Real Estates Renovations and Refurbishments

Big or small we apply the same care to all projects, the approach and methodology are the same to ensure its successful construction completion in Quality, in Time and in Budget:

Images Gallery: Refurbishment Process Bathroom Renovation South London

1 / 27
On the left the bathroom before renovation, the basin is too close to the end of the bathtub (36cm) that make the passage difficult to reach the window, the carpet on the floor in a bathroom is not hygienic as water and high content of humidity creates an ideal environment for the proliferation of bacteria and cannot be cleaned and sanitized as easily as a tiled surface. On the right the bathroom after renovation in which the toilet is moved where was the basin, the bathtub moved where was the toilet. All the surfaces are now tiled.
2 / 27
On the left the bathtub area as before renovation enclosed between walls with a problem of access to the pipes for maintenance, on the right the new configuration after renovation, the old bathtub has been removed and positioned a new one where was the toilet, the partition on the right has demolished and created a new in a position back in the corridor to gain more space in the bathroom and with the new door to access the bathroom. Where was the bathtub there is now the vanity unit, the passage between partition and vanity unit is 700mm that is not big but sufficient to allow a comfortable passage and for the use of the basin.
3 / 27
On the left the bathroom before renovation, the distance of 10 cm between wall and toilet is not sufficient to allow a comfortable use of the toilet, it should be at least 15 cm. Sometimes we can be forced to make choices not ideal because of the existing space available but not in this case as there was enough space to move the toilet in a correct and more comfortable position. On the right the bathroom after renovation, the new bathtub has been moved where the toilet was. The removable panel of the new bathtub as a thin plastic panel with shape not linear has been changed with a more solid MDF panel, painted with water-resistant paint and screwed to a timber frame, that then can be removed for maintenance.
4 / 27
View 04 from outside the bathroom in the corridor: On the left photo view of the corridor before renovation, on the left the access to the bathroom and on the right the access to the flat. On the right photo the view of the corridor after renovation, the pre-existing door has been closed, the partition in the front removed and created a new partition with the new door to access to the bathroom. The dark grey of the door, the handles, the skirting, the cornices, are all chosen to match as shapes and colours the other doors in the flat. The wire switch from the ceiling for the bathroom light and the electric warmer towel switch are removed. New switches are now positioned outside the bathroom as per regulation.
5 / 27
Survey bathroom before renovation, on the left photo 01: view of the window and basin; on the right photo 02: view of toilet and basin.
6 / 27
Survey bathroom before renovation, on the left photo 03: bathtub enclosed between walls; on the right photo 03 view of the corridor and access to the bathroom on the left.
7 / 27
Survey sketch measurements bathroom: every project starts from accurate surveys and measurements to have then a precise design to be translated in construction. Other than dimensions we take note of electrical switches, lights and plugs, radiators, position of pipes, extractor, boiler, etc.
8 / 27
The information picked up from the direct survey are then translated into CAD drawings. From one side are heightened the problems for example we can see the distance between the wall and the toilet (10cm), the distance between the basin and the bathtub (36cm) that barely allows to reach the window, the difficulty to reach the pipes under the bathtub for maintenance. On the other side the drawing as existing is the base for the next design phase.
9 / 27
We done different solutions plus and less articulated, this is the final plan of the solution chosen with the Client in which is moved the bathroom access and the partition is rebuilt back into the corridor, this allow to have a little more space and reposition the bathtub, the basin and the toilet in a different position more functional. The new bathtub 1600x700mm is positioned where was the toilet without problems of maintenance because the pipes can be reached easily,  the toilet suspended from the floor to allow an easy cleaning is positioned  next to the bathtub where was the basin, now there is plenty of space next to the toilet, the basin quite large 800x450mm is positioned where was the bathtub. It is also planned to put a proper space to put a cabinet next to the basin, 600x300mm is a standard/common measure so the Client can choose from a wide range of products on the market. Already clear the setting out of the tiles 600x300mm, with joints aligned with the important elements of the bathroom as basin tap and toilet.
