How to Renovate a Bathroom

Planning a bathroom renovation in Northern Ireland, but not sure where to start? Our experts have over 40 years experience in bathroom design, so we’ve made this guide to share some of the key steps on renovating a bathroom with some bathroom tips we’ve picked up over the years. 

Or if you'd rather talk things through with someone, book a Free Bathroom Design Service at any of our bathroom showrooms in Northern Ireland.

Bathroom Renovation Checklist

A bathroom refurbishment usually involves around 8 steps from start to finish, here's a quick overview of the process. We'll look at each of these in more detail:

• Set your budget
• Think about how you use the room
• Gather ideas and inspiration
• Measure the room and plan the layout
• Choose your bathroom suite
• Pick your tiles and finishes
• Order your products
• Book your installer

Step 1. Set a Budget for Your Bathroom Renovation

Every bathroom renovation starts with a budget, and it's worth being realistic about what that budget needs to cover.

It's not just the bathroom suite itself. You'll also need to think about installation, plumbing, electrics, tiling, flooring, decorating and removing the old bathroom. If your home is older, it's also sensible to leave a bit of breathing room for anything unexpected once work gets underway.

Your budget should allow for:

• Bathroom furniture and sanitaryware
• Shower, bath and brassware
• Tiles and flooring
• Plumbing work
• Electrical work and lighting
• Installation
• Decorating
• Waste removal
• A contingency fund

One question we're often asked: 'is it worth spending more on bathroom products?'

The answer usually comes down to how long you want the bathroom to last. 

A bathroom is one of the busiest rooms in the house, so choosing products that are built to last can make a real difference over the years. But that doesn't mean every renovation needs a luxury budget - good design is about spending money where it matters most.

If you're still working out what's achievable within your budget, our Free Bathroom Design Appointment can help. Our designers can talk you through different options, explain where it's worth investing and help you build a bathroom that fits both your home and your budget.

Step 2. Think About How You Use the Bathroom

Before you decide where the shower is going or which vanity unit you like best, think about how the room actually gets used. A family bathroom that's in constant use before school and work has very different priorities from a downstairs WC or an ensuite.

Ask yourself a few simple questions.

• What's frustrating about your current bathroom?
• Is there enough storage?
• Does the room feel cramped?
• Is the bath being used, or is it just taking up space?
• Would better lighting make the room easier to use?
• Are you planning for how your needs might change over the next few years?

Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference. A larger vanity unit can free up worktop space. A wider shower tray might make the room more comfortable to use every day. Even moving a towel rail a short distance can make the room feel more practical.

When people visit our showroom, these are often the conversations that help shape the final design.

Step 3. Gather Ideas (But Keep an Open Mind!)

Most people have a few screenshots saved before they even begin planning a bathroom renovation. That's a great place to start, but it's worth remembering that photos only show the finished result.

'Photos don't tell you how a tile feels underfoot or how a brass finish works with your lighting.' Martin McVeigh, Bathroom Specialist at Bassetts.

Rather than trying to recreate one image exactly, use your inspiration to identify what you like.

• Is it the colour palette?
• The style of furniture?
• The brassware?
• The lighting?

Once you understand what you're drawn to, it's much easier to create a bathroom that suits your own home instead of copying someone else's.

Need help turning your ideas into a plan?

If you've got a phone full of saved images but aren't quite sure how they'll work in your own bathroom, that's completely normal. Our Free Bathroom Design Service can help you make sense of your ideas.

Bring along your room measurements, photos or inspiration, and our designers will help you explore layouts, compare products and create a bathroom that's designed around your space.

Book Your Free Bathroom Design Appointment

Step 4. Measure Your Bathroom & Plan the Layout

The layout affects how your bathroom feels every single day, so it's worth taking your time over it.

Keeping the plumbing where it is will often help keep installation costs down, but that doesn't automatically mean it's the best option. Sometimes moving a basin to another wall or replacing a bath with a walk-in shower completely changes how the room works.

Every bathroom is different, which is why we always recommend planning the layout before choosing products.

Before planning your new bathroom, measure:

• Room length and width
• Ceiling height
• Window positions
• Door openings
• Existing plumbing
• Soil pipe location
• Radiators and towel rails

If you’re unsure on any of the above, our designers can assist with measurements and create a 3D floorplan to help you visualise the different layout options.

