Improve your home with bathroom renovations
Just as with a kitchen, a bathroom can make or break a home. Old, tired and dated bathrooms are unattractive, impractical, often dark rooms which can be very off-putting and depressing. It is hard to imagine having a relaxing bath in a bathroom which has no visual appeal. As most bathrooms are small, they should be designed to make the most of the available space, have adequate storage for essential items, be light and bright, airy and provide all the amenities required. For instance, if you prefer showers to baths, it would be sensible to have a separate shower cubicle in addition to, or instead of, a bath.
Types of bathroom renovations
Minor or simple renovations
If the existing layout of the bathroom works well, and provides all the amenities required (often a bath and a completely separate walk-in shower), there is no need to undertake major renovation work. Often, simple cosmetic changes such as replacing the tiles on the walls, shower or floor, or changing the hand basin and surround can produce incredible results. Old windows can easily be replaced with modern frosted glass or clear glass and blinds. Small wall-mounted bathroom cabinets and mirrors can be replaced with larger mirrors which reflect light and are more practical. Simply repainting the walls in a bathroom which is only half-tiled can make a room feel much brighter and smarter with minimal effort. Modern lighting will vastly improve the usefulness of the room, but always be aware that bathroom lights need to be sealed against moisture in rooms which generate a lot of steam. None of the above updates are difficult or time-consuming, and can easily be completed by a local handyman (see Uptasker’s tips on Handymen), without the need for changes to the plumbing or structural alterations.
Major renovations
Many old bathrooms simply do not meet the needs of the modern family. They may have a layout which is visually unappealing or impractical, small windows, a big bath but no separate shower cubicle, and sometimes a separate toilet in a tiny adjacent room. In such cases, it will be necessary to gut the entire room/s and start again with a completely new design. There are specialist bathroom companies which will be able to work with you on a layout which suits your particular needs, as well as assisting and advising you when choosing new fixtures and fittings. They will oversee the entire project for you and ensure that the work is carried out to a high standard, within budget and in the timeframe agreed upon. Alternatively, you may ask an architect to assist in the redesign, and he will often oversee the work with a team of skilled specialists.
How to choose the right bathroom renovations company
Always check their reputation and credentials
Before commencing any major building or refitting work or even undertaking less complex jobs, make sure that you are using qualified, skilled and experienced companies or individuals whose reputation is well known. Avoid costly mistakes and potential delays by ensuring that you have made your needs clear from the start, and ensure that you have been provided with plans and sketches of the finished room prior to commencing major structural work. Always check references through Uptasker’s online reviews, speak to clients they have previously worked for if possible, browse their catalogues or visit their showrooms. If carrying out simple, cosmetic changes, check Uptasker’s website for plumbers, tiling specialists, electricians or handymen reviews.
