A bathroom renovation can transform your daily routine and add significant value to your Belfast home. Whether you're updating an outdated suite or creating a spa-like retreat, careful planning ensures the best results. Here's what you need to know.
Planning Your Renovation
Assess Your Needs: - Who uses the bathroom and how often? - Do you prefer baths or showers (or both)? - Is storage a priority? - Do you need accessibility features? - What's your realistic budget?
Consider Your Lifestyle: - Family bathroom needs durability - En-suite can be more indulgent - Guest bathroom should be practical and welcoming - Children's bathroom needs easy-clean surfaces
Layout Considerations
Working with Existing Plumbing: Moving soil pipes and drains is expensive. If possible, keep the toilet, sink, and shower/bath in roughly similar positions to reduce costs.
Space Optimisation: - Corner sinks save floor space - Wet rooms eliminate shower tray barriers - Wall-hung vanities create visual space - Mirrored cabinets add storage and light - Pocket doors don't swing into the room
Practical Layout Rules: - Allow 60cm clearance in front of toilet - 70cm minimum clearance for shower entry - Consider door swing direction - Place storage within reach of where it's needed
Popular Bathroom Features
Walk-In Showers: Increasingly popular, especially large format. Wet rooms are the ultimate version.
Underfloor Heating: A luxury touch that's affordable to install. Electric mats work well under tiles.
Freestanding Baths: A statement feature if you have space. Consider weight (especially for upper floors) and cleaning access.
Smart Features: Digital showers, illuminated mirrors, Bluetooth speakers - technology is increasingly common.
Quality Taps: Higher quality taps look better and last longer. Don't skimp on these high-touch items.
Material Selection
Tiles: - Porcelain is durable and water-resistant - Ceramic is budget-friendly - Natural stone needs sealing and more maintenance - Large format tiles = fewer grout lines - Consider slip ratings for floor tiles
Worktops: - Quartz is practical and attractive - Laminate is budget-friendly - Solid surface allows integrated sinks - Avoid wood directly near water
Fixtures: - Chrome is classic and easy to clean - Brushed finishes hide water marks - Black fixtures are on-trend - Match finishes throughout for cohesion
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial in our humid climate:
Extractor Fan: Essential for windowless bathrooms, recommended for all. Humidity-sensing models activate automatically.
Window: If present, ensure it opens and consider privacy glass.
Building Regulations: Bathrooms and shower rooms require adequate ventilation - your fitter should know requirements.
Costs
Bathroom renovation costs vary widely based on specification:
| Specification | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Budget refresh | £3,000-£5,000 |
| Mid-range complete | £5,000-£10,000 |
| High-end | £10,000-£20,000 |
| Luxury/wet room | £15,000-£30,000+ |
Typical Cost Breakdown: - Suite (toilet, basin, bath/shower): 20-30% - Tiles: 10-15% - Labour: 40-50% - Plumbing/electrics: 10-15% - Accessories and finishing: 5-10%
Choosing a Contractor
What to Look For: - Experience with bathroom installations - In-house plumbing capability (or trusted sub-contractors) - Examples of similar completed projects - Clear, detailed quotations - Realistic timescales - Public liability insurance
Red Flags: - Very low quotes (corners will be cut) - Vague pricing ("around..." or "approximately...") - Cannot show previous work - Wants large deposits upfront - Unavailable for questions or site visit
Timeline
A typical bathroom renovation takes 1-2 weeks:
Day 1-2: Strip out old bathroom **Day 2-3: Plumbing first fix, floor preparation **Day 3-4: Electrical first fix **Day 5-6: Wall and floor tiling **Day 7-8: Install suite, shower, bath **Day 9-10: Second fix, sealants, finishing
More complex projects (moving drains, structural work) take longer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating Budget: Always add 15-20% contingency for unexpected issues.
Choosing Style Over Function: That beautiful tap might be impractical to use daily.
Insufficient Lighting: Plan lighting carefully - task, ambient, and accent.
Forgetting Storage: Where will toiletries, towels, and cleaning supplies go?
Ignoring Ventilation: Poor ventilation leads to mould and damage.
Skimping on Waterproofing: Proper tanking in wet areas prevents expensive problems later.
Conclusion
A bathroom renovation is a significant project but immensely rewarding when done well. Careful planning, realistic budgeting, and choosing the right contractor are key to success.
At Diamond Property Maintenance NI, our building services team has extensive bathroom fitting experience throughout Belfast. We handle projects from design through to completion. Contact us to discuss your bathroom renovation.
Need Professional Help?
Our experienced team is ready to help with all your property maintenance needs.
Get a Free Quote02895606799
