Planning a Bathroom Refurbishment in London?

 

Here Are a Few Things to Think About First

We’ve been lucky enough to work on bathrooms all over London over the years — Enfield, Barnet, Hackney, Islington, Haringey and plenty more.

Every home is different, but the same questions tend to come up when people start planning a new bathroom.

Here’s a simple guide based on what we’ve learned along the way and the things we talk through with almost every customer.

1. Bath, Shower, or Both? Making the Most of the Space You Have

One of the first things to decide is whether you want a bath, a separate shower, or a combination.

It sounds like a straightforward choice, but in London homes where space is often tight, this decision shapes the whole layout.

If you have a separate toilet and bathroom

We often visit properties where the WC is separate from the bathroom.

If the wall between them isn’t structural, removing it can completely change the feel of the space. It gives you:

  • A room that feels bigger and brighter
  • More flexibility for a larger shower or vanity
  • A layout that simply makes more sense

It also works brilliantly with underfloor heating, which frees up wall space and makes the whole room more comfortable.

A quick spacing rule

One thing we’re quite strict about:

You need at least 50cm (500mm) of clear space in front of the toilet.

It’s the minimum for comfortable use — anything tighter becomes awkward very quickly.

2. Can You Have a Step-Free, Walk-In Shower?

This is probably the question we hear the most:

“Can you make the shower completely flush with the floor?”

A step-free shower looks great, but whether it’s possible depends on your floor structure.

Homes with concrete floors

If you live in a flat or a property with concrete floors, you usually can’t recess the shower tray into the floor.

The waste pipe needs space and a bit of fall (slope) to drain properly, and concrete floors don’t give you the depth needed.

So what are the options?

If a fully flush tray isn’t possible, we normally recommend:

  • A very low-profile tray (still modern and minimal)
  • A small raised platform built from timber
  • Adjustable shower legs depending on the setup

These options still look clean and contemporary without causing drainage issues later on.

For homes with timber floors

Even with wooden joists, a flush shower isn’t guaranteed.

If the joists run across the path of the waste pipe, there may not be enough room to get the correct fall for the water to run away properly.

That’s why we always check:

  • Joist direction
  • How much depth we have to work with
  • Where the existing waste pipe routes
  • Whether re-routing is possible without major disruption

A bit of careful planning at the start avoids big problems later.

3. Making a Small London Bathroom Feel Bigger

Because so many London bathrooms are compact, clever design goes a long way.

Some of the things we often suggest include:

  • Wall-hung toilets or basins to keep the floor clear
  • Built-in niches for shower storage
  • Sliding or glass shower doors to save space
  • Slimline vanity units
  • Underfloor heating to remove the need for bulky radiators

These small ideas often make the biggest difference.

4. Why It’s Worth Getting the Design Right First Time

A lot of bathroom problems — slow drains, leaks, layouts that just don’t work — come from decisions made right at the beginning.

When we visit a home, we don’t just look at where things currently are. We check:

  • What your floor is made of (concrete or timber)
  • How your waste pipes run
  • Whether ventilation needs improving
  • How much room you actually have
  • What layout will be the most comfortable long-term

Once those basics are understood, the design becomes much easier and the final result is far better.

Thinking About a Bathroom Renovation?

If you’re planning a bathroom refurb anywhere in North or East London, feel free to get in touch. We’re always happy to offer advice, take a look at your space, or help you plan a layout that works for your home and your budget.