WE’VE JUST COMPLETED A FIVE-BEDROOM, MULTI-GENERATIONAL home in Greater London in which three of the bedrooms have ensuites. This may sound extravagant but in today’s marketplace it’s not so unusual – the new norm is one bathroom to one bedroom. Agata Hyzy, project co-ordinator at Accurate Professional, one of our favourite construction companies shares the following: “We tend to see that with most refurbs these days comes the addition of an ensuite. People aim to improve their comfort of living, not just for themselves and their family, but also for occasional guests. It also increases the value of the home, which makes it a smart investment.”
In addition, the value that an ensuite can add to your property is rarely commensurate with the square footage it will command.
So, if you’re thinking about it, adding an ensuite that is, not selling your house, what do you need to consider?
1. Planning? If the ensuite is within your existing walls, it is unlikely that planning permission will be needed although building regulations are. Consult with your architect, interior designer and builder on this one.
2. Get your interior designer involved as soon as possible, having detailed plans to hand before you begin will avoid potentially costly changes later in the process.
3. Before rushing out to buy that fabulous shower that you spotted, consult with your builder/plumber on your water pressure – whether high or low – as this will affect your purchases.
4. Space? The smallest we have installed recently was 1m x 2m but those that know say you can get away with 0.8m x 1.8m.
5. Bath, shower or both? If this is a second bathroom and space is at a premium then a shower room can be as luxurious and relaxing as you wish to make it. Let your interior designer know what your expectations are before you begin planning. Showers are more popular at the moment for conservation and financial reasons. A ten-minute shower will set you back about 100 litres of water whereas the average bath uses between 160 and 230 litres.
6. Budget conscious? Save your spend for the taps and shower fittings, after that, focus on whether you prefer a bath or shower and work backwards from there. Tiles are an area where corners can be cut (not literally of course!). Molly Gatcum our senior designer suggests: “For example, if you want a marble look but can’t afford the price tag, try a porcelain tile with a marble vein.”
7. Lighting. There are various IP (ingress protection) ratings for electrical fittings associated with water and these may affect your choice. Have a lighting plan prepared at the onset of your project and don’t forget the shower niche, a common afterthought.
WORD OF WARNING: If you’re keeping an eye on budget, try to site your ensuite as close to other bathrooms/plumbing fittings as possible. Rearranging pipework and drainage is where the costs mount up.
