Nothing beats relaxing with a hot bath or shower at the end of a long day, and your bathroom can easily become one of the most relaxing spaces in the house. But if your bathroom has started to look more shabby than chic in recent months, then you might be considering a bathroom renovation. Not sure where to start? This is completely normal. With so much plumbing involved, there’s an awful lot of potential for things to go wrong!
It’s not surprising that when it comes to changing up a bathroom, so many of us feel a little overwhelmed at the seemingly mammoth task ahead. Images of leaking taps and washing at the neighbour’s house flash through your mind, and you wonder whether the inconvenience is worth it. But a bathroom renovation needn’t be stressful. With the right preparation and a professional team of builders on hand to help, you can be sure to get the bathroom of your dreams – without the stress.
Our team here at Convert 4 Less have years of experience in plumbing and redesigning everything from small ensuites to full bathrooms, so we thought it was a good idea to break down exactly what every homeowner should consider before they start on their new bathroom project. Read on to find out everything you need to know!
1. Set your budget
Whilst a fairly obvious starting point, sitting down with a piece of paper and a clear idea of how much you’re willing to spend on your bathroom is an important first step for any project. Once your renovation gets underway, it can be very easy to get lost in the amount of choices you have to make when it comes to design and features. Ornate taps, tiling and plumbing features are displayed teasingly in catalogues, designed to make you spend more than you initially planned, but by setting a clear budget from the beginning, this will act as your guide on decision-making throughout the renovation process.
2. Prepare for hidden problems
Whilst bathroom renovations are mostly straightforward, there is always the potential for things to go wrong – particularly if it’s been many years since your bathroom was touched up. Whether it’s some pesky plumbing or water damage to the floor or walls that needs fixing, keep in mind that not every aspect of your project is necessarily going to go to plan! A trained team of professionals will always aim to provide the most efficient service possible, but unforeseen problems are part and parcel of every renovation project. Don’t be disheartened if something crops up that delays your renovation time – your builder will be doing all they can to fix the problem in the best way!
3. Consider style and substance
It’s always exciting when you embark on a new home project, and certainly your bathroom has a great deal of potential to ‘wow’ when you pick a design that suits you. Now that there are so many styles and design solutions for any bathroom, it’s possible to make your space look stunning without having to spend a ludicrous amount of money. But it is worth keeping in mind that whilst design is important, your bathroom also has to function properly. As a bathroom is usually one of the smallest rooms in the house, factors such as the location of existing pipes and electrical wiring might limit what you can achieve design-wise. Before you let your inner interior designer get carried away, be sure that you know exactly what you’re capable of doing with your room and what you’re not!
4. Lighting
Although not often considered as an important part of a bathroom renovation, getting the right lighting can actually transform the space like nothing else. Whilst dim lighting is perfect if you want to use your bathroom primarily for relaxing in the evenings, brighter lights are usually required for those shaving or applying makeup in the morning. In order to create an atmosphere that will be both practical yet luxurious, it’s important to consider all types of lighting to ensure that you get the right choice for you.
5. Ventilation
As dramatic as it may sound, moisture is the arch-nemesis of every bathroom. Without proper ventilation, your bathroom and even other rooms in your house could end up at risk of mould and mildew – both of which will quickly ruin your new renovation work! To properly prevent this from happening, make the installation of a good vent fan one of your priorities. An extractor fan, or even a dehumidifier for smaller or windowless bathrooms, are both excellent options for ensuring that the air is circulated well around the room and stopping moisture from getting trapped.
If you’ve been considering getting your bathroom redone, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at Convert 4 Less. We’d be happy to discuss any questions you may have about your bathroom.