Hi-tech bathroom taps

The Minimalist M200 shower screen from Aqata helps prevent overspray without detracting from the wet room look. It comes in widths from 70-140cm, with a ceiling fixing or wall-mounted steady bar. The size shown, (H)195x(W)120cm, costs £920.40

Content Director and experienced renovator Michael Holmes shares his expertise on how to plan your new bathroom space and get the most out of your budget. See his advice on where to spend and where to save money for the best results

Spend:  Plumbing: If you want a power shower or a large showerhead and mixer taps, you need very good water pressure. Upgrade to a high- output combi boiler, or a conventional boiler and a large unvented hot water cylinder. If local mains pressure is below three-bar you’ll need a gravity-fed system, but can add pumps to improve pressure. Frame: If you want wall-hung sanitaryware, invest in metal frame modules such as Geberit Duofix, Grohe Rapid or the Screwfix range, at £150-£200. This will ensure secure fixings, ease of installation and, as part of a timber or metal stud wall, will conceal the plumbing and cistern. Showers: Cheap shower trays made from thin material – metal or plastics – can flex and bend underfoot, quickly breaking waterproof seals and leading to leaks. Buy quality designs and install them correctly – the same applies to shower doors and enclosures if you want them to last. Underfloor heating: There’s nothing like stepping onto a warm floor after getting out of the bath or shower, so investing in underfloor heating is worth it. Electric systems cost from £25-£40 per square metre and can be laid beneath ceramic tiles, adding only 5-10mm. Brassware: This needs to be hardworking as well as stylish so it’s worth buying high-quality fittings with ceramic discs that will not wear out, fall apart or scratch easily. The same applies to shower mixers and heads.

Save:  Sanitaryware: Simple white sanitaryware looks great with high-quality taps and fittings. Mix bargain options from different suppliers to create the look you want, including white enamelled steel baths from less than £100 from brands such as Kaldewei. Flooring:Ceramic tiles can cost from £8 per square metre and can be laid on a DIY basis. Vinyl flooring, from £6 per square metre, can replicate most floor finishes. Mirrors:Covering one wall and/or the bath side panel in 6mm made-to-measure mirror is a cost-effective way to make your space appear larger and lighter. At £30-£40 per square metre, the cost is comparable to other budget wall finishes. Panelling: In place of ceramic wall tiles, go for either traditional wainscot tongue-and-groove boards or Georgian raised panelling. It’s easier to fit on a DIY basis and costs £20-£30 per square metre in moisture-resistant MDF – try Panelmaster.co.uk Lighting: A single pendant can be upgraded to a fitting with IP-rated multiple directional spotlights for wet areas for under £40 (Lightingstyles.co.uk), achieving ambient and task lighting without rewiring