What we expect to find
Walls that are out of plumb and floors that are out of level, which matters enormously for large-format tiling and for anything wall-hung.
Lath and plaster that will not take modern tile weight, so wet zones typically need re-boarding rather than tiling onto the existing face.
Old pipework, sometimes lead or steel, and waste runs with marginal fall that were adequate for a 1950s suite and are not for a modern one.
Joists notched by previous trades, occasionally to the point where they need attention before a heavy tiled floor goes down.
How we work with it rather than against it
Dubbing out and re-boarding to create true, flat planes for tiling - this is where a period bathroom quote legitimately differs from a new-build one.
Choosing tile formats appropriate to the walls we actually have. Very large formats on visibly out-of-square walls exaggerate the problem.
Retaining and reusing genuinely good original features where the client wants them, rather than assuming everything old goes in the skip.
Getting the look right
A period-appropriate suite with modern performance is entirely achievable: traditional-style brassware over a thermostatic valve, metro or encaustic-effect porcelain, and contemporary waterproofing hidden behind it all.
The engineering should be current even where the aesthetic is not.
Frequently asked questions
Will you find problems once you start?
Sometimes, in an old house. We survey thoroughly to minimise it, and if something is found we stop, show you, and price it before continuing.
Can wall-hung fittings work on old walls?
Yes, with a properly fixed supporting frame. We do not rely on old lath and plaster for structural fixing.
Do you work on listed buildings?
Listed status brings consent requirements that sit with you as owner. We will work within whatever consent you have obtained.
Is a period bathroom more expensive?
Usually somewhat, because of preparation and making-good rather than the fittings themselves. We itemise that so you can see where it goes.
Will modern brassware work with older plumbing?
Usually, once the water pressure and pipe condition have been checked. Some showers and taps need a minimum pressure, so this is confirmed at survey before anything is ordered.
Next step
Older house? Book the survey early - the preparation is what needs pricing accurately.
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