A Handy Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Bathroom from Scratch
Next year, it is likely that Northern Ireland will join the rest of the UK by introducing Bedroom Tax. The controversial tax, which is one of the several elements of the highly debated Welfare Reform Act, has been the cause of a lot of confusion, with many people wondering how it will affect them. In short, the introduction of Bedroom Tax means that your housing benefit may be reduced if you have more rooms in your home than you legally require, therefore people with spare rooms will face a penalty. You can find all the information you need about the proposed reforms here – http://www.housingadviceni.org/paying-for-a-home/housing-benefit/changes-to-housing-benefit.html
With this in mind, some of those affected have found a way around the tax by turning their spare rooms into bathrooms. This ingenious solution can proves to be even more advantageous to homeowners with research from Nationwide Building Society suggesting that adding an extra bathroom to your home can increase its value by 6%.
If you’re considering adding a bathroom to your home and don’t know where to start, simply follow our step-by-step checklist for transforming any room into a bathroom with minimal fuss and cost.
First, identify the room you want to change and assess the structural requirements. Rooms with external walls are ideal as it is simpler and cheaper to fit pipes to outside walls.
Enlist a contractor to advise you about the feasibility of the project. They will be able to:
– determine if it will be possible to a) bring in a waste pipe for the toilet, and b) easily run hot and cold water.
– assess the suitability of the existing floor structures.
– Inform you about any relevant building regulations/control permits or applications you will need to secure before carrying out any work. You do not need planning permission for internal alterations.
– decide what type of ventilation will be suitable for the new bathroom, i.e. openable window or an extractor fan.
Once you have identified all of the structural, plumbing and electrical requirements, you will then need to evaluate what furniture you will be able to incorporate into the room and whether it is big enough to be a bathroom or should you turn it into an ensuite.
Finally, the fun part! Choose your perfect bathroom suite and colour scheme. Keep in mind that you will need to be flexible with the layout and choose your furniture according to what the fittings and fixtures allow.
Check out our recommendations for the best value bathroom furniture on a budget.
The stylish Touchwood Capri Bathroom Suite, which includes a closed cistern back to wall pan with soft close seat and basin with full pedestal has a clean, modern feel and is now only £175.
When choosing a shower, we recommend opting for electric over power. For a high spec low cost shower, look no further than the Mira Vie – with an ECO power setting designed to reduce the use of energy and water, saving you money, a choice between white and chrome, and a low price of just £110, this shower is the perfect addition to your budget bathroom.
Mira Vie Shower
No longer just function, the bath has become the focal point of the bathroom and dictates the look and feel of the room. With sloped sides, chrome handgrips and taps, the Ideal Standard Alto bath will add a luxurious feel to your bathroom at an affordable price of £220.75.
Ideal Standard Alto Bath
To view all of these items and the rest of our catalogue visit www.bathroomsni.co.uk and make sure you share your bedroom to bathroom transformation stories with us in the comments section or on our Facebook page!
