What Habits and Facts Should You Keep in Mind When Renovating Your Bathroom?
Are you ready to take the plunge and renovate your bathroom? If so, you’ll need more than just paint, fixtures, and tools. For your project to be successful you’ll also need knowledge of various habits and facts regarding renovations.
Whether it’s understanding how much space is needed around a shower or which bathtub shape is best for a smaller room, knowing this information before starting any renovation will not only save you time but also help create an aesthetically pleasing look within the finished product.
In this blog post, we'll discuss some important habits and facts to keep in mind when planning out your own bathroom reno!
Contents
Does a bathroom have to be a certain size?
Before you start ordering any products, it's important to consider the size of the existing space and whether or not the new fixtures you plan to install will fit comfortably within it when renovating your bathroom.
One of the worst mistakes to make is to order products that will not fit perfectly, are not of sufficient quantity (like ordering less tiles) or that simply cannot be installed without interfering with doors and windows.
UK bathrooms are on average around 2.3m x 2.7m in size, especially ensuite bathrooms.
If your bathroom is on the smaller side, you may need to consider expanding the space before installing larger fixtures, such as a bathtub or double vanity. Sometimes it is worth sacrificing an adjoining "box room" to get more out of your bathroom space!
However, there are many interior design tricks to make a bathroom look bigger, such as installing a pedestal sink or adding wall storage. Ultimately, it's important to carefully plan out your bathroom renovation to ensure that your new fixtures fit perfectly in the space available.
How do I measure my bathroom efficiently?
Experienced renovators know that accurate measurements help you avoid disappointment.
This step may seem tedious, but it is crucial for the success of your project.
Measure more than just the length and height of your walls. You will need to take measurements to assess that a bath fits but also for how many tiles you may need or how many plasterboard boards you need to order.
For instance, when it comes to water usage, the average bath uses 80 litres of water per person, so if you’re installing a new bath or shower, make sure to measure the drain correctly as even the slightest miscalculation can lead to waste, and potential flooding.
Always measure windows and doors and add them to your sketch. Taking the time to do it right from the beginning can save you hours of frustration down the line. Ask for help to speed up the process.
Check that you have good water pressure
Imagine your builder has done all the necessary work, the plumber has left the building and you are ready to take a shower in your brand-new bathroom. You turn the shower head on and there's barely any pressure. What now?
Checking your home's water pressure beforehand to avoid any surprises down the line is essential, if you plan to do any kind of renovations to your bathroom. Installing new fixtures and appliances requires a certain amount of water pressure in your pipes to work properly.
A water pressure above 60 psi is good, but it should not exceed 80 psi.
Without adequate pressure, you might experience weak water flow or not have any water at all. This can be frustrating during or after the renovation process.
That's why it's crucial to test your water pressure beforehand and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your bathroom renovation goes as smoothly as possible. Remember to check the requirements of your fixtures, they will include minimum water pressure requirements.
Think about where plumbing fixtures should go
When renovating a bathroom, you have to think about the placement of plumbing fixtures and electrical outlets. It's your unique opportunity to change a room's layout to make it work around your needs.
Where should the sink go so it's convenient to use, but doesn't take up too much space? And how many outlets are needed for things like hair dryers and electric razors? How high should my electrical outlet be and how far away from the sink?
Can I future-proof my bathroom?
A bathroom renovation is more than just making the bathroom functional now. It's also important to consider how accessible these features will be if future renovations are necessary.
Imagine needing to replace a pipe or rewire a section of the room, and how much more difficult that could be if these fixtures aren't easily reachable.
It may take some extra planning, but thinking ahead about the placement of plumbing and electrical components can save you a lot of time and stress down the line.
To this effect, you may want to use fixtures that make accessing pipes easier. A built-in toilet flash or wall-hung tap for example may become a nightmare to fix if problems occur.
To ensure long-lasting protection, consider applying a high-quality waterproof sealant around areas exposed to moisture, such as tiles, grout, and around fixtures. This not only prevents water damage and mold growth but also helps safeguard against future repairs, keeping your bathroom in top shape for years to come.
Improve ventilation to comply with regulations
UK building regulations require that bathrooms must be ventilated with either a window or an extractor fan. New-build bathrooms with a bath and shower require an extractor fan.
So don't forget the importance of good air quality and comfort when you renovate your bathroom. Adding extractor fans or air circulation systems can make a huge difference in both areas.
Proper air circulation can prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. It can also help eliminate unpleasant odors and improve overall air quality.
In addition to the health benefits, a well-ventilated bathroom can also be a more comfortable space to be in. No one wants to feel stuffy or suffocated while trying to relax in the tub or apply makeup in front of the mirror.
Therefore, make sure to prioritize air circulation when planning your bathroom renovation to create a space that looks and feels great.
Research different types of materials and brands
Even though bathroom renovation can be an exciting and rewarding experience, it also involves making important decisions about the materials you want to use.
With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which materials and brands best fit your needs and budget.
That's why it's crucial to do your research before committing to any purchases. By taking the time to explore different types of materials and brands, you can make an informed decision that will enhance the look and feel of your bathroom for years to come.
From tiles to fixtures, the right choices can make all the difference in creating a space that reflects your personal style and preferences. So embrace the process of discovery and find the perfect materials for your dream bathroom today!
Renovating your bathroom - conclusion
To sum it up, renovating a bathroom can be a stressful endeavor to embark upon, but with the right research and preparation, it can also be an enjoyable process with tremendous payoffs.
If you follow the guidelines suggested in this blog post, you should be well on your way to achieving the bathroom of your dreams!
Not only does expanding your bathroom’s fixtures require research for ideal brands and materials, but other aspects such as water pressure readings and alignment measurements are key components in creating the perfect bathing space.
Additionally, the layout is important as well - be sure to leave plenty of room around plumbing fixtures and outlets so that they remain accessible for future use. Last but not least, proper ventilation makes a huge difference as far as air quality and overall comfort go.
Thanks for reading!
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched the award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
Download her free bathroom renovation guide here.
