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Three reasons why your ‘dream’ bathroom isn’t working for you

Three reasons why your ‘dream’ bathroom isn’t working for you

Whether it’s because tastes have changed or products haven’t withstood the test of time, an estimated one in three households will renovate their home in 2024 — with the bathroom being a key focus amongst 33% of these homes.

This is a pretty big job, and when you’re spending a lot of time and money on a refurbishment, you want to make sure it will last.

That’s why we’ve pulled together some tips to make sure the bathroom you’ve dreamed of ends up being the one you’re left with.

With over 45 years of experience delivering industry-leading and long-lasting products, we’ve a wealth of insight to be shared on what to prioritise during your renovation in order to create a bathroom that caters to your lifestyle, needs, and tastes.

New range of Bristan kitchen taps



Two of our On Tap Ambassadors, Andy Steer and James Pickett, shared their thoughts on the key challenges homeowners face when designing their ‘dream’ bathroom — and how to avoid them so they can create a space that will be loved for years.
New range of Bristan kitchen taps
1. 
Finding the right installer is crucial

Often, the easy part of a bathroom renovation is picking the aesthetic you want for that space, and then the products that will help bring this to life. However, it can be tricky to think ahead and make sure that these products work in the space you have available.

Having a good installer involved in the process means they can help you identify any sticking points before they become bigger issues further down the line.

Sharing his experience, James said: “Often, customers have a vision in mind or an image they’ve found of the bathroom they want — and they’ll go with any installer who says they can do this for them.

“This is great, until it turns out that the design they’ve asked for doesn’t fit with the space they have available, or the placement of the window, or their budget… to name a few!”

Andy added: “A good installer won’t just blindly agree with you, but will listen to your plans, discuss options, raise any concerns, offer alternative solutions and be able to suggest the best products for you, based on your needs.

“I’ve seen too many cases of people going with the cheapest or the quickest option when it comes to picking an installer, rather than finding someone they trust. They can end up with cheap products, layouts they didn’t agree to or designs which just don’t look how they imagined.

Bristan Zing Shower in Chrome2. Do your research

Designing a new bathroom isn’t just about picking the products based on your desired look, you need to make sure they’re compatible with the infrastructure of your home and will fit in the space you have. This can take time to figure out, but it’s worth it to ensure your bathroom ends up exactly how you want it.

Andy explained: “It’s easy to get swept up into the look you want, but not every product will work for every bathroom. It’s vital to do your research beforehand to make sure everything you’re buying will not just do the job but do it well.

“For example, when you’re picking your taps, obviously their aesthetic appeal is a key factor, but you need to consider factors such as your water pressure, drainage system and the water quality in your area as well. If you live in an area with hard water – especially the east and southeast of England – you’ll likely find you’re prone to a build-up of limescale on your hardware.”

James continued: “Another common mistake we see is people not measuring up the products they like against the space they have available. Baths, toilets and showers will all look a lot smaller when viewed in a massive showroom. So, it’s crucial to consider how they will fit into your bathroom. Make sure to plan how your products will fit together, so you don’t end up with an overcrowded space.

“Before making any decisions, chat to your installer about which products work with the infrastructure and the space you have available, and what materials are best suited for the water in your region and, crucially, always opt for quality — investing in well-made taps and showers will make keeping them in pristine condition much easier.”


 

3. Make Sure everything is guaranteed

Guarantees are essential in providing peace of mind for the future, meaning you can relax and soak up your new bathroom without worrying about anything going wrong.

Adding a final point, James said: “Purchasing high-quality products goes a long way, but unexpected problems can still occur. So, making sure you’re covered by a guarantee is vital for peace of mind.

“A lot of people – especially when they’ve gone with an inexperienced installer or a cheaper fixture – tend to find that the cost or time needed for repairs on their cheaper products, makes replacing their whole suite a more desirable option.

“Having a firm guarantee in place, like those that Bristan offers, means that not only will your parts be covered but you’ll also have support with labour costs too, so those inconvenient faults quickly become small bumps in the road.

“Generally, higher quality products and an experienced installer will always offer good guarantees, because they’re confident in the craftsmanship of their work and that it can be trusted to last.”