An extra bathroom or en-suite can come in very handy when you have guests visiting. It helps to ease the pressure on the main bathroom and can also add value to your home.

Here are five things to take into consideration before installing an extra bathroom or en-suite.

Is there enough space?

En-suites are often created by taking space from or converting a small adjacent bedroom, but this can devalue your home. The ideal situation is to find enough space but without making one of the bedrooms smaller. Consider a large walk in wardrobe, or space under the stairs. When creating an en-suite you need to ensure that there is enough room to easily get ready and that there is enough space around the basin, toilet, bath or shower so ensure all of your measurements are correct before making any drastic changes.

There are an abundance of space saving toilets, basins and vanity units available, which feature compact dimensions to help you make the most of the available room in your en-suite.

Is planning permission required?

If you are creating an en-suite planning permission is not usually required, unless you are extending your building. However, it is important to make sure that all work undertaken meets current Building Regulations, so it’s worth doing your research first.

Take into consideration the cost

You don’t always need to spend a fortune to create a modern look, with careful planning and budgeting you can easily create en-suite that looks stylish and attractive, without the hefty price tag.
If you are planning an extra bathroom or en-suite it is important that you carefully consider budget and make ensure there is contingency money to cover any unforeseen circumstances. Don’t forget to seek quotes for plumbing, electrics, labour, fixtures, fittings, wall and flooring coverings before making any decisions.

Heating and plumbing

Before creating an en-suite ensure that your boiler has a sufficient supply of hot water to cope with the extra demand. It’s also a good idea to check the water pressure and opt for suitable taps and showers to ensure of the best possible performance.

Finishing touches

The finishing touches to your en-suite can really bring the look of the room together. Matching bathroom accessories can help to pull together a stylish look, while mirrors and lighting can create eye-catching features.