A new bathroom is a lot of fun to plan, and there are a surprising number of different routes you could go down beyond just adding some new fittings and a fresh lick of paint. A clean, modern-looking bathroom is also one of the most important rooms in the house from a marketing perspective: given that they’re an expensive room to re-fit, new buyers are always happy to see a space that’s been designed recently.
Of course, getting everything sorted isn’t easy. It’s not as straightforward as something like a bedroom, which is almost purely decorative, as this is a room that also needs to be highly functional. In this article, you’ll learn about three essential elements for planning your new bathroom so that you can both make the most of your budget and minimize stress.
1. Determining the Ideal Layout
The ideal bathroom layout is different for everyone, but understanding exactly what you want early on is one of the most important steps (this isn’t something you want to wing).
The first thing you’ll want to consider is where you’d like your fixtures to go. You either have the option of keeping your existing placements or switching things around for a bit of a change, but just bear in mind that there may be extra plumbing challenges should you go the latter path.
You might also find that you want to add more utility to the space, such as an extra vertical radiator or even a vanity cabinet, and something as simple as adding a mirror can influence where you place things.
2. Choosing Your Materials
The bathroom isn’t an area where you can afford to skimp on quality. You need fixtures and materials that will last, so be sure to put most of your budget into them.
Look for high-quality, durable materials, avoiding anything with a chrome coating, as it won’t be long before it flakes off and looks a mess. Consider your flooring carefully, too: stone-based tiles usually work best, though waterproof laminate can look great and last a long time if it’s properly installed.
If you’re tight on cash, you can usually get a good deal by buying a suite rather than getting each element individually. Look to renovate during seasonal sale periods if you want to try to capitalize on this.
3. Working With the Right Professionals
And finally, make sure that you choose the right professionals for the right job.
You don’t have to hire for every job that needs doing, as you’ll generally be able to take on much of the remedial work, such as the removal of at least part of the old suite and repainting, but you’ll always need to hire a professional plumber to sort your pipes out.
While there’s plenty you can learn and a lot of money to be saved, you can end up doing more harm than good, so exercise caution with your DIY pursuits.
Wrapping Up
The above three aspects of bathroom redesign should help you get started. There’s plenty more to learn, of course, but everyone has to start somewhere. Good luck!
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
