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Bathroom Re-Fit and Refurbishment, Hampton Court Homes

Eleanor Halford
Eleanor Halford
2023-07-26
The guy in this van has road rage
Barbara x
Barbara x
2023-07-03
I am extremely happy with general renovation done by Hampton Court Homes in my flat. It is good quality work and good value.
Judith D
Judith D
2023-07-03
We are absolutely delighted with the final product of our refurbishment. Richard took ownership of the project right from the initial planning to completion. Richard is an excellent communicator who understands customers’ point of view and is extremely responsive. He brings a team of experts who are all masters of their craft from Miren who built our custom bathroom, to Pllum whose overall craftsmanship is impeccable. Pllum watched over the project from beginning to end and was brilliant with suggestions and caveats throughout. Chris did an amazing job on our stairs and loft. Thanks Richard and Team!
Master plaster
Master plaster
2023-06-22
Recently did another bathroom for me , literally couldn't be happier , thank you for all your hard work
Alexa Taylor
Alexa Taylor
2023-05-23
Fabulous! Not only did they do a great job, which we are very happy with, we will also miss the guys! Super friendly and professional. Stayed within quote too. Have recommended to others looking for builders in the area. We will certainly use again. We had a supporting wall down, windows enlarged, fitted kitchen and utility room as well as all that goes with such a project.
KEVIN Wilson
KEVIN Wilson
2023-05-19
Full bathroom and kitchen refurbishment. Hugely knowledgeable and experienced in what they do and quality of work is first class at a very reasonable price. Highly recommend.
Alexandre HamrounCandelier
Alexandre HamrounCandelier
2023-04-27
Simon and Carolyn are so kind : I spent 2 weeks at their house to learn english. Classes were very good : Simon is didactic, patient and realy curious about his studients. Courses were smooth, with lots of discussions which will be adapted to my level. Being with Simon and Carolyn is not only learning english, it's for discovering very kind and generous people who want to share their culture, learning about you and want to exchange. So I always learnt with them : At the diner, lunch, during the morning for our classes, during some excursions or some walk etc. And the BEST cherry on the cake : They are cooking very well ! As french, I was afraid of having bad food during 2 week but rather, it was just amazing. I've tasted the best Tajine of my life, good fish etc. It wasn't two learnings week, it was very good moment with very kind people in a very comfortable house where I improved my english thanks to so many things.

Discover Hampton Court Homes:

I thought it would be prudent to take you through the process of a successful replacement bathroom refurbishment. Each stage is vitally important to ensure the new bathroom functions properly and lasts for a very long time!

Rip Out Stage

The first stage is the rip out. At this point, I will have asked the client not to order the bathroom suite (i.e., the bath, shower tray and screen, taps, basin, and accessories), as until we have exposed the shell of the room, we may not be able to determine for sure what the best layout may be.

The hot water system (boiler) will be drained down to allow the cutting or capping of pipes. In older bathrooms, we would expect to find copper pipework, but occasionally, we still find lead or steel pipes, which would need to be removed.

Pipework Installation

When fitting new pipework, we always use soldered copper pipe where we can. Occasionally, with a long, difficult run, we may use the more flexible plastic pipe, but I believe in the longevity of copper. Once a soldered copper joint is tested, it is usually safe for decades.

Sub-Floor Preparation

Often the sub-floor is full of rubbish, which we will always clear away and then insulate using acoustic rock wool insulation, better for keeping bathroom sounds in the bathroom! We also remove all the floor and wall coverings and expose the structural timbers or joists of the floor. This allows us to inspect and repair if necessary. Occasionally, when taking tiles off the wall, it can remove the bonding plaster—that is, the plaster that covers the brick—the finishing plaster or “skim” being the smooth finish on which to tile or paint.

Wet Area Preparation

When preparing the wet areas of the bath or shower, it is advisable to either use a waterproof cement board for the walls or, if plastered, then a paint-on waterproofing agent. For the floors, we would add additional structural timber “noggins” between the joists for extra stability. We would then lay structural 18mm waterproof plywood (WBP — weather and boil proof) directly onto the joists. Finally, a layer of Ditra matting is added to provide the best stability and bond for the tiles. If an electric underfloor heating (UFH) system is being laid, that would then be fitted.

