What to think about before renovating your bathroom
Start with how the room is used. Who uses it every day? Are there children, older relatives or anyone with limited mobility? A shower with a low, step-free tray is safer and easier to clean than a bath, which is why swapping the bath for a shower is a change so many families make.
Then think about what can stay. If the plumbing is in good condition, new sanitaryware and tiles may be enough. In older properties with iron pipes, it usually pays to replace them while the walls are open, so you won't have to break tiles again in a few years' time.
The stages of a bathroom renovation
- A visit to measure up and check the plumbing, waste pipes and walls.
- A clear, detailed proposal listing the work, the materials and the expected timescale.
- Protecting the route to the bathroom and stripping out what's being replaced.
- Plumbing, waste, electrics and ventilation.
- Waterproofing the shower area: hidden once it's tiled, but it's what stops leaks.
- Tiling, flooring, and fitting the sanitaryware, vanity unit, taps and shower screen.
- Final checks, cleaning and handover.
Each stage needs its time. Plaster, adhesive and waterproofing must dry properly before the tiles go on. Rushing this is one of the most common causes of cracked grout, and of damp patches on the ceiling of the flat below.
Materials, and what affects the price
For tiles, ceramic is affordable and easy to cut; porcelain is denser and absorbs less water. Large-format tiles mean fewer grout lines but need straighter walls. Choose a non-slip finish for the shower tray. A wall-hung toilet makes the floor easier to clean, but it needs a frame and a concealed cistern built into the wall.
The final cost depends mainly on the size of the room, the state of the plumbing, the materials you choose and whether anything changes position. Moving the toilet, for example, means altering the waste pipe. Access matters too: which floor you're on, whether there's a lift and where materials can be unloaded.
Before work starts, clear the bathroom and its cupboards. If it's your only bathroom, we'll plan the schedule with you, as it will be out of use for part of the work.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a bathroom renovation take?
It depends on the size of the room, the condition of the plumbing and the materials. A small bathroom where nothing changes position usually takes a few weeks. Our proposal sets out the expected timescale for your project.
Can I replace the bath with a shower without redoing the whole bathroom?
Often, yes. The bath comes out, the plumbing and waste are adjusted, and only that area is waterproofed and tiled. During the visit we'll check whether matching tiles are still available or whether a contrasting finish would work better.
Can I stay at home during the work?
Yes. The rest of the house stays usable, but the bathroom itself will be out of action for part of the time. We protect the route to it to keep dust down, and clean up at the end.
Do I need a licence to renovate my bathroom?
Interior work that doesn't touch the structure usually has simple rules, but each câmara municipal (local council) sets its own. Check with them and let your building's condominium know, especially if the work affects shared pipes or will be noisy.
Is it worth tiling all the way to the ceiling?
In the shower area, it's the safest option against water and steam. On the other walls, you can combine half-height tiling with paint made for damp rooms. It costs less and makes it easier to change the colour later.