10 / 27
The bathroom renovation elevation 01 that of course matches the plan (not always they do as made by others), again details, planning, alignment of tiles, study on how can work the removable panels on the cabinet behind the toilet. As we used a new bathtub tap with shower included that works also with low pressure it has not been necessary any more the electric boiler so the Client/Tenant can save some money in energy. We develop all the drawings necessary to ensure the correct planning and construction and that, especially in small spaces as a bathroom, are important because a centimetre count.
11 / 27
Bathroom renovation elevation 02, at the end the position of the towel warmer chosen has been changed to be aligned with the window and with a different dimension 600x600mm to fit better the space available. The basin with its cabinet together are quite heavy and could be hung on the wall with brackets but we preferred to sit it also on a plinth on the back that contains the pipes and planning to have two legs on the front to make it stabler and safer. We preferred a mirror 800x800mm aligned to the vanity unit but in the final version we used one of 800x600cm cheaper and easily available during the pandemic.
12 / 27
A simple visualization 3D of the bathroom renovation as done can help the Client and the Designer as well to understand better what looks like the job after construction, technical drawings are not easily readable for those who do not have a habit to work with them. Of course the simulation can be more precise and realistic but it takes more time to be prepared, all is related to balance quality and costs, of course if you wish a marble bathroom in which you are going to spend more, it makes sense to spend more time on design and visualization. Note the cabinet/shelf on the left side of the basin, has been moved lower to fit the  towel warmer closer to the wall and gain a little more space.
13 / 27
Bathroom renovation South London, visualization 3D view 02, once the 3D model is built it is easy to change the point of view and see the space from different angles. This is also a tool to check that everything looks fine.
14 / 27
Between the products selected, available and in the budget, these are the taps selected: A contemporary style chrome bath shower mixer suitable for high and low pressure water systems (minimum operating pressure 0.3bar, maximum operating pressure 5bar) this allowed to remove the electric boiler that was not necessary any more so the Client/Tenant can save some energy consumption. A contemporary style chrome single lever basin mixer tap that works at high and low pressure and suitable for all boiler systems (minimum operating pressure 0.2bar, maximum operating pressure 5bar). In my opinion it would be appropriate to spend a little more to have products of slightly higher quality / aesthetics, the difference in expense does not affect the total too much and taking into account that these products must remain in use for years. If the quality is poor and they need to be fixed or replaced in a few years you will spend more money over time.
15 / 27
For the selection of the basin and vanity unit, a simple ceramic single bowl countertop basin with a single tap hole integrated on a basin cabinet 800x600x450mm with drawers for storage and soft silent closing mechanism. The basin weight is 13 kg and the vanity unit 28 kg, plus tap and things in the drawers the total weight can be of more 50kg, if we add a pressure on it by a person, it can easily break the connection between brackets and vanity unit. For this reason added to the brackets we preferred to sit it on a plinth and legs to be stronger and safer. I always prefer suspended furniture in the bathroom to allow an easier and effective cleaning, also the new average materials proposed on the market are not very strong in contact with water / humidity and get damaged easily over time.
16 / 27
This is the steel frame with cistern integrated selected to have the toilet suspended from the floor. The frame is strong and can be regulated to different heights, the advantage of the use of this kind of system is evidently to have everything ready and reduce time on installation, otherwise we should fix all the pieces separately. About the toilet I preferred a simple and clean shape, without grooves, because it is prettier, modern and above all easy to clean. In our case its installation has been a bit higher because the pre-existing position of the water drain hose from the toilet.
