5 key considerations when planning a bathroom renovation

Make sure to take the time to carefully plan a bathroom renovation so any mishaps can be avoided.

By Becca Green | 16 July 2020

Renovating an existing bathroom comes with a number of considerations to make at the planning stage to ensure a smooth process.

Image: C.P. Hart

Renovating a bathroom is no small task, but the getting the job done on time and on budget is all down to the planning.

A functional layout

Image: Duravit

The layout is primarily dictated by the position of the soil stack pipe for the toilet and whether it can be moved or not. The toilet has stricter limitations than moving pipework due to the fall of the waste. Once you have an idea on where this is going to be placed (whether you’ve decided to move it or not) you can start thinking about where the basin, bath and shower will go.

Once you have a vision in your mind, you can go ahead and create moodboards and choose your products, which is often the exciting bit. Make sure you don’t forget about towel rails and heating when considering the overall look and layout of your bathroom.

Renovating an existing bathroom comes with a number of considerations to make at the planning stage to ensure a smooth process.

copper bath in loft conversion copy - what to consider when planning a bathroom renovation - home improvements - granddesignsmagazine.com

Image: C.P. Hart

Renovating a bathroom is no small task, but the getting the job done on time and on budget is all down to the planning.

A functional layout

green bathroom bifold doors - what to consider when planning a bathroom renovation - home improvements - granddesignsmagazine.com

Image: Duravit

Materials ratio

One of the first things you should plan is what materials you want to cover the walls and floors with. Of course, the materials you choose should be aesthetically pleasing but they should be functional too. If you’re opting for a wet room design then it’s a good idea to tile the entire bathroom, however if you want an enclosed shower and bath area then you may only want a few fully-tiled select areas and decorate the rest with either paint or wallpaper.

Flawless lighting

gold wall lights - what to consider when planning a bathroom renovation - home improvements - granddesignsmagazine.com

Image: Davey Lighting

Bathroom lighting should not be underestimated and should be a key design feature that is figured out way before anything gets installed. Yousef Mansuri, head of design at C.P. Hart says ‘make sure you consider lighting without relying too heavily on downlights. Although these are fantastic at giving an even covering of light, they are not the most sympathetic and can often take the charm out of a bathroom, leaving it looking clinical.’

Shower and wetrooms

black framed showe - what to consider when planning a bathroom renovation - home improvements - granddesignsmagazine.com

Image: Big Bathroom Shop

With a shower space it’s important to decide straight away whether you want a shower enclosure or a wet room. If opting for an enclosed shower then you need to consider what kind of shower tray you would like and if you would prefer a closeable door or an open panel. A closed off space is practical in the sense that it keeps the heart and moisture contained to one space.

The best bath

copper bath in loft conversion copy - what to consider when planning a bathroom renovation - home improvements - granddesignsmagazine.com

Image: C.P. Hart

There are many different styles of bath that will suit a range of different budgets. Consider the chosen material of your bath and how this will effect your bathing experience. Composites are warm to the touch and can be repaired easily, while cast iron baths have extremely good heat retention.