Converting a Victorian school

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If you’ve got a big master bedroom that could potentially be partitioned, or a little used adjacent room, then adding or creating an en suite could be a great way to add a sense of luxury to your bedroom. It is also a great way of adding to the value of your home, especially if you currently have only has one bathroom.

There are several things you need to think about before you go ahead and add a new en suite to your house, from the cost of adding the bathroom, to relocating plumbing, wiring the space and deciding exactly what sanitary ware to invest in.

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How much will an en suite bathroom cost?

The most quoted, average cost of adding a new bathroom to a house is £3000. This is inclusive of labour, fixtures, fittings and finishes like flooring, tiling and painting. However, adding a new bathroom to your house can vary in cost, depending on where your proposed bathroom is going to be. Ideally, you want to add your en-suite directly next to an existing bathroom on the same floor, or above a bathroom on the lower floor.

The issue is, it gets more expensive to add a bathroom if you have to redirect plumbing, especially soil stacks and waste pipes. It is possible to install a small bore pipe with a macerator, but this isn’t an ideal solution. You will have to factor in the day rates of a plumber, but again, it is difficult to predict how long this job is likely to take.

It is far easier to estimate how much fixtures and fittings are going to cost once plumbing has already been sorted.

Bath

A new bath will cost from £70 for a low end, acrylic model, but expect to pay from £300 – £500 for a good quality steel example. When you start looking at cast iron, stone and composite baths, expect to pay north of £1000.

Shower

Your basic electric shower is cost effective, both to buy and to run. They can cost a little as £50, but look at paying between £100 and £200 for a stylish and functional unit. Power showers start at around £200, and feature a pump that increases the force of the water. Digital showers, shower towers, shower columns and shower cabins will cost £500 and up if you want quality, and advanced models can even cost as much as £2000

Shower enclosure

Your shower enclosure is an important decision, because this will create the overall look of the shower. A shower tray and enclosure combo will probably cost you around £150, but could cost you up to £600if you want higher quality.

Wet room enclosure

A wet room will cost upwards of £500depending on the structural work required, this includes waterproofing, plumbing, the shower and a screen, if you’ve chosen one. The cost of a wet room shower can vary depending on your fixtures and fittings, and tiling it afterwards will need to be factored in.

Basin

A simple ceramic basin is an inexpensive choice and will cost upwards of £50. Basins made for vanity units are more expensive, and the cost of the unit is usually separate. These can cost around £100 for a basic unit, but on average you will pay £200 – £300.

Toilet

Toilets are much the same as basins, with ceramic, wall-mounted examples costing around £50.Expect to pay between £150 and £300 for a good quality toilet, and quite often, savings can be made by buying it in a bundle with a matching basin.

Taps and hardware

Bathroom taps often come as an afterthought when your bathroom fixtures, but they are an important addition. A statement tap is usually enough to make even the cheapest basin look high end. You can pay as little as £20 for a basic mixer, and an average of £100 for a good quality one. To get something luxurious, you can easily pay upwards of £400,but this isn’t as extravagant as it seems if you have made a saving on your sanitary ware.

Planning permission for an en suite bathroom

Adding an en suite bathroom rarely requires planning permission if the work is happening in an existing house. If you plan on adding a bathroom to a listed building, then planning permission is essential, as you will be altering the internal fabric of the building.

Building new walls for your en suite

If you are creating a complete new room or partitioning an existing room, then you will need to build extra walls. These will usually be stud walls constructed with a timber frame with plasterboard over the top. Choose water resistant plasterboard when creating a new bathroom to avoid damp.

In the case of a bathroom, you can get structural metal components that will support the weight of wall-mounted basins. The cavity in this type of wall is also perfect for concealing pipework, cisterns, wiring and additional storage

Having a stud wall built will cost you around £15 per m², not including any internal works, like plumbing and wiring, which will need to be planned out in advance.

En suite bathroom heating and plumbing

If you have a combi boiler, which provides hot water on demand rather than requiring a cylinder, you need to ensure that it has sufficient hot water flow to supply an extra bathroom. You should also check your water pressure and choose appropriate mixer taps and shower fittings.

Most people choose heated towel rails for bathrooms, rather than radiators ad these basically offer a solution to both, drying your towels, and the need to heat the room. These can cost as little as £30 for wall mounted options, and can cost as much as £500, not including installation.

Choosing lighting for your en suite bathroom

The most important factor you need to consider when you’re choosing bathroom lighting is safety. There are strict regulations on what lighting can be used in a potentially wet environment. A lights IP rating depends on its distance to the water source, and that determines the type of light you can use. The higher the rating, the better protected the light.

The bathroom is then broken up into zones that correspond with the IP ratings of certain lights.

• Zone 0 is inside the bath or shower, so the light needs an rating of at least IP67.
• Zone 1 is the area directly above the bath or shower to a height of 2.25m. IP45 is recommended, but it is always safer to go higher when this close to water.
• Zone 2 is the area stretching 0.6m from the perimeter of the bath or shower where a minimum IP rating of 44 is required.
• The outside zone is any area where water isn’t likely to go. However, if this is still within the bathroom, it’s a good idea to choose a light with a IP44, just incase.

Featured image: This en suite bathroom was created as part of a whole-house renovation. Read more about this en suite bathroom.

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50 Contemporary Bathroom Design Ideas

Read article : 50 Contemporary Bathroom Design Ideas

The latest buzz in the world of interiors is the contemporary bathroom design. Contemporary design, which was earlier limited to the living room and bedrooms, is now being carried to the bathroom as well. The contemporary design by Italian company Cesara has its own unique aura, a style and an ambiance which are very difficult to achieve using other types of designs. The clean, fresh and sleek line of contemporary design simply makes the room welcoming and warm.

