Renovating an ageing bathroom or planning one from scratch is certainly exciting! For a successful result, however, you need to prioritise a few key criteria.
If you have a clear vision of what the perfect bathroom looks like, you have made a great start to your renovation project. Remember, focusing on that vision alone may not deliver the results you want within a reasonable time or budget, as home renovations can quickly become complicated. It is therefore worth considering various practical matters in advance. Here are five important points to bear in mind before you swing the first hammer.
Before you start planning, work out how much you can spend on the renovation. This will help you decide which items to prioritise and avoid unexpected spending. Remember to include all anticipated costs in the project budget, such as materials, labour and accessories. Of course, however well you plan, unexpected expenses can arise during a renovation. Make sure you set aside a contingency fund to cover unforeseen costs. Allowing 10–15% of the total cost for unexpected expenses is a suitable approach.
Decide where to splurge and where to save. Identify which elements of the renovation matter most to you and plan your budget accordingly. If you are particular about the surfaces you touch, you may want to invest more in natural materials such as marble or quartz. If budget matters as much as the surface itself, you can achieve the same effect with wall and floor tiles. If functionality is your main concern, on the other hand, you may want to focus on improving plumbing and fixtures. Take time to research different suppliers and contractors to find the best prices. Be sure to obtain several quotes so you can compare costs and ensure you are getting a fair price.
The positions of existing plumbing fixtures, such as the toilet, basin and shower, will affect the layout of your new bathroom. If you plan to move them, you will need to factor in the cost of rerouting the plumbing. Consider how much space you have to work with and how you want to use it. This will help establish whether you need to enlarge the bathroom, reconfigure the layout or simply make a few cosmetic updates. How people will move around the bathroom, and whether the layout works for your needs, also matter. For example, in a small bathroom you will need to choose compact elements to maximise floor space.Think about your household's storage needs and how you can incorporate storage into the bathroom design. The amount of shelving and cupboard space you will need to keep towels and toiletries organised is also crucial. Storage is essential to our next point, too: functionality.
The new bathroom layout that emerges from all these considerations will also affect your lighting plan. Make sure there is adequate lighting above the mirror, in the shower and in other areas of the bathroom. For example, you could investigate whether the structure allows you to add a window or skylight to bring natural light into the space.
Remember that the bathroom is a functional space that needs to perform certain tasks without difficulty! Identify the needs of the people who will use it every day. If you have young children or older family members, for example, you may need safety measures such as grab rails or non-slip flooring. If a family member has mobility difficulties, consider installing an accessible toilet, basin and shower. These fittings will make the bathroom safer and more comfortable for people with disabilities or limited mobility.
In a space where water is used constantly, a build-up of damp can lead to unpleasant odours and even mould. To prevent this, make sure the bathroom has correctly positioned ventilation solutions with sufficient capacity.
Decide on the bathroom's overall style. Will you choose a modern, minimalist look, or something more traditional or vintage? Décor magazines, design blogs, Pinterest and YouTube can inspire you and help narrow down your choices. Choose a colour scheme that complements your home's style and your personal preferences. Think about the mood you want to create in the bathroom, whether a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere or a bold, energising space.For a sustainable approach, choose durable, long-lasting products and high-quality materials. Look for materials that resist water and are easy to clean. Lighting can have a major impact on the overall look and feel of a space. Aim for a balanced combination of ambient, task and accent lighting to create a layered lighting scheme.
Finally, choose accessories that complement your bathroom's style and add personality to the space. Consider a decorative mirror, a stylish towel rail or a piece of art to make the room feel more inviting.
We are living through a time when sustainability needs to become part of every aspect of daily life. This is even more important when designing a space such as a bathroom, where water and energy consumption are high. Choose water-efficient fixtures and appliances, such as low-flow toilets, taps and shower heads. These fittings can help reduce your water use and lower your electricity bills. Explore energy-efficient lighting, heating and ventilation systems for your bathroom.Choose environmentally friendly, traceable materials, such as sustainable or recycled materials. To ensure they are responsibly sourced, do not rely solely on information from suppliers; check the relevant certificates and information on manufacturers' websites.Consider ways to reduce waste during your bathroom renovation, such as donating or selling old taps and materials second-hand and recycling as much waste as possible.
Dealing with these practical and technical matters may not be as enjoyable as focusing on the aesthetic elements that will turn your bathroom into the spa of your dreams. They will, however, help you navigate a renovation that could otherwise quickly become a nightmare, and achieve the bathroom you imagined. Remember that you can always get support with this through the Kale Core app.