17 / 27
Part of the selection of the tiles, we got many samples to see each one and touch the material and the finish, to put together and see how they match. As the flat was going to be in rent, we selected neutral colours, lighter, nothing of too strong. The final selection has been for the walls a Glazed Porcelain 600x300mm thickness 9.5mm, Colour Light Grey with polished finish, the room looks bright with reflection of light on the walls. For the floor we preferred a colour not constant and not polished because too “delicate” for the floor, we chose a glazed porcelain tile 600x300mm aligned with the joints on the wall, and with a pattern stone effect in a smooth matt finish. Every pack of tiles had one of them with a wide strong darker line, I selected them to be aligned and to make a wider and darker line (it can be noted close to the bathtub removable panel) otherwise, if put casually, it would have produced a confusing effect. About the costs, these tiles were at discount so I informed the Client asking for approval and to get them for the renovation of the bathroom, and so getting a better quality for less money. The saving on these tiles has been around £300. We do our best to provide a good service to the Client with the best quality we can get within the budget.
18 / 27
The photos show the construction of the cabinet behind the toilet, made by a simple timber frame aligned with the steel frame with cistern, the plumber has already joined the pipes. Can be noticed that we passed a waterproofing layer on all the surfaces. As the walls are stud partitions, before the adhesive and the tiles we preferred to cover all the surfaces with a waterproofing. Bathrooms have the presence of water on the walls where there is the bathtub or on the floor for spillage and high content of humidity in the air, they can cause in the time infiltrations and then damage this kind of light structures. We gave an extra resistance to the water and humidity to the surfaces.
19 / 27
Finally we can start to see the job nearly finished with the tiles on the walls before the grout and the tiling floor on going.
20 / 27
Finally we can start to see the job nearly finished with the tiles on the walls before the grout and the tiling floor on going.
21 / 27
Bathroom renovation completed, can be seen properly the new distribution of the bathroom with the bathtub with glass screen, the toilet suspended, the small towel warmer in its position under the window. Can be noticed the alignment of the joints between floor and walls (changed in the final version), the thin aluminium profiles on the corners of the returns of the window. The bathtub removable panel as made by a thin plastic sheet with a shape not linear was not sufficiently strong and stable and has been replaced with a stronger and linear fixed on a timber frame.
22 / 27
Bathroom renovation completed, some details, the view of the vanity unit with the basin 800x450mm sit on a plinth on the back and on legs on the front, the mirror 800x600mm fixed on the wall with small square chrome fixings, all the joints between walls and floor, vanity unit and wall covered by white with anti-mold silicone.
23 / 27
Bathroom renovation completed, some details: basin and mixer tap aligned with the tiles joint, symmetrical porcelain tiles on the wall with removable marble shelf on the cabinet behind the toilet, Electric towel warmer 600x600mm aligned with the window, suspended toilet.
24 / 27
Bathroom renovation completed, extract of the maintenance file: we supplied the Client with a file with some information for the maintenance, as photos, description and instructions of what cannot be seen after completion, this is useful when in the time could be necessary to open parts of the bathroom for maintenance for example in the photo are highlighted the removable panels / shelves to access to the pipes for maintenance.
25 / 27
Bathroom renovation completed, extract of the maintenance file: in the photo can be seen the corner under the bathtub, the pipes provenance from the next room, the duct for the electric cable to the towel warmer, the pipes of the hot and cold water to the bathtub tap before the connection, the preparation of the bathtub drainage pipe.
26 / 27
Bathroom renovation completed, extract of the maintenance file: in the photo can be seen the corner under the bathtub, the pipes provenance from the next room, the duct for the electric cable to the towel warmer, the pipes of the hot and cold water to the bathtub tap before the connection, the preparation of the bathtub drainage pipe.
27 / 27
Bathroom renovation completed, extract of the maintenance file: in the picture can be seen the electric schematic with the position of the switches and cables in the bathroom as built.

