Bathrooms, Tiles and Taps

More so than in any other room (except perhaps the kitchen), good bathroom design depends on forward planning, because the style of fittings and equipment needs to be governed by practicality – waterproof, warmth, ventilation, water pressure, etc. – as much as by looks.

By all means do your homework into materials and finishes, because the bathroom of your dreams may well be within reach, but ultimately the type of room you end up with will be dictated by space and budget.

Space is a luxury, layout requires considered thought, especially in small spaces, including sightlines to the toilet if that’s a concern.

Don’t forget, storage and good lighting for different uses is essential. Consider hiding powerpoints for toothbrushes and hairdryers within cupboards.

Fit for the purpose

Will there be long, relaxing baths or quick showers – do you even need a bath and will you use it if you have one?
Do you want a wet-room where everything can be splashed by the shower, or a more traditional design with some separation of the shower stall?
Is your prevailing climate chilly or warm – this will dictate heating in the bathroom if you need it. And if so, underfloor or air heater?
Will there be a family scrum for the basin in the mornings, or is it to be a smart spare bathroom for guests, or a private ensuite? In any case, will you want two basins?
Do you want the toilet located separately?

Once you’ve decided on major fixtures, plan the layout.

Is access to the shower and bath easy?
Does the door open the right way or is a cavity slider better (often the case for smaller bathrooms)?
Will you be able to open the shower door and bathroom door without hitting anything, or bend over the sink without bouncing off the wall behind you?
Is there standing room for dressing/undressing/drying yourself?
Do you have sufﬁcient storage for makeup, ﬁrst aid, personal products, towels, etc.?
How will you deal with dirty laundry?

If in doubt, visit friends’ bathrooms and ‘road test’ your needs.

Surface finish

Your choice of finish – tiles, timber, paint, stone – will have a dramatic effect on the look of the bathroom but also may affect its upkeep; remember that plumbing requires access for maintenance (service valves, u-traps, unions, etc.), and that bathroom materials need to abide by Building Code regulations.

Waterprooﬁng is essential, so make sure your tradesperson applies it properly. Even though you can’t see it, water will seek out weak areas, and incorrect application will be costly in repairs so inspect before tiles or other top layer goes on.

Tiles are the obvious choice of finishing material and the Building Code now requires a waterproof top layer for flooring, meaning timber floors are no longer acceptable for new builds, but there are lots of alternatives.

Large tiles help make a small room feel large and uncluttered. Conversely, small mosaic tiles are very fashionable and work well in small spaces, too.

Large mirror walls add scale and a feeling of space.

Modern tile designs combine the look of timber or concrete, but as a porcelain or ceramic tile, giving you the best of both worlds. Fashions change regularly and there are often sales of stock being run out, so bargains can be had!

Heating

Heating can be both for comfort and for practicality, especially in colder areas of the country.

Underﬂoor heating provides a discreet means of heating the bathroom and is particularly welcome in the winter. Heated towel rails are an essential item in New Zealand’s damp climate.

Hand in hand with heating comes ventilation, which is essential to control humidity and condensation and must be planned from the start and there are specific requirements under the building code. We recommend an extractor fan over the shower to help minimise steam through the rest of the bathroom.

Lighting

Lighting is important, from task lighting for makeup application to soft, non-directional lighting for relaxing baths or night-time visits – step lights or under-vanity lights are great for late night use and can be triggered by a sensor so no fumbling for light switches at 3am on your way in or out of the bathroom. Consider installing a roof window or solar tube to supplement any windows you may have. Ensure you have privacy for your bathroom by using frosted glass or blinds.

Bathroom fittings

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to bathroom fitouts, from traditional to sleek and modern – the options are enormous, and it largely comes down to personal taste. Above all, aim for comfort, practicality and durability as well as visual impact.

There’s a bewildering choice of tapware, too.

Fixtures come in a range of materials, so examine the performance and build characteristics before making decisions – cheaper products will often be made of inferior products. A good tap or shower mixer should give smooth and trouble-free service for many years and not drip (saving your water bills). Ensure the washers and internal parts are made of good quality durable materials.

Find out, in any case, whether you have low or high water pressure, and check the pipe bore in your plumbing system: there’s no point spending a fortune on a mixer tap that looks stylish but gives just a trickle of hot water. Your plumber will be an invaluable source of advice here.

No one likes a drippy tap

Given that you’ll need to use a qualified plumber and electrician, ask them for advice (and ask them early in your planning so you can build in their suggestions to your budget before walls go up); they should know what will and won’t work.

Also check product warranties and after-sales service when selecting bathroomware.

Please note: Shower glass must have toughened (or tempered) NZ Safety Glass, or the council will not sign it off. Acrylic shower linings should be cleaned only with appropriate products.