Planning and executing a home renovation is a significant undertaking. While you may have thought about the space you want to create, you may not have put as much thought into the plumbing work required.
Whether you need a radiator replacement in your rooms, or your new kitchen needs a dishwasher installation, your waterworks will need to keep up with your changing home. If you’re extending your property, or even just tinkering with the layout, the advice of a reliable, residential plumbing technician will be essential to the smooth running of your project. Kitchen sink design ideas can come from everywhere and will add style to the project.
Before diving into your next renovation, here’s a checklist to keep your plumbing work efficient, cost-effective, and in line with building regulations.
Your Home Renovation Plumbing Checklist: 14 Steps
A smooth home renovation relies on careful planning, especially when it comes to plumbing. According to a 2021 Houzz study, UK homeowners reported spending an average of £2,800 yearly on home maintenance costs for houses over 100 years old.
With this checklist, you’ll have a roadmap to tackle plumbing considerations in any renovation project, helping to avoid unexpected surprises, keep costs manageable, and ensure everything meets UK building regulations.
1. Evaluate Your Existing Plumbing System
The first step before tackling any renovations is to assess the state of your home’s plumbing system. Older homes often have outdated plumbing that might not meet modern standards or demands. If you’re dealing with original features or an old boiler system, it might be time to consider an upgrade. An evaluation by a reliable plumber can help identify any hidden issues, such as leaks, corroded pipes, or drainage issues that may affect your project’s success.
Read More: 6 Common Plumbing Problems & Solutions
2. Check Building Regulations and Planning Permissions
UK regulations require any substantial changes, especially if they involve altering the plumbing layout, to get the green light from the local planning department. This is particularly important in bathroom and kitchen renovations, where moving plumbing fixtures might require building regulations approval. It’s advisable to consult with a local plumber or builder who is familiar with these requirements and can guide you through the paperwork.
3. Set a Realistic Budget for Plumbing Costs
Plumbing can represent a large chunk of your renovation budget, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens, where underfloor heating and new fixtures may be needed. Installation costs vary widely depending on the complexity of the layout and quality of materials. Additionally, if your renovation requires adjustments to internal walls or rerouting soil pipes, these costs can add up quickly. Be sure to include a buffer for unexpected issues that may crop up along the way.
Learn More: How Much Do Plumbing Services Cost On Average?
4. Map Out Your Plumbing Layout
The layout of your plumbing system affects how efficiently your bathroom or kitchen will function. A good layout maximises space, supports drainage, and allows easy access to fixtures. This step is particularly important in a bathroom renovation, where elements like the water supply, drainage lines, and boiler system need careful planning.
Decide where each plumbing fixture will go, whether it’s a sink, toilet, or bath, to avoid costly adjustments down the line. If you’re planning underfloor heating, integrate it into your layout to ensure there’s no clash with other plumbing elements.
5. Choose High-Quality Plumbing Fixtures
Quality fixtures are essential, especially when it comes to something as frequently used as plumbing. During the selection process, look for reputable brands known for durability and easy maintenance. Cheap fixtures might save you money upfront, but they tend to have a shorter lifespan and can end up costing you more in the long run due to frequent repairs. Opt for robust plumbing fixtures that suit the overall design of your bathroom or kitchen renovation without compromising on longevity.
6. Consider Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating has grown in popularity in the UK due to its efficiency and comfort, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens. It’s also a great addition to modern home renovations, providing even heat distribution without radiators taking up wall space.
However, installing underfloor heating requires careful planning, as it can impact both your water and heating systems. Make sure to discuss the feasibility, installation costs, and potential compatibility with your existing plumbing system with your plumber.
7. Plan for Future Repairs and Accessibility
When reconfiguring plumbing for a new bathroom layout or kitchen design, remember to account for future accessibility. Should you need a boiler repair or if a pipe springs a leak, it’s crucial to have easy access to critical components without having to tear down walls. It’s also worth considering isolating valves for individual fixtures, so repairs can be carried out without shutting off water to the entire home.
8. Inspect and Upgrade Soil Pipes and Drainage Systems
Soil pipes are a critical part of any plumbing system, carrying wastewater and sewage away from your home. Inspecting and, if necessary, upgrading your soil pipes is especially important in older properties or homes with outdated plumbing systems.