On the left the bathroom before renovation, the basin is too close to the end of the bathtub (36cm) that make the passage difficult to reach the window, the carpet on the floor in a bathroom is not hygienic as water and high content of humidity creates an ideal environment for the proliferation of bacteria and cannot be cleaned and sanitized as easily as a tiled surface. On the right the bathroom after renovation in which the toilet is moved where was the basin, the bathtub moved where was the toilet. All the surfaces are now tiled.
On the left the bathtub area as before renovation enclosed between walls with a problem of access to the pipes for maintenance, on the right the new configuration after renovation, the old bathtub has been removed and positioned a new one where was the toilet, the partition on the right has demolished and created a new in a position back in the corridor to gain more space in the bathroom and with the new door to access the bathroom. Where was the bathtub there is now the vanity unit, the passage between partition and vanity unit is 700mm that is not big but sufficient to allow a comfortable passage and for the use of the basin.
On the left the bathroom before renovation, the distance of 10 cm between wall and toilet is not sufficient to allow a comfortable use of the toilet, it should be at least 15 cm. Sometimes we can be forced to make choices not ideal because of the existing space available but not in this case as there was enough space to move the toilet in a correct and more comfortable position. On the right the bathroom after renovation, the new bathtub has been moved where the toilet was. The removable panel of the new bathtub as a thin plastic panel with shape not linear has been changed with a more solid MDF panel, painted with water-resistant paint and screwed to a timber frame, that then can be removed for maintenance.
View 04 from outside the bathroom in the corridor: On the left photo view of the corridor before renovation, on the left the access to the bathroom and on the right the access to the flat. On the right photo the view of the corridor after renovation, the pre-existing door has been closed, the partition in the front removed and created a new partition with the new door to access to the bathroom. The dark grey of the door, the handles, the skirting, the cornices, are all chosen to match as shapes and colours the other doors in the flat. The wire switch from the ceiling for the bathroom light and the electric warmer towel switch are removed. New switches are now positioned outside the bathroom as per regulation.
Survey bathroom before renovation, on the left photo 01: view of the window and basin; on the right photo 02: view of toilet and basin.
Survey bathroom before renovation, on the left photo 03: bathtub enclosed between walls; on the right photo 03 view of the corridor and access to the bathroom on the left.
Survey sketch measurements bathroom: every project starts from accurate surveys and measurements to have then a precise design to be translated in construction. Other than dimensions we take note of electrical switches, lights and plugs, radiators, position of pipes, extractor, boiler, etc.
The information picked up from the direct survey are then translated into CAD drawings. From one side are heightened the problems for example we can see the distance between the wall and the toilet (10cm), the distance between the basin and the bathtub (36cm) that barely allows to reach the window, the difficulty to reach the pipes under the bathtub for maintenance. On the other side the drawing as existing is the base for the next design phase.
We done different solutions plus and less articulated, this is the final plan of the solution chosen with the Client in which is moved the bathroom access and the partition is rebuilt back into the corridor, this allow to have a little more space and reposition the bathtub, the basin and the toilet in a different position more functional. The new bathtub 1600x700mm is positioned where was the toilet without problems of maintenance because the pipes can be reached easily,  the toilet suspended from the floor to allow an easy cleaning is positioned  next to the bathtub where was the basin, now there is plenty of space next to the toilet, the basin quite large 800x450mm is positioned where was the bathtub. It is also planned to put a proper space to put a cabinet next to the basin, 600x300mm is a standard/common measure so the Client can choose from a wide range of products on the market. Already clear the setting out of the tiles 600x300mm, with joints aligned with the important elements of the bathroom as basin tap and toilet.
The bathroom renovation elevation 01 that of course matches the plan (not always they do as made by others), again details, planning, alignment of tiles, study on how can work the removable panels on the cabinet behind the toilet. As we used a new bathtub tap with shower included that works also with low pressure it has not been necessary any more the electric boiler so the Client/Tenant can save some money in energy. We develop all the drawings necessary to ensure the correct planning and construction and that, especially in small spaces as a bathroom, are important because a centimetre count.
Bathroom renovation elevation 02, at the end the position of the towel warmer chosen has been changed to be aligned with the window and with a different dimension 600x600mm to fit better the space available. The basin with its cabinet together are quite heavy and could be hung on the wall with brackets but we preferred to sit it also on a plinth on the back that contains the pipes and planning to have two legs on the front to make it stabler and safer. We preferred a mirror 800x800mm aligned to the vanity unit but in the final version we used one of 800x600cm cheaper and easily available during the pandemic.
A simple visualization 3D of the bathroom renovation as done can help the Client and the Designer as well to understand better what looks like the job after construction, technical drawings are not easily readable for those who do not have a habit to work with them. Of course the simulation can be more precise and realistic but it takes more time to be prepared, all is related to balance quality and costs, of course if you wish a marble bathroom in which you are going to spend more, it makes sense to spend more time on design and visualization. Note the cabinet/shelf on the left side of the basin, has been moved lower to fit the  towel warmer closer to the wall and gain a little more space.
Bathroom renovation South London, visualization 3D view 02, once the 3D model is built it is easy to change the point of view and see the space from different angles. This is also a tool to check that everything looks fine.
