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Property/DIY

Bathroom planning- practical tips please!

7 replies

Thelovecats · 19/01/2015 19:31

Trying to think of practical things that might help make our new bathroom perfect. Can anyone think of some good ideas I might not have considered? There will be a big bath with shower over, loo and basin. Never had a new bathroom before so starting from scratch!

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Luckystar82 · 20/01/2015 00:29

Don't go for mosaic tiles unless you love cleaning!

If you hate cleaning, go for large tiles with less grout. For the same reason get as good an extractor fan as you can afford to avoid mould.

I've always rated the Dulux bathroom paint, which home base mix in any shade you want.

Underfloor heating can work out quite cheaply and give a luxury feel. Towel rails need to be big enough for room size to remove the need for a radiator.

Screw fix is a good source of competitively priced plumbing supplies, like taps.

A digital shower allows you to switch on from outside shower and walk in when it's hot...bliss! Aqualisa are very good ones.

Scrimp on white sanitary ware- it's all made of the same stuff- and invest in fittings like taps. If you like the traditional style, check out the Bristan 1901 taps, they aren't too cheap but they finish the room and give a luxury boutique hotel feel.

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FunMitFlags · 20/01/2015 06:40

Don't have a loo with a concealed cistern behind tiles! Creates endless problems when you need to repair it.

I'm cursing the previous owners of our house for having done this as I now need to replace a washer in the cistern and will have to take apart a cupboard to try and get at it from above!

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FunMitFlags · 20/01/2015 06:42

Try out the bath before buying, particularly if the bath users vary in height. I find that a bath that suits my (tall) dh is feels wrong for me (short) particularly if I want to lie down and read in the bath. Easier for the taller person to compromise on length/slope I think.

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PetraDelphiki · 20/01/2015 06:48

Easily accesible stop taps on all pipes so you can change taps simply. If your pipes are plumbed into the wall try to have some sort of access hatch!

Somewhere to store loo roll

Heated towel rail

Underfloor heating behind the mirror attached to lighting circuit (so it's on when you are in there) - stops the mirror steaming up

Def not a concealed cistern...or a loo with a funny shaped seat (pain when they break and need replacing)

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Ememem84 · 20/01/2015 07:43

Agree. Save on basic whites and splurge on taps shower head tiles etc.

Look for small toilet as will be more economical water wise.

Big tiles

Don't use white grout/tileson floor tiles. Go for darker colours.

Buy a great extractor fan. And invest in heated towel rail.

Plumb centre have some nice things.

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Thelovecats · 20/01/2015 12:01

Some grey ideas thanks. Was thinking about underfloor heating but not sure if it might tip budget over the edge. We haven't got a lot of choice of cheaper bathroom/tile places here unfortunately ( live on an island!)
I like the idea of mirror heating so it doesn't steam up. Big tiles are a must! We have beveled edge subway tiles ATM and they're a pain to clean. Any thoughts on storage- built in vs free standing?

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wonkylegs · 20/01/2015 14:23

Storage storage storage -
I replanned our 3 bathrooms last year and adding storage has been a godsend.
The kids bathroom has a large freestanding set of plastic drawers that can be washed out (bath toys, shampoo, toilet rolls etc) and a lockable wall cabinet for medicine.
Our bathroom has a large vanity cabinet under the sink (towels/toilet rolls, cleaning products) and a glass footed tall slim freestanding cabinet at the end of the shower (medicine/toiletries)
Downstairs has another sink vanity with spare hand towels, toilet rolls & cleaners in)

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