1 PLANNING As someone who has made the textbook error of drilling through a pipe, I can attest that DIY is potentially more costly than employing an expert. The qualified plumbers, builders and electricians from the London-based EZ Builders seem able to ensure that your bathroom is handled professionally, judging by the satisfied testimonials and a cost calcu-lator on its clear website (www.ezbuilders.co.uk). You can also e-mail for a more accurate estimate: to strip, retile, refloor and fit a new suite in my house came to £2,000. For a nationwide planning and fitting service, visit B&Q’s idiot-proof site, www.diy.com. Once registered, you can book a free home consultation and it will provide a fitting plan, a full estimate and a start date. The range includes the stylish Madrid suite (£289). If you cannot decide on a look, try the 2-D floor planner at www.bathroom-design-guide.com, sponsored by the manufacturer Masco. By supplying room size and playing with the drag-and-drop furniture, you can create a new bathroom or see whether a whirlpool bath will squeeze in next to the shower. The “find a plumber” link locates your registered local firm.
2 BATHS
For a long soak with added indulgence, you can’t beat a classic Victorian roll-top tub. The Devon-based Antique Bathrooms of Ivybridge (www.antiquebaths.com) claims to painstakingly restore original pieces, with prices starting at £800 for a standard cast-iron model. Sybarites should look no further than the gorgeous, deep French double-ended bath (£1,750). Pictures and descriptions can be viewed online, but you must order by e-mail or phone to confirm availability of stock. For a modern feel, try a stylish free-standing oval bath; £450 from www.bathroomheaven.com. The site’s home page leads to a vast selection of acrylic baths, including corner units, ovals, oblongs, traditional and contemporary roll-tops and compacts, starting at £199. Items are well described and illustrated with enlarge-able images, and there’s a handy link for finding a qualified tradesman. However, standard nationwide delivery is a slow 2-4 weeks; priority costs an extra £30.
3 SHOWERS
Anyone who has to get up in the morning knows that a pummelling power shower is a basic necessity of life, not a luxury. At www.bathroomexpress.co.uk, you will find a one-stop shop for all your shower needs. Its large selection, including the Ultra Inline Shower Enclosure (£900), power showers (Galaxy G2000 Thermostatic, £200), valves, trays and pumps, is ideal for those wishing to pick and choose. At £2,900, the Planet 79 Techno steam cubicle would be an extravagant addition to any bathroom, but it’s perfect for banishing fatigue after work. For a streamlined experience, Avalon (www.avalon-bathrooms.co.uk) offers easy surfing and low prices. Its selection, quickly accessed from the home page, includes brands such as Roman, Showerlux, Aqualisa and Monsoon. A smart Showerlux Eclipse Round enclosure, with frameless door and panels, costs £1,289, with UK delivery at £20 per order. There is no registration, making the process fast and painless.
4 FITTINGS
To accompany that antique roll-top, you will find restored period fittings at www.victorianplumbing.co.uk. All the items are beautifully displayed and described on the website: a set of lovely brass art-deco taps costs £240, while an original wall-mounted French bath-mixer set is £650. The price of delivery is calculated by weight and insured with Parcelforce. For that ultra-contemporary minimal look, the stylish Lavabo site (www.giant.co.uk) displays a wide range of sinks in stone, glass and even wood, all imported from Italy. A blue frosted washbasin costs £320, while the modish Rocket limestone sink costs £210; shipping for both is £40. There is no registration and all purchases are confirmed by e-mail. These days, no bathroom is complete without a designer radiator, and Warm Rooms (www.warmrooms.co.uk) offers a wide range of heated towel rails and antique-style or futuristic chrome radiators from manufacturers such as Jaga, Stelrad, Aestus and Myson; the mirrored Jaga Iguana Visio costs £408, including delivery.
5 FURNITURE
As every interior designer knows, well-placed mirrors and flattering lighting make a difference. The Elite Miami Flush ceiling light (£105) and the elegant Sinfonia mirror, with built-in light and shelf (£188), both available at www.inspirationsbathrooms.com, are worthy of a designer pad. As well as a large range of lighting and mirrors, the site offers stylish furniture such as a tall Danya mirrored cabinet (£300) and a double-door mini Visnu stainless-steel cabinet (£104). Delivery costs £6.50 per item, with a pledge to deliver within 10 days by courier. For those finishing touches, Heal’s ( www.heals.co.uk) has a smart range of accessories available online. Its sturdy chrome Marino range (soap dish £26; toilet-roll holder £18; toilet brush £35) covers the basics, while towel rings, toothbrush holders and frosted tumblers provide sparkle. Buying worked easily, but you must set up an account. Delivery costs £4.50, with terms and conditions.
6 WALLS AND FLOORS
Cool to touch and view, tiled surfaces are both practical and good-looking. Elon has been importing a range of stone, ceramic and marble wall and floor tiles since 1975; at its website, www.elon.co.uk, stunning Ivy Green marble wall tiles cost 70p per tile or £70 per metre.
Samples can be ordered online, where you can choose a selection for delivery (prices vary, but none costs more than £1). A quick-quote calculator provides the price, including grout and seal (remove them if you think that’s cheeky), as well as delivery. Add your card details and the job is done. If only putting up tiles was that painless. At www.bathrooms4sale.com you can restock your entire bathroom, but this is also one of the few firms offering a good range of floor and wall tiles at reasonable rates for sale online. (Try Topps Tiles if you don’t believe me.) Smart turquoise mosaic tiles are a steal at £6.50 per sheet; delivery is charged by weight, with a 10-day delivery pledge. Ordering is painless and, given some people’s inability to measure precisely, is double-checked with a phone call.