Between the products selected, available and in the budget, these are the taps selected: A contemporary style chrome bath shower mixer suitable for high and low pressure water systems (minimum operating pressure 0.3bar, maximum operating pressure 5bar) this allowed to remove the electric boiler that was not necessary any more so the Client/Tenant can save some energy consumption. A contemporary style chrome single lever basin mixer tap that works at high and low pressure and suitable for all boiler systems (minimum operating pressure 0.2bar, maximum operating pressure 5bar). In my opinion it would be appropriate to spend a little more to have products of slightly higher quality / aesthetics, the difference in expense does not affect the total too much and taking into account that these products must remain in use for years. If the quality is poor and they need to be fixed or replaced in a few years you will spend more money over time.
For the selection of the basin and vanity unit, a simple ceramic single bowl countertop basin with a single tap hole integrated on a basin cabinet 800x600x450mm with drawers for storage and soft silent closing mechanism. The basin weight is 13 kg and the vanity unit 28 kg, plus tap and things in the drawers the total weight can be of more 50kg, if we add a pressure on it by a person, it can easily break the connection between brackets and vanity unit. For this reason added to the brackets we preferred to sit it on a plinth and legs to be stronger and safer. I always prefer suspended furniture in the bathroom to allow an easier and effective cleaning, also the new average materials proposed on the market are not very strong in contact with water / humidity and get damaged easily over time.
This is the steel frame with cistern integrated selected to have the toilet suspended from the floor. The frame is strong and can be regulated to different heights, the advantage of the use of this kind of system is evidently to have everything ready and reduce time on installation, otherwise we should fix all the pieces separately. About the toilet I preferred a simple and clean shape, without grooves, because it is prettier, modern and above all easy to clean. In our case its installation has been a bit higher because the pre-existing position of the water drain hose from the toilet.
Part of the selection of the tiles, we got many samples to see each one and touch the material and the finish, to put together and see how they match. As the flat was going to be in rent, we selected neutral colours, lighter, nothing of too strong. The final selection has been for the walls a Glazed Porcelain 600x300mm thickness 9.5mm, Colour Light Grey with polished finish, the room looks bright with reflection of light on the walls. For the floor we preferred a colour not constant and not polished because too “delicate” for the floor, we chose a glazed porcelain tile 600x300mm aligned with the joints on the wall, and with a pattern stone effect in a smooth matt finish. Every pack of tiles had one of them with a wide strong darker line, I selected them to be aligned and to make a wider and darker line (it can be noted close to the bathtub removable panel) otherwise, if put casually, it would have produced a confusing effect. About the costs, these tiles were at discount so I informed the Client asking for approval and to get them for the renovation of the bathroom, and so getting a better quality for less money. The saving on these tiles has been around £300. We do our best to provide a good service to the Client with the best quality we can get within the budget.
The photos show the construction of the cabinet behind the toilet, made by a simple timber frame aligned with the steel frame with cistern, the plumber has already joined the pipes. Can be noticed that we passed a waterproofing layer on all the surfaces. As the walls are stud partitions, before the adhesive and the tiles we preferred to cover all the surfaces with a waterproofing. Bathrooms have the presence of water on the walls where there is the bathtub or on the floor for spillage and high content of humidity in the air, they can cause in the time infiltrations and then damage this kind of light structures. We gave an extra resistance to the water and humidity to the surfaces.
As mentioned we modified the partitions of the bathroom and changed the position of the door that improved as it is bigger than before. The new timber frame and door of course has a specific construction drawing not reported here. In the first photo can be noticed the electric plug that was on the pre-existing partition. The electrician cut the plug and got the connection for the new switch for the towel warmer now external to the bathroom. This electric connection and cable on the floor has been strongly protected (cable into hard plastic duct, under a metal box, then covered by the adhesive and tiles). This to avoid any accidental access to cable in case of future maintenance.
Finally we can start to see the job nearly finished with the tiles on the walls before the grout and the tiling floor on going.
Bathroom renovation completed, can be seen properly the new distribution of the bathroom with the bathtub with glass screen, the toilet suspended, the small towel warmer in its position under the window. Can be noticed the alignment of the joints between floor and walls (changed in the final version), the thin aluminium profiles on the corners of the returns of the window. The bathtub removable panel as made by a thin plastic sheet with a shape not linear was not sufficiently strong and stable and has been replaced with a stronger and linear fixed on a timber frame.
Bathroom renovation completed, some details, the view of the vanity unit with the basin 800x450mm sit on a plinth on the back and on legs on the front, the mirror 800x600mm fixed on the wall with small square chrome fixings, all the joints between walls and floor, vanity unit and wall covered by white with anti-mold silicone.
Bathroom renovation completed, some details: basin and mixer tap aligned with the tiles joint, symmetrical porcelain tiles on the wall with removable marble shelf on the cabinet behind the toilet, electric towel warmer 600x600mm aligned with the window, suspended toilet.
Bathroom renovation completed, some details: suspended toilet with the symmetry of the tile joints and detail of the tiled floor, view of the bathtub with the glazed shower screen.
Bathroom renovation completed, extract of the maintenance file: we supplied the Client with a file with some information for the maintenance, as photos, description and instructions of what cannot be seen after completion, this is useful when in the time could be necessary to open parts of the bathroom for maintenance for example in the photo are highlighted the removable panels / shelves to access to the pipes for maintenance.
Bathroom renovation completed, extract of the maintenance file: in the photo can be seen the corner under the bathtub, the pipes provenance from the next room, the duct for the electric cable to the towel warmer, the pipes of the hot and cold water to the bathtub tap before the connection, the preparation of the bathtub drainage pipe.
Bathroom renovation completed, extract of the maintenance file: in the picture can be seen the electric schematic with the position of the switches and cables in the bathroom as built.

