Bathrooms

Tips and guidance on bathroom renovations, design ideas, budgeting and professional installation.

Bathroom Upgrades That Won't Splash the Cash

1st February 2024

Give your bathroom a new lease of life without the cost of a full bathroom refit; check out these top tips from trusted bathroom fitters and interior experts.

If you want to give your bathroom a new lease of life but you don’t have the money to invest in a full bathroom refit, there are a few tips of the trade that you can deploy to give your bathroom a quick refresh. Take a look at these top tips from trusted bathroom fitters and interior experts.

Bring in the greenery

One great way to liven up your bathroom is by bringing in a bit of plant life. Plants add a splash of colour and make your bathroom look well-tended. Plants that are likely to thrive in your bathroom include orchids, peace lilies, money plants and aloe vera.

Vanity boost

A new vanity unit is a great way to give your bathroom an upgrade, without having to replace all of the fixtures and fittings. If you don’t have the budget for a new vanity, upgrade your existing one with a coat of bathroom-appropriate paint.

Add a colour pop

If your bathroom currently has a fairly simple palette, a colour pop can help to bring it to life. This low-cost bathroom upgrade can be done by investing in coordinating towels, bath mats and bathroom accessories.

The magic of lights and mirrors

When used well, lights and mirrors can transform a space. New fittings and well-placed mirrors can transform your bathroom. When it comes to bathroom mirrors, go as big as you can to amplify the space and light in the room.

Tile upgrade

If your tiles are looking tired and the grout is a little on the dingy side, there are several things that you can do to bring them back to life.

Try grout bleach in the first instance to remove mould and mildew.
If that is unsuccessful, remove the grout and replace it with fresh. This is also a good way to avoid leaks from porous or worn grout, but can be a messy job so you may prefer to get a handyman or decorator to help you.
Replacing tiles doesn’t have to be a massive job. Speak to a decorator or bathroom specialist about what they would advise; sometimes it is possible to tile over existing tiles, or there are other solutions, such as splash board, which are easy to fit and can go over tiles.
Tile paint or transfer can be effective, but the key to an upgrade with wow factor is precision and quality, so make sure that you are confident to do a professional job. If not, consult a professional!

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Looking for more bathrooms advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common bathrooms questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

Do I need a plumber or a bathroom fitter to install a new bathroom?

For a simple swap - same bath, toilet, or basin in the same spot - a plumber can usually handle it. For a full renovation with layout changes, tiling, and proper waterproofing, a bathroom fitter is the better choice. Many larger jobs need both, or a fitter who subcontracts the plumbing. Be upfront about what you want when you're getting quotes - it makes a difference.
What are the most popular bathroom design trends right now?

Walk-in showers with frameless glass are still the most popular choice - they look great and make the space feel bigger. Wall-hung toilets and basins are increasingly common for the clean look and easier cleaning underneath. Brushed brass and matte black are the tap finishes people are going for right now, largely replacing chrome. Warmer tones - stone, clay, warm whites - have pushed out the all-grey bathroom of the last decade. And underfloor heating and digital showers are increasingly being planned in from the start rather than added as an afterthought.
What is the difference between a wet room and a shower room?

A shower room has a shower enclosure - the shower is contained within its own space. A wet room is different: the whole floor is waterproofed and slopes to a drain, with no enclosure at all. Wet rooms look clean and minimal and work really well for people with limited mobility. The catch is they need far more thorough waterproofing during installation - any gaps and you'll get water getting into the structure. Using a professional is an absolute must!
Do bathroom renovations require Building Regulations approval?

A like-for-like replacement generally doesn't. But if you're moving a soil pipe, adding new electrical circuits, or making structural changes, it might. The one constant: any electrical work in a bathroom has to comply with Part P, regardless of how small the job is. If you're unsure, your installer or local building control team can tell you what's needed before you commit.
How long does it take to fit a new bathroom?

A full installation in an average bathroom typically takes five to ten working days, depending on how complex the layout is and how much tiling's involved. A straight swap with no layout changes can often be done in two to three days. Plan for some disruption either way, and make sure you've got access to another bathroom while the work's on.
Can I install a walk-in shower myself or do I need a professional?

The enclosure and screen? Potentially DIY-able if you're confident. But the plumbing and electrical side - no. Electrical work in bathrooms falls under Part P regulations with strict rules around anything near water. Waterproofing is also something people tend to underestimate - get it wrong and you're looking at expensive water damage down the line. For a full walk-in shower installation, get a professional in.

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