Planning A Bathroom: The Ultimate Guide To Renovation And Installation

How to plan a bathroom

Before you get started choosing sanitaryware and looking at the latest bathroom designs, you should spend time planning a bathroom properly in order to ensure it is perfectly suited to your individual needs.

If you are using a builder to install the bathroom for you, liaise with them from the start about what you want from the new space — an experienced builder can be invaluable when it comes to explaining the practicalities of layouts, fittings and the likely costs involved.

A clear and concise idea of what you want from the bathroom will also form the basis of the brief you hand to your bathroom supplier, installer or builder. Many Master Builders can also help you design your bathroom so bring them into your project from an early stage.

When it comes to renovating a bathroom, begin by looking at bathroom layouts that will make the most of the space.

• Begin with the position of the toilet, looking at the position of the existing soil pipe and where it enters the room — this will show you the best location for the new toilet and you can then work around that.
• Use graph paper to mark out doors or windows, plus any existing features that may impact on the bathroom layout such as bulkheads, dormer windows, alcoves or sloping ceilings.
• You can then play around with where to place sanitaryware (basin, bath, shower enclosure), being sure to draw it to the same scale.
• If you use a builder to oversee the project, they may be able to work with you on the bathroom layout or even come up with several bathroom layout ideas for you.
• It is important to think about who the bathroom will be used by. Anyone with young children, for example, may well want a bath and should think about easy-to-clean and non-slip surfaces. Alternatively, a walk-in shower and twin basins might be better suited to a main en suite bathroom.

Are you renovating a bathroom or starting from scratch?

There are several ways to achieve a new bathroom:

A simple update is the best option for anyone renovating on a budget. Keep the current layout as it is in order to avoid moving plumbing, but incorporate more modern sanitaryware, extra storage or a heated towel warmer.

Remodelling a bathroom usually involves moving things around, or perhaps extending the space by incorporating a separating WC or stealing some space from an additional bedroom, which can often involve new or altered plumbing systems.

In the case of new builds or larger renovation projects, a bathroom will be created in an entirely new space, in which case the services of a builder or other professional will be vital to ensure your new pipework and electrics meet building regulations.

In all cases, you should discuss the relocation of plumbing, waste, pipework and electrics with your builder at the design stage.

Choosing sanitaryware

A toilet and basin are both bathroom essentials. Beyond that, the choice comes down to a bath, a shower enclosure, or both.

Over-bath shower or separate enclosure? Anyone after small bathroom ideas should consider an over-bath shower. Take a look at shower baths where the bathtub is shaped at one end to provide greater space for standing. Look too for baths with flat bases, ideally with a non-slip coating.

If you want a shower enclosure then the minimum comfortable size is 760mm x 760mm, with a clearance space of at least 610mm. Enclosures with fixed glass panels and sliding doors that require no out-swing space are a great option for small bathrooms, whilst larger walk-in enclosures add a sense of luxury.

What is a standard bath size? Baths work well in family bathrooms and although the standard bath size is 1700mm x 700mm, it is possible to buy bigger or small baths than this, as well as double-ended baths, where the waste is located centrally.

Choosing a basin When it comes to choosing a basin, bigger is better — so go for the largest size you can fit, particularly in a family bathroom. Wall-hung and semi-pedestal basins can give a greater sense of floor space and allow you to set the height at which they are fixed. Full-pedestal basins are often cheaper and offer a traditional look.

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