Getting a bathroom design right is trickier than you expect. Not only does the room have to be functional and attractive, but it also has to meet stringent safety and durability standards. As bathrooms become spaces where we relax and spend time in, working with the right bathroom designer is essential.
The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in a house when it comes to property value. So when you’re planning a remodel, you must take plenty of care in the design. While you can get away with planning and designing your bathroom yourself, you may find it easier to work with a reputable bathroom designer instead.
A bathroom designer is a person who guides you through the entire process of a bathroom remodel, from the early planning stages through to execution. Their goal is to take your expectations and turn them into reality, which includes working within your budget, ensuring that the room fulfils its function and that it looks good doing so. It’s a tricky job, so be sure to take the time to find the right person for the job.
Finding the Right Bathroom Designer
Many bathroom renovation companies have in-house bathroom designers. Many bathroom designers work independently and advertise in design directories or licensing agencies like the Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute of Australia (KBDi).
If you decide to work with an independent contractor, be sure to check their credentials. While you don’t need a formal degree to become a bathroom designer, it’s a good idea to check if your designer is certified with the KBDi. The KBDi offers year-long certification programs that train and assess bathroom designers for the standard of their work. The certification program also requires that designers keep up to date with modern trends and technologies, so you won’t end up with a bathroom designer who’s stuck in the ’70s.
Once you’ve found several certified designers that you like, you can get in touch to find out more. Many designers will have portfolios of previous work on their websites. A portfolio will give you a good indication of whether or not a designer will be on the same wavelength as you. If you like what you see, you can get in touch to find out if you can work together or not.
Sometimes you may find that even if you like a designer’s work, you struggle to communicate effectively. If that’s the case, move on to another designer. So much of a designer’s work focuses on understanding their client’s needs that being unable to communicate will result in disaster.
Good bathroom design is the first step to a fantastic bathroom remodel. It can be a tricky process, which is why it’s so important to find the right designer for you. Some people will have a firm vision in mind, while others prefer the designer to take the lead. Either option is great, as long as you work with a designer that understands your needs and wants.