Harwood E Woodpecker asked:

Building a new bathroom, or revamping an old one, involves many complex decisions from basic plumbing practicalities to aesthetics such as window treatments. Big decisions have to be made on how to create a space that is flexible, efficient and attractive, whether it's a large family bathroom or the smallest of cloakrooms practicality and good looks go hand-in-hand in the bathroom, arguably the hardest-working room in the house – and one that can be a major selling point when it comes to moving on .

First, consider who will use your new bathroom and how often. Are there any safety concerns to do with children, elderly people or disabled people? And what do you need in terms of fittings: a separate shower, double basin or extra towel holder, for example? What about access? Getting shower cubicles and baths up narrow stairs can be tricky.

Next, draw a scaled plan of the room on a sheet of graph paper, marking the positions of doors, windows, radiators and built-in cupboards as well as the bath, basin(s), showers, WC and any other fittings. Is there space for everything you'd like, or do you need to extend, put the WC in a separate room, choose compact fittings or make do with, say, a combined shower-bath?

Remember to allow activity space around each fitting – there's nothing more annoying that banging your elbow on a wall every time you brush your teeth, or stubbing your toe each time you step out of the bath.

Discuss the requirements of your hot water system with your plumber. You may, for example, need to upgrade your boiler or fit a pump to make your shower work effectively.

Will you want radiators or (for a more streamlined look) underfloor heating? If you're concerned about visible pipe work, it's usually possible to run pipes under floors and behind false walls.

Think about lighting at an early stage, too – there are special requirements for bathroom lights, and flexibility is important, to give you bright, directional light for shaving or putting on make-up, and a relaxing glow for reading in the bath.

You may wish to fit a combination of overhead and wall lights, perhaps even with special effects, such as a concealed light behind a mirror, or beneath a wall-hung vanity unit.

Storage is important – no one wants to see a display of spare loo rolls or toilet cleaners – and you'll need to decide whether you want to go down the built-in route, using recessed areas for cupboards and shelves, fitting a vanity unit around the basin and perhaps even installing wall and floor units (rather like a kitchen), or opt for free-standing pieces, such as cupboards, chests, trolleys and boxes.

However large or small your bathroom, you can never have too much storage. If you're constructing housing for a concealed cistern or a false wall to hide pipe work, consider building small cupboards or shelving into it.

This brings us to matter of style. Will you go for sleek and modern, something more traditional, or a pretty, country look?

The choice is vast, and it's not just determined by the sanitary ware, but other vital accessories that are fundamental to the over all look of a bathroom.

John Pawlett asked:

Would you like to save money, make your bathroom look better, and be able to take pride in the fact that you did it yourself? Deciding to start a home improvement project can be a little freighting but with the right tools and information, you will soon be on your way. You will have the confidence to do it yourself and know that you have done a good job.

The first step to getting started with your new tap project is getting the information to do the job. You need to consult the web and/or educational books to make sure that you have all that you need to make this process happen.

Once you have all your information compiled and feel ready to undertake your home improvement project, you need to look at all the different tap manufacturers for the best quality for the money you are willing to spend. You will want to purchase a tap that is durable, as well as, blending well with your existing bathroom accessories.

You now have the perfect tap purchased. It is sitting in its box awaiting its new home on your bathroom vanity. You need to make sure that you have the correct tools available. This would include:

A basin **** wrench or pipe wrench

Philips-head screwdriver

Flat-head screwdriver

Slip-joint and adjustable pliers

Adjustable wrench

Bathroom caulk and caulk gun (plumber's putty will also work)

New flexible tap supply tubes

Thread sealer

Your next step in this process would be to remove the old tap. To do this, you will need to shut off your water supply either under the sink or at the main water-supply valve. The hot and cold water supply tubes will need to be loosened. At the tap stem, loosen and remove the compression nut with a basin **** wrench or pipe wrench. To remove the tap now, all that you need to do is remove the nut holding the tap to the sink. The tap should lift off.

Chrome-plated brass hardware may start to decay after time so you may wish to change that as well. A bucket should be placed under the drain to contain excess water still in the drain. A new stopper may come with your new tap. If this is the case, you might like to change that also. This will give you a consistent look on your new design.

You will need to wrap your tap stems with a thread sealer. Before inserting the tap stems into the correct holes install the rubber gasket to the base of the tap. Don't worry if your tap did not come with a rubber gasket. A bead of caulk will do the trick. When you have the tap in position, you can thread the washer, nut, and mounting nut on to the tap tailpiece. Tighten these nuts by hand.

You may now attach your supply tubes to the tap stems. Make sure that you apply thread sealer to the shut off valve threads. Tighten the coupling nuts to the supply stems. Be careful not to over-tighten the nuts. Reconnect the hot and cold water supply stems.

