At Evis Build, we undertake all manner of bathroom installations in Surrey, Kent and London, refurbishments and renovations. Our experienced bathroom fitters in Surrey, Kent and London will work hard to make sure your bathroom is completed to exactly the specification you require and becomes a perfect space for you to feel relaxed.
Key points to consider about a bathroom installation – Surrey, Kent and London
Although we can help design your proposed bathroom in Surrey, Kent or London and work through the finer details before we go ahead with your refurbishment, there are a couple of points we think you should first consider before your give us a call.
Wall finish
You will need to decide upon the wall area you would like us to finish with tiles, and whether you wish to leave any areas plastered and painted. Generally, there are three choices for wall finishes in bathrooms:
- Tile only those walls within proximity to your bath/shower and basin. This is generally the minimum area you should tile in a bathroom and also carries the lowest cost.
- Tile as per above, as well as half way up the walls in the remainder of your bathroom.
- Tile the entire bathroom wall area, floor to ceiling. This would be the most expensive option, but is also the most common due to the hygiene benefits and best aesthetic look for a bathroom.
You also need to decide upon the type of tile to use in your new bathroom. The two most commonly used types of tiles are ceramic and natural stone. Ceramic tiles tend to have a uniform look and feel and are less expensive than natural stone tiles. Natural stone tiles are manufactured from naturally occurring substances, meaning that each tile will have a slight variation in colour and texture. To find out about the specific type of ceramic and stone tiles that we install, see our Tiling page.
Floor finish
When deciding upon the type of floor finish you would like, you should consider the following common options:
- Tiles can be laid which compliment or contrast those on the walls.
- Vinyl flooring is inexpensive, durable and is available in an array of designs. Vinyl flooring can be purchased in sheets, tiles and even planks which mimic hardwood flooring.
- Rubber flooring is often a good option for the elderly, disabled or if you have children. Rubber can absorb some impact from falls and offers considerably more grip than vinyl or tiles.
- Engineered wood comprises several layers of wood stuck together under extremely high pressure. The top layer is always made from hardwood to provide a ‘real’ wood finish, whilst the remaining layers provide strength and durability which make the floor suitable for high humidity environments such as those found in bathrooms.
Type of suite
Next you will need to consider what items will make up your bathroom suite and what form they should take. This is often based upon the floor space available in your bathroom.
- Showers can be enclosed with side panels and a door or separated from the remainder of your bathroom with a single fixed screen and take the format of a walk in shower (wet-room). The former usually has a shower tray on your floor which needs to be stepped into, whilst the latter often has a floor which is seamless with the remainder of your bathroom. A walk in shower is ideal for the elderly or disabled, or those looking for a minimalistic and modern look.
- Baths come in all shapes and sizes – straight, corner, roll-top, and shower. The style of bath you choose will often be based on your budget and the available space in your bathroom. If you are one to spend hours relaxing in your bath, a whirlpool bath could also be an option to think about.
- Toilets are available as close coupled systems where the cistern is on show and fixed on top of the toilet pan, or back to wall systems where the cistern is concealed within the wall or a shelf built around it and finished in tiles that match the rest of your bathroom.
- Basins, like baths, come in all shapes, sizes and materials. You will generally have a choice between free-standing basins with a pedestal or vanity unit supporting it, counter top basins which have the benefit of a surface area to place all of your toiletries onto, or wall hung basins for a clean and minimalistic look. You may also want to consider having more than one basin for that ‘his and her’ look and functionality.
- Accessories and furniture are the final items to consider. Will you want a flat mirror or a cupboard with a mirror? How many towel rings will you require and at what height are they to be installed? Will you make use of a tumbler and soap dispenser? Any additional shelving? There is a lot to consider to make your new bathroom a practical and user friendly space.
Type of fitting
When considering how your suite should be fitted, you have a choice between wall hung or floor mounted. The former creates a clean, modern and minimalistic look, as well as being more hygienic as the floor is open without any nooks and crannies for dust to collect and bacteria to grow. It also makes for a considerably easier floor to mop and/or hoover as there is no toilet or basin pedestal in the way. The latter is the traditional route and does have a slight cost saving as no expensive brackets are required to mount the toilet.
Taps
There is a plethora of designs when it comes to taps. Prices also range considerably between models and manufacturers. In general, you will have a choice between either basin/bath mounted or wall mounted. The type you choose depends on the basin and bath you choose as a suite designed for wall mounted taps would not have any holes in the ceramic.
In terms of shower taps, you have a choice between one which is recessed into the wall or surface mounted. The former is usually not suited for solid brick walls due to the level of chasing out that would be required. You also have a choice between thermostatic mixer valves and mixer taps. The former should be your first choice as they provide a far better shower experience due to the levels of temperature control on offer and protection from the risk of scalding.
Lighting
Lighting, like in any room is an often overlooked but crucial element to consider. In a bathroom, spotlights are usually the most common form of installation, but centre lights are another option. You may also want to consider installing auxiliary lighting for a cupboard/mirror and even feature lighting around a bath panel or base of a shower. Auxiliary lighting is useful for evenings when you want to relax in your bathroom with only dim (mood) lighting illuminating the space.
Audio
Finally, many people have small waterproof radios in their bathrooms cluttering up their space. You may want to consider installing a speaker in the ceiling which is connected to an external music source, such as in your landing. These installations are not expensive and you can have your own music playing in your bathroom every time you enter.