Step 5. Choosing Your Bathroom Suite

Once you've settled on the layout, you can start looking at the products that will bring the room together.

For most people, this is the enjoyable part of the renovation… but it can also be where the amount of choice becomes overwhelming! Rather than looking at each product individually, think about how everything will work together.

Toilets

Although toilets are not the most glamorous item in your bathroom, they’re the most used! Close-coupled toilets are the classic choice, however back-to-wall toilets are becoming more popular in contemporary homes, and they make cleaning much easier. 

If you're renovating a smaller bathroom, a wall-hung toilet can also help the room feel a little more open.

Basin and Vanity Units

The basin is one of the first things you use every morning, so it needs to work for your routine. If storage is already an issue, a vanity unit is usually well worth considering. It gives you somewhere to keep toiletries, cleaning products and spare towels out of sight.

Wall-hung basins can be a good option where space is tight, while larger vanity units work well in family bathrooms where everyone needs a bit of storage.

Bath and/or Shower?

There's no right answer when deciding between a bath and a shower, as it depends entirely on how you use the room. Some households wouldn't be without a bath, especially if there are young children, while others realise they haven't used theirs in years and would rather have a larger walk-in shower.

If you've got enough room, having both gives you flexibility. Where space is limited, it's worth thinking about what you'll genuinely use rather than sticking with what you've always had.

Step 6. Choose Your Tiles and Finishes

The bathroom suite gives your room its function, but the tiles and finishes are what give it personality. This is where your ideas really start to come together, from the colour of your tiles to the finish of your taps and accessories.

When choosing your finishes, think about how they'll work together rather than making each decision in isolation. A tile you love on its own might not sit as well beside your chosen furniture, and brassware can look surprisingly different depending on the manufacturer and lighting.

When choosing your tiles and finishes, think about:

• Wall and floor tiles
• Tile size and layout
• Grout colour
• Tap and shower finishes
• Mirrors and accessories
• Lighting

Step 7. Order Your Bathroom Products

Before your renovation gets underway, make sure everything has been ordered and has arrived. This avoids delays if something is out of stock.

If you've planned your bathroom with Bassetts, we'll make sure all of your chosen products are specified correctly and ready before installation begins, giving you one less thing to worry about!

(If you’re browsing products on our website, use our handy 'add to quote' feature, and we can put together a free quote/lead time for any items you like the look of).

Step 8. Book Your Installer

With your design finalised and products ordered, the last step is arranging installation. A typical bathroom renovation involves several trades, including plumbers, electricians, tilers and fitters.

If you're looking for an installer, just ask when you're in our showroom. We work with experienced bathroom fitters across Northern Ireland and are always happy to point you in the right direction.

Ready to Start Your Bathroom Renovation?

By now, you should have a good idea of what's involved in renovating a bathroom in Northern Ireland! If you'd like a bit of help bringing everything together, book a Free Bathroom Design Appointment at your nearest Bassetts showroom.

This is a one-to-one consultation with a bathroom expert. Bring inspiration images, floor plans or simply ideas of how you want your bathroom to feel. Your consultant will do the rest!

Book Your Free Bathroom Consultation

Bathroom Renovation FAQs

How much does it cost to renovate a bathroom in Northern Ireland?

The cost of a bathroom renovation depends on the size of the room, the products you choose and whether any plumbing or electrical work needs to be moved. A simple refresh will cost less than a complete renovation, so it's worth setting a realistic budget before you begin. If you're not sure what's achievable, our team can help you explore different options during a Free Bathroom Design Appointment.

How long does it take to renovate a bathroom?

Most bathroom renovations take between one and two weeks, although this can vary depending on the size of the project and whether the layout is changing. Ordering your products before work begins and agreeing a schedule with your installer can help keep everything on track.

Can I renovate a bathroom on a budget?

Absolutely. Keeping the existing layout, choosing products that offer good long-term value and deciding where to invest your budget can all help reduce costs without compromising on the finished result.

Does renovating a bathroom add value to your home?

A new bathroom can make your home more appealing to buyers, particularly if the existing one is dated or no longer practical. While every property is different, a well-designed bathroom is often seen as a worthwhile investment because it's one of the most-used rooms in the home.