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Bathrooms
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Showers

  • A hobbed shower is easier to waterproof.

  • A hobless shower is more accessible for younger and older people.

  • The use of a separate shower tray is recommended to increase waterproofing performance.

  • A glass shower screen, rather than curtains, is easier to clean, looks neater and is more efficient at keeping water in.

  • The height of the shower screen should match the tiles to create an even appearance.

Baths

  • A hob around a bath or corner bath is an excellent addition as it provides space for shampoos or champagne.

  • The size of the family will often determine bath shape and size.

  • Corner baths work well in many bathrooms and will easily accommodate a shower overhead.

  • Decide whether you want a separate bath and shower, or a shower over the bath.

Spas

  • If you are thinking of installing a spa, locate it in an area where you can enjoy a view from a window, then you can sit, relax and enjoy the vistas as you softly soak in the suds.

  • A spa bath is a handy addition, providing you use it. Otherwise its an unwarranted expense that creates a bath that takes longer to clean.

  • Most spas require an area away from the bath for the pump. Some spas have air beds and so the pump can be mounted in the ceiling.

  • Since the spa pump will eventually require maintenance, it is inadvisable to build it in where you cant readily access it. The pump requires its own power point. Sinks and Vanities


Vanities

  • A vanity can have one or two bowls, depending upon your budget and requirements.

  • The material that surrounds the sink must be water-resistant. Water splashed around the sink should not drain onto the floor.

  • There are many styles available. Consider how easy or hard each one will be to clean.

  • If you have a large family, consider the amount of space needed around the sink. Space underneath the sink is always useful for storage.

Ensuites

The same suggestions apply to ensuites as bathrooms. There is no reason why the ensuite must be smaller than the bathroom, though it is usually handier to place the bath in the main bathroom so that you can bathe the children, and just have a large shower in the ensuite. Keep in mind that bathrooms are expensive and use lots of water and energy.

Separate Toilet

A toilet separate to the bathroom is an excellent arrangement, but it does take up more space. A separate toilet should have its own washbasin. If it does not have an external window, it must be mechanically vented to the outside.

Three-Way Bathrooms

No matter what age or size your family, a three-way bathroom allows people to shower, use the toilet and the vanity all separately. The vanity area can open to a hallway and should be provided with light from a skylight if there is not enough direct light.
A vented skylight above the vanity area not only provides natural light, but also prevents musty smells from accumulating. In three-way bathrooms, people using the toilet and bathroom use a common vanity area. A three-way bathroom requires more space than a single bathroom, but the benefits often outweigh the additional costs.

More on bathrooms

Bathrooms
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