Planning a new bathroom involves a few careful considerations. First of all you need to determine what is needed such as tiling work, plumbing and electrical installations. The dimensions of the bathroom should be measured first of all so you can decide what kind of fixtures and fittings will actually fit into the space. A good solution is to draw up a basic plan of 
what is going where before you begin. Good planning will allow you to maximise the available space, especially if this space is small. Online planning guides are freely available on the internet these days from places such as argos, as are detailed photographs of modern bathrooms that you can use for ideas.
Setting a budget is another important process, and you will have to consider whether or not you will be hiring professional tradesmen or doing it all yourself. Ring around for as many quotes as you can to get the best services. Designers are a good choice as they can help you find the best layout based on both style and functionality. The point of function is important. Remember not to fit the toilet opposite the door, and leave plenty of access room around the bath tub or shower cubicle.
Even a small bathroom remodel can cost a lot of money. So what’s the best way to estimate the cost of a bathroom remodel. Well the very best way is to get a quantity surveyor to give you a price based on a detailed plan and specification – but by the time you get to that stage you will have spent a fair bit of money to find out you can’t afford your dream bathroom. So here are some simple tips about how to keep the cost of your bathroom remodeling under control.
Go To Show Rooms and Get Estimates
Your dream 2-person corner hydro spa bath costs $2k and your bathroom remodel budget is $5k – no need to go further is there! Think about resurfacing the existing bath or getting a simple bath second hand for around $100! The steam shower with the 27 jets of water – not only is it the cost of the unit – its the extra plumbing required and possibly a new hot water system. So wander around a show room or two and get both some ideas and some realistic prices.
Try to Stay with the Existing Floor Plan
If you can avoid it – avoid moving major plumbing such as the toilet, shower, bath and vanity in a bathroom. The plumbing costs will be substantial. If you can update the bathroom and still have a functional room by just replacing appliances then do so.
Floors and Walls
Love the marble look – but can’t afford it – use a small amount of marble as a splash back behind the vanity or as a head board in the bath. On the other hand if the room is a very small bathroom then you will probably be able to cover it in marble or granite for little extra cost – particularly if you can use off cut or short-ends of materials.
Lighting
Lighting can really bring out the best features of the bathroom if done correctly. Indirect lights that are fitted into the roof space provide a softer glow that creates warmth and a softer focus. Standard lights can sometimes cause glare and a more harsh effect, so think about the kind of effect you wish to create. If you need some ideas about the light fittings then go to retailers like additions direct online, who have hundreds of inexpensive designs and styles. You could even use coloured lighting such as soft blues and greens to change the mood of the bathroom.
Storage
Storage space is yet another factor to consider. Vanity drawers allow for easier access than deep shelved drawers. Combining a wash basin with drawers underneath will free up a bit more space. Heated towel racks are very popular because they combine the radiator with the towel rack and give you more space. Careful planning and preparation will help things run smoothly, and hopefully enable you to keep to your set budget.
Benefits of Wall Hung Toilets
The standard toilet in America has long been of the floor mounted variety. In Europe, however, the most popular design is the wall hung toilet. Now, some wonder, if soon this will be the case in North America as well. The fact of the matter is, that both types have their pros and cons.
- Aesthetics - If we are honest, toilets are not pretty. Maybe the very concept renders it impossible to design a toilet that will be considered so. Wall hung toilets are, however, considered more visually appealing than the floor mounted version. First of all, the water tank is better concealed. The design of a big water tank right on top of the floor mounted toilet is quite clumsy. Secondly, wall hung toilets are smaller and, thus, discrete. You really don’t want the toilet to be an item that attracts attention.
- Provides Easy Cleaning - None of us enjoy cleaning the bathroom and, especially, not the area around the toilet. It is therefore a considerable benefit of wall hung toilets that they make cleaning easier. The floor mounted version creates a lot of corner and creases where dust and grime can settle. It’s difficult to reach these places, and difficult to get rid of all the filth. With floor hung toilets, the toilet bowl is not attached to the floor, thus it is easily cleaned, and there are no corners or creases where dirt can settle.
- Do You Have a Small Bathroom? - Finally, for home owners with a small bathroom, the fact that the wall hung toilets takes up less space is important. When you have a small bathroom you always need to stay aware that the items you install do not take up to much floor space. In this regard, the wall hung toilet is the perfect design.
