Individual considerations

As humans, we are all unique and we have unique tastes as well. The things that will influence your choice will be your taste in either a more traditional or modern style. The style you choose should obviously be taken for the whole bathroom, otherwise it would extremely cheap and confusing.

Consider your budget

Your budget is one of the most important aspects, since it will determine what you can afford. You do not just use the cost of the tap, but all the related accessories must be brought into the equation. If you are on a tight budget, beware of the models with plastic shells or handles. The price might be attractive, but the overall durability and and resistance to scratches are likely to disappoint you. High quality bathroom taps cost a pretty penny but they can make a cost-effective upgrade in the bathroom look expensive and professional.

The bottom line is that you can overspend on other items but your taps will be of low quality, low durability and it might not be as visually pleasing as you would like.

Practicality is everything

Think about who will mainly use the bathroom and it will support your choice of bathroom taps. A popular selection for the elderly or children is a lift tap instead of the traditional screw tap, which is easier to open and close, while allowing you to choose the right water temperature without scalding yourself. Due to their design, screw taps can be a bit more difficult to open to close and they are harder to grip.

Please note that if you install any special features, they might require specific taps to be installed and some of them can be quite expensive.

Keep your ceramics in mind

You have to look at the design elements of your ceramics. If you have a round style basin, you can balance this feature by selecting bathroom taps with rounded handles and even a curved spout. If you have a geometric or angular styled are, a tap with a lot of curvature would stick out like a sore thumb and ruin the whole look.

Aesthetic tips for bathroom taps:

• See your tap as an investment and take your time to consider your personal taste, the style of your bathroom and the timelessness of your choice.
• Contemporary faucets usually have a smooth, minimalistic design and a polished finished. The levers that operate water flow are often slim and sleek.
• Traditional designs include crossbar-handle faucets that are usually available in chrome or brass.
• Ceramic-covered lever faucets have an old-fashioned appeal. It is an alternative to chrome and brass finishes, and you can give a classically-styled faucet a more contemporary look with a matte finish.
• The general theme, shapes used and design style of your bathroom ceramics need to be taken into consideration in order to create a synergistic appeal.
• If you desire a more traditional look that combines classic and modern styles, you could get a gooseneck matte-finish faucet. It might do the trick and maximize the space available for hand-washing.
• Timelessness should be one of your focus points but you should also invest in quality. When you are compiling your budget, give preference to bathroom taps because they form a fine focal point in any bathroom.

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Self-Rimming Sinks

This style is the easiest to install and it can be fitted into an existing counter. A rim encircling the bowl sits on the countertop to support the weight of the sink.

• Also known as drop-in sinks
• Most popular style
• Easiest to install, approximately one hour
• Can be easily be installed into an existing counter

Vessel Sinks

These are typically bowl-shaped units that sit on top of the counter surface. They do not require undermount installation.

• Also known as countertop sinks
• They are generally higher, which makes them more comfortable
• A bold design choice
• Vessel sinks require a pop-up drain

Wall-Mounted Sinks

These are perfect for bathrooms that could use extra floor space. This sink is supported by the wall and does not require a vanity base, countertop, or legs.

• They often include a shroud to hide any piping
• Do not use any floor space
• Good choice for small bathrooms
• Can be installed at different heights

Pedestal Sinks

It is a stand-alone style sink that takes up floor space. You can install this ina small bathroom where storage isn’t a priority.

• Not installed into a vanity
• Features a wide basin and a narrow base
• Similar to a birdbath shape
• Take up relatively little floorspace

Undermount Sinks

This sink is installed below a solid countertop. It maximizes counter space and it is easy to clean.

• Must be used with solid-surface counters
• Gives a smooth look that’s a rising trend
• You can wipe directly into the sink
• Easy to clean

Console Sinks

These are a cross between wall-mounted and pedestal links. The exposed base offers a less bulky option for small spaces.

• Wall hung sink with two or four legs
• Acts as both a basin and the counter
• Saves space
• Compact and offers storage

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Rushing the process

Now that you are committed to the idea of remodeling your bathroom, you probably want it done ASAP. Poor planning is the leading cause of cost overruns on these projects. It is expensive to do it once but doing the same work gain, can ruin your budget. You can take a few weeks or months to plan your project, depend on its size. Keep a notebook for writing down ideas and save similar images on a portable device so that you can review it.

