Masters Home Improvement

We all lead busy lives so any chance to enjoy a bit of luxury and relaxation in our bathrooms is a blessing.

Even the most compact space can be transformed into a spacious pampering zone.  But before you start stripping tiles and selecting taps, think about your requirements.

The right layout, bathware selections, and ample storage can transform a cramped, tired bathroom into your own boutique hotel-style zone.

Size matters

Even the smallest space can work as a stylish and functional family bathroom.

For a contemporary look, consider a separate bath and shower, plenty of storage, fuss-free finishes and, if room permits, twin basins and a separate toilet.  These elements will mean that everyone in the family will get to work and school on time.

When designing a smaller bathroom or ensuite, a compact or corner bath might be required.  

A busy couple, however, may be happy to live without a bath, preferring a high-tech showerhead with pulsating jets or, for real indulgence, a stylish rainshower.

Measure up

The next stage – designing the floorplan – takes a bit of time and consideration.

Simply measure your space, then draw the layout to scale on graph paper, noting doors, windows and fixtures.

Try various options, but make sure you have enough room to open the shower screen door and a free wall to utilise one or more towel rails.

Moving fixtures may be tempting but new plumbing can really push up your budget.  For a more cost-efficient solution, simply replace your bathware and tiles, and allocate new storage and lighting for a contemporary look.

Perfect fit

When renovating a bathroom, a well-thought-out layout is essential.

If a large bath in a small space is still a priority, for example, you can compromise by downsizing the vanity or installing a showerhead above the bath.

But remember, there are minimum space requirements to consider…

Basin: Ensure you have a clear space of 700mm from the front of the basin to the nearest wall.

Toilet: Allow at least 600mm in front of the toilet and around 200mm either side of the bowl for elbowroom.

Bath: An average bath is approximately 1700mm long and 800mm wide.

Shower: Allow at least 800 x 800mm for the shower recess.

Most bathroom renovations take about four to five weeks, and it’s worth requesting a building work schedule in the early stages.

Before the demolition commences, you should decide on all your bathware items and tiles (known as PC items in the trade).

Check out various magazines and bathroom displays first, and make sure each item follows a similar style or tone.

If you love basin taps in satin chrome, for example, follow the look when selecting the shower and bath taps as well.

Getting started

A bathroom revamp is never a one-person job – it involves carpentry, plumbing, electrical, sheeting, waterproofing, tiling, sealing, plastering and painting. To bring the budget down, a keen renovator can take on a few easy projects…

This can involve stripping out old fittings, selecting and supplying all bathware items, patching the walls for tiling, and painting the walls and ceiling.  But for all the other technical jobs, it’s essential to bring in the tradies.

When selecting a building team or specific sub-contractors, it’s important to check their licences.   Also, check the home warranty insurance requirements in your state.

What to watch out for

When designing or renovating a bathroom, it’s essential to keep up with the latest trends.

Masters Home Improvement provides the latest bathware ranges, from freestanding bath tubs to vanity units with faux stone tops – you can choose from brilliant white to dark granite.

Overall, classic white bathware items and chrome tapware are an unbeatable option.  

The bathroom section displays up-to-the-minute fittings in different shapes and styles – whether you prefer a square-shaped hard-edged basin or a soft round version, it’s all on offer at Masters Home Improvement.

And for real luxury, check out the latest range of heated and illuminated mirrors that resist fogging up, as well as a selection of elongated stainless-steel shower grates that run the full width of the shower recess.

For more ideas and inspiration, and to see the latest product ranges, visit your local Masters Home Improvement store.