Installing new bathroom: where to start?

[tigerdriverII]

I'm sure there's someone here who likes a challenge!

Our bathroom is looking well past its sell by date, and worse the shower is temperamental (on a good day).

Where can I start looking for design ideas etc? To put it in context, it's an old rural property: the room is about 2.5 X 1.75 m. Need bath with decent shower, possibly freestanding ? The floor is currently wood but needs replacing. I'm happy to rip out all fittings and start again.

Ideally I'd like my own private bathroom which teenage DS isn't allowed in but short of moving house or installing a bathroom in a shed that won't happen

All thoughts gratefully received.

[livingthegoodlife]

go to a show room and see what you like? get some brochures?

Tile brochures are quite helpful because they show pictures of completed bathrooms.

sometimes the sales staff have good practical ideas. sometimes they are idiots.

have fun! i did ours last year and im glad its over. i have just finished the last bathroom/loo today (number 4) and im glad i won't be traipsing the showrooms any more!!

[tigerdriverII]

Thank you: I hadn't thought of tile brochures but that sounds a good idea. I'm looking forward to getting this done but not to the choosing or planning.

[Qwebec]

I'm planning on getting a new bathroom next year. After a few renos what I found out is that all materials have pro and con. The first thing I now do is decide my priorities. Ex: for me the most important is: durability, easy to keep clean, eco friendly, reasonable cost and a style that fits the over all style of my home. In that order

For others style is the most important, a luxurious spa like feel etc
Finding what is important makes it much easier down the line to make decisions.

[lalamumto3]

Hi I am just in process of choosing 2 new bathrooms so understand where you are coming from. My advice is to find someone you trust and get several quotes. Our quotes have ranged from £4,000 to £12,000 for installation of 1 bathroom !!! and that did not include any products.

Also, you really need to see the products, so lay in the bath to make sure it is comfortable for you, stand in a shower cubicle to make sure it is big enough.

I agree with Qwebec above that things have pros and cons. Easy to keep clean is one of my priorities, I have found that for me that is linked to having a bathroom cabinet as you can give a quick wipe without having to move loads of products.

We have a ensuite bathroom which has a lovely shower cubicle, however I am looking at having a big shower tray with a glass pannel for the shower room I am currently specing for a loft room as it looks much easier to keep clean and there is less to go wrong. But I am having to measure carefully to make sure the glass pannel will fit up the stairs.

I have also found that it is worth buying a few magazines as they also give you an idea of what works and some prices, I just wish they would give room sizes.

Hope that helps.