What to Ask Before You Start a Bathroom Renovation

We speak to a lot of people who are thinking about renovating their bathroom – some for the first time in decades, others because their existing space just isn’t working for them anymore. It’s one of those projects that feels exciting on the surface, but once you get into the planning, it quickly becomes clear how many decisions there are to make.

In our experience, the most successful renovations happen when clients go in with the right questions – not just for us, but for themselves. That means thinking through how the space is really used, what matters most in daily life, and what kind of result you’re hoping to achieve. It’s easy to get distracted by tiles and tap finishes before you’ve thought about layout, lighting or how long you’ll be without a shower.

We’ve pulled together the key questions we encourage everyone to ask before starting a renovation. Whether you’re replacing a tired bathroom or creating something from scratch, these are the conversations worth having before the first tile comes off the wall.

What’s Not Working About the Space Right Now?

This is always the first thing we ask during a consultation – and the answers vary hugely. Some people feel like the layout is cramped, others say they’re constantly battling with storage, and some just can’t relax in the space anymore. Getting specific about what’s frustrating you will help guide the decisions that follow.

You might also want to think about what’s not there: maybe there’s no decent lighting for shaving, nowhere to store extra towels, or the layout doesn’t make sense when more than one person’s using the room. These are the kinds of real-life issues that a good design should fix – and we always try to get to the root of them before suggesting solutions.

Who Uses the Bathroom – and When?

It’s easy to forget how personal bathroom routines are. A busy family bathroom needs different planning than a quiet ensuite, and a bathroom shared by two adults may have completely different demands to one that includes children or elderly relatives.

We’ve worked with homes that need dual basins to stop morning queues, wider shower entries for ease of access, or extra ventilation because four people use the space every morning. The way your household uses the bathroom will shape everything from layout and fixtures to flooring and storage.

What’s Your Budget – and How Flexible Is It?

A clear, realistic budget means we can recommend products and solutions that align with your expectations – without surprises down the line. It also helps you prioritise: are you willing to spend more on high-quality fittings, or is layout and function more important right now?

We’ve helped clients at all ends of the spectrum – from full luxury refits to modest upgrades – and often find that the best results come when a bit of flexibility is built in. That way, you’re prepared for any unforeseen issues (especially in older properties) and still have room to include the features you really want.

Do You Have a Timescale in Mind?

If you need your bathroom ready for an event, guests, or other building work, we need to plan accordingly. Lead times for some fittings – especially bespoke furniture, tiles or feature baths – can vary, and we always factor that into the schedule.

On our side, we’ll give you a clear installation timeline and keep you informed at every stage. We’ve found that clients appreciate knowing how long they’ll be without a shower or toilet – and where possible, we help plan temporary solutions if needed.

What Style Are You Drawn To?

Maybe you know you want something “modern but not cold”, or “clean, but with character”. We often start by showing real-life displays in our showroom or sharing examples from our blog, like Scandi-Style Bathroom Ideas or Contemporary Luxe Bathroom Ideas.

We’ll help you identify recurring features and choose finishes that feel cohesive without being overly trend-driven.

How Much Storage Do You Really Need?

Without enough storage, even the most beautiful space can feel cluttered. We often recommend wall-hung vanity units from Dansani, which blend sleek design with generous internal space. Mirror cabinets, recessed shelves and tallboys can all be incorporated to make the most of the room – and we’ll help you plan that from the start, so nothing feels like an afterthought.

Have You Considered Ventilation and Heating?

Poor ventilation leads to damp, mould and damage over time. We always check whether your current system is doing the job, and if not, we’ll recommend discreet extractor fans that meet UK building regs.

As for heating – underfloor heating is becoming increasingly popular for both comfort and energy efficiency. Heated towel rails, dual-fuel options and smart thermostats can all be included depending on your needs.

Have You Thought About Lighting?

Lighting makes more of a difference than people realise. Bright task lighting is important around mirrors, while ambient lighting near baths or showers can help set a more relaxed mood. We often install layered lighting systems including mirror lights, low-level night lighting and dimmable ceiling LEDs.

Are There Any Challenges We Should Know About?

This could be anything from an awkward shape or low ceiling to an old boiler system or limited access. We’ve worked with plenty of unusual bathrooms – from loft conversions to oddly placed soil pipes – and we’re always upfront about what’s possible. The sooner we know about any quirks or limitations, the better we can plan the project and avoid delays.

Are You Working with the Right Installer?

Choosing the right bathroom fitter is just as important as choosing your tiles or taps. Our experienced team handles bathroom design and full installation across Dorset. We manage the project from start to finish – so you’re not juggling multiple trades or chasing updates.

We also work with trusted brands like Matki, Porcelanosa, and Laufen – all of which are displayed in our Dorchester showroom and included in our customer projects regularly.

Final Thoughts

Bathroom renovations are a big investment – not just financially, but in terms of time, decision-making and disruption to daily life. Asking the right questions early on helps the whole process feel more manageable, and ensures you get a finished space that works for you long-term.

If you’re ready to start planning your renovation, or just want a chat about what’s possible in your home, we’d love to hear from you. You can visit our Dorchester showroom or browse the Bathroom Ideas section for inspiration and guidance.