Bathrooms

Looking for more bathrooms advice?

Bathroom renovation FAQs including installation costs, timelines and common problems.

• 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.