Upstairs bathroom refit

doodah

doodah

doodah

Caporegime
Joined
18 Oct 2002
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London
We had a recent leak in this bathroom (sink tap) which was fixed, though it did somehow come through a spotlight in the kitchen below. Going to go out on a limb and guess the bathroom does not have any leak/waterproofing membrane.

We were eying up redoing the bathroom and my wife has tasked me with options and quotes. It's a pretty small space (2m wide and 1.6m from window to the door). Our plumber suggested, in his experience, baths > shower trays especially for upstairs. Only considerations are - having a bath would be handy if we have a kid and the downstairs bathroom is a shower only (no space for a bath). Plus this upstairs bathroom is for my mother-in-law, she's in good health but she's only going to get older, so any options that could help her further down the line (e.g. those baths that have a door or a shelf/seat to sit down). Whatever replacement bath we get, it won't be one with a bulge.

Any companies to recommend for design/working up a specification? Any tips/suggestions for a refit with a small space? I think design wise - the main 3 things would likely stay in the same place.

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Word of mouth. Ask your friends, family, workmates etc. Don't pick anybody from pick a trade etc etc...
 
So none of the big dogs like Pimlico Plumbers or Victoria Plumbing. Was not considering Check a Trade etc - been hounded by all sorts get tiring. Plus we now have our trusted single issue trades people from there, just not bathroom refits.

I think I'm aware of one neighbour that might have had a recent refit.
 
My advice, which it sounds like you've already decided, is to definitely retain a bath. Even if you never use it, a lot of potential buyers will be put off if it doesn't have one.

Regards overall design I'm not sure what else you could do that's better than what you have. Just pick the tiles you like and buy good quality brassware.
 
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We've found a local guy, did our neighbour's upstairs bathroom (which is a mirror layout of ours) and has very good reviews online.

Absolute rabbit hole now when it comes to options....
  • We'll probably keep the same layout, only other option is to have the bath along the window side and move the toilet and sink to the corner/side right of the door
  • Likely going for large beige/sand colour tiles
  • Like the look of floating vanity units
  • I believed floating toilets/hidden cisterns were a bugger to fix but Gemini reckons this is largely a myth - anyone have one?
  • Like the idea of a heated mirror with hidden toothbrush/shaver charging port
  • Definitely want a recessed shelf for the bath
  • Probably ditch bath taps and go for one of those that use the overflow as the tap (disc shaped)
  • Also like the idea of having the sink taps in the wall
My algorithm on Insta will be forever changed :p. Look we're going for is lighter, maximise space/feel and to minimise clutter.
 
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doodah said:
We've found a local guy, did our neighbour's upstairs bathroom (which is a mirror layout of ours) and has very good reviews online.

Absolute rabbit hole now when it comes to options....
  • We'll probably keep the same layout, only other option is to have the bath along the window side and move the toilet and sink to the corner/side right of the door
  • Likely going for large beige/sand colour tiles
  • Like the look of floating vanity units
  • I believed floating toilets/hidden cisterns were a bugger to fix but Gemini reckons this is largely a myth - anyone have one?
  • Like the idea of a heated mirror with hidden toothbrush/shaver charging port
  • Definitely want a recessed shelf for the bath
  • Probably ditch bath taps and go for one of those that use the overflow as the tap (disc shaped)
  • Also like the idea of having the sink taps in the wall
My algorithm on Insta will be forever changed :p. Look we're going for is lighter, maximise space/feel and to minimise clutter.
Click to expand...
Absolutely, the options are really only held back by size of room.

Not a fan of 'floating' toilets having seen 100s of failure photos on the 'Net over the years but majority of hotels have them so if fitted correctly there must be no issues, they do offer a certain hygienic benefit when mopping the tiled floors.

We had a heated mirror fitted (only mirror not vanity unit) and it's the best thing ever when trying to shave, previous mirrors steamed up but this one doesn't.
 
Maundie said:
Absolutely, the options are really only held back by size of room.

Not a fan of 'floating' toilets having seen 100s of failure photos on the 'Net over the years but majority of hotels have them so if fitted correctly there must be no issues, they do offer a certain hygienic benefit when mopping the tiled floors.

We had a heated mirror fitted (only mirror not vanity unit) and it's the best thing ever when trying to shave, previous mirrors steamed up but this one doesn't.
Click to expand...
Thank you. The hygiene/cleaner look is tempting, going to scan his completed work photos and have a talk with him. Wife raises a good point about the no taps for baths, looks great but for practicality like filling up a bucket - tap for the win.

And not having a mirror steam up sounds like a game changer.
 
My views below:

doodah said:
We've found a local guy, did our neighbour's upstairs bathroom (which is a mirror layout of ours) and has very good reviews online.

Absolute rabbit hole now when it comes to options....
  • Like the look of floating vanity units

    I love floating things in the bathroom. It makes cleaning the floor so much easier, fewer dirt traps, and you don't have to worry as much about where the UFH goes. It also looks modern and clean.
  • I believed floating toilets/hidden cisterns were a bugger to fix but Gemini reckons this is largely a myth - anyone have one?

    If fitted correctly, they're brilliant. Same points as above about ease of cleaning and modern look. They must be fitted to the letter as per the instructions though. The issues come because most tradies think they're too clever to read instructions.
  • Like the idea of a heated mirror with hidden toothbrush/shaver charging port

    Definitely do this.
  • Definitely want a recessed shelf for the bath

    Yep!
  • Probably ditch bath taps and go for one of those that use the overflow as the tap (disc shaped)

    I've had them before and did like it. I also like wall mounted bath fillers with recessed valves.
  • Also like the idea of having the sink taps in the wall

    Gets my vote. The taps are normally a lot more expensive, fyi.
My algorithm on Insta will be forever changed :p. Look we're going for is lighter, maximise space/feel and to minimise clutter.
Click to expand...
 
Participant said:
My advice, which it sounds like you've already decided, is to definitely retain a bath. Even if you never use it, a lot of potential buyers will be put off if it doesn't have one.
Click to expand...

We thought about this, but decided we would get rid of it anyway.

It'll put families off, sure, but less couples are having kids now.

And I don't see myself moving for yonks anyway, short of winning Omaze or the lottery...
 
re-tiling to make it lighter / less solemn inside need that - although the tiling looks in good state and quality

if you did have hanging toilet, are they as slim or are you loosing inches with the cabinetry too, I wouldn't be paying +£3/400 say for hanging too.

basin I'd get a bowl with narrower rim to maximise volume for water (shaving / hair / feet washing) - side taps like you have are great wish we had those.
would basin impose too much if perpendicular on door wall, and move toilet right, with cabinet in corner, next to sink.

recessed shelf for bath - drainage / robust weatheproofing and expense versus slim stainless rack say. ? you're not going to put a draining open soap dish in there anyway,
would the big shampoo bottle fit.

parents just removed their bath - wet room style, I'd have had a shower tray though to contain the water and ensure robust weatherproofing;
they considered bath with a window door, which I would have since bath is used for washing large throw blankets, outdoor gear from time to time, but not for people.

mirror - smaller vanity mirrirs with magnification much more important for shaving/flossing ... if you usually wear glasses, too.
 
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