New bathroom installations are one of the most popular ways of transforming your home – but if you want to ensure that the project is finished to the highest standard possible then there are a few things you must keep in mind before you start.
Indeed, before you grab your toolbox, perhaps the most vital thing you will require when planning a home decorating job like this is trusted and experienced tradespeople. Fitting a new bathroom is no easy task, yet it can be a project that makes a huge difference to your home.
You could speak to bathroom fitters about how best to make the room work, but it is possible for you to come up with your own ideas by first establishing what you most want to get out of it.
If your bathroom is primarily a place for you to enjoy a soak then you could choose to remove any freestanding furniture or separate shower cubical and replace it with a large corner bath.
However, if you live with your partner and you both have busy jobs and little time to take long soaks then using any spare room you have to install his and hers’ sinks could be a good idea, as it means you will never have to argue over mirror time.
And if you have a large family then you could even speak to an expert about the possibility of converting a different room in your house into a second bathroom if that will provide more space.
Whatever job you have planned, there are tradespeople you need to contact, with perhaps the most important being the plumber.
Should you be having an entirely new suite fitted, with each unit going into a new part of the room to where its predecessor stood, then you must make sure you contact a plumbing professional.
They will be able to establish whether new piping will need to be installed or if the waste pipe from the toilet needs rerouting.
None of this is something you should attempt yourself if you do not have a crystal clear idea of what it is you are supposed to be doing, as if you make a mistake it could end up not only ruining your new fixtures, but also lead to an incredibly expensive repair bill.
In addition, you could be left with a leak that causes damage to the rooms below.
All of that said, hiring a plumbing professional does not have to be expensive. Remember, you can always shop around for a few quotes to ensure you are getting the best deal, although it is impossible to put a price on peace of mind.
Once you have come up with a design for the space and hired a plumber to fit your new suite, there are a few more things to consider.
The first is whether you would also like a new floor to be fitted. While having a suite put in could be the ideal time for you to replace the old lino with new tiles or laminate boards, you could go even further and ask your plumber to install underfloor heating.
Radiators are another important aspect that plumbers could advise you on. While they serve the purpose of keeping your towels warm, heating appliances in the bathroom can also help to ensure the space is dry and reduce the risk of it becoming damp.
Another vital component of the bathroom is tiles. Of course, you could have a go at doing this yourself but if your grouting is not up to much or you fail to keep the ceramic pieces in straight lines, this may detract from the finished look of your glamorous new bathroom.
Tiles are not just a decorative item, but also an extremely practical addition to a washroom as they can prevent mould from appearing on walls. By choosing to find a tiler to complete this job, you have the assurance that they will be installed to the highest possible standard, in the areas of the room where they are most needed.
But there are still plenty of jobs to keep you occupied if you want to quench your thirst for DIY when you have had a bathroom fitted.
If you have chosen a white or black bathroom suite then you could come up with practically any colour scheme to match it. For a really glamorous touch, why not put up wallpaper with a classic design on it to give your bathroom an air of Edwardian splendour? Should you be going for paint then you could change the colour as often as you like – but remember to choose a water-resistant variety.
You can also hang picture to create an interesting focal point, make a mosaic-style motif out of any tiles you have leftover and put up curtains or blinds for added privacy.
By working as a team with the professionals, you are sure to end up with the bathroom you have always wanted and that is perfect for your household.
