What to expect when you have a bathroom renovated

Planning the room

The first step is to measure the space and note where the existing pipework, drainage and electrics are. Moving a toilet or shower is usually possible, but it affects the amount of work involved, so it's worth deciding early which items you're happy to keep in place.

You'll then choose the layout, sanitaryware, tiling, fittings and finishes. Visuals help a lot here, because it's much easier to change your mind on paper than on site.

What affects the cost

Bathroom costs vary widely, so we'd always rather quote after seeing the room than quote a misleading average. The main factors are:

• The size of the room and the type of bathroom, from cloakroom to wet room
• The sanitaryware, taps and shower you choose
• The type and amount of tiling
• Whether the layout changes and pipework has to move
• What is found once the old bathroom is stripped out

How long it takes

Timescales depend on the size of the bathroom and how much is being changed. A simple refresh is quicker than a full renovation with layout changes or wet-room construction, and tiles and fittings need to be on site when they're needed. Your installer should give you a realistic schedule after the survey.

The stages of the work

• Strip-out of the old suite, tiles and fittings
• First-fix plumbing and electrics
• Preparing and waterproofing walls and floors
• Tiling
• Fitting the bath, shower, toilet, basin and taps
• Finishing, sealing and final checks

Waterproofing, ventilation and regulations

Waterproofing is the part you never see and never want to fail, so it's worth asking how it will be done, especially for a wet room. Good ventilation stops damp and mould returning. As with kitchens, gas work must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and some electrical work must be certified under Building Regulations.