Soakology | Useful Tips To Know When Adding A Downstairs Bathroom

Useful Tips To Know When Adding A Downstairs Bathroom

Investing in a downstairs bathroom is a great way to make the most of under-used space such as a dark and dusty cupboard under the stairs, or perhaps an empty utility room.  

Adding an additional bathroom can help to increase the value of your house too. Other benefits include reduced queues for the bathroom, and saving guests from having to traipse upstairs and hunt through bedrooms to find the family bathroom. It is easier than you might think - we’ve put together a handy guide of the key things to remember when adding a new downstairs bathroom.

Consult a plumber

It is always best to call in the professionals before making any major changes. They will be able to advise you on how the current plumbing and drainage facilities will affect the layout and positioning of the new bathroom, and whether extra work will be required such as

moving walls and adding studwork. Take detailed measurements so that you know exactly how much space you have to work with, before making any purchases.

Choose the right suite

Find a smaller toilet, such as a short projection back to wall model which intrudes less on the limited space you are working with. Choosing the right basin is also an important decision. A corner basin is a good use of space in a small bathroom, and a slim basin unit with built in cupboards will ensure you have storage space available.

Alternatively, a wall hung basin and unit will help the room to look more spacious, as having more of the floor on show can help a small room to feel more open. You then have the added benefit of storage for toilet rolls and cleaning products. Add a hook for a hand towel and that really is all you need- if you try to fit too much into a small space, it can start to feel claustrophobic.

Make the space feel bigger

Your decorating choices can go a long way to helping a petite bathroom feel more spacious. If your bathroom doesn’t include a window, use strategically placed spotlights to ensure that every corner is lit up. Opt for lighter colours on walls and floors to brighten up the room.

Adding a mirror can also help the space feel bigger, as it bounces light around the room. If you are using tiles consider large format tiles, as having fewer grout lines will break up the space less. You could even use the same tiles on the floor and ceiling, as the continuity will help the room to appear larger.

It is easy to be put off by the amount of work required in adding a bathroom, but following our guide will help you to find that it is a worthwhile addition to any home.