The bathroom is one of your home’s most important rooms. It is an intimate space where you will spend significant time each day. So, choosing the right sanitary ware – bath, shower, enclosures, hand basin, toilet and accessories – is essential for any new build or remodel.
Planning well ahead and thinking practically about how you want to use the space, the aesthetic, and general wear and tear can save costly changes later.
Homeowners are faced with myriad choices when it comes to their bathrooms. So, the Berkan Construction team has developed this list of things that should be considered while buying sanitary ware to help:
1 Understand what you need from each bathroom
Before starting, list the items you need and want for each bathroom in your home. For example, do you need a tub in each bathroom if you always showering and rarely take a bath? Do you need a double vanity unit in a bathroom that children will use? Is storage essential for you? Don’t spend your budget on unnecessary items or products you won’t use.
2 Sanitary ware colour and design
It’s OK to use various coloured sanitary items in your bathroom to express your individuality. However, be aware of replacing items in the future if they chip or break—and it will be costly to replace if you fall out of love with your chosen colour.
If you want to add colour, it might be best to choose white sanitary ware and use tiles, cabinetry, different-coloured taps, etc., to make your design statement.
Linear and regular shapes are recommended for those wanting a modern style with clean and simple lines. Consider contemporary-style countertop washbasins and modern wall-mounted items here.
For a more classical or vintage look, choose pieces with rounded corners, embossed edges, and geometric forms that are floor-mounted.
Items such as toilet seats in different colours (black or grey), metal shelving, brass taps, and under-sink and wall units can help the space reflect your personality and design inspirations.
3 Size
Sanitary ware must create the right balance between space, mobility and comfort. If your bathroom space is limited, you should choose sanitary items explicitly developed for smaller rooms. A large toilet and sink will make your bathroom appear smaller, and you’ll bump into everything! So, choose modern, compact, space-saving items and wall installation that minimises visible pipes and connections.
4 Ease of installation and use
Although you will be using a professional service to install your bathroom, remember how easy it is to install. It will keep costs lower, reduce installation time and reduce the possibility of errors.
5 Durability and Finish
With any new build or renovation, you don’t want to change your sanitary bathroom items for some time. So, it would be best to choose durable fixtures that will last long. Spend your budget on well-built, durable things with a clean, smooth finish that won’t stain or rust and will last. Look for the ISO-certified label, which shows the item has undergone thorough quality testing and adheres to industry standards.
6 A focus on quality
Remember, an expensive item doesn’t mean it is a quality and durable piece. Some pieces may not be high-quality stainless steel despite the hefty price tag! Check with your professional installation team, especially in areas like Barbados, where the environment can be harsh on taps and toilets. They will recommend brands with a proven durability, price and quality track record. Use their experience and local knowledge.
It is important to note here that if you are building or renovating in areas like the Caribbean, product availability can be challenging. If they are not regularly stocked, items can take a significant amount of time to arrive when ordered, slowing down the installation. It would help if you considered additional delivery costs and duties. So, be flexible and look at the product specifications and all the associated costs.
7 Easily cleanable sanitary ware
Everyone likes a clean, hygienic, and well-organised bathroom. Install bathroom sanitary ware and accessories that are easy to detach and access for cleaning. Your showerhead may look fabulous, but Barbados’ hard water requires regular cleaning to avoid limescale build-up. Its performance will be impacted if it is too difficult to access or easily breaks during cleaning.
Choose top-quality ceramic items for long-lasting sanitary ware that can be easily cleaned without the risk of yellowing or loss of brightness.
8 Warranty
Wherever possible, purchase your sanitary ware through the manufacturer’s official website or one of their authorised dealers. This will guarantee that the items you buy are genuine and include a product warranty.
Bathroom design involves many aspects, and keeping up with the designs and styles can be challenging. It’s easy to become confused when so many brands, patterns, and fashion trends are available. This difficulty is compounded when building or renovating a home on a Caribbean island! Items may not be available, are too costly to import or are unsuitable for the environment.
The team at Berkan Construction can assist you through the entire process, ensuring that the space is used optimally, quality, functional and great value products are installed, and the bathroom has the perfect finish and aesthetic you want. Contact us today to discuss your new build or renovation project.
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