As you go on planning, try to come up with a design that keeps the major plumbing lines in place. Moving a toilet from one wall to another will mean that you have to relocate the dream line and that can cost thousands. If you keep your fixtures where they are, you will most likely save significantly.

Do not forget the skilled labor

The DIY approach can be an effective way to cut down on costs, but some things are best left to professionals. Ripping out a tub or even laying some grout is nothing. You just need to leave the complicated installations to the professionals, but verify their skill level before you appoint them. Take the following example: a good tile setter can make your cheap tiles look very expensive, while a bad tile setter can make expensive tiles look very cheap.

If you look at how many trades are involved in a typical bathroom remodel, it could help to find a general contractor to manage operations. Meet with a few contractors, preferable those you find through word of mouth. Make sure they have a valid, up-to-date license and insurance, and worker’s compensation. The contract should also list every single product, down to the model number and finish. Make sure that you do not automatically go for the lowest bid.

Do not cut down on key material

Another common and costly mistake is to cut down on those items that get the most use. Lifetime warranties that cover leaks and stains have become more common on all but the cheapest of faucets. PVD finishes are also good for protecting fixtures again stains, except for drain cleaners.

Tile is another material that you use each and every day. While you can find quality options for R50 per square meter, super cut-rate tiles have slight size inconsistencies. These will make your bathroom look very cheap and unprofessional.

So where do you save? Light fixtures tend to perform the same across most prices but it is the high design that costs you more. You may also find that choosing a basic finish on faucets and fixtures can save you thousands without compromising on quality. You also do not need to blow your budget on a luxury toilet that may cost R60 000 or more. You might get cool features but a toilet that costs as little as R3500 flushes better.

Never stop thinking about the future

You may be healthy and full of energy today but none of us can predict the future. What you can do is ensure that your bathroom will serve you and your family regardless of your abilities.

You do not need to have an institutional look in the bathroom . Many universal design features are now part of mainstream, bathroom design. If you look at the larger shower, they are easily accessible, it features a zero-threshold and built-in seating platform. The bench not only helps the elderly but it make is more comfortable to shave in the shower. Toilets that are the so-called comfort-height models are easier to get on and off. These are as common and standard-height models and they are roughly the same price. Grab bars have also change a lot over the years. Their designs now match towel bas and other accessories. These are not only used by the elderly but by pregnant women and even children.

Even if you do not incorporate very single element of universal design immediately into your bathroom, it is worth putting in the structural framework. Install the components in the wall and ask your contractor for a drawing, so that you know where it is when the time comes to use them.

Never forget to factor in water use

Bathroom fixture have become more water-efficient especially if you can get your hands on some of them. If you use a large shower with two showerheads or showers with a lot of nozzles, you need to upgrade your existing drain and plumbing lines. Getting these upgrades will add thousands to your projects.

Fixtures that use a lot of water may force you to upgrade your geyser, from 150L to 200L or perhaps even larger but these are the most popular sizes. A geyser can typically cost you between R6000 and R8000 or more. You could also buy a solar heater that uses the sun to heat your water or you could an “instant” water heater which comes in 75L at the biggest. These will typically cost around R2000. Claims are made that these water heaters are just over 90% energy efficient.

Do not buy products online without viewing them in person

Going online is a great method to research products, design ideas and compare prices out of the comfort of your own home. The materials and finishes are not always as they appear on the computer screen. A blue-quarts vanity top might be more blue than grey in real life or light fixtures your ordered could overwhelm your entire space. Rather visit a showroom or design center before you buy. While you are there, you can even barter with the store a little so that they meet or beat the online price. Some stores also have specials that they do not have online, which could be a huge help in saving money.

Keep storage in mind

Running from the shower to grab a towel from the linen closet in the hallway can be embarrassing and cold. A closet inside the bathroom is ideal, but you can have a shelved cabinet, armoire or a simple chest that can handle the essentials. A medicine cabinet is also a good place for storing various health-care and first-aid essentials.

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Budget for the unexpected

Hidden water damage is one of the most common problems in bathrooms. It could be a leaky shower pan or running toilet that is wreaking havoc on your floor. If it feels spongy, it is a sign of serious water damage. Some other problems are truly hidden which could be a vent stack inside a wall you want to knock down.

