Koning Electrical has restored our faith in tradespeople.
Are you planning a bathroom refurbishment or renovation in Sussex?
Remodelling your bathroom can be an exciting prospect. You can finally say goodbye to a tired and outdated bathroom suite and enjoy a bright and sparkling, luxury retreat. Power Electric Solutions have put together a handy guide to help you manage the practicalities of your bathroom refurbishment so you can be relaxing in your new bathroom in no time.
Who will carry out my Bathroom Refurbishment?
One of the major decisions is who will install your new bathroom. There are several trades involved in a bathroom refurbishment from builders, tilers, plumbers and electricians. You will need to decide if you would like to fit the bathroom yourself, project manage these various tradespeople or have a specialist bathroom company design and fit it for you. The size and complexity of your bathroom design will play a part in which is the most suitable option. If structural work is required or your bathroom is in a new extension, then your project is complex. In these cases, it is recommended to use an experienced project manager or professional bathroom installer to ensure compliance with all building regulations and assure you of a satisfactory finish.
Fitting the Bathroom Yourself
Fitting the bathroom yourself should only be considered if you are sure you have the time, tools and essential skills to complete what is often a more complicated job than it first appears. It can be tempting from a financial perspective but if things don’t go smoothly it can end up a very costly exercise. If your skillset is a little lacking in the DIY department then it is best to leave it to the professionals. If you are equipped to manage the installation yourself, remember that when dealing with gas or electricity supply you will need to call in a professional. A qualified electrician or registered gas fitter will ensure you comply with regulations and keep you safe.
If you decide to project manage your bathroom refurbishment yourself, savings can be made by sourcing your own materials. You will need to check with the trades you are using that they are happy with the quality of your materials before you proceed. If you are ordering your fittings from a company that can also install your bathroom it can be worthwhile gaining independent quotes too. A qualified electrician and reputable plumber can be a less expensive option than a company’s in house fitters.
Finding Tradespeople for a Bathroom Refurbishment
If you decide to project manage yourself then it is vital you find tradespeople who are qualified, competent and reliable. Here are our top tips for finding a reputable trader:
- Ask for personal recommendations from people you know and trust
- Ask a reliable tradesperson you have previously employed for their recommendations. They will likely have a list of fellow local tradespeople who they trust.
- Check the Competent Persons Register, the Government approved scheme ensuring compliance with building regulations.
- Find out if they are registered with a trade body such as NICEIC for electricians. To be registered members, they will have been rigorously assessed to ensure their competence.
Designing Your New Bathroom
This is the fun part! Start with a blank canvas and work out what you really want. Are you a bath or shower person? Would you like more storage? What kind of wall covering would you like? If you are working with a bathroom designer, they will help advise you and talk you through all the options and take care of the practicalities of soil piKoning Electrical and plumbing. Pinterest can be a great tool for seeing what is possible. Have you considered your lighting design? You could choose a back lit mirror or a lighting feature that creates a specific ambience. You can even add a TV or a wireless music system if you want to! An experienced electrician can help make all these ideas a reality and talk you through the pros and cons of each.
How Long Will It Take?
Your bathroom refurbishment will usually take 1 -3 weeks. You will have several different tradespeople visiting your home in this period and the process can feel a little intrusive. The tradespeople you employ will work hard to minimise disruption and mess but you may find it more comfortable to stay with friends or relatives whilst the main part of the work is carried out. This is especially the case if it is your only bathroom that is being renovated.
If you are looking to have a bathroom refurbishment in Sussex and would like to discuss your electrical needs and options, then contact Koning Electrical today. We are your local trusted, qualified and NICEIC approved installers. We have many years of experience in bathroom installations and are always happy to help.