You Deserve a Top-Notch Bathroom: Your Guide to a Smooth Bathroom Renovation
It’s undeniable – a new bathroom can encapsulate the epitome of luxury. However, the process of renovating? Well, that’s not quite so glamourous.
Even the most compact cloakroom can bring about significant renovation costs, especially if there are alterations to the floorplan or plumbing. It’s no wonder many people are still living with pastel-hued relics from the 1950s or textured nightmares from the 1980s.
But fear not! Here at Premiere Klasse, we’re here to help. This comprehensive guide will support you through each step of the process, from envisioning your dream bathroom to making it a reality.
Starting Points
Our designers and renovation experts, our sister company Dependon Limited consistently emphasise the significance of understanding your budget before commencing any makeover project. Have a realistic budget in mind. Attempting to remodel a full bathroom without one is a disaster in the making.
Just as we advised in the past, before demolishing walls or ordering bespoke fixtures, contemplate how your bathroom will be utilised. The size and primary use will heavily influence its design.
Consider how you currently use your bathroom, and how a renovation can improve that. Create both a ‘priority’ wish list and a ‘dream’ wish list. From practical considerations like storage and space, to aspirational elements such as a walk-in shower, the design should be both beautiful and functional.
Let yourself be inspired and create a list of essential elements before talking to your designer or tradesperson.
Set Your Scope
Once you’ve identified your wants and needs, it’s time to devise a plan. Not all changes need to be dramatic; sometimes, minor adjustments like a new coat of paint, art pieces, or lighting fixtures can dramatically improve a space. That’s when it’s beneficial to have a professional on board.
Nobody can envision what a finished bathroom will look like better than a professional designer, this not only clarifies your vision but also allows builders and trades to provide a complete, itemised quote based on the design, preventing unexpected changes and costs.
Decisions such as knocking down walls, reorganising plumbing, and changing flooring require a proficient team. Delays in these decisions will extend your renovation period. Our designers estimate a timeline between 4-12 weeks, depending on decision-making speed and product availability.
Bathroom renovation timelines are project-specific. They can take anywhere from four to eight weeks after finalising the design, ordering finishes, fixtures, and accessories, depending on sourcing locations and customisations.
Our professionals suggest planning your timeline with a bit of flexibility, as renovations can often face unexpected delays.
Lay It Out
With your budget and scope settled, it’s time to find the optimal layout for your space. Maximising the use of your space is crucial, so it’s essential to understand what works and what doesn’t in your current bathroom. Once you make a plan, it’s advisable to stick to it.
Try to visualise the finished bathroom. A lack of planning could result in custom orders, delaying the project. Always have a solid plan. If custom pieces are required, they can be ordered early to prevent project delays.
Thinking long-term is also vital. Trends may come and go, but your bathroom is likely to be with you for years to come.
The Necessities
Every bathroom, no matter how eccentric, contains the same fundamental components, including:
- Vanity: Consider the balance between aesthetic appeal and functionality. You might be seduced by a sleek design, but it’s crucial to remember everyday practicalities like storage and electrical outlets.
- Sink and Shower Fixtures: They’re not just functional – they can add a touch of design flair to your bathroom.
- Bathtubs: The centrepiece of many bathrooms, bathtubs come in various sizes, textures, and colours. Freestanding tubs have made a major comeback, with clawfoot and modern versions carved from a single block of marble or more budget-friendly porcelain or fibreglass alternatives.
- Toilets: You might not have given much thought to toilet brands, but our designers can guide you to the best options.
Tile Time
The constant moisture and temperature changes in a bathroom can wreak havoc on wooden surfaces, so durable choices like marble, ceramic, or concrete tiles are your best bet. When selecting tiles, keep in mind that larger tiles can make a small bathroom appear more spacious and are less expensive to install.
Let There Be Light
Lighting is crucial in any bathroom. The right lighting placement ensures you always look your best. Our Senior Designer Sally Miller reminds us that “lighting plans need to be decided upfront while walls are open. The style of the fixture also determines the height at which the lighting should be placed, which is why decisions need to be made early.”
In conclusion, you deserve a bathroom that enhances your home’s aesthetics while serving its practical purpose, and we’re here to help. Our designers in Ascot and Basingstoke are dedicated to helping you create a bathroom that not only looks fabulous but functions beautifully as well.
