What does a full bathroom renovation involve?

A full renovation is more than new tiles. The bathroom is opened up to the brick so that the things you can't see get replaced too: the water and drain pipes, the slopeFalls (drainage slope)The gentle slope built into flat roofs, balconies and bathroom floors so water runs to the drain or gutter instead of pooling. of the floor, the base under the tiles. In a bathroom with a green bathtub, the tiles, the tub and the old renderRender (plaster)A layer of mortar (sand, cement or lime, and water) spread over brick or concrete to give a wall a straight, sound surface ready for paint or tiles. all came off until the brick showed.

With the walls open, the new pipes go in, routed to where the new fixtures will sit. This is the moment to settle for good where the basin, toilet and shower will be, because afterwards everything is closed into the walls and floor. The plumbing and electrics are work for a plumber and an electrician.

Next comes the floor, sloped toward the drainFloor drainThe outlet in a floor where water drains away on roofs, balconies and in bathrooms, with a grate on top and usually a trap below. so water runs away instead of pooling, and the rendering. A final coat of render leaves the walls straight so the tiles sit properly. In another bathroom the render was scored so the tile adhesiveTile adhesiveA ready-mixed cement-based mortar, sold as a powder and mixed with water, used to stick tiles to walls and floors. It is spread with a notched trowel. would grip, and the ceiling was closed in with plasterboardPlasterboardA sheet of gypsum faced with paper, screwed to a metal frame to make suspended ceilings and light partition walls. It hides cables and pipes and takes recessed lights. that later took recessed lights.

Last come the tiles and the fixtures. If you want a concealed cisternConcealed cisternA toilet cistern hidden inside the wall on a metal frame, which usually also holds a wall-hung toilet. Only the flush plate shows. or a shower with no step, say so at the start, because it affects the pipework and the floor.

Keep in mind: the real state of things often only shows once the old materials come out, such as worn pipes or damp inside the wall. It is wise to leave some room for surprises like that.