Are you a homeowner looking to make additions to your house to create a better living space? An en suite bathroom is something you should consider, especially if your home has the means for one.
Ensuite bathrooms are frequently confused with private bathrooms, yet a crucial distinction distinguishes the two. An ensuite bathroom is exclusively accessible from an adjoining bedroom, while private bathrooms can be accessed from both inside and outside.
This key distinction makes ensuites a largely sought-after addition for new homes due to the value and accessibility that they provide. Indeed, a new ensuite is one of life's little joys; a peaceful little sanctuary that is yours and yours alone.
Ensuite bathrooms offer greater accessibility
You might want to install an additional en suite bathroom in your home for several reasons. If, for example, you share your home with multiple people (whether they're family or friends), an additional en suite bathroom will come in very handy, especially if the main bathroom is in use. No more frantic waits when nature calls!
However, for most people, an ensuite bathroom is a better option than a private bathroom. An en suite bathroom directly connected to your bedroom certainly makes things easier, especially when you need to make a trip to the toilet in the middle of the night.
Furthermore, an en suite bathroom will provide you with a more private area in which to get ready in the morning, when compared to the main bathroom in your house. This is especially true if you have kids.
With an en suite, there will be no need to rush to go about your daily routine in the bathroom as your other family members use the main bathroom. An en suite simply provides you and your family with more flexibility and accessibility when it comes to bathrooms.
An ensuite bathroom is an investment worth looking into
An ensuite bathroom not only provides you with greater accessibility but can actually add more value to your home as well.
New homeowners will often upgrade their houses to increase their resale value and an en suite is one of the most common additions made.
A top-quality en suite can easily increase the value of a house by a minimum of 5%. This would easily give your returns on your investment. En suite bathroom cost tends to be more worth it to new homeowners too.
Where can I add an ensuite bathroom?
An ensuite can be added to any room in your house, although most people tend to place them only in the master bedroom. However, when it comes to adding an en suite, we recommend placing it near a bathroom on the same floor, or above the bathroom on the lower floor if you have one.
Adding an entirely new bathroom, be it an en suite or a private bathroom, can be expensive if you have to work on new plumbing or redirect old plumbing. Things like waste pipes leading to and from your extra bathroom, whether to attach floor tiles or not, and whether or not the planning permission allows for a large enough space to be created, are all things you need to take into account.
Adding an en suite so that it can easily be connected to an existing plumbing system will save you hundreds of pounds, which can then be used to buy better fixtures for your en suite.
If you want to go further, taking note of the electrical system in the intended area will also save you hundreds in rewiring. A basic electric shower with heating systems installed by a qualified Tradesperson not only saves on floor space but results in a stylish and functional unit.
There is a lot of planning that goes into an en suite, but in the end, it will be worth every pound.
Can I add an ensuite in tight spaces?
If you’re worried that there might not be sufficient space, don't worry! Lucky for you, it is perfectly possible to install one in a tight space.
All you need is a water supply and some space. The recommended area for an en suite is 1 metre by 3 metres, but you can go even smaller at 0.8 metres by 1.8 metres.
Most ensuites contain, at least, the basic 3 fixtures of a bathroom, a sink, a toilet and a bath.
However, if you are running short on space, we recommend installing a standing shower instead, or possibly creating room for the rest of your toilet fixtures by choosing a corner shower.
Standing showers save on space as they occupy a much smaller area as compared to bathtubs. Walk-in showers can be as small as 900mm x 900mm (around 36 inches by 36 inches in old money!), much less than a bathtub for sure.
Fixtures for small ensuites
When it comes to smaller ensuites or even smaller bathrooms in general, there is one fixture that you cannot do without.
Cloakroom basins are smaller than typical basins, with their pipes mostly hidden in the wall behind. There are all sorts of cloakroom basins available, and choosing the right one can save you tons of space.
Wall-hung cloakroom basins are great if you have ample space for additional fixtures in the toilet, but want to create an illusion of a larger floor.
However, if you are really struggling fitting things in, a cloakroom with a vanity or storage unit under it saves you lots of space. Cloakroom basins attached to a toilet are also a great option as this will maximise your space usage.
Another fixture to help you save precious space in a smaller-sized room would be corner toilets. Corner toilets are exactly the same as normal toilets with the exception that they are meant to be fit diagonally into the corner of a room. This should save you plenty of space, especially if you pair it with a corner sink too.
Conclusion
Ensuites are a great addition for any homeowner for various different reasons. En-suites offer you and your family greater flexibility when it comes to bathrooms by providing additional space. Furthermore, if you value your privacy, en suites will surely be a wonderful addition to your home.
The resale value that en suites add to homes is also another reason why you should be installing one in your home. If you plan things right, especially when it comes to plumbing and electrical wiring, you can save hundreds, giving you greater potential returns on your investment.
There are all sorts of home renovation services and companies that will gladly offer you their service when it comes to adding an en suite to your bedroom. With lots of designs and fixtures available, the perfect en suite for your home is only a couple of steps away.
Small bathroom ideas and advice
Head to our Small Spaces hub, where you'll find style guides, inspiration and advice for all manner of small bathrooms, from ensuites to cloakrooms.
