Replacing my bath with a shower: what needs checking?

What would a shower make easier for me?

Is stepping into the bath awkward, is cleaning difficult, or do you need more space? Explain who uses the room and what would help them. Mention any particular mobility needs in your own terms, so these are discussed before products are chosen.

Take a few photos and, if you can, make a rough sketch. Include the door, window, radiator and storage you want to keep. An online photo can show the style you like, but the installer needs to measure your room before confirming what will fit.

Can the shower go where my bath is now?

Ask what each position would involve. Keeping the shower near the old bath and moving it across the room may mean different pipework and repairs. Use the table to compare those jobs before discussing a price.

Could I have a shower without a step?

The installer needs to look at the drainage, floor and walls before recommending a solution. Ask whether a level entrance is possible and what would make it difficult. Some answers may have to wait until the bath has been removed; ask how those uncertainties will be handled in the quote.

Check that the quote lists plumbing, preparation, waterproofing, tiles and installation of the fittings. In an apartment, ask whether shared pipes would be affected and what needs discussing with the building manager before work is agreed.

Will the tiles around my bath need replacing?

Once the bath comes out, the walls and floor around it may need finishing. Ask what will be repaired or retiled and how it will meet tiles you want to keep. If matching tiles are no longer available, discuss how the join will look before choosing a partial repair.

List any taps, cabinets or accessories you want to reuse. If you intend to buy the new tray or screen yourself, send the details first. Agree who supplies each item and do not order until its dimensions and connections have been checked for your room.

How will I wash while the work is being done?

If this is your only bathroom, ask when the bath, shower and toilet would be out of use. Discuss how you will wash during that time, where workers will pass through the home and what cleaning is included. The words ‘replace the bath’ do not tell you how long the whole job will take.

For a first message, give the town and country, explain what is difficult now and add your preferred dates. Photos can help show what you mean. Browse our completed bathrooms to show us the finishes you like. We can then discuss what would work in your room.