Planning a New Bathroom

Follow my top tips for planning and installation to ensure your efforts don't end up down the pan.

Getting Started

The success or failure of your new bathroom project depends heavily on how carefully you plan it. Before you start to think about getting your hands dirty, there are a few preliminaries you need to get down on paper first. The following list will help you get off on the right foot.

Budget

Decide how much you want to spend on the project overall and then set aside around 20 percent as a contingency fund. You may not need it all but you’ll want to avoid running out before the bathroom is complete. Remember to include all extras at this point such as heating, electrical work and removal costs for the old fittings.

If you are planning a complete overhaul, you may wish to think about getting a loan to help you finance the project. If you are not sure if this is right for you, an independent financial advisor can help you decide.

One thing to be aware of when deciding your budget is that cheap is not always cheerful. Sometimes spending a little more upfront will save you having to do it all again in a year or two’s time.

Room Plan

Whether you are working within an existing space or planning to knock down walls or build an extension, a room plan is absolutely essential. You should include windows, doors, radiators, electrical wiring, plumbing, as well as ceiling height and lighting zones. There are many free software packages that could help you to do this online, and some of the larger DIY stores offer this service for a fee. Accurate measurements at this stage are absolutely critical to the success of the overall project.

Once you have the room structure, the next step is to draw in any unmovable objects. For example, the toilet may be restricted by the plumbing and drainage. When you know the amount of space you have to work with, you can experiment with different sized suites, storage, etc. to get the look you want. If it’s a big job, it may be worth seeking the advice of an expert such as an architect. If you’re engaging a builder, they may also be able to advise on positioning. If you are planning on really making an impact by installing wet room instead of a traditional bathroom, expert advice is essential to identify and scope the special drainage arrangements you will need.

Materials

When you’ve decided on your plan, make a list of the materials you'll need and where you plan to buy them. You may wish to view items online and then buy in store, or vice versa. Some stores will allow you to pay for larger items such as the new suite and have them delivered when you need them. This way you won’t have to risk the products being out of stock, or have them sitting around cluttering up your garage. It’s worth checking with suppliers in advance how long items may take to come as some can take 3-4 weeks.

Typical materials include:

• New suite
• Flooring
• Tiling
• Plastering
• Lighting
• Heating
• Storage units
• Shower fittings
• Taps and wastes
• Decorating supplies
• Shelving, mirrors, towel, rails, etc.
• Towels, rugs, etc.

You should also think about which tools you’ll require to complete each stage of the job, and decide whether to buy or hire them. Be sure to include extras such as sealants and brackets, and plan how you will get rid of your old suite or fittings. If it’s in reasonable condition, you may choose sell it in the local paper, or, if it’s seen better days, hire a skip or specialist rubbish clearance company to take it away.

Project Timeframe

Plan out a rough timeframe to help you work through the project logically. It may help to talk to experts or DIY chains for this. Also, consult builders and contractors that you are thinking of using one (even if you aren’t they can still be an excellent source of knowledge). For example, you don’t want to do your decorating until after the suite is installed otherwise you risk damaging your new paintwork. Another tip is that if you only have one bathroom, start by installing the important items first. Most people would consider the toilet to be the most essential item to have functioning, especially if you have a family to think about.

Safety

Always get a qualified expert to install electrical items such as lighting and shower units. This really is essential because electricity and water can be a serious hazard if corners are cut with installation.

Remember too to keep pets and children well away from the area while the work is being completed. It might be worth booking pets into boarding facilities until the project is complete. You don’t want to lay the last of your expensive floor tiles only to find you have to pull them up again because a pet has been trapped underneath.

Finally, be prepared to be without essential facilities for anything up to 24 hours and make arrangements to pop over to a neighbour or the local café if things get desperate.

Top Ten Tips

1. Decide your budget and set aside 20 percent for emergencies.
2. Create a room plan.
3. Choose and buy (or reserve) your materials.
4. Get expert help to create a project timeframe.
5. Arrange to use alternative facilities if things get desperate.
6. Install essential items first, such as the toilet.
7. Book qualified experts for electrical installations.
8. Keep children and pets well away from the area.
9. Organise removal of your old suite.
10. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your new bathroom.