INTERIORS
Make your bathroom work
The Bathroom Association’s Tom Reynolds shares practical advice to help self-builders design better bathrooms – sustainable, compliant and perfectly suited to modern living.
B
athrooms are among the most personal and most used spaces in any home, yet they’re often one of the last things considered during the planning stages of a self-build. For those who get it right, however, the results can be life enhancing. In a world where our homes must work harder for us and the environment, smart bathroom choices are more important than ever. The Bathroom Association, formerly known as the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, recently evolved its identity to refl ect the broader coalition now shaping the future of bathrooms. From installers and designers to specifi ers and retailers, the bathroom world is more collaborative and diverse than ever before, and that includes self-builders. With a vision of a world
where “bathrooms are better for people and planet,” the Association aims to help everyone – from fi rst time renovators to seasoned developers – make informed decisions. Here’s how to ensure your bathroom adds lasting value to your self-build.
BATHROOM TO BEDROOM EQUATION 30 years ago, an ensuite was considered a luxury. Today, a 1:1 bathroom to bedroom ratio is becoming increasingly common in new homes. But is it necessary?
TV design icon Kevin McCloud has
warned against the rise of multiple bathrooms as a status symbol, questioning whether this is a step too far. However, for many self-builders, the motivation is not about prestige but practicality. A 1:1 ratio offers growing families greater fl exibility, reduces morning traffi c ams, and provides
essential privacy in multigenerational homes or shared living setups. As ever, context is key. A luxurious ensuite may be overkill in a single person home, but in a busy household, it can be life changing. If space or budget limits the number of full bathrooms, consider at least one additional WC.
COMPLIANCE You might expect that all products available for sale in the UK meet regulatory standards. Sadly, that’s not always the case. n a fi ercely competitive and globally traded sector, it’s crucial for self-builders to do a little digging before making purchasing decisions.
For items like toilets, baths and shower enclosures – products covered under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) – ask the manufacturer or retailer
for a Declaration of Performance. This document states that the product has been tested to relevant standards. Ideally, they should also provide traceability information. For water delivering products such as taps, valves and shower mixers, the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations apply. It’s a common misconception that WRAS approval is a legal requirement; it isn’t, but it is one of several robust certifi cation schemes, along with NSF, Kiwa, and Kitemark, that can give you peace of mind. Look for these marks to ensure your fi ttings are compliant, safe and built to last.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS As environmental awareness grows, so does innovation in bathroom products. We are seeing rapid progress across the
Effi cient use of space is vital to good design in homes of all sizes
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