Installing a new bathroom will not only increase the value of your property but also be the source of much comfort and pleasure while you live in your home. It’s worth the investment but it’s good to have an idea of what an instillation is likely to cost before you make any big decisions.
Whether you’ve decided to do it yourself or hire a professional, here are a list of things that are likely to affect the overall cost of your new bathroom:
Plumbing – probably the biggest amounts you’ll spend will be on plumbing; new taps, toilet, shower or bath and sink, and anything related. The greater the alteration, the higher the cost (as more plumbing work is required).
Electrics – if you’re looking to upgrade your lighting (usually the case if your bathroom is quite old) for a look you prefer and lower running costs, you’ll need to spend money. Other electrical work may include installing a hand dryer, shaving socket, extractor fan or power shower.
Tiling – this is one of the more difficult mistakes to fix post project so it’s important to get it right the first time; the size of the area you’d like tiled as well as the type of tiles you choose, will affect the cost.
Flooring – you can keep the cost of flooring low by just fitting a vinyl floor, which is usually a cheaper option; if, however, you’d prefer to tile your floor, the cost will be higher.
Space – the size of the bathroom will affect the cost; a larger surface area will require more tiles and a bigger space might require more fittings, costing more money. The more things to do and the bigger the space – the greater the cost (usually).
How long the job takes – time is money; the longer the project takes to complete, the more you’re likely to pay.
Quality of fittings – the more ‘high end’ the fittings, the more they will cost although it’s worth remembering that sometimes the cheaper option doesn’t last as long and so you’ll end up spending money to replace worn-out fittings in the long run.
Waste disposal – tradesmen will charge a fee (usually modest) for disposing of the waste on your behalf. You could choose to dispose waste on your own (which may cost you anyway) and sometimes, depending on the type of fixtures you currently have, there may be scrap value to them (they could be traded by you or your contractor).
The skill set required for the installation of new bathroom suite is extensive, from plumbing and electrical fitting to decorating and painting. You might decide that you could do some DIY on your installation but you’d need to call in specialists for certain jobs. This could be expensive but compromising on quality could mean that you end up paying more anyway.
We’d love to help you put together your dream bathroom but understand that installations can be costly. Why not apply for finance online? Visit our dedicated page HERE. The application form is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Sources: Guides 4 Homeowners, Household Quotes
How to handle a plumbing emergency at home
In the current climate of social distancing, isolation and lockdown, it might not be as easy to get a plumber or engineer to tend to your plumbing emergency (especially if it is ‘minor’) at the minute. If help is going to take some time, there are some things that you can do to manage the situation until such time as a professional can sort it out:
Firstly, take action!
Secondly, get advice!
Thirdly, follow the advice!
Some examples of a plumbing emergency might be:
An absolute top tip in a plumbing emergency is not to panic. Act decisively and calmly, and if help cannot come immediately there are professionals on standby to advise you.
For all your plumbing and installation needs, feel free to contact the team at AACooper on 01689 485007 or info@aacooper.co.uk – we’re happy to help.
Source: Emergency Plumber London
What can affect the cost of a bathroom installation?
Installing a new bathroom will not only increase the value of your property but also be the source of much comfort and pleasure while you live in your home. It’s worth the investment but it’s good to have an idea of what an instillation is likely to cost before you make any big decisions.
Whether you’ve decided to do it yourself or hire a professional, here are a list of things that are likely to affect the overall cost of your new bathroom:
Plumbing – probably the biggest amounts you’ll spend will be on plumbing; new taps, toilet, shower or bath and sink, and anything related. The greater the alteration, the higher the cost (as more plumbing work is required).
Electrics – if you’re looking to upgrade your lighting (usually the case if your bathroom is quite old) for a look you prefer and lower running costs, you’ll need to spend money. Other electrical work may include installing a hand dryer, shaving socket, extractor fan or power shower.
Tiling – this is one of the more difficult mistakes to fix post project so it’s important to get it right the first time; the size of the area you’d like tiled as well as the type of tiles you choose, will affect the cost.
Flooring – you can keep the cost of flooring low by just fitting a vinyl floor, which is usually a cheaper option; if, however, you’d prefer to tile your floor, the cost will be higher.
Space – the size of the bathroom will affect the cost; a larger surface area will require more tiles and a bigger space might require more fittings, costing more money. The more things to do and the bigger the space – the greater the cost (usually).
How long the job takes – time is money; the longer the project takes to complete, the more you’re likely to pay.
Quality of fittings – the more ‘high end’ the fittings, the more they will cost although it’s worth remembering that sometimes the cheaper option doesn’t last as long and so you’ll end up spending money to replace worn-out fittings in the long run.
