Understairs wetroom (Diane)

Before:

This once-overlooked understairs cupboard had all the hallmarks of a wasted space – cramped, cluttered, and far from functional.

Our customer felt that a well-designed wetroom could drastically improve their quality of life by providing a safe, easy-to-access bathroom on the ground floor, eliminating the need to navigate stairs.

So, they contacted UK Bathroom Guru.

During:

The project was approached with careful planning, meticulous attention to detail, and a structured project management solution. Here’s how we transformed this outdated storage area into a fully functional wetroom:

1. Space Evaluation & Design:The first task was to assess the existing space and the specific needs of our customer. The small cupboard, while a valuable space in its own right, required significant adjustments to meet accessibility and safety standards. We creatively ‘stole’ a small portion of the kitchen area to make room for the new wetroom. This minor adjustment allowed us to maximize the floor plan while still ensuring the kitchen functioned optimally.
2. Relocation of Boiler & Fusebox:The next challenge was relocating essential utilities. The existing boiler, which was occupying valuable space in the cupboard, was moved to the kitchen. This relocation required careful consideration to ensure it complied with both space and safety regulations.A new, more efficient boiler model was also installed, offering better energy efficiency for the household.In addition, the fusebox, which was in the cupboard, was relocated and updated to comply with the latest UK electrical safety standards. This ensured the entire home met current safety requirements and reduced potential hazards.
3. Plumbing & Electrical Works:The plumbing and electrical systems needed significant adjustments to support the new wetroom design. Water supply lines were re-routed to the new location, and drainage was reconfigured for the wetroom’s shower base.The electrical system was upgraded to ensure safe and reliable power sources for the lighting and extractor fan. We took extra care to ensure that all electrical elements met the stringent requirements for wetrooms, with proper isolation and waterproofing for safety.
4. Waterproofing & Wall Preparation prior to tiling:Waterproofing is essential to ensure the long-term durability of any wetroom.A high-quality waterproof membrane was applied to both the walls and floor, creating a sealed environment perfect for a wetroom. We then clad the ceiling with moisture-resistant panels, minimising the potential for mould growth in this windowless space, where ventilation could be a concern. This additional step was crucial in maintaining the room’s hygiene and protecting the integrity of the structure.
5. Tiling & Surface Finishing:With the groundwork completed, we moved on to tiling, which not only enhances the wetroom’s look but also plays an important role in its functionality. Large, non-slip tiles were laid on the floor, ensuring the space was both stylish and safe with no step up required to access the shower area.The walls were tiled with sleek, modern ceramic tiles, giving the space a fresh, clean look. Careful attention was given to the layout and grouting, ensuring the surface was seamless, easy to clean, and free of gaps where moisture could accumulate.
6. Installation of Fixtures & Fittings:The next phase focused on installing the essential fixtures.A modern concealed shower, with a hand-mounted hose & a fixed head mounted in the ceiling took care of the low ceiling height issue that would have made other models inadequate.The customer requested a space-saving toilet (with the cistern concealed within the new stud wall) and a compact sink, both of which were installed to maximise the remaining floor space.The plumbing for the new fixtures was carefully installed, with a thermostatic valve added for temperature control to ensure the customer’s safety and comfort.

After:

The result is a stunning transformation. What was once a small, underutilised storage area has become a sleek, fully functional wetroom that meets the accessibility needs of our elderly customer.

The space is now a model of both style and practicality, with easy-to-maintain surfaces, non-slip flooring, and a modern, safe showering system.

The relocated boiler and updated fusebox have provided greater efficiency and peace of mind, and the kitchen has been left with more functional space than expected.

The relocation of key elements like the boiler and fusebox was done with meticulous care to ensure compliance with all safety regulations, reducing the risk of future issues.

The inclusion of moisture-resistant cladding in the ceiling has addressed concerns about mould, ensuring the wetroom remains in excellent condition even in a windowless environment.

Why Project Management Matters:

This project was handled with a project-managed approach, meaning each step was thoroughly planned, coordinated, and executed to the highest standards.

The seamless integration of all elements – from the boiler relocation to plumbing and tiling – ensured that the project was completed on time and within budget.

By managing the entire process, we minimised disruption to the customer’s home life while delivering a customised, high-quality solution.

The new wetroom provide a safe and accessible bathing space and also improves the overall functionality of the home.

The upgraded boiler and fusebox ensure the home meet modern energy efficiency and safety standards.

The project has not only transformed the space but also enhanced the customer’s daily living experience, offering them comfort, independence, and peace of mind.

If you want to read more about how we do wetrooms (both downstairs & upstairs) please consider downloading our free guide.