If you’re looking for loft conversion bathroom ideas, why not consider a wetroom? Space-saving, attractive and cost-effective, adding a wetroom into a loft can make the most of a restrictive space. It can even add value to your home.
Loft conversions are a popular way to add an extra room to your house without expanding onto existing land. Converting an attic into a bedroom with an en-suite is one of the most popular loft conversions for homeowners and developers in the UK. But how can you maximise your space and include a walk-in shower in your loft that isn’t cramped?
A loft or attic is often neglected and becomes a dumping ground for many homeowners. So embarking on a loft conversion wet room project – whether on its own or as a bedroom’s en suite – will maximise available attic space and turn a rarely used area into an attractive and functional feature.
If you’re looking to optimise the bathing space in your loft conversion, a wetroom is an excellent idea.
What Are The Main Benefits of A Loft Conversion Wetroom?
1. Increase The Value Of Your Property
Wetrooms are increasing in popularity as the need for attractive space-saving solutions becomes more important to homeowners and developers. Having a wetroom can increase the value of your home by a considerable sum, as homebuyers are more attracted to properties with multiple bathrooms and wetrooms. For a fraction of this added value, you can install a luxury wetroom that will transform your showering experience and future buyers will appreciate.
By doing this you will be adding an extra room without having to sacrifice another useful area of your property. Not only that, a loft conversion wetroom will save you the considerable expense of building an extension and will also spare you the time of going through the planning application process.
Ultimately, a loft conversion wetroom will increase your property’s value whether you are a homeowner, landlord or in the rental market.
2. Better Use Of Living Space
Many of us see a loft or attic as a storage area filled with boxes of items that are rarely if ever used. It is most likely the space in a property that is used the least.
Turning this ‘forgotten’ space into a loft conversion wetroom will make your home bigger by adding a whole extra floor. Not only that, but those morning queues outside the shared bathroom will also become a thing of the past with an additional wetroom or bathroom to use in the house.
3. Fits Sloped Eaves Better Than Shower Cubicles
Many standard shower cubicles simply can’t fit into the eaves of a loft due to height restrictions. The beauty of a wetroom is that it does not need to be restricted to the standard size and shape of a traditional shower tray and can be configured in almost any size or shape to suit the space available. A walk-in shower can also help you make the most of architectural quirks in a room’s shape that might otherwise go to waste, particularly a sloping ceiling.
If you’re converting a loft into a bedroom, the eaves can be the perfect space in which to slot an en-suite wet room. A ledge topped with marble or stone offers enough space for soap and shampoo bottles and a large skylight keeps the tiny room feeling airy. A glass shower screen will help contain water and keep sanitary ware and towels from getting wet. Fully tanked, your loft wetroom conversion maximises the (often awkward shaped) space without compromising on style or comfort.
What are the Main Aspects to Consider with a Loft Wetroom?
There are a number of common elements that need to be tackled during a loft conversion wetroom project including plumbing, drainage and electricity supply. Here, we break down some of the most important aspects to consider.
1. Planning Permission
It is highly unlikely you will require planning permission for your loft conversion wetroom if you are not extending your home or altering the roof space.
A loft conversion is classed as a ‘permitted development’ and falls within the limits and conditions allowed for projects of this nature. Nevertheless, it is recommended that you seek professional advice before any work starts.
2. Can My Boiler Cope?
The requirement for hot water higher up a property will put extra demand on the average boiler. So, will water pressure and flow be sufficient for a proper shower?
We advise you to speak with a certified plumber or wetroom provider, but the answer is almost certainly ‘yes’. If there is a problem, a water pump can be installed to boost pressure to a suitable level.
3. Drainage and a Power Supply
It is likely you will need to install new pipework in your loft conversion wetroom or bathroom which should be factored into your overall spend.
An electricity supply is also necessary to power fans, pumps and lighting as good ventilation in the roof space is essential for the long-term success of your wetroom.
Effective drainage is vital for any loft conversion wetroom for obvious reasons. Waterproofing and tanking floors and walls in the loft space are also essential. This will improve the overall structure of the building and safeguard the roof and loft which are areas of the property that are susceptible to leaks.
Tips And Tricks For Your Loft Wetroom Project
Loft spaces vary in size and structure due to the shape of the eaves. There are plenty of clever products that work around this, make maximum use of available space and make a huge difference to the overall look.
Sliding or ‘Pocket’ Doors
These slide into the partition wall cavity to save on valuable floor space. This allows you to be more creative with significant structural features.
Light and Lighting
An opening roof skylight window can provide ‘a breath of fresh air’, natural light and the ‘wow factor’ for any loft conversion wetroom. Choosing appropriate lighting systems can also change the ‘mood’ of a wetroom and add an uplifting visual appeal.
Fit and Finish
All wetrooms should ooze beauty, luxury and quality whether traditional or modern in design. Why not create a ‘mood board’, (a collated document) for all the styles, colours, textures and finishes you like. A site like Pinterest is often a good idea. Your supplier can then help your vision become a reality and in line with your budget.
CCL Wetrooms Can Help With Your Loft Conversion Wetrooms
At CCL Wetrooms, our range of wet room systems are suitable for use on all floor constructions, including timber loft rafters. They are all expertly manufactured and designed to work in combination, to provide flawless waterproofing for the floors and walls of wetrooms. Effectively installed, waterproof membranes ensure that wet rooms are fully watertight, even on timber floors in the loft.
To create a wetroom gradient on a timber floor, the floorboards are removed in the shower area and batons are fixed to the joists to support a base of plywood. This creates a level surface for the floor former (also known as a dec) to sit on. A dec is a 22mm pre-formed shower base that matches the depth of the bathroom floorboards to create a guaranteed consistent gradient towards the drain. This creates an ideal gradient for directing water to the drain and a smooth surface for tanking. By removing the need for a shower tray, you can create a level access shower whilst creating more headroom for an under-eaves shower head.
CCL Wetrooms has almost 30 years’ experience in designing and installing stylish and functional loft conversion wetrooms. Contact us now.