Hampton Court Homes

Checkatrade information for Hampton Court Homes Limited

For FREE CONSULTATION Call us today 020 8941 6575 / 07947 040 890 or email us: info@hamptoncourthomes.co.uk

From conception to completion we can assist with the design, planning and building of your project. We have completed many projects from small utility room extensions to double storey, multi-room extensions and everything in between. Our service includes taking the project right through to a painted finish if required but we are also to happy to work alongside other contractors. All of our work is local and our staff work monday to friday 8-5 to ensure good progress.

Tiling and Adhesive

Buying the correct tile adhesive is essential to ensure a permanent bond for the tiles. A flexible, waterproof, rapid-set adhesive and matched to either ceramic, stone, or porcelain tiles must be used. For walls, we tend to use a pre-mixed adhesive, but flexible and waterproof is still important. The same goes for the grout, which must be flexible and waterproof. Avoid using cheaper grouts, as they tend to be less mould-resistant.

Choosing Bathroom Fixtures

When our clients are choosing a suite, we always recommend they use a local, independent supplier. They generally have the product knowledge and can deliver or deal with returns quickly. There are so many products on the market, and a builder will never have the same knowledge. Most people tend to go for recessed thermostatic shower valves or sometimes external or “bar” valves if there isn’t the depth to fit it in the wall cavity. 

If we are constructing timber stud walls, it is always possible to build in the depth required. We can also construct recessed storage areas or “niches” which, when tiled and occasionally with LED lighting, can really add functionality and flair to the finish. It is always worth discussing with the supplier and/or fitter what the water pressure is in the home, as that may determine what products you can order.

 If the home has a conventional boiler (boiler, hot water storage tank, and cold water tanks usually in the loft), then a pump can be added to increase the pressure. That is not possible with a combi boiler or a more modern high-pressure hot water system (commonly known as “Megaflo”). Discuss options with a Gas Safe boiler engineer and plumber.

Modern bathroom re-fit in Hampton Court Homes

Design Considerations

It is worth considering a few points when deciding on the finish of your bathroom. Firstly, there are a lot of alternative finishes to chrome these days. For instance, brushed brass, black, or copper taps have become popular. If, however, you live in a hard water area, these require a lot of cleaning. Also, will they go out of fashion? The same goes for when choosing tiles. 

The popular “metro” tiling and standard 600mm x 300mm tiles are often chosen as a more timeless finish. If you choose not to fully tile the walls outside the wet area, it is then possible to easily change the look of your bathroom with paint in the future.

Toilet Options

What toilet should you choose? A standard close-coupled toilet, a back-to-wall toilet, a wall-hung pan with hidden cistern, or a modern electric Japanese-style bidet toilet? It usually starts with the visual appearance you are going for, but there are some technical considerations.

Shower Screens

Shower screens are also often chosen poorly. A lot of people like the idea of a walk-in shower with a wet room floor, but have you considered the function of both? If the screen is not long enough, you will have water everywhere. The same goes for the wet room floor, which is inherently more difficult to keep the water where you want it.

Tile Beads

Tile beads are something people often don’t give much thought to. When tiles are cut or even the finish they come with as standard, the edges are rarely good enough to leave exposed. Therefore, a tile bead is required to finish them. There are many available, and the fitter will know what size to get, but do have a good look at all the different finishes available.

Lighting

Good lighting in a bathroom is essential. Modern LED recessed ceiling spotlights are the most common. They are very bright, usually with options for warm or cold light, and do a good functional job. We also offer many feature products such as LED strip lights and cabinet lighting, so be sure to discuss these options early on!

Modern bathroom re-fit in Hampton Court Homes

Creating the Perfect Bathroom: A Step-by-Step Guide to Refurbishment Success.

Successful bathroom refurbishment requires meticulous planning, attention to detail, and professional execution at every stage. From the initial rip-out to the final finishing touches, each step ensures a durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing result. Proper preparation of the sub-floor, wet areas, and pipework is essential to long-term performance, while the choice of quality materials like adhesives, grouts, and tiles enhances durability and visual appeal.

Engaging knowledgeable suppliers and discussing design and technical considerations, such as water pressure and lighting options, ensures the bathroom suits your needs and style.

Thoughtful decisions on fixtures, finishes, and accessories, paired with professional craftsmanship, can transform your bathroom into a timeless and functional space that enhances the comfort and value of your home in United Kingdom.

 
Modern bathroom re-fit in Hampton Court Homes