Tile Africa: Top 4 tips for renovating a bathroom

Every family lives life in their own way and we all have different needs and wants from our homes. Putting some thought into what your family needs and plotting out the layout beforehand is an excellent way to ensure you get the bathroom you want. Start with these top tips for renovating a bathroom from Tile Africa.

1. Choose Function First

Whether you have a big or a small space to work with, it’s really important to measure and plan out what you need and where to place it before you buy anything. Make sure there’s enough room for moving around, elbow and knee room for the toilet and for any doors or drawers to open fully. It can be helpful to sketch the layout on paper, so that you can see easily see where everything goes and if it works.

Decide on your functional items first. Do you prefer a bath or a shower, do you have space for both? If you have young children, a bath is perhaps a better option than a shower or look at an over-bath shower for when the kids get older. A shower enclosure is a space-savvy choice, whilst a walk-in shower is easily accessible for all ages.

Do you prefer a compact close-coupled toilet with a slimline cistern, or a wall-mounted toilet with a hidden cistern? Newer close-coupled toilets use less water than an older version, and with new rim-free models available, they are easier to clean. A wall-mounted toilet is a great option for a smaller space, as showing more of the floor can make the room look bigger.

2. Storage

Think about what your family needs in a very practical way. A family bathroom needs lots of storage to keep it looking tidy. If you have a smaller space, then bathroom furniture that is multi-purpose like a vanity with built-in basin, or a mirrored cabinet can maximise the storage and functionality of your bathroom and keep the clutter under control.

Make use of the dead space in corners, above baths or behind toilets by hanging a storage cabinet, or floating shelves. This is a wonderful way to store your toiletries and extra towels stylishly and efficiently.  

3. Accessories

Once you have decided on the larger items for your bathroom renovation, you can start including the finer details.

Plan out where to position the toilet roll holder, towel rails, shower caddy and other bathroom fittings so that they’re easily accessible. You don’t want to have to stretch across for a towel, dripping water all over the floor, or not have your soap or shampoo close at hand when you need it. For a cohesive look, use bathroom fittings or accessories from the same range.

The placement of assistive products like grab bars is also important to accommodate the needs of frail or handicapped family members. A carefully planned bathroom that works ensures a safe and happy space for your family.

4. Budgeting for success

Additional expenses you didn’t know about can make renovating very stressful. The two things people often miss in their budget are plumbing supplies and installation products.

Factor in the plumbing fittings that are needed to install your bath, basin, shower and toilet. Ask your plumber what they will supply and what you need to purchase before starting your renovation project.

It’s easy to get excited about the products and tiles you’ve chosen but you also need to remember to include installation essentials like waterproofing, tile adhesive and grout in your budget.

Bathrooms are often the key selling point of a home, so renovating your bathroom is an investment in the value of your property. Even if you’re not planning to sell your home any time soon, you can enjoy your updated space with the peace of mind that you’ve spent your money wisely.

Use these top tips from Tile Africa to create a beautiful and functional bathroom that’s exactly right for you and your family. For design inspiration, visit your nearest Tile Africa and browse their lifestyle displays, or try their online Style Guide.