In the light of the uncertainty surrounding the recent outbreak of Covid – 19, our priority continues to be the well-being of our customers and employees, and we are committed to ensuring that our front line customer service operates in the safest way for us all.

We would like to reassure customers that we are taking all necessary steps to follow the guidance given by the government and the world health organisation at this time.

Following the government guidelines and being categorised as key workers, we are available for all emergency boiler, central heating and plumbing repairs. Normal opening hours apply.

We are still carrying out quotations and installations as these can be carried out without jeopardising the health of either our customers or employees. Please call 07850399148 for more information.

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SR Coates Plumbing and Heating
Contact Our Plumbers in Oxford Today on 07850 399148 or 01865 862323

Important Bathroom Design Mistakes to Avoid

By 23rd August 2022Uncategorised
Gas, Heating & Plumbing Engineers in Oxford

Important Bathroom Design Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to giving our home interior an overhaul, we like to complement our own personal style as well as the overall design of the rest of the home. Whether that’s colour pallet, flooring, accessories, bathroom storage or lighting, we want a house to feel homely for family members but also impressive when guests come to visit. There are a number of interior design mistakes to avoid though, especially when it comes to refurbishing your bathroom. 

Everyone has a dream design in mind when remodelling a bathroom, and in the long run you want to ensure that it stands the test of time and doesn’t have any flaws which can be costly in years to come when you’ll be forced to re-do the upgrade again. Here’s our top list of areas to consider when taking on a bathroom renovation and the common mistakes to avoid. 

Do your research

This is a particularly important one to start with. Whether you’re working with a plumber to help with the installation or buying from the high street or online, make sure to shop around for the best deals and see what the wait time is for having items delivered. This could save you time and money in the long run. Also if there are certain materials that would match the rest of your home, shop around online to see which stores match your style. 

Wrong measurements

Size over style is definitely the case for bathrooms as it needs to function well at the end of the day, especially if you’ve got little space to work with. When designing a new bathroom make sure there’s enough space to move around the toilet easily (we recommend at least a 60cm circumference), and that nothing is obstructing shower doors or cupboards as this will become an annoying factor in a short space of time. 

Buying the wrong size shower screen

Speaking of measurements, we don’t just mean for the overall layout but for the bathroom items too. You want to make sure that the shower screen provides complete coverage otherwise you’ll end up with a soggy bathroom floor which can be dangerous. Also bear in mind measurements if installing a bath so that it fits neatly into your desired space. 

Placing the bath taps in the wrong place

It may seem like a small matter but you’ll soon find it a bother when you’re longing for a relaxing bath but can’t get comfortable because the taps are in the way. Are they best placed at the very end of the tub or in the middle for a contemporary finish? 

Not treating wooden floors or surfaces

Before turning on any taps in your new and improved bathroom it’s important that wooden areas have been treated correctly to protect it from water and humidity which could damage the wood finish or even lead to rotting. If you’re concerned about the aftercare of having wood flooring then perhaps consider floor tiles instead. 

Check your pipework

What looks nice on the surface might not be the case underneath the floorboards. Before planning where an item is going to be placed, think about where the pipes need to be. Your toilet for example needs to be no further than 6m from the soil pipe to allow it to drain properly, while showers, baths and basins need to be a maximum of 4m away. 

Think about privacy

The bathroom is certainly the one place you don’t want to be caught out in embarrassment. What does your bathroom look like and how can you protect yourself from prying eyes? Could you have frosted glass installed or potentially blinds, and don’t forget that all important lock on the door. 

Bath over shower

There’s always a debate in a home whether a bath or shower is more favourable. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional look with a roll top bath or something more modern with a shower, take a look at the measurements to see what kind of area you’re working with. If you have a small space then a wet room could be an option. Alternatively if you can’t decide then have the best of both with a shower over the bath. 

Consider lighting options

Lighting is something that certainly creates a mood and an ambiance, especially in a common bathroom. Do you have natural light coming in through windows or would you rather have task lighting that puts a spotlight on certain areas of the room to create a relaxing atmosphere. 

Don’t disregard storage space

Whether you have a small bathroom or large, thinking about storage space is key. When designing what bathroom fixtures will go where, consider what storage options you have for items such as towels and toiletries. 

Forgetting about finishing touches

When thinking about bathroom design mistakes to avoid whilst looking at the bigger picture, think about what accessories will boost your bathroom and exemplify your style. This could be plants, mirrors or bath mats. 

Poor ventilation

As the most humid room in the house thanks to all that hot air, you’re going to need to invest in a decent extractor fan that can keep mould at bay. This is particularly vital if you have a bathroom with no windows as that reduces the chance for humidity to escape even more. 

Think about the future

When upgrading your bathroom it’s good to think about its long-term usage and what features to have in place. For example, if you have children in the home or need extra reassurance for when you get older. This can include installing non-slip surfaces, flat walk-in showers and grab handles which you’ll thank yourself for later. 

Disregarding the experts

As full bathroom suites are easy to come by online or in store these days, you may think you don’t need the assistance of a professional. However, bringing on board an expert who can spot any flaws in your design and help with the detailed aspects of a bathroom renovation. This includes the potential to knock down walls, add in new windows, or work on pipes and cables to make sure your water system and electricity is easily available. 

These are just a number of mistakes to avoid when redesigning your bathroom that we recommend. At SR Coates, we’ve been proud to be part of bathroom refurbishments which have truly transformed a home using our expert skills, eye for detail and experience built up after years in the industry. Speak to our team to see how we can help you move one step forward to investing in your dream bathroom and leaving the handy work to the professionals. We’re fully insured and our reputation for delivering stylish, contemporary bathrooms stand the test of time thanks to our care and attention from the pipework to presentation.