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Getting a new bathroom done - any tips?

9 replies

TigerJoy · 12/02/2024 11:08

This is the first time we've done any house renovation.

We've chosen a builder. They've already done an excellent job fixing a shower leak so hoping they'll do a good job with the bathroom.

We don't like a couple of their suggestions so we're just choosing a bathroom cabinet and a sink.

Any advice on things to watch out for?

OP posts:
Purplebunnie · 12/02/2024 11:45

Measure and cut out in paper/cardboard a pattern for the cabinet and sink to ensure they fit/you have enough room - we made this mistake and it was a bit tight. If you are having a new loo (not sure from your post) then I suggest one that is fixed to the floor and not suspended. We had one and it failed and new fitter didn't recommend them. Biggest tiles out = smallest amount of grouting to clean. Hope this helps

TigerJoy · 12/02/2024 11:47

Thank you yes new everything! I've been measuring up, will check it 3 times.

Good shout on tiles, we've already decided we want the brick style ones.

Thanks about the toiet, I was wondering whether the suspended ones were sensible.

OP posts:
Purplebunnie · 12/02/2024 11:59

You are welcome. We ended up having our en-suite re-done due to the errors we'd made

RuthW · 12/02/2024 12:00

Big tiles, dark grout

SnowsFalling · 12/02/2024 13:05

Tiles are hard to change. Paint is easy.
So, go slightly boring and timeless on tiles. Add personality and/or fashion with paint and accessories.

unsync · 29/05/2024 15:10

Get a dual fuel towelling radiator. If your bathroom is not too big, it will heat the space and dry the towels in winter, and in summer, there's a timeswitch to dry the towel with electricity. Also, demisting mirror is a revelation and make sure the air vent is strong but not noisy.

mrsbyers · 29/05/2024 15:15

I’d get a button that allows you to start and warm up the shower before you step in , also shaver points - can’t fathom why there are none in our new build

Driverpicksthemusic · 30/05/2024 07:51

Measure up carefully, then play with the Victorian Plumbing online planner (or similar) to trial different styles and layouts. They may not have exactly what you’re looking for, but I found it really helpful for getting a good idea of what size fixtures we could sensibly fit in the space and what was the best layout.

Consider things that make your life easier, eg we’re having toothbrush charging points inside the bathroom cabinets and de-misting mirror.

Wall hung fittings obviously help with ease of cleaning, but need careful fitting and wall strength. We are having a wall hung vanity, but a floor standing toilet for this reason.

If you are having a bath, consider depth/water capacity. Do you want to be eco or prefer the occasional luxurious deep soak? Water capacity and displaced capacity figures on specs can help you work out how deep your water can be. Also bear in mind that freestanding baths are lovely and often deeper, but a pain to clean around/behind, so only have one if your really love it.

We have teenagers, so chose items that were simpler mechanically, in the hope they will last longer without being broken. So for example, we went for a walk-in shower enclosure, rather than a sliding/hinged or pivot door.

Similarly, while I like the streamlined look of concealed fittings, we have gone for an exposed fitting shower, deck mounted taps and standard toilet cistern, as we don’t want the hassle of dismantling part of the bathroom if they leak or fail.

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