You are now ready to clean the supply tubes to your new tap. To do this you need to remove the aerator from the tap. Now turn on the water. You will need to check for leaks while the water is running. If there are none, shut off the water and replace the aerator.

Now sit back and enjoy your new bathroom tap. You can take pride in the fact that you just installed it yourself.

Alex Zidan asked:

There are many people that invest in a new shower curtain which is overpriced along with a new set of bathroom rugs that will set off the new bathroom style. These items are usually last minute decisions because the mirror and vanity need to be decided on first. The style of bathroom vanity that you decide on makes the whole theme of the restroom including what style to continue with. The items that you need to possess are features that will help your guests achieve their tasks in the bathroom.

The decision that you make will affect everyone that enters this particular room. Some guests just accept the style of the bathroom vanity because it helps achieve one of the most important needs of all. The room can be seen from the doorway so make sure that the style fits the rest of the house. The mirror may capture your eye while heading across the room to the toilet or just to use the sink. The convenience of your guests the vanity mirror is placed within eye level.

When coming to a conclusion on the bathroom vanity, you want to catch a style that will catch the guests' attention. Your restroom will feel homelike if you choose a style that is natural. Your home needs to be comfortable so make sure this technique is incorporated in your style. A warm atmosphere will keep your guests happy while they are visiting. The true you need to be displayed for every guest to appreciate. The restroom needs as much attention as the other rooms in the house do.

You will have various styles to assist you with the remodel but choosing the bathroom vanity is just the start of the whole project. The color scheme and theme will also need to be determined to continue with the bathroom project. When a natural wood trimmed vanity is chosen comforting earth tones enhance the cold porcelain fixtures. When deciding on a new counter top a stone type can intensify the wooden framed vanity. There are tiles and peel and stick tiling that will coordinate nicely with the new counter top.

The new bathroom vanity can have various colors of wood stains to choose from. It is a personal preference when it comes to the final choice on the color. The color of the stain can be applied to a natural wood framed mirror so the vanity can balance the restroom. To add depth to the vanity area, the stain can be darkened with two or three more coats of stain.

To focus on appearance of the restroom the accessories need to coordinate with the style of the new bathroom vanity. The back wall can feature a towel bar and a towel hanger can be placed by the light switch next to the doorway. There needs to be measurements taken and check for stud placement before applying the towel rack and hanger is hung in the correct place.

The new bathroom vanity needs to be taking up on a certain percentage of the restroom. You do not want to have the vanity sticking out in the walkway when the guests enter. The reason for a set style in the lavatory is so the room coordinates with the rest of your home.

Alex Moiseev asked:

Here are 10 tips to consider when it comes to making sure your new bathroom will work for the whole family and be easy on your housework time:

1. When setting a budget and choosing the products you’ll be using, remember that installation will soak up around 50% of your costs.

2. What are you going to be able to fit into your new bathroom and what products will offer you the best use of space? Do you need to consider a wall-hung bathroom vanity and wall-hung furniture to free up the floor area and make the bathroom look bigger?

3. Have a think about who will be using the space. Family bathrooms, for instance, have to cope with a lot of traffic. This may affect the finishes you choose. Tools such as the Clearlite bathroom planner can help steer you through the choices.

4. Make sure that the shower and bath etc that you select can be easily cleaned without the need for special maintenance products or lots of elbow grease, especially if they’re not manufactured specifically for our market.

5. If you’re going to theme your bathroom – creating, for example, a French or Italian look – check that accessories such as bathroom vanity cabinets and shelving will be OK in heat and damp as well as delivering the image you’re after.

6. Ensure your ventilation, heating and insulation are up to the job of minimising moisture build-up and condensation on the walls and ceiling.

7. Install an extractor fan of the right capacity for the room size and vent it to the outside. Window joinery with passive vents is another idea. Use a water-resistant lining, such as Gib Aqualine, on the walls and ceiling as a base for paint, tiles, or wallpaper. When renovating, removing and replacing linings allows framing to be checked, insulation to be installed, and plumbing to be relocated if necessary.

9. Use Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen Kitchen & Bathroom with antibacterial silver protection and MoulDefender to inhibit mould growth if painting, or a solid vinyl applied over Shur-Stik size if papering.

10. An emergency floor drain is a good idea in case of overflows.

Direct traffic asked:

There are many different types of bathroom furniture to choose from for your new bathroom. When it comes to deciding on the type of furniture for you it is important that you think about the answers to the following questions:

•Who will be using it?

•What is the size and shape of the bathroom?

•Is it the main bathroom? How often is it used?

•What is the purpose? Is it just a second bathroom for a toilet and to wash your hands or is it for all the family?

