How to plan a bathroom renovation project

Whether it is to renew the fittings, add more features or improve aesthetics, the success of a bathroom renovation depends on the balance between functionality, planning and aesthetics. This is why we must create a functional space and adapt it to the needs of all the users, without forgetting to design a personal environment prioritising hygiene and well-being.

Whether we have a small or large bathroom, any bathroom renovation requires careful planning. Step one is proper planning, which will minimise potential mistakes or deviations in execution times and budget.

We help you to plan a bathroom renovation project step by step.

1. What needs will our bathroom project cover?

One of the main reasons for renovating the bathroom is to improve the functionality of this space and to adapt it to the new needs of household members. This is why the first step is to analyse what the current bathroom is missing and to define the needs that the new bathroom should cover.

The bathroom's function should prevail over its form. So we must consider how many people will use the bathroom, their ages and their habits, as well as their schedule. This will all be vital when deciding on the layout of the space and the equipment.

For example, if various people will be using the bathroom, and there is enough space, a double washbasin may be very useful.

If we need more room for storage and our space is limited, we could opt for built-in elements and versatile large-capacity units, such as wall-mounted cabinets or units.

If we have young children, a bathtub could be the most practical option for their early years, although if we have little space, we can install a shower and use a child's bathtub that can be placed within. From the age of 4, children can start using the shower.

If the space lacks natural light, we can choose light materials. Or if we have little time and the space is highly used, the ideal option is to choose new materials that will be easy to maintain.

2. Define the layout

Considering the available space, the surface area, its shape, and the positioning of doors and windows will allow us to plan the layout. In this article we will give you all the details about how to distribute the bathroom: the minimum measurements for each area, the minimum distance between elements and the regulations on water drainage and the positioning of sockets.

Making a layout plan means taking some decisions about the facilities we are going to install, as most of them involve installation before placement.

• Do the dimensions of our bathroom mean we need to choose compact models?
• Are we going to have built-in elements, such as toilet cisterns?
• A single or double washbasin, countertop or recessed?
• Shower or bathtub?
• Are we going to include a bidet or not?
• Floor or wall-mounted units, shelves, auxiliary furniture...?
• If we can have a window, it is the best way to improve lighting and ventilation.

With regard to energy efficiency, it is best to use installations that help us save water and energy.

Round tap

We must always comply with the CTE (Technical Building Code) regulations on bathroom drainage, which aim to optimise the water drainage network and the use of energy resources:

1. The network layout must be simple and optimal so that water flows by gravity.
2. Connect the equipment to the drainage pipes. If this is not possible due to the design, connection to the toilet hose is permitted.
3. The distance from the drain trap to the drainage pipe must not be more than 2m and the branches connected to the drain trap must have a maximum length of 2.5m, with a gradient of between 2% and 4%.
4. Elements with an individual trap, such as basins and bidets, must be no more than 4m from the drainage pipe, with gradients of between 2.5% and 5%. For bathtubs and showers, the gradient must not exceed 10%.
5. Toilet flushing to the drainage pipes will be carried out directly or through a connection hose no longer than 1m.
6. Washbasins, bidets and bathtubs must have an overflow.
7. No facing drains must be connected to a common pipe.
8. The joints of the drains to the drainpipes must have the greatest possible slope, not less than 45o.
9. When the individual trap system is used, the drainage branches of the sanitary equipment must be connected to a bypass pipe which flows into the drain, or if this is not possible, then into the toilet hose, with a removable head with a screw cap.
10. Pumped drains should be avoided.

Can we change the location of the bathroom?

In most cases, it is possible to move the bathroom from its original place, although we must take into account that bathrooms need to have a drainage pipe nearby. The toilet is the element that must be placed closest to the drainage pipe to improve drainage.

3. Define the style

A bathroom must also respond to the aesthetic that best fits our lifestyle. Contemporary, minimalist, Nordic, farmhouse... the options for adapting the project to our liking are endless.

4. Maintenance and hygiene

Practicality is a key element in choosing equipment and materials. These will determine whether our everyday use of the bathroom improves our quality of life. 

Choose antibacterial materials that facilitate cleaning, that are non-porous and that are suitable for wet areas. Rimless toilets, Project Tech repairable countertops, bathroom units with ceramic countertops, high-end sanitary ceramic elements such as Nk Ceramic, or ceramic tiles with few or no joints.

Liem

5. Auxiliary elements and decoration

The bathroom is one of the busiest rooms in a house throughout the day, and a space where we accumulate many objects. Organisation not only provides user functionality and facilitates a better use of the space, but it also lends harmony to a space where disconnection and relaxation are fundamental. In this post we tell you how to organise the bathroom and simplify your life.

The use of accessories, auxiliary cupboards, wall-hung furniture or shelves, coupled with elements that help keep things in order are crucial to keeping our toiletries tidy.

Lounge