How to plan or update a bathroom

To Plan or update a bathroom, you will need...

To change a toilet seat
A toilet seat
Slip joint pliers

To fit an under basin towel rail
Under-basin towel rail
Slot-head screwdriver
Cable, pipe and stud detector
Pencil
Screws
Spirit level
Masonry wall plugs (for masonry walls)
Self-drilling wall plug (for hollow stud walls)

Things to think about when planning or updating a bathroom

A new bathroom could add value to your property, but make sure your proposed expenditure is in keeping with your home's value.
Fixtures with dual functions, like a heated towel rail with hanging space, or a sink with cupboard beneath it, are useful if you have a small space to work with and must keep to your original layout.
Fitting a new bathroom is easiest when a similar layout is maintained relative to the bathroom you have taken out .
Make the most of your space. If there's room, fit double sinks and large mirrors. These have impact but are practical too. Create as much built-in storage as you can to save shelf space in other rooms.
Bright halogen lights and good lighting will increase the feeling of space in what is often the smallest room in the house.
If changing the bathroom floor, consider installing underfloor heating, especially if using hard tiles. Dry electric systems (in mat form or loose cable kits) are designed for small spaces like bathrooms.
Replace radiators with heated towel rails. Check that the rail will provide enough heat output for your size of bathroom. Consider a freestanding heated cabinet, a modern take on an airing cupboard.
Ventilation is vital in your bathroom. Even if you have windows that you can open, install an extractor fan.
Do not scrimp on your bathroom floor. Here, as in a kitchen, flooring has to be ery hardwearing. Laminate floor is best avoided in a bathroom as it will not last well, long-term. Solid wood floors will last and can be cleaned with standard cleaning products, but, in most cases, have to be sealed more than once. Also, standing water must be avoided with wooden floors. Stone and ceramic tiles are tough and hardwearing and both look sleek and contemporary.
If you plan to alter your bathroom, always ask a qualified electrician to advise whether or not the bonding and earthing arrangements in your home need to be improved for safety reasons.

Order of work

When fitting out a new bathroom, a sensible order of work is below. Ensure that you book all professional help in good time.

Strip out the old bathroom.
Carry out the electrical and plumbing first fix, as required.
Replaster if necessary.
Fit the bathroom.
Carry out the electrical second fix.
Decorate and lay flooring. It may be suitable to lay flooring before basins/toilets are fitted.

Planning a bathroom

A bathroom is one of the most important rooms in the house. Every aspect should be considered, from sanitary ware and fixtures to floor and wall finishes, so that it functions well for years to come.
Make the most of what is almost always a small space by drawing a scale plan of your bathroom layout to see if you can improve its design. The layout you choose will depend on the space you have available. On your accurate floor plan, make sure you include power points, pipes, radiators, windows, sills, alcoves and doors. Make sure the dimensions are exact and don't forget to include your room height.
Redesigning your bathroom isn't just about the way it looks, it's about practicalities too. When you plan a new bathroom, begin by choosing a toilet and basin. The toilet is the one item that can't be shrunk to fit and a space-saving 48cm projection is about as small as you can get.
When choosing a basin, if you use it just to rinse your hands, you will need a smaller size than if you use it to wash your hair.
When you have chosen a toilet and basin that you like, choose a bath and/or shower to match. Basins, baths and showers come in almost any size.
When you buy new taps, make sure that the number of access holes in your chosen fittings is consistent with the taps you like. You do need to allow for maintenance access if you want to have wall-mounted taps.
If you choose a shower, decide whether it should have its own cubicle or simply be situated above the bath. Also decide whether it should be a mixer shower or an electric one.
Plumbing and electrical requirements differ according to the shower you have selected, and clear instructions will be supplied with your shower. Mixer showers require no electrical connection, but will need power for a pump if one is needed.
Shower pipes are often hidden behind the wall. Where possible, provide emergency access to the shower isolation valves, or fit valves somewhere accessible and make sure that you label them clearly in case any speedy future access is required for maintenance.
Ask yourself what your bathroom lacks? Is it possible to squeeze in more storage? It needn't cost a fortune, as stylish and functional fittings are easily fitted and readily available.

Update a bathroom:

Step by step guide to changing a toilet seat

Step 1: Adjust the seat hinges to fit the pan as directed by the manufacturer. Screw in the locking screws and fit the fixing bolts in place.

Step 2: Place the main seat washers onto the hinge plates, threading them over the fixing bolts. Keep all other parts readily available nearby, and in order of use.

Step 3: Feed the fixing bolts through the holes in the toilet pan, ensuring that the hinges sit flush on top of the pan. The bolts should be visible below.

Step 4: First position the white domed washers and then the fixing nuts on the protruding bolt threads and tighten. Do not overtighten.

Step by step guide to changing bath taps

Step 1: Turn off water supply to taps, then open taps and allow to run dry. Next disconnect flexible tap connectors or cut rigid supply pipes.

Step 2: Remove the old taps or tap mixer unit and insert the new tap unit(s), checking that the position of the washers on the bath rim are correct.

Step 3: Slip on washers under the bath and take care not to overtighten the retaining nuts underneath that hold the taps firm. Reconnect supply pipes.

Step 4: Screw on the shower hose if you have one, checking washer positions above and below the unit. Turn the water back on and check for leaks.

Step by step guide to fitting an under-basin towel rail

Step 1: Make sure you find safe fixing positions. Use an electronic detector before drilling into walls where electric cables or pipes may be concealed.

Step 2: Hold the towel rail in position against the wall. Use a spirit level to check that it is level and then mark the fixing points through the fixing holes.

Step 3: Select a wall plug and screw that will hold the weight of the rail. Drill a hole into the wall at both fixing points and push in the appropriate wall plugs.

Step 4: Position the towel rail and screw it firmly into position on both sides. It will easily hold the weight of a towel, but do not overburden it.

Download a PDF version of this guide

The expert practical advice contained in this leaflet assists you in carrying out your home improvement projects both safely and successfully. If in doubt take professional advice and always follow manufacturers’ instructions.