What To Consider When Planning a New Bathroom Installation

With so many pictures of enviable bathrooms cropping up online and in your favourite interior design magazines all of the time, you might be starting to think that it’s high time to give your bathroom its own makeover. However, if you aren’t sure how to get started, you’ve come to the right place.

What once was thought of as a predominantly functional room in our homes has since come to be associated with relaxation and pampering; a space within which we can unwind after a long and stressful day. Plus, after the kitchen, the bathroom is one of the most important rooms when it comes to adding value, so it’s worth your while to make it exceptional.

So, whether you’re opting for a straightforward renovation to your existing bathroom, or adding an extra bathroom or en-suite to your home, working out how to plan a new bathroom installation can be a serious undertaking as they often necessitate an array of complex fittings to be put in a relatively compact space. Naturally, as with preparing for any type of renovation project, a bathroom overhaul is all about thorough planning. Careful preparation from the get go will help to prevent costly mistakes and account for any changes down the line. By following our simple tips, you’ll soon be on your way to a bathroom that will be enjoyed for years to come.



1. Assess Your Needs

To get started, think about who will be using your bathroom, as this will have a big impact on your planning process, as well as what the end result will look like. Is it going to be an en-suite shower room for a couple? Or perhaps a family bathroom that requires a bath and some extra storage space for toys?

This will also play into the type and quantity of fittings you’ll need, too. A luxurious spa-style bathroom will come with a long list of specifications that could include a big bath, a separate shower, a double sink unit, storage space and accessories like a towel rack; whereas a guest bathroom might just include the basics.

You’ll also want to ask yourself what you’re hoping to achieve in this room. Are you seeking a relaxing haven that you can escape to, or do you simply want your bathroom to serve a functional purpose? Your intentions will influence every single one of your choices - from fittings to colour scheme.

Finally, bear in mind how your needs might change in the years to come. Just because you don’t need a bath right now, doesn’t mean that this will always be the case. Your family might grow or you might even choose to sell, at which point a bath will garner more value.

2. Measure Up Your Space

Drawing up a scale plan of your bathroom ideas is another good place to start. Measure carefully as having accurate dimensions will significantly impact the design and the placement of certain features. Cut to-scale shapes of all fittings - the loo, basin, bath or shower perimeters, for instance - and move them around until you find a layout that works. Be sure to allow for plenty of space between certain fittings, and consider how efficient the layout will be with more than one person in the room at the same time.

3. Compile Your Bathroom Ideas

Pick a style early on as this will help you narrow down your choice of fittings. Whether you favour a traditional or modern bathroom suite, compile a visual moodboard of what appeals to you to help express your vision. Hotel bathroom design is a great source of inspiration, so scour websites to find designs that you love. Quite often they will have packed a lot of elements into a compact space, so you can probably pick up some layout tips too.

4. Consult the Experts

When planning a new bathroom installation, it’s always best to seek out expert advice sooner rather than later. Visit your local bathroom supplier showroom and browse websites, as these can be great sources of inspiration and guidance. Not only will industry professionals be able to tell you about the latest technologies and materials, but they will also have plenty of solutions for maximising space in small bathrooms or awkward spots whilst minimising costly mistakes.

5. Pick a Layout

Although it seems like a daunting decision, getting your bathroom layout right will make all the difference to achieving a design that ticks all of your boxes. However, don’t just change your layout for the sake of it; if it works for you, keep it! It’s a more cost-effective option, too, as moving waste and water pipes can be expensive.

If you want to maintain your current layout, switching up fittings, flooring and repainting or retiling walls are all great ways to have a refresh. On the other hand, if your layout isn’t quite right, consider ways that you can make small yet effective changes. For example, rehanging doors or fitting sliding ones is a great way to create space.

6. Lock In a Budget

Deciding on a budget in advance means that you can prioritise areas to spend extra on, as well as where to save. The good news is that it shouldn’t cost you thousands to achieve a spa-like feel in your bathroom. You could always opt to invest in one extravagant piece, such as a freestanding bath (many of which can be picked up for less than £500), and set it against some more budget elements.

Please also keep in mind that you will need to allocate some money for practical elements: you might need a larger water tank, or a water softener is a good idea to prevent limescale build ups.

7. Determine the Level of Service You Require

The level of service you opt for will largely be determined by your budget. Some bathroom suppliers will offer a turn-key solution, wherein everything from bathroom design to installation and decoration is included in the price. Although this isn’t the cheapest option, it pays for itself in the ease and speed at which the project will be completed. In this case, try to get quotes from at least three fitters, making sure that you’re being specific about every detail of the project. This will avoid you from encountering any surprise additional costs later on.

Alternatively you can design the room yourself, purchase your own fittings and hire a plumber or contractor to complete the work. Whilst it will be up to you to get the layout right, and it will take more time to source products, it will save you money in the long run.

8. Organise Your Products & Tradespeople

Ask friends and family members for recommendations about bathroom suppliers. Always ask candidates for references to ensure that they are people you can trust. Remember that just because someone offers you the best price, doesn't always mean that you’ll receive the best service.

Purchasing your suite or fittings through your contractor might grant you access to trade discounts. Some bathroom suppliers offer significant savings, as well as swift delivery and foolproof warranties. Regardless of whether you are buying from a high-street store or a luxury brand, always factor in delivery times. Big names might take up to four weeks to deliver, while boutique shops could even take up to eight weeks.

When placing an order, don’t forget about the essential extras, such as waste traps for the bath and sinks. Try to schedule delivery to coincide with the time that your contractor is on site to avoid your items from taking up space in your home, or even leaving them with nothing to fit. Time is money, so allow yourself plenty of wiggle room so that you don’t leave your contractor twiddling their thumbs on the clock.

Visit Our Dulwich-Based Bathroom Showroom

We hope that this blog has shed some light on the initial steps to take when it comes to planning a bathroom remodel. If you’d like to consult some local experts, visit Bell’s The Kitchen and Bathroom Company in Dulwich to discover high-quality bathroom fittings and accessories by leading brands at fantastic prices. We have three showrooms in Dulwich where you will find everything necessary to design your dream bathroom. We stock products by Ideal Standard, RAK, Tavistock, Bosch, Neff, Novelini, Matki and more. We take great pride in our work and offer a complete end-to-end service that includes planning, design, supply and installation. We have been serving private and trade customers in South London for the last 90 years, and have garnered a reputation for excellence thanks to our extensive experience and quality of customer care. Stop by our showroom or give us a call to find out more about how we can help you.