Did you know that on average, we spend more than two years of our lives in the bathroom?! Given the amount of time we spend there, it makes sense that it should be a beautiful, functional space that we can actually enjoy being in. Enter bathroom designers!
A bathroom designer’s job is to make your bathroom a room that works for you – one that’s functional, aesthetically pleasing and within your budget, of course! Here, we’ll look at everything you need to know about hiring bathroom designers near you, from where to find one to how much they tend to charge.
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Your questions answered about bathroom designers near you
What is a bathroom designer?
A bathroom designer is a professional who quite literally designs bathrooms! They work closely with homeowners to understand their tastes and practical needs before creating a bathroom design that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Some bathroom designers are independent, which means you’ll need to hire your bathroom designer and fitter separately. Usually, an independent bathroom designer will work closely with your bathroom fitter to bring the bathroom design to life.
However, other bathroom designers work for bathroom fitting companies. In this case, you’ll simply contact one company to design and install your bathroom, and they’ll assign a designer and fitter to your project.
What does a bathroom designer do?
Different bathroom designers will work slightly differently, depending on their business model and whether they’re independent or part of a bathroom fitting company. That said, most bathroom designers will:
- Take the time to understand your brief
- Create a sketch or digital rendering of a design concept for you
- Adapt the concept to bring it in line with your budget
- Help you select products and finishes
If you hire a bathroom designer from a bathroom fitting company, they’ll usually then use these elements to create a final proposal and agreement. This will outline the work to be done and the total price.
If you hire an independent bathroom designer, they might at this point leave you with a design to give to a bathroom fitter. However, often, they’ll continue to be involved and will work with your bathroom fitter closely to ensure their designs are properly brought to life.
What are the important aspects of bathroom design?
When coming up with a design for a new bathroom, there are a number of important aspects to keep in mind. Here are some of the main ones:
- Maximising the space. A clever bathroom layout and good bathroom storage are key to maximising the space available
- Purpose. A family bathroom will look and function very differently to a luxury spa-like ensuite
- Lighting. Lighting can completely transform the feel of your bathroom. Try to incorporate functional lights as well as more subtle mood lighting
- Colour. Light colours can make your bathroom feel bright and airy whereas dark colours can make it feel moody and atmospheric. Choosing the right bathroom tiles is key to nailing your bathroom colour choices
- Budget. Good bathroom designs don’t have to cost the earth. Consider changes and substitutions you can make to get the effect you’re after for the budget you have available
Why hire a bathroom designer in my area?
Wondering why you should hire a bathroom designer rather than simply pick out the look and layout of your bathroom yourself? Here are some of the main reasons.
- Maximise your space. Your bathroom is a room that you likely use every day – multiple times! A bathroom designer will help you make sure the space reaches its full potential and fulfils the role it needs to in your home
- Expertise. A bathroom designer is an experienced professional who’ll have tricks up their sleeve you wouldn’t necessarily be familiar with. They’ll be able to offer you guidance and advice on achieving the bathroom you’re dreaming of
- Personalised service. A bathroom designer will take the time to understand your unique needs and tastes before suggesting solutions that will help to make your life easier
- Fresh pair of eyes. If you’ve been staring at your bathroom unsure how to proceed, a bathroom designer can act as a fresh pair of eyes. They’ll be able to put forward ideas that you likely haven’t thought of
- Peace of mind. A bathroom designer will be familiar with all the relevant safety requirements and regulations – such as where electrics can be located in a bathroom. So, you can rest assured that their design will be safe and legal
- Longevity. A good bathroom designer will ask the right questions to make sure that their bathroom design not only suits you now but will also work for you long into the future
- Quality. Your bathroom designer will be able to recommend quality products, finishes and materials for your bathroom, and may even work closely with your bathroom fitter to ensure they are properly installed
- Cost-effective. By working with a professional bathroom designer now, you’ll hopefully be able to save money in the long run. After all, you’ll end up with a bathroom you know you’ll love and won’t need to redo any time soon!
How much do bathroom designers near me cost?
Some bathroom designers will charge an hourly rate, whereas others will charge you a set fee for the project.
How do I find a reputable bathroom designer near me?
It’s important to work with a reputable bathroom designer who’s going to take the time to understand your needs and tastes – and who’s going to produce a design that you’re thrilled with! Here are some questions you should ask to help you find the right designer for you.
- Can I see pictures of your previous work?
- Do you also install bathrooms? Or can you recommend a fitter?
- Will you remain involved right up until the bathroom is completed? What role will you take during the installation phase?
- How much do you charge? When is payment due?
- What happens if I decide not to go ahead with you for installation? Will I get to keep the design?
Always read reviews and make sure that they’ve undertaken similar projects before. At Checkatrade, all our members have to pass up to 12 checks and are regularly reviewed on things like quality, reliability and punctuality. So, you can feel confident that you’re hiring someone brilliant who you’re going to love working with.