The Complete Bathroom Planning Guide: Your Stress-Free Path to the Perfect Bathroom

We've Been There Too...

We know buying and renovating a bathroom can feel completely overwhelming. The endless product choices, technical jargon, coordinating tradespeople, and the fear that something will go wrong - we get it, because we've been there ourselves.

That's why we've created this planning guide. Not just to help you choose products, but to help you navigate the entire journey with confidence. Because when you plan properly and know what to expect, your dream bathroom project becomes much less stressful and much more exciting.

This is about creating your bathroom, your way - but doing it smartly!

1. Before You Start - Setting Realistic Expectations
2. The Planning Essentials
3. Making the Big Decisions
4. The Smart Installation Sequence
5. When Things Go Wrong (And They Might)
6. The Final Stretch

1. Before You Start - Setting Realistic Expectations

The Reality Check

Here's what we wish someone had told us: something will go wrong. Not to scare you, but to prepare you. Whether it's discovering old pipework that needs replacing, finding beams are in the wrong place, or delivery delays - renovation hiccups are normal, not disasters.

What helps:

• Build extra time into your timeline

• Get product on site prior to installation starting and make sure you are happy with everything

• Keep a contingency budget (10-15% extra)

• Have a backup bathroom plan during renovation

• Remember: temporary inconvenience, permanent improvement

Planning Your Timeline Realistically

• Small bathroom refresh: 1-2 weeks

• Full bathroom renovation: 2-4 weeks

• Complex renovation (moving walls/plumbing): 4+ weeks

Pro tip: Start planning 2-3 months before you want to begin. This gives you time to research, get quotes, and order everything without rushing.

2. The Planning Essentials

Step 1: Assess What You're Working With

Before you dream about the finished result, understand your starting point:

Measure everything:

• Room dimensions (don’t forget the ceiling height)

• Door and window positions

• Current plumbing locations

• Electrical outlet positions

• Any structural elements you can't move

Check your systems:

• Water pressure (affects tap and shower choices)

• Boiler capacity (for multiple outlets)

• Electrical requirements

• Ventilation requirements

Step 2: Set Your Budget (And Stick To It)

UK bathroom renovation costs (estimated June 2025):

• Refresh (keeping layout): £3,000-£6,000

• Standard renovation: £6,000-£12,000

• Premium renovation: £12,000-£25,000+

Budget breakdown:

• Product costs (remember extras such as tiles!): 40-50%

• Labour costs: 50-60%

• Unexpected issues buffer: 10-15%

Money-saving tip: Decide your non-negotiables vs nice-to-haves early. This helps when you need to make quick decisions later.

We recommend getting a fixed price for installation from your installer. It can be tempting to try to negotiate a “day rate,” but in most cases you are better off knowing where both parties stand. Get a few quotes from different plumbers to compare, but remember that cheapest doesn’t mean best. Check if quotations include elements such as rubbish removal, tiling, installing accessories and so on. And once your installation starts, be sure to offer your tradespeople plenty of tea and coffee - you want to keep them happy!

3. Making the Big Decisions

Bath vs Shower: The Key Considerations

Choose a shower enclosure if:

• You prioritise quick daily routines

• Space is limited

• Water efficiency is important

• Mobility/accessibility is a factor

Choose a bath if:

• Relaxation and unwinding is important

• You have young children

• Space allows for both eventually

• Property value is a consideration

If you have space, choose both or make the boat of both worlds with a shower bath!

→ Read our Shower Enclosure Buying Guide

Layout Decisions: What Can and Can't Move

Easy changes:

• Swapping like-for-like fixtures

• Adding storage or mirrors

• Changing taps and accessories

More complex (but perfectly normal):

• Moving fixtures within the same wall

• Adding new electrical points

• Changing from bath to shower (or vice versa)

Expensive/complex:

• Moving soil pipes

• Relocating the bathroom entirely

• Major structural changes

→ Check out our guide to creating space in your bathroom

Storage Solutions: Plan Early

Storage is key to keeping your bathroom neat and tidy once completed. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to help:

