Want to change the bathroom? But you don’t know where to start… Follow the advice of Brigitte Desplats-Redier, communication manager of the Federation of Bathroom Manufacturers (FISB)
Maison à part: How is the bathroom market developing?
Brigitte Desplats-Redier: If the construction of 430,000 housing units in 2006 contributed to the boom in the market, the bathroom has also become the room that is being renovated in the house. Wellness (well-being, editor’s note) has taken on its full extent. We thus see the appearance of very large bathtubs and showers with tropical wells, aromatherapy … We have moved from the hygiene bathroom to the wellness bathroom with an increasingly long time in the bathroom. 40% of French people say they enjoy relaxing in their bathroom.
MAP: Between shower and bathtub, which one to choose?
BD-R .: Almost all new homes have a bathtub. Almost 80% of the accommodations thus have a bathtub. But the shower is growing. It depends on his needs and the use of the bathroom. As the children grow older, it is interesting to create a second water feature with a shower. Seniors frequently replace the bath with a shower for better access. MAP: Who to contact to redo your bathroom?
BD-R .: If the consumer knows an installer, he will send him – or even accompany him – to a professional showroom to choose the products. Otherwise, he can go there directly (see “see” section on the website www.salledebains.fr), and the address of an installer will be communicated to him.
MAP: Why go through a professional?
BD-R .: Redoing your bathroom is a big project that involves several trades. It is far from simple. Also the help of a good professional is a plus. You should also know that a VAT rate of 5.5% will be applied for owners and tenants of premises over 2 years old for work carried out by a professional. But it is necessary to ensure the competence of the installer, the deadlines and the prices. The service provider must be insured at two levels: professional civil liability and ten-year guarantee.
MAP: What are the different steps to take for the fitting out of your bathroom?
BD-R .: It is first of all necessary to take ideas in magazines, on our Internet site, on trade fairs or in professional exhibition rooms… It is then necessary to establish a plan by locating the location of the water drains, the door , window, radiator. Ask yourself how many people will be using the bathroom, which will create the need for one or two sinks, a bathtub and / or a shower, a toilet or not in the bathroom, storage spaces… It is also important to think about the embedding of the pipes – it is necessary to avoid any presence of lead -, to respect the electrical standards, to provide a ventilation system and to require an irreproachable sealing, especially concerning the installation of a receiver. Regarding hydro and balneotherapy, check the pressure and the water flow, especially at a high floor. The secret to success is based on two sources of light: direct lighting and mood lighting.
BD-R .: It is quite difficult to estimate. The price of a bathroom is often compared to that of a car. On average, it costs around € 6,000 for the entire bathroom, including installation. But this can go up to 15,000 to 20,000 € for a high-end bathroom.
