
Bathroom renovation guide
Guide written on 6 February 2024 by:
Julie, Interior Designer, Manchester
Bathroom renovations: a DIY project for some serious pampering
When it comes to self-care and pampering, the bathroom is the place to be. It’s where we tend to begin and end our days, beyond the bedroom, of course. In fact, most people spend an average of 140 hours every year in the bathroom! Luckily, there is a style to match every taste, whether you love contemporary and minimalist looks to something more natural and even rustic. But with so many trends out there, it’s no wonder that some of us find creating our dream bathroom a daunting prospect.
What’s more, like most large-scaled DIY projects, renovating a bathroom involves a whole host of requirements, such as:
spatial constraints and room layout;
plumbing;
space for electrical work;
time available;
total budget.
Last but not least, remember the most important part of this project: your comfort and well-being. What are your routines? What are your tastes? Is the bathroom just for you? Or will you be sharing it with your partner or family? Here are some ideas to get you started on the path to success.
Bathroom fittings buying guide
From walk-in showers to tiled corners: how to make the perfect choice
Choosing the right products not only depends on how you’ll use them but your budget as well. Not surprisingly, cheaper options often compromise on quality, comfort and durability. Be consistent with your expectations. For example, if you opt for an inexpensive shower enclosure, you won’t likely end up with a perfect finish and high-end materials. Keep in mind that a higher-priced item offers more when it comes to quality, aesthetics, ergonomics, durability and comfort.
Maintenance is another factor to consider when choosing your products and materials. For example, with a low price shower enclosure, you won’t likely get anti-limescale surfaces. Those who prefer minimal cleaning should choose a walk-in shower with shower screens that have been treated to prevent limescale build-up.
Overall, you should base your decisions on five key criteria:
quality;
durability;
practicality;
flexibility;
maintenance.
For more help choosing, check out our guides!
For a bathroom that’s as stunning as it is practical, the right furniture can go a long way. While bathroom furniture can give you much-needed storage space, it can also keep things tidy and organised while adding a touch of personal style. Here’s how to make informed choices when buying your bathroom essentials:
What you’ll need: tools for renovating your bathroom
Your choice of tools will depend on the fittings you plan to install.
Shower enclosure or walk-in shower? Your answer will tell you exactly which tools you need to carry out your project. For a shower enclosure, you’ll need a drill, a few bits, a spirit level and a wrench. For a walk-in shower, you’ll need a few extra tools as well, such as an angle grinder, combi hammer drill, tile cutter and trowel. The table below shows you the most common tools for renovating bathrooms.
Sealant guns
Make the most out of smaller spaces
It’s essential to optimise the space of small bathrooms by choosing the right washbasin, shower enclosure and even heated towel radiator. With the right amount of planning, even little bathrooms can make a splash!
Get off to a great start with our tutorials:
Sometimes all you need to get started is some extra inspiration. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite tutorials to ensure your bathroom is as beautiful as it is functional. With a range of design ideas and practical tips from the experts at ManoMano, you’ll soon be making your dream bathroom a reality.
You may be also interested in these guides
How to choose between having a wardrobe or a large bathroom?
Focus on Italian-style bathrooms: everything you need to know
Guide written by:
Julie, Interior Designer, Manchester
After years of DIY, renovation and designing, I decided to turn my passion into a career. Starting in 2006, in the South-West, I helped people with renovation or construction projects. My expertise and curiosity led me to look further into innovative ideas for myself and my clients. Indeed, to live your passion is also to transform the space you live in and the objects you use daily. My family love my creations and ideas that I bring into their lives! My favourite thing to do: use colour to brighten up interior space. But also tips to hide away clutter. Your home is just never big enough, is it? It is therefore a great pleasure to share my tips with you, so that you also can take as much pleasure as I do when starting up your next project!