• Vanity units provide plenty of concealed storage space

• Mirror cabinets are great for hiding away toiletries and medicine

• Tall storage units are great when extra space is needed

• Shelves can provide attractive storage options for more decorative items you want to keep on display

• Shower baskets are great for keeping shower spaces free of clutter

• Build storage into the bathroom structure such as niches and countertop space

→ Read our Bathroom Accessories Buying Guide

Style Decisions: Creating Cohesion

Decide on what your theme is to help you identify the sort of products and colours that work best. Think about bathrooms you have visited in other homes or hotels - are there any that really caught your attention? Common themes include:

• Modern Minimalist: Clean lines, neutral colours

• Traditional: Classic whites, period details

• Industrial: Dark colours, exposed elements

• Scandi: Light woods, white ceramics

→ Find inspiration in our guide to using colour in the bathroom

4. The Smart Installation Sequence

Your installer will likely run through this process with you, but it always helps to have a clear idea of what a bathroom renovation process usually looks like.

1. Planning & Preparation

• Finalise design and product selections

• Order all products (allow extra time for special orders)

• Book your tradespeople

• Get the products on site prior to installation starting so you can make sure everything is OK

• Arrange temporary bathroom facilities if required

2. Demolition & Discovery

• Strip out old fixtures and fittings

• Remove old tiles and flooring

• Expect surprises here - old pipework, wiring issues, or structural problems often surface

3. First Fix Work

• Address any structural issues discovered

• Install new plumbing rough-in

• Electrical work (new circuits, lighting positions)

• Install underfloor heating (if planned)

4. Waterproofing & Preparation

• Tanking around wet areas

• Install insulation

• Prepare surfaces for tiling

5. Tiling & Flooring

• Install floor tiles first

• Wall tiles second

• Grouting and sealing

6. Second Fix & Installation

• Install sanitaryware and furniture

• Connect all plumbing

• Pressure test everything

7. Final Touches

• Electrical fittings and switches

• Mirrors and accessories

• Final decorating touches

5. When Things Go Wrong (And They Might)

Common Issues & How to Handle Them

Discovery: "The pipes are in the wrong place"
Stay calm: This is incredibly common in older properties
Solution: Usually means adjusting your layout slightly or running new pipework
Cost impact: £200-£800 depending on complexity

Problem: "There’s a beam in the way in the floor"
Don't panic: until floors are lifted, nobody really knows what’s underneath
Solution: Re-work the layout to suit or raise items (like shower trays) to create necessary clearance
Mindset: Be flexible and open to things not going to plan, you won’t remember this in a few months when you are enjoying your new bathroom!

Issue: "Everything's taking longer than expected"
Remember: Quality work takes time
Solution: Focus on the end result, not the daily frustration
Perspective: A few extra weeks now means years of enjoyment later

Keeping Your Sanity During Renovation

When you're feeling overwhelmed:

• Remember why you started this project

• Look at your inspiration photos

• Focus on one decision at a time

• Take breaks from renovation talk

• Remember: we've all been there, and it does get better

Communication is key:

• Daily check-ins with your installer

• Address concerns immediately, not after they've built up

• Ask questions - no question is too basic

• Keep a renovation diary to track progress

• Try not to overwhelm your trades, they are there to work!

6. The Final Stretch

Quality Checking Everything

Before your installer leaves:

• Test all taps and flush mechanisms

• Check all electrical switches and outlets

• Run water in all outlets simultaneously (pressure test)

• Check all seals and grouting

• Test heated towel rails and any other heating

• Take photos of completed work

The Handover

Get from your installer:

• Warranty information for all work

• Care instructions for new products

• Contact details for any follow-up issues

• Spare tiles/grout for future repairs

You've Got This!

Remember, thousands of people renovate their bathrooms every year. Yes, there will be decisions to make and probably a few unexpected moments, but that's all part of the journey to creating a space you'll love for years to come.

We're here to support you every step of the way with:

• Free furniture samples to help you make confident choices

• Plain English advice (no confusing jargon!)

• Detailed buying guides for every product type

• Responsive customer support when you need guidance

Need help with your planning?

📧 Email us with your room plans and an idea of what you are looking for and we will be happy to help

Because we believe everyone deserves a bathroom that's truly your bathroom, your way.