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Bathrooms

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

Bathrooms

Taking The Plunge: Bathroom Installation

There is no doubt that bathrooms are very personal. Aside from the fact that it is the room in the house that every member of a household will use on a daily basis, the bathroom is a true reflection of a home. The fact is, aside from being a functional part of a home, bathrooms can sell houses.

There is no doubt that bathrooms are very personal. Aside from the fact that it is the room in the house that every member of a household will use on a daily basis, the bathroom is a true reflection of a home. The fact is, aside from being a functional part of a home, bathrooms can sell houses.

After all, an unkept bathroom implies that the rest of the house is uncared for, too. Whether you are looking to make your home more saleable, or you want to create an indulgent, relaxing space for you and your family to use, take a look at our advice on planning your bathroom installation.

When considering a new bathroom there are three main factors that you need to consider: your budget, your needs and, of course, your preferred bathroom design. The choices of bathroom design are almost limitless, as are the prices. So, first off, work out what you can afford. This will stop you from getting over excited and falling in love with a bespoke marble wet room, fit for a king and with a price tag to match! Once you have set your budget, start considering the following:

  • Who will use the bathroom? Is it a guest bathroom, an ensuite or a family bathroom? If more than two people will be using it, you will want to consider additional storage to help minimise clutter.
  • What do you need? A loo and sink are, of course, a given, but do you really need a bath, or will a larger shower do? If this is a main bathroom, consider having a bath, even if you rarely use it – a family home with no bath is surprisingly hard to sell! A shower over the bath is a good space saving option for smaller rooms.
  • What will the bathroom be used for? Aside from the obvious, if the bathroom is likely to be used for shaving, dressing or make up, good lighting and a mirror are essential.

Once you have established what you need in your bathroom, you can start looking at designs. Try to stick to your budget and, if in doubt, consult a bathroom installer as you go for tips and insights. For example, some bathroom installation specialists don’t recommend fixed tiles on bathrooms unless they are on the ground floor – this is because, if there is a leak under the floor, the tiles will have to be ripped up. Each bathroom is different, and its suitability will vary according to your needs and your home, so consulting a professional will help you to avoid making costly mistakes.

Are you ready to take the plunge and create the bathroom of your dreams? Take a look at our directory for reliable bathroom designers and bathroom installers near you.

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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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