There are several guidelines that you can follow to ensure that your bathroom remodeling experience doesn’t give you too much reason to pause and think if it was a good idea to have decided upon undertaking the whole project in the first place. When planning your layout, use the following guideline:
1. List items you want included in your new bathrooms. The basic requirements in your bathroom of course are the following:
- Bath Tub and/or shower
- Hand basin
- Toilet.
- Bidet (optional)
2. Decide on fixtures that you may want:
- Electric shaver point
- Mirror
- Ventilation fan
- Bathroom cabinet
- Medicine chest
- Laundry basket
- A chair or stool
- Shelves
3. Measure your bathroom at floor level and at about 900mm from the floor – use the smaller measurement for your floor plan. Then draw a scale plan with squared paper. Mark on the plan plumbing and electrical outlets – hot and cold water, drains, electric points, any existing extractor vents in the walls. Take into consideration the working areas around each unit:
- Bath – approximately 1100 x 700mm (43 x 28in) alongside and 2200mm (86in) headroom (can be reduced if the bath is sunken).
- Basins – 200mm (8in) on each side and 700mm (28in) in front.
- Toilet and bidets – 200mm (8in) on each side and 600mm (24in) in front.
- Showers – If enclosed on three sides – 900 x 700mm (35 x 28in); if not enclosed – 900 x 400mm (35 x 16in).
4. Take note of any openings like door or windows in the room that can influence where the position of the units. Look at the free area between the units and arrange to fit any other floor items like laundry basket or stool. Remove any items that may not be important if you find that the room is too crowded. Consider having a shower head positioned over the bath rather than a separate shower cubicle or using a corner bath rather than the traditional style of tub. Take into consideration also of usage convenience when re-arranging the bathroom, or relocating the position of the existing services. Additional work may be involved if there’s a need to reposition a window or door, as well as electricity, water supplies, drains (above floor), drains below suspended floors, drains below solid floors and moving doors/windows. Professional help will come in handy when moving doors/windows.
5. \’Play\’ with the layout to achieve your dream bathroom – then look at any relocation of services required – are you happy with the amount of work involved? You may decide it is too much work and will have to compromise. Once you are happy with a basic floor arrangement, think about the wall area and where you can fit any wall mounted accessories to wish to include.