Waste disposal – tradesmen will charge a fee (usually modest) for disposing of the waste on your behalf. You could choose to dispose waste on your own (which may cost you anyway) and sometimes, depending on the type of fixtures you currently have, there may be scrap value to them (they could be traded by you or your contractor).
The skill set required for the installation of new bathroom suite is extensive, from plumbing and electrical fitting to decorating and painting. You might decide that you could do some DIY on your installation but you’d need to call in specialists for certain jobs. This could be expensive but compromising on quality could mean that you end up paying more anyway.
We’d love to help you put together your dream bathroom but understand that installations can be costly. Why not apply for finance online? Visit our dedicated page HERE. The application form is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Sources: Guides 4 Homeowners, Household Quotes
AA Cooper launches financial solution
The team at AA Cooper is pleased to announce the launch a brand new finance service in partnership with Ideal 4 Finance. We understand that the costs of upgrading/servicing/repairing might not be something you had planned for, which is why we have a pain-free financial solution for you!
Our flexible payment options are available for all our services with the majority being for new boiler installations and bathrooms.
A new bathroom increases the value of your property – perhaps you’re looking to sell your home or you’ve just purchased and are looking to renovate your bathroom. Or you’d just like something new but don’t want to go overboard in terms of budget as the investment may not be recouped in the future. The benefits of opting for finance through our solution are:
Whilst bathroom upgrades might be a lifestyle luxury (although not always!) boiler servicing is usually a necessity.
A new survey, commissioned by Worcester Bosch, found that 85 per cent of British households plan to keep their homes heated over 18°C this winter. In addition, 75 per cent of Brits typically take a warm shower or bath at least once a day, and 67 per cent rely on the hot water to wash up their dirty dishes daily. This highlights the importance of a reliable boiler as well as an annual service to ensure it is running smoothly.
Emergency repairs or servicing (certainly a brand new boiler!) can be costly – and we would love to help! To apply for finance online, visit our dedicated page HERE. The application form is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Source: HVP Magazine
Top tips for keeping mould out of your bathroom
Mould is like missing socks and dust on shelves – incredibly annoying! It isn’t always obvious and recurs no matter how hard you clean. Or does it? Could there be a way to rid your bathroom of mould?
Understanding why mould occurs is the best way to combat the stuff. Typically, mould is caused by high levels of humidity and your bathroom is the wettest room in the house. Poor ventilation incites mould – lingering moisture trapped inside your bathroom (when you close the door to have a shower, for example) will attach itself to surfaces (walls, mirrors, the floor, etc.) giving mould the perfect condition in which to flourish. Damp mats and towels are also conducive to high levels of humidity in a bathroom.
Here are some top tips to creating a mould resistant bathroom:
Good luck!
For all your plumbing and installation needs, feel free to contact the team at AACooper on 01689 485007 or info@aacooper.co.uk – we’re happy to help.
Source: Houselogic.com
How to maximise space in a small bathroom
The most recent Bathroom Market report by AMA Research has revealed a growing preference for minimalist, wall-hung and counter top bathroom designs, with the most popular products supporting space saving solutions.
If you have a small bathroom (or a bigger one that you’d like to neaten up) there are some nifty ideas that are trending at the moment, including slim-line wash basins and short-projection furniture. Compact shower baths, small freestanding baths and space-saving ‘back-to-wall’ D-shaped/skirted baths also work well in smaller spaces.
‘Invisible’ storage solutions are a great for de-cluttering as are prefabricated solutions including installation frames and concealed plastic cisterns.
Floating vanities and basins are a couple of the most popular wall hung bathroom features when it comes to maximising space in a bathroom, and a rounded vanity is a good idea if you’re worried about the inconvenience (and safety) of a sharp corner sticking out in a tight space.
A counter extended over the toilet creates an easy space to store items and mounting a towel bar on the shower door will save space (although the rest of the towels might need some cupboard space elsewhere in your home). And there are some styling tips that will create an illusion of space in a small bathroom: large-scale patterns can trick the eye into seeing expanded space, as can expanded mirrors.
For all your plumbing and installation needs, feel free to contact the team at AACooper on 01689 485007 or info@aacooper.co.uk – we’re happy to help.
Source: Forbes.com
10 top bathroom trends for 2019
What does the UK’s most searched for bathroom look like? Google has the answer – and Sanctuary Bathrooms has been kind enough to analyse all the data for us. Check out the top décor and product trends for 2019:
The common thread that marries these choices together is the sanctuary of a bathroom space, which is not only functional but an escape. Freestanding baths, chrome features and dark colours – there’s a sense of romance inherent in this type of look.
As specialists in bespoke bathrooms and plumbing we know how important it is for us to stay on top of bathroom trends, and to advise our clients according to their unique contexts and hopes for their bathroom space. For all your plumbing and installation needs, feel free to contact the team at AACooper on 01689 485007 or info@aacooper.co.uk – we’re happy to help.