Expansive bathroom with a view and a cozy corner to admire it from

Straight and simple silhouettes.

Contemporary design always deals with straight and simple silhouettes. So a contemporary bathroom needs to feature straight, clean and neat line. Whether it is the bathroom cabinets, the bath fittings or the bathroom vanity, the silhouettes have to be minimalistic, uncomplicated and simple.

Stylish and spacious bathroom, very similar to a living area

Lighting.

The essence of a contemporary bathroom design can be easily highlighted through the proper use of lighting. The lighting in such a bathroom should be bright. This is because bright and luminous lights simply give way to a sleek and fresh look. If having dimmer light is a must in your bathroom, then you should consider installing accent lights on the wall. Alternatively, get the bathroom designed in such a way that the lighting is focused away from shower area and the tub.

In a casual contemporary bathroom, a ladder makes a nice additionOrganic forms and patterns for a contrasting yet harmonious décorView in galleryChic and delicate silhouettes combined with minimalist forms and colorsView in galleryBy integrating the tub into the floor it will resemble a small poolView in galleryA white and burgundy bathroom complemented by shades of grey and brown

Bath fixtures.

Bath fixtures and fittings are known to play a crucial role in the contemporary theme. One piece toilets, simple and sleek shaped tubs, and other accessories and fixtures in combinations of materials, featuring metallic finishes and in subtle and warm shades are some popular elements of contemporary design.

View in galleryA bathroom with a sitting area for lounging and relaxingView in galleryIn a contemporary bathroom, built-in storage is extremely popularView in galleryGive your bathroom a spa-like feel by choosing the right forms and colorsView in galleryAccent wall, wall-mounted furniture and a large window with a viewView in galleryKeep the décor simple but make it stand out with its eleganceView in galleryA simple décor can become dramatic when the wall add pattern and texture to the mix

Materials.

All the materials you use in a contemporary bathroom should be authentic. By that what we mean is that you shouldn’t try to hide their true nature. Everything should be straight-forward and pure. Celebrate the materials and allow them to showcase their natural beauty.

View in galleryAn en-suite bathroom often matches the bedroom’s décorView in galleryOversized and colorful artwork makes great focal points in white decorsView in galleryA bold pattern that captures the essence of the décor in a vibrant way

Color scheme.

The ideal color scheme for a contemporary bathroom should be a blend of neutrals as well as bold colors. To create a spa like feel, choose colors like bright ivory, aqua and silver. White and black color palettes with splashes of bright color such as lemon yellow, hot pink, grass green are also a common detail in contemporary bathrooms. Some other color options you can opt for include: grey, white, red and black; ivory, tan and chocolate brown; yellow, red, ivory and purple.

View in galleryFor a more elegant and classical look, opt for detailed accessories and decorationsView in galleryYou can create a dynamic look for your bathroom by combining forms and colorsView in galleryA bathroom with a warm color palette and beautiful contrastsView in galleryKeep the décor simple but play with shades and texturesView in gallerySometimes one eye-catching piece can make the whole room stand outView in galleryCozy and relaxing bathroom featuring a very interesting towel rackView in galleryBlack and white decors never get old so don’t hesitate to adopt them

Open space.

Regardless of the size of a bathroom, if you decide to give it a contemporary look, you should make sure it feels and looks spacious. Elements such as mirrors, floating vanities, glass shower walls and bright colors can create an overall feeling of lightness and spaciousness.

View in galleryRich textures and patterns designed to create a glamorous lookView in galleryA tall mirror casually leaning against the wall gives the room a more relaxed lookView in galleryGlass walls and doors often contribute to an overall airy and open décorView in galleryTake advantage of the windows and views and set up a sitting cornerView in galleryPlay with forms and colors and create a dynamic effectView in galleryTextures are also very important so, for a cozy décor, choose them carefullyView in galleryOversized art and light fixtures make fantastic accent detailsView in galleryThink simple but also stand out with your choices for a chic outcomeView in gallerySimple storage solutions and an airy and stylish décorView in galleryThe transparency of the shower provides continuity towards the expansive viewsView in galleryIndividual spaces with designated colors for a better organizationView in galleryNeon colors are very powerful and strong so always mix them with neutralsView in galleryThe light plays an important role in the décor and atmosphere createdView in galleryFor an overall cohesive home décor, make your bathroom match the restView in galleryThe white and green combination is very fresh and soothing

Countertops and backsplashes.

Whatever you do, stay away from marble countertops because they’ll make the room look traditional. For contemporary bathrooms, a few interesting options include dark granite, bamboo and countertops that make a statement in general. The backsplash is also a great way to add some character to the space. Choose stone or glass to add flair to the design but stay away from ceramic tiles.

View in galleryAdd warmth and texture to your bathroom by using wooden furnitureView in galleryAn eclectic bathroom interior with a variety of textures, finishes and colorsView in galleryA minimalist décor with bold accent details and built-in furnitureView in galleryA very simple bathroom interior with a romantic atmosphereView in galleryMake your bathroom feel like a part of your home and it will become more invitingView in galleryExploit the layout and views by using the right forms and colorsView in galleryYellow is a strong but also cheerful color and it light up the décorView in galleryPowerful colors and an eye-catching chandelier sitting in the centerView in galleryAllow yourself to feel comfortable in the bathroom while also thinking practicallyView in galleryDon’t hesitate to combine styles for an original décorView in galleryAn interesting combination of simple and luxurious

Decorations.

Decorations used in a contemporary bathrooms should be very minimal. In addition, they should also be in alignment with the color scheme. Make sure that the decorative items feature a single color and material.