Hide the toilet

A master bathroom that is both stylish and functional can also be very discreet. It is always nice to hide a toilet in a room within the bathroom, behind a half-wall or perhaps behind some sort of barrier or divider.

Choose appropriate surfaces,?h3>
The surfaces in your bathroom do a lot more than just contribute to aesthetics. They take a lot of abuse and for that, you need the right surfaces which can handle it. Porcelain is a favorite among designers, for use on the walls and floors alike. Some porcelain tiles are cheap at roughly R80 per square meter and resemble natural stone. If you want to ease the upkeep, you could use larger tiles to minimize grout lines.

Porcelain is also a popular choice for bathroom sinks but some tests have shown that they can chip when subjected to heavy impacts. Enamel-on-steel sinks are very durable and stain-resistant. Stainless steel sinks are also becoming more popular for use in the bathrooms as well. A solid-surface sink is another durable option and it allows you to integrate the sink with a vanity countertop.

When it comes to the countertop, granite and quarts have moved from the kitchen to the bathroom. It is very durable and visually pleasing. Laminated and solid surface sinks are still popular and cost-effective choices but it can scratch easy.

Spend on the shower

People have started to use bathtubs even less due to high water usage and efficiency. Nowadays people do not usually install baths in their homes and use the space to create bigger showers. This can be a big shower that has two showerheads, own storage areas and perhaps steam generators.

In order to create such a space, you roughly need a shower stall that is at least 1.2m (4 feet) by 1.8m (6 feet), larger than the standard 0.9m (3 feet) by 0.9m (3 feet) stall. If you can take the stall up to 1.5m (5 feet) by 2.1m (7 feet), you may even forget about installing a door because the showerheads can be directed in a way that the spray does not reach beyond the shower area. An L-shaped design is the best to use. This will eliminate a sizable expense, especially if you were planning on a frameless door. Just one thing to take note of: do NOT remove the bathtub if there are no more in the house.

Consider the water usage

Showerheads, toilets and faucets gave become more water-efficient in recent years due to water shortages and the price of water. Low-flow showerheads and faucets will save more water than the traditional fixtures. These water-efficient fixtures generally cost the same or are cheaper than the traditional fixtures. Some companies claim that their fixtures are 20% more water-efficient than the traditional ones.

As for toilets, the old fashioned one can use as much as 12 liters per flush, while new dual flush toilets use 6 liters for a full and 3 liters for a half. By using these dual flush toilets, you can save between 6 and 9 liters per flush, which ultimately reduces your utility bill. If you choose a faucet with an aerator, you can reduce the water flow in your bathroom sink by 30% or more.

Clear space on the vanity

Since grooming is the main task at the vanity, it is important to have plenty of surface are to put things down. Since a double sink has been popular in the past, it makes more sense to have a single sink with a lot of counter space. Not only does it take a lot less space, but a single vanity save you the expense of a second sink and faucet. By eliminating a set of plumbing, it expands the storage space inside the vanity as well.

Ensure adequate ventilation and light

Moisture does not only create mold and mildew, it can take a toll on finishes and painted surfaces. A bathroom fan or ventilation system is the best defense. A ducted system that is at least 50 cubic feet per minute is generally the international standard, but you might need twice as much ventilation if the space is larger than 10 square feet or if you have a steam shower. You can also consider installing a humidity-sensing unit that will automatically turn on and off, depending on the amount of moisture in the air.

As for lighting, the goal is to bring different layers of illumination into the bathroom. A ceiling fixture is suitable for general lighting, but it will cast shadows on your face when you are seated at the vanity or standing in front of the mirror. Wall scones or other vertical fixtures mounted on the sides of the vanity can eliminate the shadows. Some medicine cabinets are available with vertical light strips.

The shower, toilet or bathtub should also have a dedicated task light, such as a recessed canister light. LED bulbs are the best choice because they provide loads of light and they are more energy-efficient than ordinary bulbs. The only drawback is that these lights cost more than ordinary or energy-saving bulbs. Remember that you can put the fixtures on dimmer switches so that light levels can be adjusted according to the mood and task at hand.

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