What the design process actually looks like
Step 1 - Free on-site survey. We measure the room, check joist direction, existing plumbing and any structural constraints. Usually 30-45 minutes.
Step 2 - Scale layout. Two or three layout options, showing where the bath, shower, WC and vanity go. Includes door swing and floor plan.
Step 3 - Suite and tile shortlist. We show you suite options at your budget from suppliers we trust (Reading merchants and direct trade accounts). Same for tiles - porcelain vs ceramic vs stone, format and finish.
Step 4 - Fixed written quote. Every line itemised: strip-out, plumbing, tanking, tiling, suite, brassware, waste, VAT. What you sign is what you pay.
Step 5 - Install. The same team that designed the room fits it. No handoffs, no lost details.
Common design mistakes we fix
Too much stuff in too small a room - usually the bath. In a 1.6m x 2.2m bathroom, a bath and a separate shower means neither works properly. Pick one.
Toilet under the window - hard to service and awkward for wall tiling. Move it 300mm if the plumbing allows.
Under-sized extractor - cheap fans move too little air and rot the ceiling. Spec a 100mm+ centrifugal extractor with humidistat and timer.
One overhead light, no task lighting - you can't see to shave. Add IP-rated mirror lighting and floor-glow LEDs.
Frequently asked questions
Do you charge a separate design fee?
No. Design is included when you commission the installation. If you decide not to proceed, we simply invoice for the survey time, capped at £150.
Can I bring my own designer?
Yes - we regularly fit to third-party designs from interior designers and architects. We'll flag anything that isn't buildable or affordable before you commit.
Do you use 3D visualisation?
For premium bathrooms we produce photorealistic renders through our supplier tools. For standard jobs a scale 2D plan is usually enough and keeps the process quick.
How long does the design phase take?
Usually 5-10 days from survey to signed quote, depending on how many suite and tile options you want to see.