Buying a new bathroom suite is a cost effective, straightforward way to improve your home and increase its resale value. However it is not without its own intricacies, and in particular the process of installing a bathroom suite is one that either requires professional help or a skilled hand and a willingness to learn. Installing the suite is a combination of carpentry, plumbing and general labour and it takes professionals years to hone their skills and become confident to refit an entire bathroom. For the DIY enthusiasts the process may take much longer, however it is possibly more rewarding and certainly less expensive than hiring in a professional hand.
Remove The Existing SuiteBefore you can begin to install your new bathroom suite, the first obvious step is to remove your existing one. Before you begin to get images of an enjoyable, destructive process, this is more like a careful operation than a free-for-all. Before you start anything to do with plumbing works it’s imperative that you turn off the water supply at the mains. This will prevent any nasty surprises later down the line when you come to remove the individual aspects of the bathroom.
When removing items plumbed in to the house it’s a good idea to take your time to ensure that everything is disconnected properly. Avoid being rough with the piping – no good can possibly come from an aggressive approach. Your patience will be rewarded with an easy disconnection and reconnection, rather than utter chaos and major setback. Also take care not to damage your old suite – you might find a use for that old wash hand basin or bathtub later down the line.
Once you’ve stripped the room bare, it’s time to measure up and plan the layout of your new suite, and begin to get started on the next part of your project.
The InstallationFirst off, start by positioning and fitting the bathtub. The reason for this is that by fitting other aspects of the suite first, you will impede access to the tub which will only serve to make the process more difficult. Fit the tub where it’s going to go and connect that to the mains pipes, remembering not to turn the water on just yet. Make sure all connections are secure to avoid leaks, and then position the bath panel to cover up the unpleasant underside.
From there you can begin to plumb in the toilet and wash hand basin before moving on to finish off the room decor, tiling and flooring. When it’s all installed, it’s time to turn on the water again and hope for the best – all going well, you won’t end up with a soggy floor.
The FinishArguably the most important aspect of fitting a new bathroom is the way in which you finish it. For your interior you’re looking to go for a minimal, tidy design that comprises just a few natural focal points and avoids too many conflicting colours. If opting for pastels you may also like to consider a flash of subtle colour here and there, such as a green or royal blue. Furthermore colour themes can be accentuated by tiling, and wooden flooring is usually the covering of choice if you’re looking to make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
