Last Updated Mar 10, 2016 · Written by Kat Tate
Planning a bathroom renovation is a lesson in practicalities – not letting the dream override what’s possible and realistic. With some careful planning and budgeting, you can still get your dream bathroom and avoid breaking the bank.
Consider these top tips:
The bathroom layout is everything. Really. It has to be perfectly planned around plumbing pipes and drains, vents, and its location in the house.
If you’re building a new bathroom, ensure it’s positioned close to other plumbed spaces such as the kitchen and laundry so there are logical lines to the main systems. This will help cap your plumbing installation costs and improve water efficiency. Keep it close to the bedrooms too, so no one has to walk too far at night.
Next, think about the layout of the bathroom itself. A simple and cheaper option is to line up the major items (shower, bath, sink, toilet) along one wall.
Storage in the bathroom is another crucial consideration. Built-ins work best – such as a cabinet with drawers under and around the sink to make the most of empty space. Shelves, rails, racks, and baskets or boxes also keep everything organised and out of sight so the bathroom is easier to use.
If you have kids – or live in an area with many young families – you’ll have different needs (for example, a bath) compared to a young professional couple or retirees. So plan your bathroom with the use in mind. For instance, his and hers sinks will help cut bathroom time by allowing more than one person to use the space at the same time.
Bathroom lighting should be as practical as it is pretty. Ensure there’s loads of light on the bath and shower, as well as plenty of illumination on the mirror and sink so there are fewer shadows. A good tip is to wall mount lights on either side of the mirror.
Your bathroom expert can advise you on other practicalities to plan for your bathroom build or renovation.
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