The Bathroom Association’s Tom Reynolds shares practical advice to help self-builders design better bathrooms – sustainable, compliant and perfectly suited to modern living.
Bathrooms are among the most personal and most used spaces in any home, yet they’re often one of the last things considered during the planning stages of a self-build. For those who get it right, however, the results can be life enhancing. In a world where our homes must work harder for us and the environment, smart bathroom choices are more important than ever.
The Bathroom Association, formerly known as the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, recently evolved its identity to reflect the broader coalition now shaping the future of bathrooms. From installers and designers to specifiers and retailers, the bathroom world is more collaborative and diverse than ever before, and that includes self-builders.
With a vision of a world where “bathrooms are better for people and planet,” the Association aims to help everyone – from first time renovators to seasoned developers – make informed decisions. Here’s how to ensure your bathroom adds lasting value to your self-build.
BATHROOM TO BEDROOM EQUATION
30 years ago, an ensuite was considered a luxury. Today, a 1:1 bathroom to bedroom ratio is becoming increasingly common in new homes. But is it necessary?
TV design icon Kevin McCloud has warned against the rise of multiple bathrooms as a status symbol, questioning whether this is a step too far. However, for many self-builders, the motivation is not about prestige but practicality. A 1:1 ratio offers growing families greater flexibility, reduces morning traffic jams, and provides essential privacy in multigenerational homes or shared living setups.
As ever, context is key. A luxurious ensuite may be overkill in a single person home, but in a busy household, it can be life changing. If space or budget limits the number of full bathrooms, consider
at least one additional WC.
COMPLIANCE
You might expect that all products available for sale in the UK meet regulatory standards. Sadly, that’s not always the case. In a fiercely competitive and globally traded sector, it’s crucial for self-builders to do a little digging before making purchasing decisions.
For items like toilets, baths and shower enclosures – products covered under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) – ask the manufacturer or retailer for a Declaration of Performance. This document states that the product has been tested to relevant standards. Ideally, they should also provide traceability information.
For water delivering products such as taps, valves and shower mixers, the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations apply. It’s a common misconception that WRAS approval is a legal requirement; it isn’t, but it is one of several robust certification schemes, along with NSF, Kiwa, and Kitemark, that can give you peace of mind. Look for these marks to ensure your fittings are compliant, safe and built to last.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
As environmental awareness grows, so does innovation in bathroom products. We are seeing rapid progress across the sector, as manufacturers work to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising quality.
Some producers are now manufacturing sanitaryware using recycled ceramics, a breakthrough that was technically impossible just a few years ago. Meanwhile furniture, now the second largest category in bathroom products, should be made from responsibly sourced timber. Look for FSC certification to ensure wood comes from sustainably managed forests.
These innovations are helping to reduce the environmental impact of homebuilding, and forward thinking self-builders are leading the way in adopting them.
DESIGNING FOR SPACE & STYLE
Efficient use of space is vital to good design in homes of all sizes. Traditional pedestal basins are being phased out in favour of basins on furniture, which offer valuable under-sink storage. The move isn’t just practical, it’s aesthetic too, creating cleaner lines and greater flexibility.
Wall-hung toilet pans with concealed cisterns are another trend that brings both form and function. They save space, enhance visual appeal and make cleaning easier. However, don’t forget that access to the cistern is essential in case of maintenance issues, such as a leaky loo – a common problem that’s easy to fix if caught early.
Compact baths are increasingly popular with space conscious self-builders. While they may not deliver a full stretch out soak, they preserve valuable floor area for everyday use. In particularly tight spaces, innovative options like fold away toilet pans can transform micro bathrooms without sacrificing usability.
GET IN THE PROS
Bathroom installation is one of the most complex elements of a build, especially where water is concerned. What seems like a straightforward DIY job can quickly turn into an expensive fix if something goes wrong.
We strongly advise hiring a Watersafe registered plumber, and ideally someone who’s a member of a professional body such as CIPHE, APHC, or BIKBBI. These credentials ensure that the tradesperson is trained, insured and committed to best practice. It’s an investment in your bathroom’s performance and your peace of mind.
WATER EFFICIENCY
In the UK, we often take water abundance for granted, but this is changing. Climate pressures, population growth and infrastructure strain are making water an increasingly precious resource.
For self-builders, this means designing with water efficiency in mind. The Unified Water Label is a helpful tool that shows how much water different products use. It covers taps, toilets, showers and more, enabling you to make informed choices without compromising on performance.
Looking ahead, expect recirculating showers and greywater reuse systems, which collect and repurpose water for flushing toilets or watering gardens, to become standard in progressive homes. Building with these innovations now means your home will remain cost efficient and environmentally responsible for years to come.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Bathrooms may be behind closed doors, but they play a central role in daily life. For self-builders, they offer the perfect opportunity to blend personal comfort, smart planning and environmental responsibility.
Tom Reynolds is chief executive of the Bathroom Association