Contemporary bathroom installation featuring marble effect wall and floor tiles, freestanding ribbed bath with brushed brass fittings

Bathrooms

The order of work for a bathroom renovation, explained

A bathroom is several trades working in a small room. Knowing the order they work in helps you understand why the timing matters.

A modern bathroom with large format tiles, a wall hung toilet and a walk in shower looks simple when it is finished. Behind it is a careful sequence of trades, and getting that sequence right is what separates a good bathroom from a problem one.

1. Strip out and first fix

The old suite, tiles and boarding come out. The plumber then runs new pipework and waste, and the electrician runs cables for lighting, extractor fans, shaver points and any heated towel rail. This all happens before the walls are closed up.

2. Boarding, tanking and plastering

Walls are boarded and areas that will get wet, such as the shower, are tanked with a waterproof membrane. Ceilings may be plastered, including recessed details for LED strip lighting.

3. Tiling

With a flat, waterproof surface in place, the tiler sets out the room so cuts are balanced and lays the wall and floor tiles. Large format porcelain needs a levelling system so every edge sits flush.

4. Second fix and finishing

The plumber fits the toilet, basin, shower and bath, and the electrician fits lights, mirrors and fans and certifies the work. Finally the decorator paints any untiled walls and ceilings.

When one project manager runs this sequence, each trade arrives at the right moment. That is how we run every bathroom at Brooks Contractors.

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  • One project manager from start to finish
  • 11 trades arranged for you
  • NICEIC, NAPIT, Part P, Gas Safe, Checkatrade and CHAS

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