Getting Started – Planning your bathroomThe first and most important step is to measure the space of your existing bathroom; without accurate measurements your plan will be meaningless. Don’t mix metric and imperial measurements and to be perfectly sure, measure twice. It will be costly and very frustrating if the products you buy don’t fit when you have to install them. Produce a scale version floor plan or layout of the room, including the position and dimensions of windows, doors, walls, and skylights. These will affect your new floor plan, and the positioning, size and shape of fixtures and fittings. Don’t forget to include the position of the soil stack and where your soil pipe runs, but consult an expert if you are considering moving the toilet because it is probably the most awkward piece to change. Water pipes to sinks, baths and bidets and waste outlets are less complicated to move but speak to a professional if you are unsure. Plan out your storage requirements; make use of alcoves or dead space in your bathroom and take advantage of the available vanity units and washstands to keep all your bathroom bits and pieces at reach. Vanity units also hide away ugly plumbing pipes and give the bathroom a well-designed and co-ordinated look, particularly if you blend them with wall cabinets, shelving or other storage racks. Lighting also plays a significant part in setting the mood or providing a bright environment. If restructuring, you may want to replace your main central ceiling light with several spotlights, install a shaver socket or fit cabinets with built-in lighting. Needles to say, electrics in the bathroom are a safety concern, and you should speak to an expert before you begin such work. Towel warmers usually add a touch of warmth and luxury to the bathroom but must be planned beforehand, whether they are electric or connected to your water system. You will need ample ventilation in your bathroom (particularly if it has no window) to help prevent mildew and damp from taking hold. You can fit an extractor fan to the outside wall if possible, or install a heater to dry out the room. Bathroom personal hygiene can be significantly improved by including a bidet in your bathroom design. Washing is more effective and more soothing than toilet paper, which can be an irritant to many people. A bidet requires hot and cold water feed and a waste outlet in the same way as your sink or bath does. Next >> Professional Help
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