Bathrooms may be the smallest part of your home in terms of floor area, but they play a huge role in making your house feel cosy and comfortable.
It’s where we often go for a shower or warm bath after a long day of chores and work. This is why it’s essential to make it as clean and relaxing as possible.
If you’re renovating your home, make sure to include the bathroom in your remodelling plans. Keep in mind that it’s going to involve much messy work that may entail changing fittings, re-tiling, and in some cases, overhauling the pipework. The finished output, however, will be worth all your effort.
If you are not sure how to get started, here are seven tips for a successful bathroom renovation:
1. Create an efficient layout
When it comes to remodelling a bathroom, keep in mind that the fewer changes you make to the layout, the easier and less expensive the remodel will be. There will be instances, however, when you need to completely change how the fixtures are configured for maximum efficiency. If this is the case, you’ll need to draft an entirely new layout. Since this may alter how the pipes are connected, it’s recommended to seek the advice of a qualified plumber aside from your contractor.
2. Consult an electrician
Bathroom remodels don’t only involve plumbing and retiling, as you’ll need to consider the wires for your lighting, heaters, and other electrical items. Before you even begin any work, don’t forget to consult with a reputable electrician. Make sure to ask for recommendations because a botched electrical job is a safety hazard to those in your house and will be expensive to repair.
3. Settle on plumbing fixtures before tiling
Before you proceed with tiling your bathroom’s floors and walls, you need to decide on which fixtures to install. This is why it’s crucial to get the exact measurements and plan the necessary pipework. If you’re working on a tight budget, you may opt to salvage your existing toilet bowl, lavatory, or even tub. Alternatively, update these existing fittings by adding a coat of enamel or installing a new casing.
4. Think about your budget
If you’re trying to cut down on renovation costs, you’ll need to save on every expense. A great idea is to buy items from different suppliers and scour home depots for sales and deals. Remember, however, that being economical doesn’t mean penny-pinching. Know that you shouldn’t buy plastic baths, shower caddies, or other materials just because they’re cheap. In such cases, you should opt for quality to make sure that you get the most out of your money.
5. Keep things classy and simple
Another way to be cost-effective with your bathroom renovation is by choosing classic items instead. For instance, go with white fixtures that can complement any colour scheme. Avoid curves, ornate mouldings, and unnecessary details. When it comes to remodelling your bathroom, simplicity is the key.
6. Consider waterproofing the area
If you have the choice, go with waterproof materials that can cope with a bathroom’s damp conditions. Examples include paint designed to withstand high volumes of water. Tile backer boards can also be used to line walls and shower enclosures. Although there will be additional costs, these materials will reduce the chances of leaks in the long run.
7. Plan the bathroom’s ventilation
Remember that bathrooms are always wet and damp due to condensation. Moisture can easily rot any wooden elements, such as windows and cabinets, which is why a proper ventilation system needs to be in place. Make sure to install an extractor fan in your bathroom’s ceiling if it doesn’t have one now.
If you are looking for professional bathroom fitters in Stoke-on-Trent, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.