Bathroom renovation — from old bathroom to a bathroom that will last for years
A thirty-year-old bathroom doesn't just look dated. Behind the tiles there are often old pipes, a drain with insufficient fall and sealant work that's no longer watertight. During a renovation, we tackle all of this in one go: new pipework, proper drainage, space for a walk-in shower and all bathroom fixtures neatly connected.
Renovating your bathroom?
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Call 070 783 0224 Message via WhatsApp Request a call-back ★★★★★ Rated on Google · 24/7 for emergenciesRenovation is more than new tiles
During a renovation, the old bathroom is (partially) removed. That's the moment to look at what you normally don't see. Are there still old lead or galvanised steel pipes? Does the drain drain properly, or does water remain in the shower tray? Is the washing machine on a connection that's actually too small? If the walls and floor are open anyway, this can be fixed in one go.
On our bathroom installation page you can read how we tackle a new bathroom from A to Z. This page is about the situation where you already have a bathroom and want to renew it: what needs to go, what can stay and which choices you make beforehand.
- Old pipes — lead or galvanised steel, often with low water pressure.
- Drain with insufficient fall — water that remains standing or drains slowly.
- Leak behind the tiles — damp patches at the neighbours' or in the ceiling below.
- Bath removed — you'd prefer a spacious walk-in shower.
Our part of your bathroom renovation
Everything to do with water, drainage and sanitaryware, in the right order.
Demolition & survey
Old fixtures and pipework removed. We assess what we find and discuss it with you before proceeding.
Call 070 783 0224New pipework
Hot and cold water pipes in the right place, also for a new washbasin, shower or washing machine.
More about water pipesDrainage & gradient
Relocating or renewing drainage, with sufficient gradient so the water drains properly — including for a shower channel.
Call 070 783 0224Bath out, walk-in shower in
We adapt the drainage and connections so that the walk-in shower drains properly.
Call 070 783 0224Removing bathroom fixtures
Install, connect and seal toilet, washbasin, taps and shower.
More about bathroom fixturesTesting & handover
We check everything for pressure and leaks before the bathroom is back in use.
Call 070 783 0224Choices you make before the renovation
A renovation goes most smoothly when the main choices are made in advance. Then we know where the pipes and drains need to go, and the price quoted beforehand is also accurate.
- Complete renovation or partial — everything out, or only renew the shower area, toilet or washbasin? A partial renovation is also perfectly fine.
- Bath, shower or both — a walk-in shower requires a floor that slopes properly towards the drain or shower channel. That determines how the drainage must run.
- Wall-hung or floor-standing toilet — a wall-hung toilet requires a concealed cistern in a stud wall. See also replace toilet.
- Underfloor heating — a warm bathroom floor is best included now that the floor is open. See underfloor heating.
- Electrical — new sockets, lighting or an electric radiator? We arrange that in one go too. See electrical work during renovation.
Do you live in a flat? Then the vertical pipes often run through your bathroom. There are sometimes agreements with the owners' association (VvE) or landlord. Check this in advance; we are happy to advise.
How a bathroom renovation works
First the old bathroom is removed and we install the new pipework and drains. Then the bathroom is ready for tiling. Only when that is finished do we return to fit and connect the sanitaryware. We test everything for leaks before you use the bathroom again.
During the renovation you won't have a bathroom for a while. Discuss with us beforehand how you'll manage this, for example with a second toilet or shower in the house. Then we plan the work so that you're inconvenienced for as short a time as possible.
From assessment to completion
A fixed price in advance, and we prefer to complete the job in one visit.
On-site assessment
We visit, inspect the bathroom and discuss your requirements.
Price in advance
You'll receive a clear quote, so you know exactly what to expect.
Pipework & final fitting
First the pipework and drainage, after the tiling the sanitaryware.
Testing & handover
Everything tested for leaks and the work area left tidy.
How to prepare for the renovation
With good preparation, the on-site assessment is quicker and the quote more accurate.
- Take photos — of the bathroom, the location of the drains and the meter cupboard.
- Gather your wishes — bath or shower, wall-hung toilet, single or double washbasin? A picture from a brochure or the internet helps.
- Watch for leak traces — damp patches in the ceiling below or a water meter that keeps running? Report it in advance.
- Check agreements in your building — in a flat: ask the owners' association (VvE) or landlord in advance what is permitted around the soil stacks.
When should you call us?
- Urgent — you have a leak in the bathroom causing damage to your property or your neighbours'.
- Soon — the drain is draining poorly, the sealant edges are black or loose, or the water pressure is low.
- By appointment — you want to renovate your bathroom and are looking for advice and a price in advance.
Not sure? Call 070 783 0224 — we'll help you think it through, no obligation.
Bathroom renovation? We can help you.
Fixed price upfront · often same day · 24/7 for emergencies · ★★★★★ Rated on Google
Useful reading
Explained by our tradesmen.
Bathroom leak
Read more →Recognising a leak at the shower drain
Read more →Shower drain blocked
Read more →Low water pressure: causes
Read more →Also useful: Bathroom installation · Tiling & sealant work · Sanitary & Taps · Water Pipe · Underfloor Heating · Electrics during renovation
Frequently asked questions about bathroom renovation
What is the difference between bathroom installation and bathroom renovation?
An installation means a new bathroom, for example in a new-build or extension. A renovation means we renew an existing bathroom: old fixtures and pipework removed, and where necessary the drainage and pipes adapted.
Do the old pipes need to come out during a renovation?
Not always. If they're still lead or galvanised steel pipes, or if the water pressure is low, we recommend replacing them whilst the walls are open anyway. If they're in good condition, they can often stay.
Can my bath be replaced with a walk-in shower?
Usually, yes. A walk-in shower requires a floor that slopes properly towards the drain or shower gully, and drainage with sufficient fall. We assess beforehand whether this is feasible in your bathroom.
Do you also do the tiling?
During a renovation, we ensure that pipework and drainage are ready for the tiling, and then fit the bathroom fixtures. For smaller tile repairs and sealant work, see our page on tiling and sealant work.
Can I have just part of the bathroom renovated?
Yes. Renewing just the shower enclosure, removing the bath or installing a new toilet and washbasin is also possible. We'll tell you honestly whether it makes sense to include something while the work is being done anyway.
What does a bathroom renovation cost?
That depends very much on the size, what needs doing and your choices. After an on-site assessment you'll receive a clear quotation: we work with a fixed price in advance.
I live in a flat. What should I watch out for?
The soil stacks often run through your bathroom and belong to the whole building. Ask the owners' association (VvE) or landlord in advance what is permitted. We connect neatly to the existing soil stack.
