Bathroom design and installation, from refresh to full refit
Bathrooms
A bathroom installation or refit covers layout planning, waterproofing (tanking), plumbing, electrical work carried out to the relevant zoning requirements, tiling and fitted sanitaryware, coordinated as a single project rather than a series of separate trades.
Definition
What bathrooms involves
Bathroom work ranges from a like-for-like replacement of existing sanitaryware and tiling to a full reconfiguration involving new plumbing runs, structural floor work for level-access showers, waterproofing (tanking), ventilation and electrics carried out to the relevant IP-rated zoning requirements for wet areas.
Suitable for
- Full bathroom or en-suite refits
- Level-access or wet-room conversions
- Bathroom work integrated into a wider renovation or extension
Not suitable for
- Minor cosmetic refresh (such as regrouting alone) where a full refit is not needed — we can advise if a lighter-touch approach is more appropriate
Process
How the work is carried out
- 01
Design
Agreeing layout, fittings and finishes, including access and drainage falls for wet rooms.
- 02
Strip-out
Removing existing sanitaryware, tiling and, where needed, flooring.
- 03
First fix
Plumbing, electrics and, where required, floor structure alterations.
- 04
Waterproofing
Tanking to wet areas before tiling begins.
- 05
Tiling and fit-out
Tiling, fitting sanitaryware, and installing electrics such as extractor fans and lighting to the correct zone rating.
- 06
Completion
Sealing, testing and snagging.
Typical timescale
A straightforward bathroom refit typically takes one to two weeks on site; level-access or reconfigured layouts take longer due to floor structure and drainage work. Confirmed once the design is agreed.
Cost guidance
Cost depends on layout changes, chosen fittings and tiling specification. An itemised quotation follows the design stage rather than a fixed headline price, since fittings alone can vary the cost considerably.
Limitations and exclusions
- Sanitaryware and tiles are supplied to your specification; we can advise on suppliers but the final choice and cost sits with you unless a supply-and-fit package is agreed
- Electrical work in bathrooms must meet the zone requirements of BS 7671 and is only carried out by a suitably qualified electrician
- Structural floor alterations for level-access showers depend on the existing floor build-up and are confirmed on survey
Areas we cover
Bathrooms across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and South London
Local property styles, planning authorities and neighbourhood coverage for bathrooms in each town we work in.
Evidence
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FAQs
Bathrooms FAQs
How long does a bathroom refit take?
A straightforward like-for-like refit is typically completed within one to two weeks. Layout changes, structural floor work for level access, or supply delays on fittings can extend this — we set out a realistic programme once the design is fixed.
What is tanking and why does it matter?
Tanking is a waterproof membrane applied to walls and floors in wet areas before tiling, to prevent water getting into the structure behind or beneath the tiles. It is standard practice on showers and wet rooms and is included in our bathroom specification.
Can you fit a level-access wet room?
Yes, subject to the existing floor structure allowing the necessary drainage fall. This is assessed on survey, as it may involve altering the floor build-up.
Can the toilet and sink be moved to a different wall?
Yes, but moving sanitaryware away from the existing soil stack usually means new below-floor or boxed-in pipework, and sometimes a macerator where gravity fall isn't achievable. We confirm what's possible once we've seen the existing pipe runs on survey.
Do I need to be out of the house during a bathroom refit?
Not usually, if it's your only bathroom we can discuss phasing the work or arranging temporary facilities to minimise disruption. If you have a second bathroom, work generally proceeds without needing you to move out.
Discuss your bathrooms project
Tell us about the property and what you have in mind, and we'll arrange a site visit.
Last reviewed 2026-07-19.