Source: kbbreview.com
Is a wet room a good option for your bathroom?
Firstly, what is a wet room, and what happened to a good old fashioned shower? Don’t panic, they still exist and are fabulous but wet rooms are trending, and are a good way to add value to your bathroom and property.
A wet room is a shower but without the shower screen and tray – so, an open shower area, usually demarcated with tiles.
Why might you want one? Other than upping the price you might be able to sell your home for, wet rooms are contemporary and interesting. They work well in a small space, taking up less room than a bath although intentional design is a good idea; to avoid shower water wetting towels and loo rolls. With no screen or tray, wet rooms are easier to clean but do remember that whilst wet rooms have the potential to increase the value of your home, buyers are partial to one bath at least – so think carefully if a wet room is to replace a bath.
If you’re excited about the idea of an open-plan type of shower, it is important to know off the bat that this is a job for professionals, even if you have some experience with home DIY. A gradient will need to be created in your bathroom in order to channel shower water into a drain, and the room will also require waterproofing. This is hard graft and requires expertise and experience for optimum results.
Your qualified tradesman might suggest raising the bathroom door threshold to keep water contained (in the event of drain blockage) and under-floor heating to keep your feet warm as well as dry out the bathroom. The details will be up to you but advice from a professional is your best bet for a beautiful, successful wet room.
Enjoy planning and dare to do something different!
For all your plumbing and installation needs, feel free to contact the team at AACooper on 01689 485007 or info@aacooper.co.uk – we’re happy to help.
Source: Idealhome.co.uk
Most common water wasting habits in British homes
A new survey by the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme (WRAS) has found that 80 per cent of Brits are guilty of committing at least one water-wasting habit on a regular basis.
Check out the most common water wasting habits in British homes today:
Other bad habits people admit to include having a shower after a bath and using a hose pipe to clean the car, instead of a bucket.
Making an effort to change these habits might seem inconsequential but every little effort to save water counts – not only saving you money but helping the environment by conserving water resources.
As well as changing habits there are other practical things we can do at home to conserve water, like reducing the amount of time you shower, using less water to wash dishes and using bath or dish water to water the plants inside or out. Installing simple devices such as water-efficient taps and showers will also save both water and energy by minimising the use of heated water. An efficient shower head could reduce household bills by up to £120 per year!
For all your plumbing needs, questions or information, feel free to contact the team at AACooper on 01689 485007 or info@aacooper.co.uk.
Sources: Waterwise.org.uk and hvpmag.co.uk
Brits prioritise redecorating over gas safety when moving home
New research by the Gas Safe Register has found that for 27 per cent of people, redecorating is the single most important priority after buying a new home. Next on the list is fitting a new kitchen or bathroom (21 per cent) and a mere 12 per cent said they’d fit a new boiler.
Interestingly, almost three in 10 UK home buyers have had to replace their boiler earlier than anticipated due to it being faulty or old. This might be because not all homeowners have their boilers serviced! In fact, 24 per cent of Brits admit they have either have never had their boiler serviced or haven’t had it serviced once a year as recommended.
Perhaps if new home owners were aware of these figures they’d be more inclined to have a boiler check done as a priority?
Another interesting statistic is that almost a fifth of buyers (18 per cent) say they have regretted not getting a more comprehensive survey when buying a home in the past. The more comprehensive the survey, the more likely it is that observations about the general condition of the boiler or gas appliances might be made and then used by the buyer to reduce the seller’s price.
It’s not a legal requirement for a seller to provide a service record for a boiler (although 42 per cent of people thing that it is!), which makes it extremely important to get that have a check done as soon as possible after moving if you are unsure of the condition of your boiler.
Jonathan Samuel, chief executive of Gas Safe Register, said: “Gas appliances can be dangerous if they’re not looked after, so it’s important to ensure you know if the boiler in the home you are planning to purchase has been serviced or fixed by someone who is legally registered and qualified to do so.”
For all your energy-related needs, contact the team at AACooper on 01689 485007 or info@aacooper.co.uk.
What do Brits really think about climate change?
Climate change has been a hot topic for what seems like ages – and it continues to be a hot topic not only because it’s controversial it will take an absolute monumental effort to mitigate its continuing effect.
Research by Smart Energy GB shows that most Brits (70 per cent) think we should play a leading role in tackling global warming. The survey, which questioned people on their attitude to climate change following the recent UN IPCC report, also found that:
The question is: what can we do, as homeowners, to help fight climate change? Here are some ideas:
For more details on the above suggestions, visit Reset.org
Every little bit makes a difference!
For all your energy-related needs, contact the team at AACooper on 01689 485007 or info@aacooper.co.uk.