FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions:
Planning & Installing Your New Bathroom
The length of time it takes to complete a full bathroom renovation can vary from a couple of weeks for simple installations to several weeks for larger and more complex bathroom projects.
Your builder can give you an indication of timescales so you know what to expect, but it also helps to understand a typical schedule of works for installing a bathroom.
If you are renovating a bathroom (as opposed to installing a brand new bathroom), you are likely to have services such as electrics, plumbing, and waste connected. However, if you are upgrading your bathroom fittings and fixtures or changing the layout of your sanitaryware, you might discover you require extra wiring or pipework, or for the existing services to be rerouted.
Whilst replacing tired old sanitaryware and taps will not require building regulations approval, relocating a bathroom or adding a new one will.
Likewise, any electrical work near and around wet areas, such as baths and showers, will need to conform to the building regulations, as will any work that expands upon or alters existing drainage systems.
This is another area where using a skilled builder will be invaluable in steering you through the project. Many builders will be able to hire reliable trades to carry out electrical and plumbing work, if project managing for you.
When the job is complete, your hires should hand over the required certification that proves the work complies with the Building Regulations if necessary. This is a standard part of the procedure providing you have used qualified trades. Note that it is your responsibility to safely store your certificates and show them when needed, as potential buyers will want to see compliant documentation when you wish to sell your house.
Before you get started choosing sanitaryware and looking at the latest bathroom designs, you should spend time planning a bathroom properly in order to ensure it is perfectly suited to your individual needs.
If you are using a builder to install the bathroom for you, liaise with them from the start about what you want from the new space. An experienced builder can be invaluable when it comes to explaining the practicalities of layouts, fittings, and the likely costs involved.
A clear and concise idea of what you want from the bathroom will also form the basis of the brief you hand to your bathroom supplier, installer, or builder. Many Master Builders can also help you design your bathroom, so bring them into your project from an early stage.
When it comes to renovating a bathroom, begin by looking at bathroom layouts that will make the most of the space.
The cost of a bathroom renovation will depend on several factors, including the size of your bathroom, the specification you choose, and the complexity of the work involved.
For example, keeping your existing layout is usually more cost effective, while moving pipework, upgrading electrics, or installing premium fittings will increase costs.
FMB members often find that costs can also rise if issues are uncovered during the project, such as outdated plumbing or hidden damage behind walls. Planning for these possibilities early can help you set a realistic budget and avoid delays.