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The ultimate guide to bathroom renovation and installation

If you’re thinking of designing a bathroom, or you are just beginning the process of renovating your bathroom and want to ensure that your plan is in line with your goals, our comprehensive guide is full of helpful tips and suggestions to help you along your journey.

Renovating a bathroom can be an exciting undertaking and for many homeowners, it’s the moment they’ve been waiting for is when they say goodbye to an outdated bathroom suite and a dated plumbing system and welcome to a sparkling, fresh spa-like retreat.

However, before you are carried off by the first bathroom showroom you visit make sure you design the bathroom in a way that is efficient look into all possibilities for bathroom layouts and fittings, and think about who will do the job for you. Be aware that many builders are also able to assist you in the design of your bathroom.

Bathroom installation: Do I require a professional builder?

There are a variety of trades in the bathroom installation process -builders, a electrician, a tiler and a plumber. There is also the possibility of an interior decorator or a plasterer. Certain builders can complete all the tasks needed to install bathrooms. If you hire an expert builder who will oversee and manage bathrooms, then they could as well hire and coordinate the trades on your behalf.

Your plan should take into account a variety of aspects: such as your budget, the extent of your DIY abilities and the timeframe you’re working with and the amount of work that is likely to be required in the bathroom installation process and the bathroom fixtures you’ve chosen.

There are a variety of situations where hiring a builder to oversee your bathroom remodel is the best option for you, such as:

The process of building a new bathroom starting from scratch. This is often the case for larger remodeling projects, in which new bathrooms are installed inside an extension or are constructed from rooms that were previously leased to another purpose.
If you have party walls (walls that are shared by you and your neighbour) could be affected.
Internal walls require construction or removal. This is particularly the case in the case of walls that have a constructed to be structural (load carrying).
When new fittings need the floors of the old ones to be strengthened which is a typical issue when luxury baths are being constructed.
To create an wet area, in which the structural calculations, waterproofing, and drainage problems are frequently confronted.
If you’ve decided to purchase the fixtures and fittings you require from different vendors instead of using an in-house supply and-fit from an expert in bathroom design. A builder could manage the entire project.
In cases where building regulations (also called building regulations) approval or conformity is needed.
If you are considering certain fixtures and fittings that require expert expertise to install like heavy, large-format stone tiles, or wall-hung bathroom fittings.
If you are unable to plan the bathroom fitting by yourself (perhaps because of time constraints). Employing a builder for the entire project will mean you will have an expert on have on hand, who will use their own trusted team of tradesmen. This means that the majority of the work organisational is outsourced to an outside company and the majority of builders are proficient in the entire process of bathroom installation such as tiling, plumbing and electrical, which means you don’t need to find trades on your own.

Selecting the right builder

If you are choosing a contractor for your bathroom remodel, make sure that they have a thorough understanding of not just the regulations for building bathrooms, but also show a thorough knowledge of the kind of bathroom renovations you’re planning to undertake and have completed like projects similar to yours in the past.

How do you plan a bathroom?

Before you begin selecting the right sanitaryware and examining the latest bathroom designs you must plan your bathroom in order to make sure it’s suitable to your personal requirements.

If you’re using an architect to construct the bathroom for you, make sure to communicate with them right from the beginning regarding what you would like to achieve in the new bathroomAn experienced builder will be very helpful when it comes to explaining the advantages of bathroom layouts, fittings, and the probable costs.

A concise and clear idea of what you would like in your bathroom should be the basis for the specifications you give to your bathroom provider installer or builder. A lot of Master Builders will assist you in designing your bathroom, so incorporate them into the project at the beginning.

When you are considering remodeling a bathroom, start by studying bathroom layouts that maximize the space.

Start by determining the location of the toilet, taking a look at the location of the current soil pipe as well as the point at which it enters the roomThis will help you determine the ideal location for the new toilet, and you can later work on that.
Utilize graph paper to mark the windows or doors and any other elements that could affect the layout of your bathroom, such as Dormer windows, bulkheads, alcoves , or sloping ceilings.
Then, you can play about where you can put the sanitary products (basin or bath enclosure) Be sure to draw it on the same size.
If you hire an architect to manage the construction, they might be able to collaborate with you to design your bathroom or come up with various bathroom layout ideas for you.
It is crucial to consider whom the bath will ultimately be utilized by. Children such as children, might require a bath, and must think about clean as well as non-slip flooring. A walk-in shower or two basins could be more appropriate for an en-suite bathroom that is the main one.

