If you’ve never had a bathroom replaced before, it’s completely normal to wonder how it all works. Most people just want to know what happens first, how long it’s going to take, and what they need to do to prepare.
At Alan Heath & Sons, the process is designed to be as clear and straightforward as possible. Our full bathroom renovations service follows a structured, step-by-step approach so homeowners across Coventry know exactly what’s happening and why.
1. Getting in touch
The first conversation is simply about your current bathroom and why you’re thinking of changing it. Sometimes it’s outdated, sometimes the layout isn’t practical, and sometimes it just doesn’t suit your lifestyle anymore.
You don’t need a full plan at this stage. Even a rough idea helps get the ball rolling.
You’ll be asked about your existing layout, what works well, and what doesn’t. This helps build a picture of how you use the space day-to-day, not just how you want it to look.
Often, people come in with ideas they’ve seen online too, but part of the consultation is making sure those ideas will actually work in their home. It’s about balancing style with practicality.
2. Planning and design
The next step is turning your ideas into something practical. Customers usually provide a few measurements and photos, and from there a proper layout can be created. This helps you see what’s possible in the space you have.
This stage is important because not everything that looks good online works well in real life. For example, squeezing everything in too tightly can make the room feel awkward to use.
You’ll also choose things like:
- The position of the bath or shower
- Furniture and storage
- Tiles and flooring
- Lighting
It’s about making sure everything works properly before any work begins.
3. Quote and survey
Once the design is agreed, we will arrange a visit back to the showroom. During this visit, we will present you with a detailed quotation after going through all the design elements with you. You’ll also have the chance to see, touch, and experience the products on display, so you know exactly what you are getting. Before installation is booked, a survey will be carried out at your home, where everything is checked and measured properly. This routine step is important to ensure there are no surprises once the job starts.
4. Booking the job
Once the survey process is done, we’re all ready to schedule your installation. You’ll be given a start date, and an estimate of how long the work will take. Most bathrooms take around a few weeks to complete depending on the size and complexity of the job. You can find out more about bathroom renovation timelines here.
If you’re planning other work, like new windows, it’s best to do that first. This helps avoid accidental damage to your new bathroom later.
5. Removing the old bathroom
The first step on site is removing the existing bathroom. This includes the bath or shower, toilet, basin, tiles, and flooring. Once everything is out, the condition of the room underneath can be checked. Any repairs are done at this stage, and pipework is replaced and rerouted for a neater finish. It’s not the prettiest part of the process, but it’s really important to ensure your bathroom lasts for years to come.
6. Installing the main fixtures
Next, the main structural pieces of the bathroom are installed. The bath or shower tray is usually fitted first, because everything else needs to line up with it. Once that’s in position, the team installs the toilet frame if it’s a wall-hung model, along with the base units for the vanity.
Flooring is normally fitted after the bath or shower tray is in, but before the toilet and basin are fully installed. This allows the flooring to run neatly underneath where needed, while still making sure heavy items are properly supported.
If you’ve chosen wall-hung furniture or floating units, the order can change slightly. In those cases, tiling is often completed first so the units can be fixed securely to the finished wall. It’s all done in a specific sequence so the finished bathroom not only looks right but is long-lasting too.
7. Tiling and finishing
Once the main fixtures are in place, tiling can begin! After the tiles are finished, the rest of the bathroom is completed. This includes fitting the toilet, basin, furniture, towel rail, and accessories. This is when everything comes together and starts to look like a finished bathroom.
8. Lighting and electrical
Most bathrooms use ceiling downlights because they give a clean look and provide even, practical light across the whole room. Mirror lights are also a popular addition, as they give you clearer lighting where you need it most.
At Alan Heath & Sons, downlights are included as standard, but customers can also choose their own decorative lights if they want something more personal. It’s also worth thinking about light colour. Cooler white is brighter and more practical, while warmer white creates a softer, more relaxed feel. Getting this right can make a big difference to how the bathroom feels to use every day.
9. Decorating
Painting is usually done after the installation is complete, once all the fittings and tiles are in place. This helps avoid any accidental marks on freshly painted walls while the work is being carried out. Most customers either arrange a decorator or do it themselves afterwards, as it’s one of the final jobs that brings the whole room together.
10. Final checks
Before the job is finished, everything is checked carefully to make sure it’s working exactly as it should. All fittings are tested, seals are completed, and the bathroom is fully cleaned down. At Alan Heath & Sons, we always leave your bathroom ready to use straight away, without you needing to do anything else.
A few helpful tips
If you’re planning a renovation, these simple things help:
- Provide measurements and photos if you can
- Think about what doesn’t work in your current bathroom
- Plan ahead if it’s your only bathroom
- Get other work done first if needed
- Focus on what will be practical long-term
Final thoughts
When it’s done the right way, a bathroom renovation doesn’t have to be stressful. It’s really just a case of planning carefully and following the steps in the right order. By the end, you’ll have a bathroom that’s not only comfortable and practical but also fits your home perfectly.
Get in touch with our friendly team if you’re ready to renovate your bathroom. With over 30 years of experience, we know how to make the whole process simple and hassle-free.