Having a new bathroom fitted: from plan to completion

Having a new bathroom fitted usually takes a few weeks, from demolition to the last sealant joint. You make the most important choices beforehand: the layout, the position of drains and pipes, and whether the bath stays or makes way for a spacious walk-in shower. If you settle those choices properly, you avoid surprises during the work. A bathroom is technical work with water, electrics and ventilation, and it is the hidden parts that decide whether it lasts for years. Below you can read how the process works.

What is involved in having a new bathroom fitted?

First the old bathroom is stripped out, down to the bare floor and walls if needed. Then pipes and drains are adapted, the electrics are installed and the walls and floor are prepared. Only then do tiling, sanitary ware and finishing follow.

A fixed sequence prevents tradespeople from having to wait for each other.

• Stripping out and removing the old bathroom
• Adapting pipework, drainage and electrics
• Waterproofing layer, tiling and sealing
• Fitting, connecting and handing over the sanitary ware

What should you look out for in the bathroom layout?

The position of the drain decides a lot. Moving the toilet and shower is possible, but needs room for a fall in the floor or a raised floor. In a small bathroom, a walk-in shower with a glass screen makes the space feel larger.

Pipes that cannot go into the wall can be neatly concealed in a bulkhead or false wall. How that works is explained in making a bulkhead.

• Drain and fall determine where shower and toilet go
• Walk-in shower for more space and easy cleaning
• False wall for a wall-hung toilet and concealed taps
• Enough storage space at the washbasin

What are the technical requirements for a bathroom?

Water belongs where it belongs. Under the tiles in the shower area goes a waterproofing layer, with sealing tape in the corners and around penetrations. Sealant joints are maintenance; the waterproofing behind them is the real protection.

Electrics in a bathroom must meet stricter requirements: circuits with a residual current device and appliances suitable for the zone they are in. Good mechanical ventilation is needed as well, otherwise mould gets free rein.

How long does it take to fit a new bathroom?

For an average bathroom, two to four weeks of work is often assumed, depending on the size and how much is being moved. Delivery times for tiles and sanitary ware come on top, so order in good time.

If you live at home during the renovation, arrange an alternative for showering. You will find tips in renovating while you live there. With us, one dedicated project manager keeps an eye on the schedule of all tradespeople.

What does a new bathroom cost?

The price depends on the size, the sanitary ware, the tiling and how much pipework changes. Rough ranges, with what you get for them, are listed at the cost of a bathroom renovation. Read more about VAT in renovation and VAT.

A bathroom is often part of a larger refurbishment or renovation. Combining them often saves time and money, because the tradespeople are there anyway.

Frequently asked questions