This article is written for DIY Direct by content and features writer Amy Jackson at Promo Codes For.

 

Renovating your bathroom is a great way to give your home a lift. Not only will a new bathroom increase the value of your property, but it also gives you the chance to increase storage space and fix any existing problems such as leaks and mould. While bathroom renovation comes with a whole heap of benefits, there’s no denying that it’s a big job, and with that there’s likely to be some added stress with it too, particularly if you’re fitting it in around family life. So what can you do to make the whole thing as painless as possible? Read on for some top tips!

 

Set Your Budget

 

It’s an obvious one, but going into your renovation with a clear budget in mind will ensure that you don’t get carried away and end up overspending. Be sure to factor in every little thing you might need, from specific tools right down to final finishing touches. Include a little extra in your funds too so that you’re prepared for any mishaps or hidden costs that might arise. The easiest way to save some cash is by doing the work yourself, but you want to be extra frugal, you could look at selling old brassware and basins on Gumtree or eBay - provided they’re in a sellable condition of course!

 

Whether or not you change the layout of your bathroom is another thing that will be likely to affect your budget, particularly seeing as jobs such as moving waste and water pipes can get expensive. Look at the bigger picture too when it comes to the design you want - are your needs likely to change over the next few years for example? Keeping things compact with just a shower is great if it’s just you and a partner, but if your family grows, chances are a bath will be a handy addition. Likewise, if you decide to sell your property a few years down the line, family bathrooms can be much more appealing to potential buyers. 

 

They key thing? Don’t change the layout for the sake of it. If your current bathroom set-up works, consider just replacing the fixtures and fittings rather than a complete rework of the layout. This is a much cheaper option and will be a whole lot easier too. 

 

Pre-Planning

 

You may be itching to get started on your latest project, but with larger jobs such as bathroom renovations, it pays to plan ahead. Make sure the timing is right for you to carry out the work - for example, if you’ve got a week off from your job - and that there’s a bit of leeway if things run over. 

 

If you only have the one bathroom, you’ll also need to make arrangements in terms of showering and using the toilet. If you’re just replacing fixtures and fittings, you shouldn’t be without them for too long, but if you’re changing your bathroom layout, you’ll definitely need some sort of plan in place. Arrange to shower at friends or relatives’ houses if you can and speak to your neighbours to see if you’re able to use their toilet for a few days. 

 

In particular, if you have children and just the one bathroom, it may be worth seeing if you can arrange for them to stay with grandparents or other relatives while the bulk of the work is carried out. Not only does this ease how much demand the bathroom will be in, but in the case of younger children especially, it will keep them out of the way. 

 

Ventilation

 

You don’t want to work hard refurbishing your bathroom for it to be spoiled by damp over time! Bathrooms are areas of high humidity so installing adequate ventilation as part of your renovation will ensure that moisture is kept to a minimum, especially if your bathroom doesn’t have any windows.

 

If you’ve previously had issues with mould and mildew in your bathroom, make sure this is dealt with before starting the work. Use products such as mould killer which not only will effectively remove mould, but it will also prevent re-growth too. 

 

Tiling Top Tips

 

It’s important to make sure that you’ve chosen your sanitaryware before you start any tiling or plastering, as this can prevent you from forking out for alterations later on. Once you’ve got this side of things sorted, you can consider your tiling options. A fully tiled bathroom can look amazing, and on the practical side it saves time as there’s no painting required. Plus, it means the whole room is protected from splashes. On the downside, as you’ll be needing a heck of a lot of tiles, it can be quite expensive, so it’s only worth considering if your budget allows! Only tiling the splash zones in your bathroom can be a much cheaper way to go, and of course will allow you to get creative with paint colour options too, but just make sure that you allow the extra time to get said painting done! 

 

In terms of the best products for the job, making sure that you’re equipped with quality products from reputable brands will ensure a professional and long-lasting finish. Everbuild 703 Fix & Grout Tile Adhesive is a premium grade product that contains fungicide to prevent mould build up, and dries to a brilliant white finish, so you can be confident that you’ll get a top quality finished result. When it comes to your sealant, finish the job with a bath and sanitary sealant to ensure long-lasting results and prevent mould building up over time. We recommend Siroflex SX Bath & Sanitary Sealant, which is equipped with an antifungal compound. 

 

Finishing Touches

 

Once you’ve got the bigger jobs done and dusted, you can start getting creative with your decor. The possibilities are endless when it comes to paint colour choices and combinations, but it can be a good idea to invest in a paint that’s specifically designed for bathrooms. While it may be a little pricier than standard paint, it’s designed to withstand condensation and steam so that your newly decorated walls will look fresher for longer. Why not perfect your paint job by checking out our top tips before you get started? 

 

Renovating your bathroom is certainly not a straightforward task, but remember, the benefits of a brand new updated space are sure to outweigh the costs in the long term, especially if you’re wanting to increase the value of your property. Combined with some strict budgeting, careful planning and quality tools and products, you’ll be able to create a brand new bathroom you and your family will love. While we can't plan the whole job for you, we can certainly help you out on the budget front with our range of tools, equipment and more, all at fantastic value. Stock up on your supplies now and get started on your latest project today!