Buying anew house or flat is probably the largest investment we will ever make. And, if statistics are to be believed, overhauling the bathroom and renovating the kitchen are the top priorities for the new property owner.
Bathrooms come in all manner of shapes and sizes. No two are ever exactly alike. So, when deciding on new fixtures, design, even colour schemes, it is vital to plan properly and consider exactly what you have in mind.
Perhaps most importantly is to determine precisely which products you really need. Assess who is going to use the bathroom. Measure the space and produce a scale version floor plan. Plotting where each individual product is to be placed is crucial and do not forget to make the optimum amount of space around each fixture – nobody likes being cramped.
Next is to ascertain plumbing requirements. In particular, remember your water supply and waste disposal requirements.
Plan for storage, heating, lighting and ventilation. Get a number of quotes including the cost of products, installation fees, and extras such as tiling and flooring.
Take care to appoint an accredited installer, but never remove the old fittings until the new ones have been checked for damage.
Add mirrors, towel rails, bathmats and hooks last. By doing this, you will have a better overall picture of what to buy.
And finally, remember that the bathroom is an area to enjoy – a place where you are able to enjoy a few minutes of calm after a hectic day.
