BATHROOM FITTERS DERBY

When talking about wet rooms there are different interpretations of exactly what constitutes a wet room. Purists of definitions will say that a true wet room has no separate shower tray nor doors or screens. However, in the real world, not many people will have the luxury of having such space in a bathroom which allows a completely open shower without the risk of other items in the bathroom getting wet. A wet room is not going to be much fun if you have to go round wiping down sinks, toilets and cupboards every time you’ve finished showering!

So without getting too hung up about exact definitions a wet room is, it will certainly be more ‘open’ and minimalistic than a fully self-contained shower unit. The level of this openness will need to be decided on a case by case basis based on your space, desired utility positions, style, budget and the existing structure of your walls and floors. As part of Derbyshire Specialists Group we have the resources and expertise to provide many possible options to provide you with an end result that will delight you.

There are many options and configurations for your wet room from a completely open plan one, to using existing walls to provide some containment and possibly a single shower screen to provide some level of water containment. You can have a single screen with access to the shower from both sides, or utilise two existing walls and include a shower screen to enclose the other side creating a ‘U’ shape enclosure.

The location of a wet room will also impact what may need to be done to create a watertight zone. Most wet rooms have historically been located on ground floors due to the solid floor on which they can be build and as a result, many wet rooms do provide an ideal environment for elderly or wheelchair-bound individuals.

Upstairs wet room installation will generally be a more involved process with the main goal being to ensure that the floor surface of the wet room is on a rigid base with no possible movement. This may involve adding additional flooring supports under the main wet room area of the bathroom. For our wet room experts, this is all part of the installation process and we’ve installed many wet rooms on the ground, first floors and even loft conversion - so it’s all possible.

When dealing with water-related projects should something go wrong you don’t want to be in a position of trying to decide which contractor needs to sort out the problem. For example is a possible water leak the result of poor tiling, grouting or sealing, has the plumber not securely fitted a section of pipework, has the base not been properly supported to prevent any movement or flexing in the floor area? With one company there is one guarantee, so with only one company accountable - you’ll know they’ll want to do the job right first time, every time! With our ability to floor tile, wet room board, install underfloor heating and floor level we're adept at transforming and bathroom or indeed any room into a fantastic wet room.

TOILET INSTALLATION DERBY

Installing a toilet can be fairly straight forward but if you’re considering changing its position this can be a much more involved process Relocating a toilet involves more than just moving the fixture; it requires careful planning and understanding of plumbing systems and also an appreciation of building construction. If you are looking to relocate your toilet we will assess the existing plumbing, ensuring that the new location allows for easy access to water supply and waste lines. We need to assess how easily waste can get to the soil stack, which is the external draining pipe, which takes waste away from your home. We will give you an honest appraisal which will be reflected in any quotation.

If you are changing a toilet's position, it’s the opportune time to consider upgrading the toilet itself. Upgrading to a modern, water-efficient toilet can save you money on water bills while benefiting the environment. Dual-flush models, for example, let you choose between two flush levels depending on the waste, optimising water usage. Depending on your budget, you might explore features like heated seats, bidet attachments, or touchless flush systems for enhanced comfort and convenience.

As well as installation we handle toilet repairs such as leaky seals, cracked bowls, or broken handles - all of which can lead to water damage if not fixed promptly so be sure to keep an eye out.

BATHROOM CUPBOARDS, CABINET & VANITY UNIT FITTERS

There are many options when it comes to cupboards and vanity units. Whilst you many not have made final decision on colour before work start on your bathroom it is prudent to have decided and size and location during the bathroom design process to ensure fitting is a straight forward process and you are not going to spend more on having aspects of your bathroom changed once work has already been completed in some areas.

The least problematic vanity unit is a freestanding vanity: As the name suggests, it is a standalone piece of furniture that does not require support from a wall. It gives a classic and elegant look to the bathroom and is a good option if you have a large bathroom area, and a flat floor. A wall-mounted vanity is attached to the wall with screws or brackets and is excellent for small bathrooms with limited space, especially if you've chosen a sleek and modern design. The same can be said for corner vanity units as they fit snugly in the corner of a bathroom making use of what is normal unused space. It is ideal for very small bathrooms with restricted floor space.

Combining storage with the sink is a sensible use of space yet there a a few subtle differences between them. For examples a vessel sink vanity will have a bowl-shaped sink, known as a vessel sink sitting on top of the storage unit which is often chosen if you have decided on a contemporary and look for your bathroom.

A pedestal vanity sink provides no storage underneath and rests on a column. A floating sink also provides no storage and is simply fixed to the wall - this is more common for very small sinks in areas such a single toilet rooms such as cloakrooms.  An under-mount sink vanity does provide storage and can come in a variety of sizes. Unlike to the vessel sink the sink itself is integrated to the main unit below the countertop level. This option is easy to clean and looks more minimalistic.