The answers to these questions will give you a better idea of your storage requirements. Buying the right bathroom furniture can ensure your bathroom is functional while not being too cluttered. If it is a family bathroom it will need to have plenty of storage units for towels, toiletries, cleaning products and maybe children’s toys. Effective planning of bathroom furniture will ensure a well presented and accessible bathroom that also hides toilet cisterns and any exposed pipes.

The right storage can benefit any bathroom so proper planning is the key to make the most of your bathroom layout. Many people will have a rough idea of what they want, take measurements and order the items and then discover they don’t all quite fit together.

Do your homework when it comes to bathroom furniture as items can come in many different shapes and sizes. Many businesses offer an extensive range of products to their customers. Companies understand many people have small bathrooms and have developed compact, space saving bathroom furniture in response to this, to make the best use of the space available therefore meeting customer’s needs.

Once you have a better idea of the bathroom furniture you want it will help narrow down the search and allow you to choose from one of the many different designs and materials. Many businesses offer a full range of bathroom furniture from basin units and storage cupboards to toilet seats and bath panels.

Whatever your size of bathroom there are many places that can tailor to meet your needs for bathroom furniture.

Dror Klar asked:

Almost everyone would like to have the perfect bathroom, but a good remodeling job does not have to be only in your dreams. With a little savings and some know-how, you can have the bathroom you have dreamed of ever since you first purchased your home.

The amount you have to spend on remodeling your bathroom will directly influence the feel and efficiency of the room and also whether you get the exact look that you want. If you have a small bathroom in the center of the house, it will be harder to expand than a bathroom that is on an outer wall.

If you want to expand, you also need to be careful which walls you take out, since some walls may be load bearing and can cause the ceiling to drop if you remove them.

Consider having a bathtub and shower separate. This is a pretty popular feature in modern bathrooms and it is convenient when you and your spouse need to bathe at the same time.

When picking a new bathtub, you need to make sure you get one that will accommodate the tallest person in your house. Tubs that are about 6 feet long should meet most needs. A Jacuzzi or a tub that uses air jets instead of water can be a great feature to add to your new bathroom if you have the money to purchase one.

A large number of people are looking toward taking more showers than baths simply due to the fact that showers use so much less water, but that does not mean that you cannot have a relaxing one.

All kinds of shower heads and systems can be purchased, some costing thousands of dollars. Even if you do not have the money to purchase something this expensive, you can still get a good deal.

Another major feature of the bathroom is the toilet. Think about getting a dual flush toilet instead of a standard one, since these will use much less water and reduce your water bill as long as they are used correctly. All kinds of colors and designs are available, but most people play it safe and choose white or black.

The most important feature of your bathroom, though, will be the flooring. You want to make sure and install flooring that both suits your taste and is a hard surface, like tile or stone.

The last thing you want to put down in this room is carpet. Rugs are acceptable, since they can be taken up and cleaned, but carpet will become molded due to moisture.

Gary Nealon asked:

A good rule to live by is to update your bathroom every seven to ten years. It might come as a surprise for some, but seven years is actually the average amount of time an American lives in one house. There are many factors that contribute to that number, but if we go off of raw data, you can see that an updated bathroom might be in your future.

Take a look at your bathroom. There is a good chance that it is "dated" and has aged without you noticing. Too many times people live there lives and don't see what is in front of them everyday. That blue tile from the nineteen seventies or that gaudy white vanity that went out in the eighties might still be part of your bathroom scene. It's OK, these things get overlooked until someone brings it to your attention and here is what you can do.

When I do a bathroom renovation the first question is always: "How much will this cost me?" It is a fair question and it is especially pertinent in today's volatile restate market. My answer has recently changed. I now say, buy the supplies online and I will work with you on the install price. Yes buying bathroom products online has saved me thousands and now it can do the same for you. The choices are almost endless, you can go with basic RTA products (RTA stands for Ready To Assemble) or you can get as fancy as a high end vanity. Either way the savings are about thirty to forty percent over a retail store like Home Depot or Lowe's. I know, I could not believe it either, but online suppliers have less overhead and less expenses, thus the savings can be passed onto you.

I have found that using keywords has sped up my searching. If that does not make sense to you, I will say it another way. Say you're looking for an un-assembled bathroom vanity and you want to look online. Instead of typing (into a search engine) the word bathroom, you would go more specific like "RTA bathroom vanity". This will instantly get you to a site that has pre-assembled products. Be careful all search engines have "PAID" searches on the top of their list, instead go to the third or fourth down and click on that, this is not a paid search and will give you more of what you want. (Note – the paid searches usually show up a little different from the regular searches and you should be able to see the difference.)

So that new bathroom is literally a click away. Go online, use a few key words and start searching. Remember to avoid sites that claim they will give you "free shipping", it is simply not true and if it is, look at their pricing, I am sure it is inflated enough to cover the shipping costs. Other than that, good luck and start shopping online for that new bathroom.