10 Things To Consider Before Planning And Installing A New Bathroom

Whether you want to install a new bathroom or make improvements to an existing one there are some decisions you need to make and challenges to overcome. A bathroom must be tailored to your requirements and every plan will vary depending on the planner's needs.

1. Seek professional advice before planning a bathroom. You may need to consider local water regulations, existing plumbing facilities and the way your house is constructed.

2. Define the role and requirements of the new bathroom. Planning a bathroom involves more than the positioning of basic fixtures such as the bath, basin and toilet. Make sure your plan allows for plenty of floor for wall space and for extras such as towel rail, mirror and storage.

3. Decide if you need to make any changes to existing services and whether structural work is required. Measure up and note the position of the existing services, windows and doors and work out the plan to get the bathroom fixtures where you want them. You'll also need to decide if you need to move any doors, windows or walls and whether you need to make changes to the electricity wiring, water and drains.

4. Draw out the bathroom area on graph paper and work out how best to divide up the bathroom for different purposes or tasks. You may need to consider whether to use double or sliding doors, archways or curtains.

5. Ensure that you have enough space to accommodate your chosen fittings as well as enough room to move them into position. Think about how much room will be required for toiletries, storing towels, medicines etc.

6. Build in utilities such as heating, ventilation and lighting. These are important to ensure that your bathroom has enough light and works efficiently.

7. Make provisions for future plumbing and allow for access to potential trouble spots such as the shower pump and boxed-in toilet cisterns. If possible, fit removable panels instead of sealing these utilities behind fixed walls.

8. Find out exactly what sort of fittings you require and whether they will be suitable for the intended location.

9. Think about your style preferences in terms of the fit and flow with the rest of the house. There are products to meet most requirements or designs. Consider the trade off between price and good quality, and look out for longer warranties and guarantees.

10. Consider traffic patterns in terms of how many people will be using the bathroom and how often. Also, if people of varying ages use the bathroom, you may need to choose fittings that cater for different age groups in your household such as a slide shower so you can adjust the height of the spray.

Taking time to plan ahead can help to translate your ideas into reality and ensure that you end up with your ideal bathroom.

Copyright © 2005. Bridget Mwape writes for DIY Tips UK: http://www.diy-tips-uk.com/ which features how-to articles and products to help you with your DIY and home improvement projects.

This article may be reprinted as long as all the above links are active and clickable.

---

Georgian And Victorian Style Conservatories

Georgian Conservatories Georgian architecture was the style of the 18th... Read More

Trading in Corporate Office for Home Office

Six years ago, I had not yet turned on a... Read More

The $27,000 Toilet Seat - Funny DIY Story

This story was told to me by a plumber I... Read More

Flooring: Installing Ceramic Tile

Ceramic Tile brings a texture, richness and color to a... Read More

Realign Your Budget - Purchase Your First Piece of Fine Art

If you don't have at least one piece of fine... Read More

Tiles are the Foundation Stone for Your Stylish Bathroom!

Tiles can increase the value of any home. Ceramic tiles,... Read More

Save Money with a Solar Pool Heater & Cover

Heat your pool with a Solar Pool Heater and save... Read More

Is YOUR Home A Safe Home?

Do you or one of your family members suffer from... Read More

Reduce Your Heating Bills This Winter - Overlooked Sources of Heat Loss in the Home

Imagine leaving a window open all winter long ? the... Read More

A Few Simple Facts About Gas And Electric Heating Systems

To make your home more energy efficient, you need to... Read More

Outdoor Ceiling Fans Complement the House

Fans extending from the ceiling have been around for centuries... Read More

Color Help: Choosing Color Combinations

Choosing a color scheme can be a nerve-wracking business. For... Read More

Using Colors in Your Room

Colors play an important part in your Home Decor process.... Read More

What Are Light Fixtures Used For?

Light fixtures are something not many of us think about.... Read More

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Bathroom remodeling is often a popular home improvement project for... Read More

When Is It Time To Call The Professional?

For most Do-It-Yourself (DIY) home project managers, the most difficult... Read More

Guide to Bathroom Design

The first step is to plan the design ? as... Read More

Protecting Yourself from Miter Saw Hazards

A miter saw, also known as a "chop saw," is... Read More

Reuse Works for the Workshop

The workshop is a great place for reusing items formally... Read More

Keeping Your Home Spa Clean

Purchasing a home spa is a great expense; which can... Read More

Modern Rugs

The modern look is a highly admired form of interior... Read More

The Techno-Witch and Magickal Appliances

My favourite episode of Bugs Bunny is the one where... Read More

The Solar Energy Industry Grew 67% Last Year: Are You Making the Best Decision for Your Future?

Are you considering using renewable energy resources to heat water... Read More

Cordless Impact Wrench - Not the Same Tool as Your Cordless Drill

The cordless impact wrench is quickly gaining in popularity among... Read More

Where?s the Care Label for my New Bedspread?

I love bedspreads, don't you? A comforter can be used... Read More

The Benefits of Small Dehumidifiers

So it's too humid in your 10' X 10' bedroom.... Read More

Bamboo Flooring Is Taking The Design World By Storm

Are you looking for something different for your house? Maybe... Read More

Interior Design For Children

Interior design for children is one of the most fun,... Read More

Cleaning House and the 80-20 Rule

Cleaning house is one of those things that needs doing... Read More

Finding The Right Window Treatment In Los Angeles And Chicago

Some of the most unique and individual décor consultants can... Read More

Selling Houses: Payback of Window Treatments

If you're planning to show your home mainly during daylight... Read More

Lighting and your Kitchen - How to Design a Lighting Plan that Cooks!

Your kitchen, more than any other room in your home,... Read More

Building Permits and Inspections

Probably the most intimidating part of building your own house... Read More