We asked more than 1,000 people* to tell us their about their bathroom regrets, and half of those surveyed had a frustration to tell us about. We also share expert tips to help you avoid or rectify the same mistakes.
– it's free monthly1. Not having a separate shower enclosure
Around one in seven (14%) of those surveyed said that not having a separate shower enclosure was their biggest gripe.
The bath or shower is usually the focal point of a bathroom. But the limited size of the room often means it’s a choice between fitting a bath (or shower bath) and a separate shower enclosure.
Consider your daily routine, including how frequently you bathe and whether it’s a necessity or an occasional luxury you could go without. Also think about the needs of others in your household or family – not just now but also into the future.
Many respondents who don't have a separate shower enclosure had concerns about accessibility and safety: ‘The shower is over the bath and stepping in and out is becoming more awkward as I get older,’ said one person.
If you struggle to get in and out of the bath, you could consider a walk-in bath, with a door built into the side, or a shallow bath. There are also many bathing aids that could provide a quick, low-cost solution, such as bath boards, bath seats and non-slip mats.
A further 6% of people said that the size of the shower enclosure was their biggest frustration, so bear this in mind before opting for something too compact. It’s a good idea to mark out the space first to get an idea of how it will feel.
2. Inadequate bathroom ventilation
The biggest frustration for 12% of respondents was the amount of ventilation in their bathroom.
Bathrooms are responsible for much of the moisture in your home, so good ventilation is essential to reduce condensation and prevent a build-up of mould. Not only is mould unsightly, it can damage walls, ceilings, furniture and fixtures.
If you’re renovating a windowless bathroom and ventilation is an issue, consider whether it’s possible to have a window put in. Think about its positioning and the practicality of opening and closing it frequently.
Find out what causes condensation and how to deal with it in3. Not enough built-in storage
Struggling to find enough space to store all your bathroom essentials? You’re not alone. One in 10 of the people we surveyed said that a lack of built-in storage was their biggest bathroom regret.
Updating or renovating your bathroom is a great opportunity to incorporate additional storage options into your design, such as a vanity unit. You may struggle to find extra standalone products later down the line that fit neatly with your bathroom design, or into available spaces.
Consider whether you need more storage than you have currently and what will go where. Think about how regularly you use different things and how important it is to be able to access them easily. For instance, are you planning to store items such as clean towels or spare toilet rolls in the bathroom?
Also consider whether you want everything to be hidden away, or if you’d prefer for some things to be out on display.
4. The design or quality of bathroom units, products or furniture
Whether you’re completely renovating your bathroom or sprucing it up with some new fixtures and fittings, design and quality are both important considerations.
For 6% of those we surveyed, this aspect of their bathroom was their biggest frustration.
We’ve heard from bathroom owners whose bath panels have become worn, whose cabinet doors have swelled and discoloured, or whose ageing taps now make it difficult to set the temperature correctly.
When it comes to bathroom furniture, poor quality may leave you with regrets before long. Cabinets and vanity units have to be able to cope with the wear and tear of everyday use, while also being able to withstand steam, condensation and water splashes.
Which? members can find out how people rated the quality and durability of cabinets from big-name brands in o5. Impractical bathroom layout
Some 4% of respondents said that the layout of their bathroom was their biggest frustration.
The first thing to consider if you’re thinking about changes to your bathroom layout is the location of existing key features, including waste pipes, boiler and electrical wiring. While it is possible to move things around, relocating these features could add significantly to your costs.
*We surveyed 1,174 members of the Which? Connect panel online in April 2022 to find out about their biggest bathroom regrets. More than half – 606 of those surveyed – had a frustration with their bathroom. – it's free monthlyundefinedsource https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/5-things-people-find-frustrating-about-their-bathroom-and-what-to-do-about-it-arE7y3r9RZyZ