if you are renovating your bathroom fittings and fixtures, or altering the layout of your sanitaryware it is possible that you require additional pipes or wiring, or require the services you have to be switched.
While replacing old and worn-out taps or sanitaryware does not require building regulations approval the relocation of a bathroom or installing a new one will.
In addition, any electrical works near and within wet areas, such as baths and showers, should conform to the building regs and also any work that extends or alters existing drainage systems.
This is another area where the help of a skilled contractor will assist you through the process. A lot of builders are capable of hiring reliable tradesmen to do plumbing and electrical works, in the event that they manage your project for you.
After the work is completed and your employees are satisfied, they must hand in the certification to show that the work complies with the Building Regulations if necessary. This is a normal part of the procedure providing you have used qualified trades. It is your responsibility to safely store your certificates and display the certificates when needed. Potential buyers may want to see the appropriate documentation when they want to sell your house.
How long does it take to construct the bathroom?
The length of duration required to finish the entire bathroom remodel can differ from a few weeks for simple installations to several weeks for more complex bathroom projects.
Your builder should give you an indication of timescales to help you understand what to expect, but it also assists in understanding an average schedule of works for the installation of a bathroom.
The typical timeframe for the construction of a bathroom
Develop your bathroom brief and create a budget.
Find a builder, show them your specifications and ask for three quotes before you hire.
Select your builder, agree to a written contract, book your work and finalise your schedule. (Plan in advance as many top builders won’t be available to start immediately).
Check your final plan and choose your sanitaryware fittings, materials, and fixtures in collaboration with your builder.
Rip out and remove the bathroom.
Start by fixing the plumbing and electrical systems and wiring, then putting new systems in place and taking care of now defunct pipes and wiring.
Installing plasterboard, levelling walls or tile backing board, laying down.
Repairing and plastering ceiling.
Reinforcing, leveling (where needed) as well as screeding and waterproofing the flooring.
Second fix plumbing, including installing the toilet, heated towel rail, taps and bath, shower enclosure as well as taps and basin.
A second fix for wiring, such as fitting extractor fan, shaver points electric underfloor heating lights and switches.
Tiles for floors and walls.
Final decoration.
Necessary certificates are given to you to ensure safekeeping.
Enjoy your first soak in your new bathroom!