Are you planning to renovate your bathroom or are you starting with a blank slate?

There are a variety of methods to create a brand new bathroom.

An easy update is the ideal option for those looking to renovate on a tight budget. Maintain the layout as it is to prevent the need to move plumbing however, you can incorporate newer sanitaryware, additional storage space or even an electric towel warmer.

A bathroom remodel usually requires changing objects around, or expanding the space with an additional WC, or taking the space of an extra bedroom. This can require new or modified plumbing systems.

For construction or renovation projects, bathrooms will be constructed in a completely new area, in which the assistance of a builder or another professionals will be essential to make sure that the new plumbing and electrical systems are compliant with building regulations.

In all instances it is recommended to discuss the possibility of moving pipes, plumbing, waste and electrical wiring with your contractor at the time of design.

Selecting the right sanitaryware

A basin and toilet are two essential bathroom fixtures you’ll need from a bathroom store. Beyond that, the decision is a bath or shower enclosure or both.

Shower over-bath or separate enclosure?
If you are looking for small bathroom ideas, you ought to think about an over-bath shower. Look at shower baths that have a bathtub that is designed at one end to allow for more space standing. Also, look for baths that have flat bases, and ideally an anti-slip coating.

If you are looking to install an enclosure for your shower, the most comfortable size is 760mm x 760mm with a clearance space at least 600mm. Shower enclosures that have fixed glass panels as well as sliding doors that do not require an out-swing are an excellent option for smaller bathrooms, while larger walk-in enclosures provide a feeling of luxurious.

What is a typical size for a bath?
Baths are great for bathrooms for families. Even though the typical bath size is 1700mm by 700mm, it is possible to purchase larger or smaller baths that are larger than this, as well with double-ended baths where the waste is centrally located.

Selecting the right basin
When it comes to selecting the size of a basin, larger is better. So choose the biggest dimension you can accommodate especially in the bathroom of your family. Semi- and wall-hung basins provide a more spacious the floor and also allow you to choose the level at which they’re fixed. Full-pedestal basins tend to be less expensive and have a classic look.

What building regulations do I have to be aware of?

If you’re renovating your bathroom (as as opposed to building an entirely new bathroom) it is likely to require services like plumbing, electrics and waste wired. If you’re renovating your bathroom fittings and fixtures, or altering the design of your sanitaryware it is possible that you need additional pipes or wiring, or even for existing plumbing and electrical services to be changed.

While replacing old and worn-out taps and sanitaryware will not need building regulations approval moving a bathroom or installing a new one will require building regulations approval.

Also, any electrical work in and in areas of wetness like baths and showers, must be in line with the building regulations and also any work that extends or alters existing drainage systems.

This is another instance where hiring a professional builder can help you navigate through the process. A lot of builders are in a position to employ reliable tradesmen to complete plumbing and electrical work when project management is required for them.

After the work is completed the employees must hand in the certificate that shows the work is in compliance with Building Regulations if necessary. This is a normal requirement if that you employed qualified tradesmen. It is your responsibility to secure your certificates and present them at any time – prospective buyers may want to see the appropriate documentation when they want to sell your home.

How long will it take to build the bathroom?

The amount of time required to finish the entire bathroom remodel can vary from a few weeks for small installations to several weeks for larger and more complicated bathroom renovations.

The builder will give you an estimate of the timeframe to help you understand what to anticipate, but it also aids in understanding the typical timeframe to install a bathroom.

A typical schedule of work to install the bathroom

Create a bathroom plan and create a budget.
Find a builder, give them your requirements and request three quotes before you hire.
Select your builder, sign an agreement in writing, record your project and then finalize the timetable. (Plan ahead , as the majority of skilled builders won’t be available immediately to begin work.).
Make sure you have your final design in place and choose your sanitaryware fittings, materials and fixtures together with your builder.
Remove the bathroom you have in place.
The first step is to fix the electrical and plumbing and wiring, then putting new systems in place, and addressing the wiring and pipes that are no longer in use.
Plasterboard for levelling walls or tile backing board, and then plastering.
Plastering and repairing ceilings.
Reforcing, levelling (where required) screeding, waterproofing and levelling the flooring.
The second fix plumbing includes installing the toilet and heated towel rail taps and bath, shower enclosure for shower basin, taps and basin.
The second fix wiring includes installing an extractor fan, shaver points electric underfloor heating lighting switches and spotlights.
Floor and wall tiling.
Final decoration.
The necessary certificates are provided to you to ensure safekeeping.
Take a bath and relax in the brand new bathroom!