Home renovation
In most home renovation projects, the bathroom, with all its specialist fixtures and fittings, can quickly swallow up the dollars. For even minor bathroom makeovers you'll almost certainly need a plumber and electrician, and probably a tiler and shower installer as well. Therefore, it makes sense to save money where you can by tackling as much of the interior design and decoration as you can do yourself.
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Small should be beautiful
Although it may be a small space, the bathroom should still harmonise with the decor and personality of your home through the careful choice of surfaces, colours and accessories. These will reflect each person's individual taste, but there are some rules that all bathroom redecorators should follow.
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Talk to the experts
 If you're planning a major re-fit, first get expert advice from a professional to determine how cost-effectively you can re-use the existing plumbing. Moving the position of a bath or toilet can have expensive implications, but with careful planning you'll probably be able to add a separate shower enclosure and say goodbye to the curtain around the bath.
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Tough surfaces
Surfaces in the bathroom need to be more or less waterproof – they cope with everything from the direct hot jets of the shower, to steam on walls and ceiling. Commercial products such as Lamipanel are available in a wide range of colours and patterns, and clear safety glass is a functional favourite for shower enclosures. Bathroom tiling splashbacks around sinks and baths keep water off wall surfaces. Paint for bathroom walls and ceilings should be chosen for its resistance to moisture and mildew. Matt paints are generally not as suitable as semi-gloss or gloss varieties, which repel dampness and are more easily wiped down.
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Lighting
Bathroom lighting should combine function and mood. Plan to include comfortable ambient or general light from a ceiling fitting, as well as good, even task lighting at the mirror or vanity – a combination of three sources at the mirror minimises shadows on your face. In small bathrooms, well-planned task lighting around a large mirror may even be adequate to light the whole room.
Surfaces in the bathroom tend to be reflective and bright. Angled lighting that bounces light from walls and ceiling can reduce the glare and shadow created by strong direct lighting. Don't forget the dimmer switch for the room's ambient lighting, so you can lower the light level while you're relaxing in the spa. All bathroom lighting fixtures are subject to moisture – it is essential to consult a professional so you're certain that the fittings are rated for 'wet area' use.
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Fans and heaters
A bathroom renovation is the time to upgrade the extractor fan and heating. Good air extraction and appropriate bathroom heating is very important. Steam and condensation soon spoils all your hard work with paintbrush and roller.
Safety is a key issue with bathroom heating. Radiant strip heaters must be installed high on the wall, and floor level panel heaters must not be covered. A very effective and safe option is one of the excellent fan, radiant lamp and light combination fixtures. A heated towel rail rewards you with the pleasure of dry, warm, fluffy towels.
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Check the wiring
While you're thinking about electrical appliances, it's a sound idea to get a professional to check the capacity of your home's electrical circuits. Old houses were wired for lower demand than we take for granted nowadays and an upgrade is often required to ensure reliability and electrical safety.
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