altering attitudes

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: Bathrooms often used to be the most neglected section in the house. However, as homeowners have increasingly become aware of its significance as the ‘private sanctuary’, many of them have started upgrading their existing bathrooms to add on the comfort and luxury factors. While many people deem renovations to be highly expensive, those in the know say there are plenty of choices available to match any budget.

Prakash Bajracharya, CEO of Bajra and Bajracharya Enterprises, says, “As pipe conceal lines are already present in existing bathrooms, the cost of installing them is reduced. However, the floor, water consuming system and accessories should be considered during renovation.” Stating that the bathroom’s flooring plays a vital role in giving it a fresh new look, Bajracharya says, “Traditional mosaic and marble flooring can be replaced with motif tiles and highlighters for pristine appearance.” For those opting to go green with less water consumption system, there are many types of bathroom fittings and fixtures available in different sizes, designs and models in the market. “Traditional flushers use minimum of 10 to 20 litres of water, but hydraulic pneumatic system products consume only three to six litres of water,” he informs.

According to him, a bathroom should at least have basin (known as vessel these days), faucet, commode, shower and flush. Other accessories like towel rail, cloth hanger, toilet roll holder, soap dish, toilet brush, robe hooks, tumblers, shower shelf, towel racks, et cetera can also be included for a sophisticated look. The price of the shower ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 1,500; faucet from Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000; commode from Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 and the vessel costs between Rs 2,500 to Rs 7,500. “The concept of Kohler shower enclosures is popular these days, and one can easily add this feature to existing bathrooms,” Bajrachraya maintains.

Besides the essentials, bathroom vanities come in a variety of styles and finishes and can set the tone for the new bath décor. Bathroom lighting can be selected in a matching or complementary finish. There are no limits in budgets and ideas when it comes to renovating a bathroom.

Interior Designer Aanchal Maskey says, “The renovation cost depends upon client’s budget, including size and fixtures of the previous structure.” The minimum price to upgrade the bathroom by changing tiles, vessel and faucet is Rs 15,000. Refurbishing an existing bathroom to make it child-friendly costs between Rs 15,000 to Rs 40,000. Similarly, creating his-and-her bathrooms can cost anything from Rs 50,000 to Rs 150,000.

According to Bajracharya, some people prefer their bathrooms to be highly luxurious. Such customers add shower enclosures, ceiling shower, sauna, spa and steam shower system along with musical and lighting system instead of space and water consuming bathtubs. Basin cum cabinet is also available for storing the toiletries and other personal stuffs to lessen space consumption. Adding that the trend of upgrading bathroom is escalating, Bajracharya says, “People have begun to relate the kitchens and bathrooms of a house to their living standards.”

Stating that layout planning is vital, Maskey says, “Determining what all should be replaced and what can be used is essential.” The placement of commode, basin, shower and accessories has to be planned according to the overall structure. Adding lights, installing new bath flooring, giving the bathroom a fresh coat of paint and placing indoor plants livens up the area instantly. According to her, customers themselves can easily upgrade their bathroom by consulting manuals. “Pay attention to the colour combination, material or brand of fittings and lighting system to make bathrooms cosy,” she suggests.