There is so much available to choose from, not just the big stuff like baths, toilets etc. but all the detail, brassware, accessories, light, heat, wall and floor coverings and much more. Layout and design, plumbing and other trades and of course where to look at and buy products and how much to pay for them.
Now its not every day that you renovate your bathroom. The typical cycle is around every 8 to 10 years, but many bathrooms remain unchanged for much longer, I still frequently see rooms unaltered since the 1970's! However in recent times our bathrooms have become more of a living space rather than a simple utility and so much more thought and consideration now goes into bathroom renovation projects. We all want to create our sanctuary, a place in the home to spend some well earned chill time, relax and rejuvenate, as well as a place to quickly freshen up and prepare for our day ahead. With a little forethought these objectives can be achieved, its all a question of working out your budget, what you can afford and are willing to invest, deciding on your priorities, what will you actually use and what gadgets will be unnecessary, selecting your preferred style, colours etc. and doing your research.
Budget - Prioritise - Style - Research
Tips to help guide you towards a successful outcome.
Budget.
Your budget is all important. A bathroom is a large investment and you really must work out what finances you have available before getting too far stuck into designs and plans.
Decide what resources you can commit to your project, whether you have assets yourself or, if you need to borrow, how much is available to you.
Bear in mind when budgeting for your bathroom project that a considerable part of the overcall cost will be the installation.
Prioritise
Note what you like about your existing bathroom and what you don't like. Consider what additions you might want and if there is anything to remove which you no longer want or need.
You might have to trim your wish list because of budget constraints, but be logical in your approach. If you are not a bather why include an expensive bath? prioritise your shower!
Some ideas you have may require a lot of work, especially if they involve moving things around. Are these going to benefit you practically? If not consider carefully, unless of course butget is not an issue.
Once you know what facilities and functions you want you can begin to allocate your spending to the various items, but don't forget about labour costs.
Its always worth buying the best quality products that you can afford. In fact it make sense to allocate a little more of your budget to items like taps and shower fittings, and perhaps accessories. These are products with moving parts and are more prone to wear and tear than ceramic items, quality counts here. Shower doors are another example of products to buy the best you can manage. They get a fair amount of use and abuse in most homes and a better quality product will last longer. You should also be able to obtain spare parts more easily for the higher quality items.
Style
And so the fun can begin. Yes there are many options to choose from, but your individual taste is the important factor now. Hopefully you have some idea about what sort of look you want to go for, but its time to make some choices.
Don't be afraid to mix things up a little, a traditional piece can sit very nicely in a contemporary setting, and vice-versa. This can be helpful when two people don't always have the same vision. There are no hard and fast rules to style, it's subjective and down to the individual, but do be careful and avoid the rediculous.
Always remember the details. Consider heating, lighting, storage and accessories, which can all make a huge difference to the overall looks and practicality.
Floor and wall coverings can transform any design. While ceramic or porcelain tiles are practical and beautiful, there are other alternatives you might want to consider.
Research
Research what's available. Check out online and in magazines to get a feel for what products are available and what items appeal to your taste.
Save web images or mark pictures in magazines to have some visual examples of what you like to discuss with potential suppliers or installers.
Visit some showrooms and retailers and speak with the designers who will be able to help format your ideas into a feasable plan.
Be aware of the installation requirements and research competent installers. Look for reviews and recommendations from their past customers.