DIY Tips

Before you change a bathroom, you need an idea of what to change it to.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Feb 2014, 17:00 BST
A Generic Photo of a plumber working in a bathroom. See PA Feature HOMES Homes Column. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/JupiterImages Corporation. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature HOMES Homes Column.A Generic Photo of a plumber working in a bathroom. See PA Feature HOMES Homes Column. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/JupiterImages Corporation. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature HOMES Homes Column.
A Generic Photo of a plumber working in a bathroom. See PA Feature HOMES Homes Column. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/JupiterImages Corporation. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature HOMES Homes Column.

It’s a seemingly simple task, but one that can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if your current room has remained unaltered for some years, and its faded tiles and shower curtains look beyond repair.

Luckily, there’s plenty of inspiration around for potential DIYers. So once you’ve pored over the pictures, and decided what layout and budget suits your projec, there’s no reason not to get started.

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First stop, unless you’re a very experienced DIYer, is to get a good plumber to do any work that involves changing the existing layout.

Don’t forget to work out how much space is needed to comfortably use the loo and basin and to dry off after having a shower or bath - pack in too much and you’ll soon find that your bathroom isn’t easy, practical or pleasurable to use. As well as somewhere to wash, storage is also essential in a bathroom.

If you are not using a designer to help you with your re-vamped bathroom, get the layout right by drawing the room on graph paper.

Apart from the cost of a plumber (and designer if you use one) replacing a bathroom doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s not hard to find great-looking budget fixtures and fittings (suites start from around £200), and the sales are currently still on.

Of course, there is much more to a bathroom than just the suite, and sometimes updating the smaller touches, like the wall colour, flooring and lighting, can make an equally big impact on your room.