Forget the wet rooms you might have known as a kid, nowadays they’re taking over modern bathroom design, providing a space-saving and stylish feature for homes of all sizes to enjoy.
If you’re considering one for yourself, here’s everything you need to know…
What is a wet room?
Though the name suggests otherwise, a wet room doesn’t necessarily mean you need an entire room dedicated to them (though this is an option). In fact, all adding a wet room means is you have a shower area that doesn’t use a tray and is instead in an open, fully tiled space.
Their open design allows them to be installed in bathrooms big and small. However, for those wanting to keep them next to toilets, sinks and towel racks, it’s worthwhile adding a good screen to stop the spray from soaking your fixtures.
Is my home suitable?
Wet rooms can be added to most homes, even in bathrooms on the smaller size.
In terms of planning permission, you’re unlikely to need prior approval from the council to go ahead. However, if you’re in a listing building, we recommend you consult your local authority as there could be restrictions.
How much do they cost?
Installing a wet room is no small job and we don’t recommend taking it on as a DIY project (more on why below). Therefore, your budget will not only have to include your new fittings but also the day rates of your contractor/plumber.
We recommend you put aside: £6000 - 12000.
Prices will vary on where you’re based in the UK, the complexity of your design, the size of your bathroom, plus with the quality of your plumber and materials.
Installation
The reason this project doesn’t fall under DIY is because you’ll need to tank your entire bathroom.
This will mostly involve the whole floor being removed, so the subfloor can be inspected. As you’ll need to waterproof your space, having a good subfloor is key. Any defects and this will need replacing too. Your team will then get to work adding a waterproof seal over the subfloor and any adjacent walls.
By tanking the room, you create an insurance layer that, should any water get through your tiles, ensures no leaks affect the floors below. Once this had been completed, your plumber will work to create a slight gradient so the water runs into your drains, before finishing up by installing your fittings and tiles.
The pros and cons
As with all projects, a wet room comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. Before you splash the cash, we recommend you consider the following points…
Pros
- Can be tailored for bathrooms of all sizes
- Saves space by removing tray or unnecessary bath
- By investing in good quality tiles, your floor will be better protected
- Easier to clean than a traditional shower
- Very stylish and on-trend
Cons
- Can be a pricey project due to the professionals required
- The price will also be pushed up by the amount of tiling required
- Without a good screen, the shower spray can soak the room
- You might see the price of your home decrease if you’re replacing a traditional bath in your main bathroom
Adding a wet room to your home
Want to create your own wet room? Perhaps you’re considering a full renovation or converting your loft for a bedroom and ensuite? If so, we provide free consultations for homeowners nationwide. Get expert advice from everything from budgets, timings, to design - simply book yours now.
