So, we’ve gathered together five things for you to consider if you are thinking your bathroom could do with updating; if you’re wondering whether some under-utilised space could be converted to create a brand new bespoke wetroom or shower room; or are planning a complete bathroom renovation project.
Let’s start at the very beginning. This is one question that we find many new customers don’t dig deep enough into the nitty-gritty detail. And that’s fine. Because as soon as we arrive ladened with brochures and samples, and highlight the possibilities you might not have ever considered, then you are highly likely to have a rethink!
Not only in terms of the finish and final fixtures and fittings. But also making the best use of the space you have in your existing bathroom. We may even come up with new suggestions to create an additional bathroom in a space you’d never considered.
One of the main considerations is whether you want the traditional bathroom suite, including a bath and shower, a separate shower unit, or would you prefer to discount the bath altogether? In doing so, you could benefit from more storage options or a more luxurious sense of space around you.
Do you want a relaxing spa feel or a more simple yet stylish and practical quick ‘in and out first thing in the morning’ bathroom?
You might not want to think too far ahead but taking your health and practicalities around mobility into the equation now could save expense and disruption as these things come to the forefront of your minds in the future. So, would your circumstances be more suited to a stylish wetroom?
Of course, we always work to your budget in our suggestions.
Now, this is something that takes time and thought! And we wish there was one answer that covered all eventualities. Unfortunately it’s not so. Simply because there are so many factors within any bathroom renovation project that can impact the amount of labour involved. For example changes to your current layout – plumbing, heating, electrics – and of course the style and finish you want to achieve…
Smart and formal, spa or sanctuary? Smart controls for your heating, lighting, and sound to be factored in? Now, that’s got you thinking, hasn’t it?
We accommodate any level of expenditure, and we’ll never recommend any alterations or additional work if it simply isn’t needed.
One assessment of your layout and a chat about your plans will give us an indication of what is required. And as bathroom installations are one of our main services, please trust us when we say it might not always be as straightforward as you thought.
For instance, if we’re removing a bath altogether, we will need to see what is lurking behind that bath panel, how the floorboards or flooring beneath the bath is holding up, and what alterations we’ll need to make, if any, to the pipes and plumbing.
We’ll check your water pressure and boiler are up to the job if you want a power shower or larger rainwater shower. And if you want to opt for an open shower, will your current bathroom heating be enough to warm the space through?
With a complete restructure of your current bathroom layout, there could be additional space to be gained from existing cabinets or boxed-in pipes. This could involve other trades coming in too, but worth it in the long run. Again, we can help with this assessment.
Listing everything you want and need from the start is vital, so we can manage expectations. But here at Supreme Plumbing & Heating, we strongly believe in being clear and transparent in our bathroom renovation project quotes, as with all our services. So once we have given you the breakdown of costs, we will keep to that figure.
We may advise a contingency budget, depending on what we find when we carry out our first survey, but we’ll always keep you in the loop and never do any additional work without your approval.
The great thing is, our team has such extensive skills and knowledge, we can cover your heating, plumbing, tiling, plastering, and electrical jobs, and will project-manage to completion.
When planning a bathroom renovation project, one thing you must remember about lighting is it must be IP-rated (Ingress Protection safety rating against water ingress). This typically means bathrooms must have closed lights to prevent steam and moisture seepage.
Would you prefer ceiling spotlights or downlights? In which case, will lowering the ceiling be necessary and another factor to build into the budget?
Alternatively, there are some amazing wall cabinets and mirrors with enclosed lighting features, which will also act as space savers.
We mentioned smart controls for your heating and bathroom lighting earlier, so you can have lighting for every mood. Bright for the morning to wake you up, and lower lights for relaxation in the evening. And you could even have them on a sensor, so you don’t have to try to find the light switch in the middle of the night!
When it comes to bathroom heating though, nothing smacks of the ultimate in comfort quite like underfloor heating. With options for either piped or an electric supply, we will be able to find something to suit all bathroom shapes and sizes.
And even if underfloor heating is out of the equation, we would highly recommend a combined dual-fuel radiator and heated towel rail. This means your bathroom is heated when you need it, but can still dry your towels in the warmer periods when you don’t always want your central heating on.
Again, think about how you want your bathroom to look and what it’s actually being used for.
Do you want minimal toiletries on show, with just a lovely display of warm, cosy towels? Are you wanting specifically designed storage space for cleaning products and toiletries out of sight? What does your current layout allow by way of boxing in pipes and doubling up that space for a cupboard?
If space is no issue, free-standing storage units and shelves can be an added feature, possibly to tone down the colours and finish you’ve chosen. Or else they can bring a splash of colour to neutral toned rooms.
Of course, if you want a streamlined look, recessed shelving in the bath and shower area or close to the basin will finish it off perfectly. Lighting can be added to help with the mood and atmosphere.
We want to make the entire bathroom renovation project as straightforward as possible for you, so one final question is what to expect within your home whilst the work is being carried out.
Similar to the question of budget for your project, several variables could impact the time taken and the level of disruption you may experience.
If your project involves a complete revamp of layout, structural work, and various trades then it might be advisable to look for somewhere as an alternative at least for some of the time. However, we will let you know if we think this is going to be most comfortable for you.
In most cases, the work could take up to a couple of weeks, and tools, supplies, and rubbish will need to be stored somewhere until the job is done.
Consider also that we’ll need to turn off the water and, at some point, possibly also the electrics – although we’ll give you plenty of notice for this.
All of this aside though, we will always leave you with an operational toilet, even if the rest of the bathroom is not yet up and running. And we do our utmost to keep our working areas as tidy as we can before we leave each day.
As you can see, there are many options open to you. And possibly even more questions to be answered. This is why Supreme Plumbing & Heating will be with you every step of the way.
From the initial survey and assessment of your property, to planning, installing, and ongoing bathroom and heating maintenance we are the ‘one-stop shop’ for all your bathroom, plumbing, and heating needs.
You don’t even have to leave your home to do your bathroom ‘shopping’ – we bring with us samples and brochures. So, if you get the kettle on for a good old cup of Yorkshire Tea, we’ll help you with all your decisions.
Oh, and one final thing, as Gas Safe Registered engineers, we can guarantee our work is of the highest standard, and will leave you in no doubt that you chose the right team to work with, and that you, your home, and your loved ones are in safe hands.
Give us a call to schedule your no-obligation discussion. And you, too, will see why Supreme Plumbing & Heating is so well known in Scarborough and the surrounding areas for our pride and professionalism and high-quality job completion. We’ll make every phase of your bathroom renovation project seamless and stress-free!
