Project Overview
Plumb London was engaged to carry out a complete bathroom refurbishment at a domestic property in East Ham, E6, completed in September 2024. The client has been with us since 2010, and we fitted a new Vaillant boiler at the property in March 2021, so this project built on an already established relationship rather than starting from a cold survey. The refurbishment covered a full strip-out and replacement of the bathroom across every trade involved, plumbing, electrical, plastering, tiling and decoration, delivered as a single coordinated programme and finished to a high standard.

The Client’s Brief
As a returning client of over a decade, the brief was built on trust as much as specification. Their requirements were:
- A mid-to-high-range bathroom suite with a traditional aesthetic, including a thermostatic shower, a close-coupled WC and a vanity unit
- High-quality tiling throughout, with a considered, cohesive tile selection
- Replacement floor tiling to match the wall tiling
- All associated plastering, painting and decorating completed to a professional standard
- A single contractor to manage the full scope, minimising disruption and coordination
Given the history with this client, from the original Vaillant boiler installation in 2021 onward, straightforward, honest guidance and a familiar point of contact mattered as much as the finished result.
Our Survey & Recommendations
Before works began, we carried out a full site survey to assess the existing bathroom and confirm the agreed scope. Our findings and recommendations:
- The bathroom needed a complete strip-out before installation could begin, including removal of the existing suite, tiling and floor finishes
- Existing supply and waste pipework needed altering to suit the new layout
- The extractor fan needed replacing with a dehumidifier-style unit to improve ventilation performance
- Exposed pipework would need boxing in, with a high-gloss finish specified for a clean, integrated appearance
- Wall surfaces needed preparation and plastering in areas affected by the strip-out, before tiling or decoration
- Tile selections were agreed with the client in advance of order and installation, so there were no last-minute changes to the programme
Planning & Preparation
As with previous work at this property, a period of design consultation and material selection preceded the start on site. The client was closely involved in finalising the tile selection and suite specification before any orders were placed, so the installation programme could proceed without delays caused by late changes.
The Work We Carried Out
- Fully removed the existing bathroom suite and disposed of all materials
- Installed new supply, waste and chrome pipework, with boxing in as required
- Supplied and installed a 700×1000 shower tray with a fixed screen
- Fitted a thermostatic bar shower mixer with a rainfall head and handheld attachment
- Installed a Chatsworth Close Coupled Traditional Toilet with a soft-close seat
- Installed a Chatsworth Traditional White Vanity Unit (560mm) with a basin and mixer tap
- Fitted a chrome Chatsworth Savoy Traditional Heated Towel Rail, including pipework alterations
- Tiled the shower area full-height in Stonehouse Studio Gio Beige Matt Stone Effect (600×300)
- Tiled remaining walls half-height and the full floor in the matching tile (600×300)
- Replaced the extractor fan with a dehumidifier unit
- Plastered where required, painted non-tiled areas, and finished exposed pipework boxing in high gloss
- Tested all fittings, silicone sealed throughout, carried out a full clean-down and client handover
A formal written testimonial was not obtained for this project. The client, who has been with Plumb London since 2010, was satisfied with the completed works and signed off the room during the final walkthrough without outstanding items.
Timeline & Completion
The refurbishment was completed in September 2024, on an estimated programme of 6 to 8 working days, in line with the timeframe agreed with the client, and signed off following a full walkthrough.
Challenges & How We Solved Them
Significant pipework alteration
Existing pipework needed substantial alteration to suit the new layout. First-fix plumbing was completed before any boarding, plastering or tiling, so every pipe run could be confirmed and adjusted before surfaces were made good, avoiding costly remedial work later.
A clean finish around exposed pipework
Exposed pipework risked spoiling the traditional aesthetic the client wanted if not handled carefully. All exposed runs were neatly boxed in with a high-gloss painted finish, giving a clean, intentional look that complements the Chatsworth suite and the Gio Beige tiling.
The Finished Result
The bathroom carries a refined, traditional character. The Chatsworth suite paired with Gio Beige stone-effect tiling creates a calm, spa-like atmosphere, and the thermostatic shower system, complete with rainfall head and handheld, gives a premium showering experience, while the heated towel rail and dehumidifier extractor add to the room’s overall comfort and long-term condition. The room was handed over following a full client walkthrough, with snagging complete, all fittings tested, and every surface clean and ready for use.
Project Investment
Total investment: £25,200 plus VAT, covering design consultation, supply of all specified materials, full installation and handover. For a returning client of this standing, the project reflects the same standard of finish and service that has kept the relationship going since 2010.
Why Choose Plumb London
- A client relationship since 2010, including a Vaillant boiler installation in March 2021 with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty. Plumb London is a Vaillant Accredited installer
- Single-contractor delivery. Plumbing, electrical, plastering, tiling and decoration all managed under one roof
- Experienced, directly employed engineers with a proven track record across domestic and commercial projects in London
- Clear, itemised quotations with no hidden costs. What we quote is what you pay
- Direct and transparent communication throughout, with a dedicated point of contact from survey to handover
- All works carried out in compliance with current building and safety regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a full bathroom refurbishment take?
For a project of this scope, the programme is typically 6 to 8 working days. The exact duration depends on the complexity of the works, material lead times, and whether any unforeseen structural or pipework issues arise. We always provide a realistic programme estimate as part of our quotation.
Can Plumb London manage all trades, or do I need to appoint separate contractors?
We manage the full scope in-house, including plumbing, electrical work, plastering, tiling and decoration. You get one point of contact, one programme and one standard of quality throughout.
Are the materials and bathroom suite included in the price?
Yes. Our quotations are fully inclusive of supply and installation. We work with trusted suppliers and present agreed product specifications before any orders are placed, so there are no surprises on site.
What happens if unexpected issues are found once work begins?
In older properties, strip-out occasionally reveals pipework conditions, structural issues or surface problems that weren’t visible at survey stage. If this happens, we tell you immediately, explain the options clearly, and agree any additional works and costs before proceeding.



