Utilising our team for bathroom wall cabinet fitting or installing a bathroom vanity unit will be a time saving exercise, especially if you're not familiar with the process. Our professional bathroom installers can save you time by completing the installation process quickly and efficiently. This means you can have your new wall cabinet and vanity unit up and you can get back to your daily routine with a fully completed bathroom.

BATHROOM ELECTRICS

Whilst most people know that electricity and water don't mix well there are still a number of electrical items that can be used in a bathroom safely. It is important that a professional is used as much as possible and especially when carrying out a complete bathroom renovation. 

Bathrooms along with kitchens need good lighting, and it is essential to have proper fixtures that provide adequate illumination. Lighting can be in the form of ceiling lights, vanity lights, or wall sconces, depending on the bathroom's size and layout.

Due to the moisture generated in a bathroom fitting in the right type of extractor fan is very important to remove moisture and prevent mould and mildew from growing in the bathroom. More bathrooms are being fitted with electric underfloor heating or stand alone electric towel heaters, that will involve our electrician as will an electric shower if chosen. Expanding on some of the electrical work mentioned above. When it comes to extractor fans options such as the power the inclusion of a light and importantly what triggers an extractors to start and stop mean that there will be some subtle differences and wiring and settings depending on what you choose. An extractor fan should be vented to the outside, and ideally, it should have its own switch to allow for proper usage. These can be connected to come on and off independently controlled by a switch but that is not convenient for switch off as it will require someone returning to do this. The two main options for the extractor fan switching off are by a timer or by moisture detection. With a timer extractor fan you can set this to keep on running once the switch has been turned off e.g. 3 or 5 minutes to give the extractor time to remove the moisture from the air once the item generating the moisture i.e. the shower has stopped. The good aspect of this is that you know when the extractor will turn off but it will be a little hit and miss as to whether it has been on long enough to do a good job.

The other option of a moisture level trip off switch is a more expensive extraction unit. These may continue running for a long time if someone has had a long hot and steamy shower. It may feel that it continues running with no end in sight, which can be annoying late at night when you are more sensitive to noise and trying to get to sleep. Both have pros and cons and so please consider your preference carefully.

Wiring up electric heating and an electric shower along with possible shaver points mean that an electrician will have plenty to do in a new bathroom. With electrical items the power of the item especially when heating is involved such as a shower or electric towel rack will mean that certain cables will need to be run to accommodate higher power levels.

BATHROOM LIGHTING

If you are upgrading your bathroom it is worth considering all the lighting options available as there are possibly more than you may think and as with any new building projects the more you get done at the time of installation the cheaper it will be rather than retrofitting later, which will cost more and may potentially be more awkward once other fitting and fixtures are in place.

One such example is where you may want subtle lighting for a relaxing bath and don't want the hassle and mess associated with candles. We are sometimes asked if it is possible to have a dimmer switch for a bathroom. It is, however, there are certain safety regulations that must be adhered to which by using our electrician you will have peace of mind knowing that a switch with the appropriate IP rating for bathroom has been used. It is also important to note that not all types of light bulbs are compatible with dimmer switches or these may be surprisingly costly.

There are a number of aspects to research and we can also provide guidance on bathroom lighting options:

Standard ceiling lights: nothing fancy and generally involve one lighting point from the centre of the bathroom ceiling.

Wall sconces: this is another name for wall mounted lights often fitted near or above a mirror of vanity area.

Pendant lights: As this is a hung light from the ceiling, this will generally be more of an option in period properties that have much higher ceilings.

Recessed lighting: These are now the norm for new build properties for both kitchens and bathrooms. They are hidden in the ceiling, providing a clean and modern look and will  be dotted around the whole ceiling to provide complete coverage and are also referred to as LED downlights

Under-cabinet lighting: these can be installed under cabinets or vanities to provide lighting from a different angle.

Strip lighting: a section of these can be installed around the perimeter of your bathroom mirror, to help see facial details.

Floor lighting: These are great for larger bathrooms to add subtle ambient lighting.

Mirror Lighting: If you haven't selected a mirror with build in light, we can fit lighting right above your mirror to provide illumination of the face, irrespective of the other sources of light in the bathroom.

Shower Lighting: This can even be part of an extractor fan that is waterproof, and provides directed lighting inside the shower unit or directly above it.

Feel free to discuss the options with our team but ideally try to nail this at the design stage, so wiring can be laid prior to finishing wall.

MOST COMMON BATHROOM FITTER QUESTIONS:

Derbyshire Plumbing & Heating Specialists provide bathroom installation services in:

Belper, Ilkeston, Heanor, Ashbourne, Ripley, Borrowash, Castle Donington, Melbourne, Alfreton, Sommercotes, South Normanton, Allestree, Quarndon,