A new look for the bathroom - 5 steps to a successful bathroom renovation

Ceramics, taps and tiles have seen better days. Shower and bathtub are anything but state of the art and your current bathroom is a million miles from the latest living trends and modern comfort. Things need to change. It's high time for a bathroom renovation.

1. Preparation The planning phase should start at least six months before the actual bathroom renovation. One important step is to consider how the bathroom will be used in the future and what wishes and needs will need to be addressed. An analysis of current usage of your bathroom can help you decide which elements you should keep, what you would like to change, which solutions already work well and areas for improvement. Double washbasins allow greater flexibility in a family bathroom, while the right choice of bathroom furniture provides storage space for organisation or creates a homely atmosphere. For anyone thinking further ahead into the future, accessibility is a consideration. However, before you can really get started, you need to work out your available budget. After this, you can progress to the next step of gathering ideas and inspiration.
2. Gathering ideas and inspiration

   When it comes to bathroom design, the options are infinite. Villeroy & Boch therefore offers smart online tools to help you select the right products. At www.villeroyboch.com/stilfinder, you can define your individual style with just a few clicks of your mouse and discover which of the collections best reflects your personal taste. You can then use the Bathroom Inspirator at www.villeroyboch.com/bathroom-inspiration to experiment with different combinations of bathroom ceramics, furniture, baths and wall and floor tiles. When you have finished your plan, you can send the draft and all the important product information by email. There is also the option of ordering the free Villeroy & Boch VR Cardboard to view your new dream bathroom in virtual reality.

3. Detailed planning

   Now it's time to really get down to work: measurements need to be taken and a floor plan drawn up. You can then start planning the fittings. One very practical and aesthetic solution for a bathroom renovation is a front wall installation to conceal all pipes and connections, and allowing repositioning of the washbasin, toilet and bath. A flat shower tray can be installed with a slight ledge or fitted flush in the floor. Installation is quick and easy as inclines and drainage are already integrated in the sealed, non-porous shower tray. The seamless surface is also easy to clean and leaks are avoided.

   Careful planning must ensure sufficient freedom of movement, as the more space you have in the bathroom, the more relaxed the experience. Accessibility is also an important consideration for anyone wishing to look further ahead and take account of changing needs as they get older. As well as providing greater flexibility and mobility in the bathroom, flush-fitting showers, specially produced ceramic and intelligent furniture ranges combine functionality with aesthetics and design. An interesting fact -accessible construction (or renovation) can save a lot of money. The federal and state governments and local authorities promote barrier-free bathroom conversions with grants, loans and tax benefits, with potential opportunities for combined applications depending on the project. For detailed information and a list of eligible Villeroy & Boch products, visit www.villeroyboch.com/foerdermittel. It is a good idea to investigate the available options before the renovation project, as many applications need to be submitted in advance of any work.

   For anyone wishing to experiment with different ideas, the Bathroom Planner at http://www.villeroy-boch.de/partnerbadplaner.html is the perfect solution. It allows you to plan your dream bathroom in the comfort of your own home, progressing in just a few steps from a simple sketch to a realistic 3D computer graphic. However, for the actual implementation, you will need a professional bathroom plan including full and accurate measurements. Your local professional dealer will handle this for you. They will advise you, consider your needs and provide a warranty. This makes the whole process significantly easier.

4. Trade workers

   It is important to contact trade workers at an early stage in the planning process. As well as the installer, responsible for installing sanitary fittings, supply and drainage pipes, a bathroom renovation project will require tilers, electricians and, possibly, dry wall builders, plasterers, painters and joiners. A specialist sanitary dealer can offer a convenient package solution to avoid having to coordinate all these different interventions yourself. Or you can enlist the services of an architect to handle the site management.

 5. Renovation phase

No owner or tenant would choose to live in the midst of a construction site for long - so it is important to ensure arrangements are in place to cover the renovation phase, in particular in dwellings with just one bathroom. The time actually required for a bathroom renovation will depend on the work involved. A complete new bathroom installation will require more time than minor renovation works that can be completed within a few days.

Extra tips for small bathrooms and tight budgets

For small bathrooms, there are special compact bathroom ceramics that still offer great comfort and convenience despite their reduced dimensions. Storage is another important consideration in a small bathroom. Clever, modular bathroom furniture fits in (almost) any space, looks great and helps to keep the room tidy and organised. Not forgetting the option of multifunctional products: for example, a mirror cabinet that provides both storage space and atmospheric lighting - modern LED lights provide ideal functional illumination at the washbasin and the different lighting effects will also help to set the mood.

And it doesn't always need to be a complete renovation. Small changes can often have a big effect. A new toilet, washbasin or taps can create a fresh look in the bathroom. And single items of furniture can provide additional storage space. Or why not choose a single exceptional piece as a special highlight in the bathroom? Anyone who pays attention to good quality and timeless design can’t go wrong.

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