You’ve decided to update your bathroom. Well done on making such an important decision – one that will change your home and give you a beautiful new living space to enjoy for years to come. The problem is knowing where to start. As with any big building job, the decisions involved aren’t ones to be taken lightly. You’ll need to undertake lots of planning before you’re in a position to begin with the construction work. This can be somewhat daunting if you don’t have any ideas and have little experience managing or carrying out building work in your home. Consider our top tips below, and you’ll be in a good position to start implementing your bathroom redesign project:

1.    Look at bathroom brochures. You can order brochures from various companies, or often they’re available to download online. The more you look through, the better. Even if some are out of your price range, it will give you a chance to discover the styles and looks you’re drawn to, which is important in giving you a solid starting point for your search.

2.    If you want to use a professional, find someone you trust. The company which you choose may offer a fitting service as well, or you may need to track down your own builder and/ or plumber. Sometimes bathroom suppliers will only sell to trade professionals, in which case you’ll need to make sure you hire someone reliable so as not to get ripped off price-wise. There are numerous ways in which you can find a good builder. Speak to friends or family, or look at websites which recommend people. You’ll be able to read reviews of their service to ensure you’re making the best decision.

3.     Should you decide to fit the bathroom yourself, plan, plan plan! Make sure that you know what you’re doing before you start anything, or you could end up in a bit of a sticky situation where your configuration doesn’t work out. If you’re less experienced with DIY jobs, follow instructions carefully.

4.    If gas or electric is involved, always use a professional. Even if it seems simple enough, you don’t want to risk making a mistake as it’s easy to cause serious injuries or even death.

5.    When you’ve chosen the products you want, check their warranty. You don’t want to install something only to find that you have problems with it and it’s not covered by any kind of guarantee. Reputable manufacturers will offer good service, so a decent warranty is indicative of the quality that you’re getting.

6.    Consider efficiency, not just aesthetics. Think about how much water different baths, showers and basins will use, and consider the longevity of accessories like taps and handles. Don’t choose style over substance – the best designs will take into account appearance and functionality.

7.    Allow enough time. Fitting a full bathroom can take a number of weeks, or even longer if you’re fitting it yourself. The waiting might be frustrating, but it means that the finished product will be of a higher quality and will be worth the wait.