A well-designed bathroom does not just function well, it is also warm, cosy and inviting to use. Make sure you take time at the planning stage to think beyond the basic necessities, such as fittings and fixtures, to elements such as lighting, heating and ventilation. These are easy to install at the time of building but expensive and disruptive to alter or add to later on.
Water and electricity are a lethal combination and it is vital that the accommodation of these utilities is carefully and safely planned. Some of the bathrooms shown in the pages of this book do feature electric sockets, but in many countries safety rules and regulations do not allow them, or specify their location. In the United Kingdom, for instance, there must be no socket outlet within the bathroom at all, unless it is a special low – voltage shaver unit, and any light fitting or other electrical supply must be worked by means of a pull-cord if it is within reach of the shower or the bath, If in any doubt at all, seek expert advice.
The bathroom tends to be used most in the early morning and late at night and good lighting is of paramount importance. Normal ceiling lights and wall lights are permitted in bathrooms, provided they are correctly wired in and safety guidelines are adhered to. A permitted alternative to pull – cord is a switch on the wall outside the bathroom door. lf the ceiling is very low or the light is to be positioned over the bath or shower, pendant lights and ordinary inset spotlights are not recommended. Instead, choose from a wide range of specially designed bathroom lights, including sealed bathroom spotlights that are designed to function in a wet, steamy atmosphere.
