Planning a Bathroom Renovation in Portsmouth

Ready for a New Bathroom?

A bathroom renovation is one of the best investments you can make in your home. It's a space you use every single day, and a well-designed bathroom makes a real difference to your daily routine — not to mention your property value.

At Blimp Plumbing, we've fitted dozens of bathrooms across Portsmouth and the surrounding areas. Here's our practical guide to planning your renovation.

Set Your Budget

Before you start browsing Pinterest, decide what you can realistically spend. Here's a rough guide to bathroom renovation costs in Portsmouth:

• Budget refresh (new suite, basic tiling): £3,000 – £5,000
• Mid-range renovation (quality fixtures, full tiling, new layout): £5,000 – £10,000
• High-end renovation (designer fixtures, underfloor heating, wet room): £10,000 – £20,000+

These costs include labour and materials. We always provide a detailed, itemised quote so you know exactly where your money is going.

Choose Your Layout

The layout of your bathroom depends on the space you have and how you use it. Consider:

• Do you need a bath, a shower, or both? Walk-in showers are increasingly popular and work well in smaller spaces. If you have young children, keeping a bath is usually practical.
• Where's the plumbing? Moving the soil pipe or waste runs adds cost. Keeping the toilet and basin roughly in their current positions saves money.
• Storage — Built-in vanity units and mirrored cabinets help keep things tidy, especially in smaller bathrooms.
• Accessibility — Planning ahead for level-access showers and grab rails makes sense if you're staying in your home long-term.

Pick Your Fixtures

There are thousands of options out there, which can be overwhelming. Our advice:

• Toilet — Wall-hung toilets look sleek and make floor cleaning easier. Close-coupled toilets are more affordable and easier to maintain.
• Basin — Wall-mounted basins save floor space. Vanity units offer storage. Counter-top basins look great but need more space.
• Shower — Thermostatic mixer showers give consistent temperature. Electric showers are independent of your boiler. Rainfall heads are lovely but need good water pressure.
• Tiling — Large-format tiles make small bathrooms look bigger. Patterned floor tiles add personality without overwhelming the space.

Consider Underfloor Heating

Electric underfloor heating is relatively affordable to install under bathroom tiles and makes a massive difference to comfort. No more stepping onto freezing cold tiles in the morning!

For a typical bathroom, electric underfloor heating costs around £300-£500 to supply and install, and running costs are minimal since the room is small.

Think About Ventilation

Good ventilation prevents mould and damp — a common problem in Portsmouth's older properties. Options include:

• Extractor fans — A basic extractor with a humidistat that runs automatically is the minimum.
• Ventilation kits — For bathrooms without external walls, ducted extraction systems can route air to the roof.
• Heated towel rails — These help dry the air as well as your towels.

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

A typical bathroom renovation takes 5-10 working days depending on the scope:

• Day 1-2: Strip out old bathroom, prep walls and floor
• Day 3-4: First fix plumbing, install bath/shower tray
• Day 5-7: Tiling walls and floor
• Day 8-9: Second fix — fit toilet, basin, shower, accessories
• Day 10: Final connections, sealant, snagging

We'll give you a clear timeline before we start and keep you updated throughout.

Tips From Our Experience

After fitting bathrooms across Fareham, Gosport, Havant, and beyond, here are a few things we've learned:

• Don't skimp on waterproofing — Proper tanking behind showers and baths prevents expensive water damage down the line.
• Get the lighting right — Bathroom lighting needs to be on the right IP rating for safety. Consider a mix of ceiling spots and a backlit mirror.
• Think about the door — In tight bathrooms, a sliding or bifold door can free up a lot of usable space.
• Order everything before starting — Having all materials on site before day one avoids delays. Supply issues are common, so order early.

Our Process

Here's how a bathroom renovation works with Blimp Plumbing:

1. Free consultation — We visit your home, discuss your ideas, and take measurements.
2. Detailed quote — You get a clear, itemised quote with no hidden extras.
3. Material sourcing — We help you choose or source everything needed.
4. Installation — Our team carries out all plumbing, tiling, and fitting.
5. Final walkthrough — We check everything with you and make sure you're 100% happy.

Get Started

Planning a bathroom renovation in Portsmouth? Get in touch with Blimp Plumbing for a free consultation and quote. We'll help you create the bathroom you've been dreaming about — on time and on budget.