THE ULTIMATE BUYER'S GUIDE TO Bathrooms

From basins to baths and brassware, too, we reveal how to design, cost and buy your dream bathroom, whatever your budget

BUYER'S TIP: MEASUREMENTS

Each piece of sanitaryware has an ideal clearance. Here's what to consider...

• Bath: Aim for a height of 520mm and allow for a minimum of 500mm side clearance.
• Basin: A height of between 780mm and 980mm tends to be comfortable for most adults. A clearance of at least 510mm is required to the front - a minimum of 100mm either side, if possible.
• Shower: The minimum comfortable size for a shower enclosure is 760mm x 760mm. A clearance of around 600mm is also required.
• Toilet: Toilet heights tend to be around 760-850mm, while the seat height is 400mm as standard and 500mm for comfort. Widths are around 350-400mm and leave a minimum of 100mm either side, with 500mm at the front.

Lee Reed, product manager, Easy Bathrooms

How you choose to buy your bathroom and manage the project will all depend on how much you want to get involved in the process and, of course, how much you have to spend.

But there are options available whatever expertise, or not, you have, and whatever your budget. You can go all in and do it yourself, you can hire a team and choose to project manage (or not) or you can leave it all to a bathroom design and fit company.

However, before committing to a buying route for your bathroom there are a few jobs you need to do first, whichever path you choose to take.

WHERE TO START?

Bathrooms don't tend to be the biggest room in a home but the right design can have a big impact on how you use the space. "One of the most important things to consider in a bathroom is the layout," says Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs. "Getting it right from the start will mean that you have a bathroom that works for the whole family.