3D's of bathroom renovations

design

space utilisation Floor plans and elevations set the parameters for your bathroom space. Those parameters may be extended beyond the ‘enclosed box’ created by your floor, walls and ceiling to include the ‘open space’ that adjoins your bathroom, such as a private garden or courtyard visible through a window or glass doors.

type of bathroom Is your proposed bathroom going to be used as a: - main/ kids’ bathroom - en suite/ spa retreat - separate loo - outdoor shower? This is an important consideration at the design stage.

flow/ relationship with nearby rooms How does the bathroom relate to the adjoining rooms: - private en suite to flow from master robe - 2 way bathrooms, accessible from the master bedroom and another living area or hallway - main bathrooms should be positioned near bedrooms - an extra loo may be useful near the family living area.

comfortable space to function This can be more than the minimum allowable space. Ask: - will the shower/ loo/ basins/ bath fit (fully housed)? - can you move around it? - how easy is it to get in and out of the small loo space? - how many people use the vanity/ should we put in a second basin?

features to accommodate You do not necessarily notice these things at first glance – but they are very important in your new bathroom. - easy to clean - simple lines, quality finishes - heating - underfloor, ceiling mounted lamps, towel rails - air ventilation - natural and mechanical - lighting - natural and artificial / information (to see your way in the middle of the night), task (to apply make up in the mirror), ambient (to set the mood for a relaxing bath), feature (eg to make the vanity appear to hover above the floor) - privacy - spaces within spaces/ glass dividing walls, obscure glazing to windows and doors - storage - concealed and on display.

placement of fixtures and fittings Where should you position major fixed items? - loo not in line with open door - hand basin near the door - shower out of the way to avoid clashing doors - bath in the middle of the room ‘island in a sea of tranquillity’ - NOTE: costs rise if you move significant plumbing.

plumbing and electrical - pipe work for water in (fresh) water out (grey, black) - safety/ water and electricity.

detail

function These requirements are generally the same for all bathrooms: - accommodate daily cleansing rituals - space for everything, room to move - easy to clean, etc

look & feel This is the point of distinction that makes every bathroom individual. How do you want your new bathroom to look and feel? - modern and streamlined - clean lines, polished surfaces - luxury day spa - opulence, marble, quality fittings - industrial, durable - square shapes, silver, glass - elegant ‘room’ - powder room, few tiles, soft floor mats - connection with nature, garden outlook/ beach - pebble tiles, plants, bamboo ladders to hold towels

style Your look, feel and function will determine the style for bathroom your. Style works best when you have a theme. Be inspired – nature, magazines, places you have been. Get some professional advice.

shell Once you have decided your style, you can start work on the shell – the floor, walls and ceiling.

materials floors – eg tiles, terrazzo, polished concrete, stone, corian walls – eg tiles, glass, metal sheeting, polished stone

waterproofing requirements/ Minister’s Specification determines important aspects like: - materials and finishes for floors and walls - falls for floors (size of floor tiles), placement of grates - methods of construction, eg showers (can be open plan, no hob, but make sure they do their job).

fixtures and fittings The choices are endless: - make, style, colour – taps, toilet, shower, bath, basin? - acrylic or steel bath? - P trap or S trap loo? exposed pipes? Close coupled? wall hung pan? - pedestal basin? cantilevered? under/ above counter? - frameless glass shower? ceiling mounted shower rose? - water saving features? energy rated appliances? - taps bench mounted or wall mounted? if wall mounted, side by side or on top of each other?

vanity and storage - storage unit? - shelf? ledge? - wall mounted? concealed in a cavity wall? - floor to bench height? hover above floor? Consider the stuff you really ‘need’ and use in your bathroom. What do you need to have close to hand? What can you hide away? eg behind a mirror What can you put on display to enhance the look and feel of your bathroom?

accessories - eg toilet roll holders, towel rails, extra storage - fixed or free standing? Consider fixing practicalities, masonry wall? timber stud wall?

finishing touches - towels and sea sponges - soaps and products - candles and essential oils - fresh flowers To complete the picture, not add clutter.

colour schemes Carry through all selections – ie shell, fixtures & fittings, accessories and finishing touches. Some examples: - white (clean pure) eg all white, white on white, contrast. - natural (simple, neutrals, nurturing) eg sand, driftwood, chocolate bamboo (stylish contrast). - aqua (the colour for 2003) eg water colours, pale blues (soothing, contemplative, encourage deep breathing) and greens (rejuvenating, restful, calming), turquoise and aqua. - silver (modern, sophisticated) shades of grey palette.

delivery

Remember ‘it gets a whole lot worse before it gets a whole lot better’.

licensed tradespeople The total cost of your bathroom will be about 40% materials and 60% labour. Use licensed trades people for the labour. - ask your friends who they have used recently - check with the MBA or the OC&BA - ask to see their licence - ask to see their work - talk to people they have done work for.

quality workmanship Pay attention to detail in the delivery eg: - tiles line up - neat edges - thoughtful plumbers, placement of taps and drains - clean work.

quality products and sundry items eg: - tile adhesives - grout.

ask for a written quote Make sure it includes everything eg: - disconnection and reconnection of services - materials, labour, equipment and sundry items - leaving a clean site.

get a timing commitment – start date and finish date Will alternate bathroom arrangements be necessary during your bathroom renovation?

Happy renovating! Please feel free to contact us at any time.

Back to Features