Things to Think About Before Planning a Bathroom
After working on plenty of bathrooms over the years, I’ve noticed the same issues coming up again and again. Here are a few things worth thinking about before you start ripping anything out.
Planning a new bathroom is exciting, but it’s also one of those jobs where small decisions can have big knock-on effects if they’re not thought through early.
Before you start choosing tiles and taps, here are a few practical things worth thinking about first.
How the Bathroom Will Be Used
Sounds obvious, but it’s often overlooked.
- Is it a main family bathroom or an en-suite?
- Are kids using it every day?
- Do you actually need a bath, or would a decent-sized shower be used more?
A bathroom needs to workday in, day out, not just look good in photos.
Plumbing and Pipework
This is where costs can creep up.
Keeping toilets, basins and showers close to their existing positions usually keeps things simpler and more cost-effective. Moving soil pipes or main supplies is possible, but it needs proper planning.
It’s also the right time to think about water pressure and hot water demand, especially if you’re considering rainfall showers or multiple outlets.
Ventilation (Very Important)
Poor ventilation is one of the most common problems I see.
Without proper extraction, bathrooms quickly suffer from condensation, mould and damp. Even if there’s a window, a good extractor fan is still essential.
It’s far easier to do this properly during a renovation than try to fix problems later.
Heating and Comfort
No one wants a cold bathroom.
Think about:
- Heated towel rails
- Radiators vs underfloor heating
- How quickly the room warms up in winter
Good heating also helps the room dry out faster, which protects finishes long-term.
Storage
Bathrooms always seem to need more storage than expected.
Vanity units, mirrored cabinets and shower niches can all help keep things tidy without taking up extra space.
Lighting
Lighting can completely change how a bathroom feels.
A combination of general lighting, mirror lighting and softer feature lighting works best. All fittings should also be suitable for bathroom zones.
Quality of Fixtures
Bathrooms get used hard.
Better quality taps, valves and showers tend to last longer and perform better. It’s especially worth investing in anything hidden behind walls, that’s not where you want problems later.
Budget (and a Bit of Wiggle Room)
Older properties in particular can hide surprises once work starts.
Allowing a small contingency in your budget helps avoid stress if issues crop up.
And don’t be scared to share your budget with your chosen installer, in fact it’s a good idea to be clear about this from the start, costs of bathrooms can Significantly differ.
Final Thoughts
A good bathroom isn’t just about looks; it’s about practicality, comfort and reliability.
A bit of planning at the start can save a lot of hassle (and money) later on!
Abingdon Plumbing & Heating
