Renovating your bathroom does not have to be a daunting task. Most of us will want to create a space that is both hyper-functional and serene at the same time. A space that is practical yet feels luxurious. While there may be many decisions to be made, if you take these points into account when planning your renovation and the task should be much easier.
1. Communication Should Be Crystal Clear
Whether you are dealing with a main contractor or you are the general contractor, you should always make sure that everyone involved in the project is on the same page at all times. A bathroom renovation may involve many decisions and can have many components to it. Ensuring that everyone knows what is going on will avoid costly mistakes.
2. Budget Accordingly
A bathroom renovation is usually a major job – and it is priced accordingly. The average bathroom renovation in the UK in 2022 was between £6,000 and £8,000 but this figure could escalate depending the size of the room in question and the fittings and finishes you decide on. If broken down, the cost of a bathroom renovation, usually is 29% on plumbing and fixtures, 21% on surfaces, 20% on labour and the rest 16% on cabinetry and hardware. When budgeting for such a project, a good rule of thumb is not to spend above 10% of the total value of your home in a project like this.
3. Choose The Right Bath
You may be tempted to install that massive statement self-standing bath. But this might not be the best option. Think about the use it will really get – are you a shower or a bath person? Will a massive bath be practical if you are a petite person, hate cleaning or have an older property? Think of the space and how to best utilise it. Will a built-I bath be a better choice?
4. Light Is Crucial
Lighting a bathroom can be tricky. Bathrooms can be dark and small and will usually have loads of reflecting surfaces such as mirrors and tiles which bounce off light. Lighting in a bathroom will require careful placement. The simplest way to light a bath is a single diffuse light in the centre of the ceiling. If you have a bathroom that’s already bright you could consider pair of wall sconces to add extra brightness. Thinking about ceiling-inset downlights? Place with care: avoid installing directly over light-coloured countertops as these will reflect them, and place close to the wall over a vanity to maximize light when looking in the mirror. And if you spend a lot of time applying makeup, consider vertical fluorescent light fixtures on either side of the mirror.
5. Think About Outlets.
You don’t want to get to the end of your renovation and realise that you could have benefited from some electrical outlets. If you do want to install these, it is of great importance you choose the right kind and that you place them in a safe and convenient location.
6. Less Is More With Tiles
You don’t need to look at thousands of tile samples to make the right decision on which ones to use. When it comes to bathrooms, porcelain, glass, natural stone, or cement are probably the best choices as they are easy to clean and mould resistant. As well, try to stick to one or two types of tiles in the same room. Too many styles in the same space might make it look cluttered and make cleaning more difficult.
7. Your Grout Is Important
If you think grout is a small detail that can be an afterthought, think again. Grout seals out dirt and water, compensates for small size differences between individual tiles, and firms up the structural integrity of an installation. To choose the right type of grout, ask yourself the following questions: Do you want the grout to stand out, or blend with the tiles? Is the grout in a high splash zone, or a fairly dry place? (If it’ll be getting wet a lot, as in a shower stall, opt for synthetic grout; go for cementitious grout everywhere else) Will dirty grout drive you crazy? (If so, avoid white.)
8. Proportions Are Key
Keep in mind at all times the space you have available. If your bathroom is small avoid bulky furniture including wash basin cabinets and large baths and toilets.
9. Make Sure You Think About Storage.
Be sure to identify all storage opportunities—even small, simple ones. When drawing up your plans, make sure these feel integrated and not added-on. Having enough storage will be the difference between a bathroom feeling luxurious and serene or cramped and poorly designed.
10. A little Can Go A Long Way
Sometimes a full bathroom renovation may be out of your budget. There are still a few things you can do to your existing bathroom to five it a facelift. Think about changing the doors on cabinets or updating the fixtures such as taps and lights. You could also think about tile refinishing to give your room a fresher look.
At dominant construction we have over a decade of experience delivering bespoke building projects in Hammersmith, Fulham, Parsons Green, Chelsea and all over London. If you are planning a bathroom renovation or any other building projects such as kitchen extensions, loft conversions or basement conversion, we are always keen to hear about your projects. Come and visit our office in Hammersmith to have a chat about your project and let’s explore how we can help you bring your vision to life.