Bathrooms and showers and wetrooms are a necessity. All homes need at least one or the other. Anyone with kids you will know just how frustrating it can be in the morning when a queue forms outside the door. Teenagers could probably be generalised as the worst offenders: some think nothing to spending half an hour standing in the shower, followed by a further ten minutes on perfecting their hair etc. It wouldn’t matter if you are enjoying a lie-in but if it’s a school/work morning and you are already running late, it’s no joke. So, what’s the answer?
Problem Solving
An en-suite shower or bathroom is a great way of solving the problem. Having an en-suite adjacent to your bedroom means you can use the facilities at your leisure without booking a slot in the morning rush hour. It is also your place to enjoy some well-earned quiet time – whenever you feel like it in your own space without everyone else’s clutter around you.
Adding an en-suite would usually add value to a property as long as it is not at the cost of an existing bedroom in the process. Many modern homes come with an en-suite as standard, but older properties rarely do, so installing an en-suite shower or bathroom will make your property more desirable when you come to sell at a later date.
The positioning of this extra room in your house can be tricky as ideally the room needs to be close to existing plumbing and the soil pipe to save work and materials. However, it isn’t the end of the world if this is not the case but do be prepared to pay more.
Size Matters
Since most en-suites are on the smaller size, it is important to plan the layout very carefully. You need to make sure there is enough room between each piece of bathroom furniture, including any radiators you install. If space is at a premium then most likely your room will have a shower not a bath and be functional rather than beautiful but if you do have the space, then you will have enjoyment of choosing fixtures to add a touch of luxury to the design.
How to Accommodate an En-suite
If you have an adjacent cupboard or say two built-in back to back wardrobes, this would perhaps be the ideal place to consider. This would of course mean you were losing a lot of storage space so be sure that will not cause an issue. Alternatively, you could use some of your existing bedroom floor space to create a small shower room. Another option is to take some of the floor space from an adjacent bedroom, but be careful you don’t end up with a room that is too small.
Use a Reputable Installer
Unless you are an expert DIY enthusiast, the only way to have a new en-suite bathroom installed is to employ the services of a bathroom fitter. The best way to find a reputable person is to ask friends and family for recommendations, but if you don’t know anyone, obtain a few quotes before deciding. Do make sure you check their references and qualifications before you hand over any money.
