Bathrooms
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Bathrooms are a little like cars. Compact models condense the basic functions into an economical package. The larger models put a premium on spaciousness and luxury and the mid-of-the-range versions try to balance cost and comfort. As with cars, you generally pay more for a larger bathroom, but you also have more options. Area size, however, isn’t always key; bathrooms of all sizes can be functional and stylish. The challenge is to let your personal preferences drive your design without exceeding the space available and budget limits.
Any bathroom renovation is based on planning and selection of fixtures. On the planning side, you may not have the space for a bath the size of a Hummer, but perhaps you can find the extra space you need to be comfortable. In the same way, your budget may not allow for luxuries such as his and hers steam showers, but standard equipment well-chosen can make a huge difference.
There are many reasons to redo your bathroom, both aesthetically and functionally. We all like something shiny and new. The bathroom is one of the focal points in a home. The biggest reason to remodel your bathroom is because the facilities get old and worn out and can cause some serious damage to the structure
Plans
Next to the kitchen, the bathroom is one of the busiest and most design-conscious rooms of the house. It is the first room we visit in the morning and usually the last room we see at night. It is one of the most private rooms of the home, yet the finishes, fixtures and mechanical equipment found in the modern bathroom can make it one of the most expensive rooms. In recent years it has also become a place to relax and escape the burdens of daily life. With so much at stake in having a functional yet savvy room that fits all your needs, it stands to reason that creating the ultimate bathroom requires careful planning and good design sense. Here are a few suggestions to help make any bathroom a success.
In planning and budgeting for a bathroom upgrade, you should start by determining how much space you have. Whether you are renovating your existing bathroom space, extending a little or you have the luxury of starting from scratch by adding on or by converting another room, your bathroom’s overall shape and size will likely fall into one of three categories:
1. Standard Bathroom:
- A standard size bathroom is a rectangle starting at approximately 1,5m x 2m 1,5m x 3m and can be as big as 2m x 3m or 2,5m x 3m. In a standard sized bathroom there is space for a basin with a vanity, a toilet, a bath tub and maybe a small separate shower.
2. Guest Toilet:
- A guest toilet is a square half-bathroom, generally 1m x 1,5m, housing just the essentials; a basin and a toilet.
3. Master Bathroom:
- A master bathroom is large and roomy, often as big as 30 square metres or more and normally on suite. The extra space allows for indulgences such as a large freestanding bath tub, a dual shower, separate vanities, a sitting area with large furniture pieces, storage and large windows or skylights. The shape of the master bathroom can vary as it is rather a large area.
Fitting and Fixtures
No matter what the actual dimensions of your bathroom, it’s the arrangement of the fixtures within the bathroom that determines how big or how small the room feels. A modestly sized bath tub smartly configured can feel spacious, while a large bath tub poorly planned can feel cramped. Ensure that there is enough space around and in front of the toilet bowl this will make sitting on the throne a comfortable experience. The height of the basin should fit the user, especially if you are taller or shorter than most people. For double-bowl vanities make sure there is enough space between the two. A bath tub should be large enough to be used comfortably. Shower doors should always open outwards into the bathroom and should be big enough to be used with ease.
Lighting the Way
Shadows be gone. The appearance, performance, and safety of your bathroom will improve dramatically if it’s illuminated properly. Good lighting adds sparkle to fixtures, and surface materials. It also helps you distinguish berry lipstick from ravishing-red, and makes you less likely to cut yourself shaving.
Medium-to-large bathrooms require a generous number of general-illumination fixtures, such as recessed lights or multi bulb chandeliers, for overall lighting. Small baths, showers and toilet compartments require only one 60 watt ceiling fixture. In addition, grooming centers need their own lighting. A fixture that casts light just over the center of the sink works best as it bounces light off the sink and countertop up onto your face.
Natural light also is a desirable element for the smaller proportions found in a bathroom. If space allows, two windows are better than one and provide more light during the day hours. If privacy is an issue, consider windows made of glass block or that contain stained glass designs. Another option would be to experiment with window placement. Many of today’s homes have high ceilings or take advantage of roof lines to create unusual ceiling angles. If you have space above 6 feet in your bathroom, transoms, circle or half circle windows will not only create a focal point, but will also provide the extra light. If all else fails, a more in-depth solution would be to implement a small enclosed garden area outside of windows that face the street or other homes. It will not only provide a hedge of privacy, but can be a welcome pleasure each morning.
Surfaces
Ceramic tile is one of the most popular choices for bathrooms because, properly installed, it is water resistant and easy to clean. Today’s choices in tile are more beautiful and varied than ever offering homeowners options for wall, floor and shower covering. Although it can be cold to the touch, small rugs or a floor heating system can eliminate this problem. Since too much tile can change the acoustics of a room, it is a good idea to use softer materials for the ceiling and at least a portion of the walls or soft decorative touches like multiple towel racks with large, fluffy towels.
Surprisingly, wood floors have become another realistic choice for the bathroom. With today’s tough floor varnishes, wood floors can hold up well to a modest amount of water as long as the water is not allowed to stand for a long period of time. If you are uncomfortable having wood floors under the toilet, place a pad of granite or marble directly under this area. This solution will give the room more detail, and the contrast of materials will add interest.
While the shower should use completely water-resistant materials, other areas of the bathroom need only cleanable surfaces. Natural stone, marble, polished and sealed concrete, glass, ceramic tile and other nonabsorbent materials work well on these surfaces. A good-quality enamel paint on smooth plaster makes a cleanable, water-resistant finish for walls that do not have stone or tile.
Quick tips:
- If you have a large home (300m² or more) or you would like to install the latest in tap technology then you will need to install a high pressure geyser (600KPA).
- Choose flooring that is slip-resistant and avoid stairs in the bathroom.
- Make sure that any glass in the bath or shower has been tempered to strengthen it.
- Install the toilet paper holder within reach of the person sitting on the toilet.
- All electrical outlets, switches and lights need to be GFI projected against moisture.
- Both task and atmosphere lighting is important in the bathroom, so plan well.
Bathroom Costs
Although the bathroom is usually the smallest room in the house, the cost of renovating it can be very expensive. A bathroom renovation can generate a return on investment of between 60-80%. If, for example, you spend $10, 000 on your bathroom renovations, this will increase the total value of your home and generate a ROI of up to $8,000. How much you spend on your bathroom depends on what fixtures, fittings, surfaces and accessories you choose and how much labor is involved.
1. Labor
- Installation will account for nearly a quarter of the total cost, because jobs such as plumbing and tiling are quite labor intensive. Labor costs will be substantially higher if you add a new bathroom or you’re moving fixtures around. You can save money by doing the work yourself, but be realistic about your skill and experience. Fixtures, wiring and plumbing connections must meet building standards and codes. So, unless you’re completely confident in your abilities, let a professional handle the main work and limit your contribution to prep work and finishing, where you can still save money, but the skill requirements are lower. That being said, the cost of labor is definitely not the place to save money. In fact, hiring a good contractor is the key to getting the most for your money. Paying a little extra for the experience, skill and efficiency will reap benefits for years to come.
2. Products
- Product choices are where you’ll make or break your budget. You can buy the basic fixtures – basin, toilet and bath tub – for a few thousand dollars, or you can spend tens of thousands on just one item. The best advice is to buy the best quality you can afford, especially with the basic fixtures, which should perform dependably for a number of years.