Conclusions:

Everything is gone well? No, many problems have to be solved during the construction, for example we had to change some products because the delivery time was too long because the pandemic, or we received the bathtub with a scratch that so had to be changed asap and so on.
This photo gallery shows shortly (and it is not shown all the management process) an example of the process of refurbishment of a bathroom renovation but as said, big or small, we apply the same care to all projects, the approach and methodology are the same to ensure the successful construction completion in Quality, in Time and in Budget.
At ABS Design and Build London we work like this, all is included in a competitive price with a service tailored on the Client needs, taste and Budget, if you have already a bathroom quotation we would like to try to do better.
We are happy to Design and Build a fantastic and unique solution for your bathroom, just give us a chance to work on it, from a simple and cheap solution to a sophisticated and expensive marble and natural stone bathroom.

We work better, we work harder and we are also cheaper!
But this you know already.

+4% >> Remember, a New Bathroom increase your property value and the income from the rent as well!

>> Are you interested in a refurbishment or renovation?
Ask for a Free Preliminary Survey about a refurbishment or renovation of a house, a flat, a bar, a restaurant, an office, a shop, interiors and exteriors.

- Antonio Bufano
- phone: 078 410 320 03
- email: info@absurveyor.london

I Deals I Process I Services I Works I ABS I Contacts I

.