As a sought-after addition to the bedroom by plenty of UK households, en suite bathroom installation has become a common topic of conversation, and more people are searching for reliable and high-quality en suite bathroom fitters. An en suite bathroom offers homes with convenience, privacy, and a little bit of luxury.
So, if you’re thinking about installing an en suite bathroom, this guide will be hugely beneficial to you. As a handy starting point, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from what makes a bathroom an en suite and design ideas to the costs involved and the importance of enlisting the help of professional bathroom fitters.
What “En Suite” Means
The term “en suite” is French. When translated to English, this means “adjoining”, “afterwards”, or “in sequence”. In fact, there are multiple English synonyms for the term. Its direct translation isn’t really important as the term was added into the English language to mean something else entirely. An en suite is a bathroom that is attached and only accessed through a bedroom.
What is an En Suite Bathroom?
As a private bathroom directly attached to a bedroom, it’s easy to imagine why this is such a popular home feature. Often small in size and simply laid out, an en suite bathroom typically features a toilet unit, sink basin, and shower. That being said, you can technically have large, even grand, bathrooms that still are categorised as an en suite. As long as the bathroom is attached to a bedroom, it is considered an en suite.
Why do people have en suites installed:
Increased Privacy: An en suite bathroom is typically only used by the occupant(s) of the bedroom it is attached to, which means better privacy. Most en suites are found in the master bedrooms, but they can also be built into normal bedrooms.
More Convenient: It provides easier access to a bathroom at important times, such as during the night and getting ready in the morning, for example.
Boosts Property Value: Considered a desirable home feature by many, an en suite can add value to your property if you decide to put your property up for sale.
How Much Does an En Suite Cost?
The costs involved with en suite bathroom installation can vary widely, like any other bathroom. There are several factors to consider, such as the size of the space, the materials and products used, and the complexity of the project. The best way of finding an accurate figure to work with is by contacting a bathroom fitting company or independent contractor and asking for a quote.
To help you out, here’s a general breakdown:
Basic En Suite Bathroom Installation: £3,000-£7,000 – Add a basic, small en suite with essential features, like a toilet and sink. Read more about this price point>
- Mid-Range En Suite Bathroom Installation: £7,000-£10,000 – Includes materials of a higher quality and extra features, like a shower. Read more about this price point>
- High-End En Suite Bathroom installation: £10,000+ – More premium finishes, custom design options, and luxury features. Read more about this price point>
An en suite bathroom installation cost is very similar to how much a standard new bathroom would cost. As mentioned above, it’s the variation between projects that influence the final price you would pay.
Key Steps in an En Suite Bathroom Installation
Installing an en suite bathroom is a process that has many steps and isn’t too different from your typical bathroom installation or small bathroom fitting project. The best approach is to hire the help of a professional bathroom fitting company or independent installer. Choose well, and you could possibly work with a team or person who can handle every stage of your en suite bathroom installation.
While every en suite installation project is different, especially when you factor in specific design considerations and alterations, here is a good idea of what to expect:
- Planning and Design: Utilising a bathroom design service, you can work with an expert and together come up with the design and layout of the en suite. This is also around the time to consider installation dates, timelines, and budget.
- Plumbing and Wiring: You will need the help of professionals to ensure proper connections for water, drainage, and electricity. If you already have an en suite and you’re renovating the space while keeping the same layout, this step may not be needed.
- Ventilation: if not already set up in an existing en suite, you’ll need to have a suitable extractor fan installed to prevent moisture buildup.
- Installation: Next, your chosen products – it’s best to go with products suited to small bathrooms for an en suite – will need to be installed, such products as the toilet, sink basin, shower, and anything else included as per your design.
- Final Touches: Bring the en suite together with the finishing touches you planned into your design, such as tiling, painting, lighting, further storage solutions, and any additional décor.
En Suite Bathroom Design Ideas
Prioritise Space-Saving Features
If you’re limited on space, which is often the case with en suite bathrooms, it’s a good idea to prioritise space with clever bathroom storage. Use compact features like corner basins and wall-hung toilets, as well as simple storage solutions like shelves and alcoves.
Modern, Minimalist Style
If you won’t be able to fit much in your en suite, use this to your advantage by incorporating a modern design that emphasises a minimalistic style – focus on clean lines, neutral colours, and striking features such as a frameless bath shower screen to make the lack of fixtures intentional and visually stimulating.
Opt for Little Luxurious Features
Enhance the luxuriousness of your en suite by going all in on the finer things that can be found in a bathroom, such as rainfall shower heads or even a freestanding bathtub – there are some great small bathroom bathtubs out there.
Cosy Shower Room
Space isn’t an issue if all you’re hoping to achieve is a compact and practical shower room for your en suite. Have a shower installed and go for the shower-only approach with a sleek walk-in design. Go a step further by turning the whole en suite into a wet room – simply walk in from your bedroom and shower!
En Suite without a Toilet
Some have even made the bold choice to go for an en suite without a toilet. If space is really limited, you can get by with just a sink basin and shower, as you can use the other toilet(s) in your home when needed. Extra tip: replace the toilet unit for a stylish vanity area – ideal for morning routines and evening wind-downs.
Why Hire a Professional for Your En Suite Bathroom Installation?
As is the case with any bathroom installation, it makes the most sense to do this via a professional en suite bathroom installer. Why is this? Because hiring a professional ensures that the entire fitting process runs smoothly and meets the highest standards. With The Bathroom Place, for example, our expertise and experience allow us to address typical challenges faced with an en suite bathroom installation, such as rerouting plumbing and navigating the limited space that is to be expected with this type of bathroom.
Working with professionals also encourages better peace of mind as these fitters ensure compliance with building regulations and key health and safety considerations, such as those related to waterproofing and ventilation, which are also important for the longevity of an en suite. As an alternative to DIY, professionals can get the job done quickly, offer warranties, and ensure minimal disruption to the rest of your home.
The Bathroom Place: En Suite Bathroom Installers Near You
To find someone capable of providing you with an excellent en suite bathroom installation, it’s important to look out for a few things, including what others have said about them; seeing if they have any accreditations, certificates or awards; and exploring past projects as part of an online portfolio or case studies section.
If you’re based in Norfolk and interested in exploring en suite bathroom installation further, we can help. Get in touch with our team today.