Adding a new bathroom is one of the greatest home improvements you can make. Not only does it bring extra convenience for your family, it can also be a valuable asset in terms of return on investment. Fitting in an extra bathroom can boost your property’s value by up to 5%, which works out at an extra £15,000 on the average UK home.
However, adding a new bathroom or even renovating an existing one is no small project. Budget restraints, space requirements, waste disposal and hiring tradesmen are all things that need to be considered. Here are 5 things you need to know before you take the plunge.
Is it a complete bathroom remodel or a renovation?
Question whether you can breathe new life into an existing bathroom with a few updates or whether you’ll be starting from scratch and installing a bathroom in a new space. The average cost of updating your bathroom is around £3,000 and remember, the bigger the job the bigger the price tag.
If you’re looking for quick, easy, budget busting ways to renovate your bathroom, steer towards refreshing fittings rather than wholesale structural changes. Smaller jobs like installing new taps, fitting new shower screens, refreshing grouting and repainting tired-looking cupboards can make the world of difference.
How much space will you need for your new bathroom?
If you are working with a blank canvas and need to install a bathroom in a new space, it’s important to first consider the space available to you. For a small bathroom with toilet and sink, you don’t need a lot of space – it could easily squeeze under the stairs. However, the space needed for a bathroom that includes a shower or bathtub is more sizable, typically 36 to 40 square feet.
Scope out the ‘dead space’ in your home to help see where you could install a new bathroom. With the demand for en-suite bathrooms on the rise, the perfect place to start is your bedroom. However, if the bathroom is to be used by the whole family, a larger space will likely be required.
How much will plumbing and electrics cost?
If you are installing a bathroom rather than renovating an existing one, it’s important to consider the associated plumbing costs. It’s best practice to install bathrooms where there already is plumbing fitted, that way you can just run lines off the existing plumbing thus reducing additional plumbing costs. The more new plumbing that needs to be installed, the more you’ll have to pay.
The cost of electrical work on an existing bathroom will vary depending on how old it is and how much you want to modernise the space. If you’re looking to upgrade your lighting, adding a shaver socket or a power shower, the average cost is around £300.
How will the new bathroom be ventilated?
Adequate ventilation is essential in preventing the growth of mold and mildew, improving air quality and removing excess moisture that could cause damage to the bathroom. It needs to be carefully considered before a new bathroom is installed, particularly if you’re fitting into a space with no window.
Installing an extractor fan is a popular and practical option to help keep your bathroom moisture and mould free. The two easiest places to install a fan is through the wall or through the roof as you’re less likely to hit any water pipes and it makes for easy cleaning.
Do you need planning permission to install a new bathroom?
Installing a new bathroom suite rarely needs Planning or Building Regulation Consent. However, if you’re installing a new bathroom as part of an extension to your property, then yes, you will likely need planning permission. If your property is a listed building, you should also consult the local planning authority.
Electrical and plumbing work sometimes needs approval from building regulations. For example, if the work involves substantial relocation or installation of underground drainage, Building Regulation Consent may be necessary.