A blocked or poorly maintained soil pipe can lead to unpleasant smells and drainage issues, which could hinder your renovation progress. A reliable plumber will be able to advise on the condition of your drainage system and suggest any upgrades if needed.
9. Optimise Your Boiler System
A robust boiler system is the heart of a home’s heating and hot water supply. When planning a renovation, ensure your boiler can handle the new demands. If you’re adding additional bathrooms or upgrading to underfloor heating, the current boiler may need an upgrade to support these changes. Consulting with a professional to assess the capacity and efficiency of your existing boiler system can help you determine if a new model is necessary to meet the needs of your revamped plumbing setup.
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10. Factor in Water Pressure and Flow Rate
Nothing is more disappointing than a brand-new shower that doesn’t deliver the right water pressure. Water pressure can vary depending on the layout of your plumbing and the distance from the main water supply. If you’re planning a large renovation, it’s essential to check your water pressure and flow rate to ensure all fixtures work efficiently. If pressure is low, installing a pump or considering a pressurised system could make a significant difference in comfort and usability.
11. Consider Installation Costs for Complex Renovations
Some renovations, such as relocating bathrooms or adding en suites, require extensive work on plumbing systems and may involve tearing down internal walls or rerouting pipes. These types of changes can impact installation costs. A bathroom renovation, for instance, may be as straightforward as updating fixtures, but if it involves a completely new layout or extra plumbing fixtures, costs can rise. Make sure to get quotes from local plumbers to get a clear understanding of the costs involved.
12. Ensure Proper Ventilation
It’s easy to overlook ventilation in a plumbing-heavy renovation, but it’s essential for maintaining air quality and preventing dampness in areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Poor ventilation can lead to moisture buildup, which can damage both plumbing fixtures and internal walls over time. Invest in a quality ventilation system that complements your layout and reduces the chances of mould or mildew affecting your plumbing installations.
13. Add Value with Original Features
For those working with older homes, original features can add charm and value to your property. Carefully integrating these features into your plumbing design can create a unique look that’s both functional and appealing. From vintage taps to refurbished radiators, these elements give a nod to the past while working seamlessly within a modern plumbing system. Be sure to ask your plumber about the feasibility of incorporating such features without compromising on functionality.
14. Regularly Consult with Your Plumber
Keeping an open line of communication with your plumber is key to a smooth renovation project. A local plumber familiar with UK building standards can provide advice on everything from installation costs to soil pipes and drainage. They’ll also be able to flag potential issues early on, helping you avoid costly delays. Working closely with a plumber who understands your project’s needs can ensure the plumbing side of your home renovation goes off without a hitch.
How Lazard Can Help
Planning your home renovation
Plumbing shouldn’t be an afterthought – it should be taken in hand early. By reviewing the work in the beginning stages, Lazard Plumbing identify what needs doing for your new space to function efficiently. Plus, we can make suggestions to make your plumbing more eco-friendly and more economical to run, or more convenient and comfortable. Taking this proactive approach allows for the plumbing work to be factored into the budget from the get-go.
At Lazard Plumbing, we offer free surveys and quotations and promise to price match other quotes you may have received. We also offer finance options if you need to spread the cost of your new water system.
If you’re a fellow building and construction professional on the lookout for a plumbing partner to collaborate with you on building and construction projects, contact Lazard Plumbing today!
Project management for building work
With the right prior planning, plumbing repairs or installations can be attended to at the most optimum points of the project to minimise disruption – something that is especially important if you’re going to be living in the property while the works take place.
We always take your living arrangements into account to accommodate your needs while the project is underway.
By planning the adaptation and addition of plumbing work alongside other building work, we can complete the plumbing as the rest of the work is being done. After all, you don’t want to lay a lovely new floor and then decide that you’d like underfloor heating; or decide that you’d like a sink in your new kitchen island when it’s too late. By liaising directly with other tradespeople involved with your home renovation we will ensure that it is effectively managed and streamlined.
When you include the plumbing requirements of your renovation in the early design stages, we can also plan to cleverly conceal pipes and other work into other build features to make the most of the space. This will give you the cleanest, tidiest look for your renovated rooms.
Ongoing support
Most people don’t put much thought into the pipes in their floors and walls until something goes wrong.
In the unlikely event that your plumbing later develops a fault, we will be there to put it right. All of our plumbing works come with a 2-year warranty because we stand by the quality of our work.
We offer affordable options for plumbing cover with Lazard Membership, so your waterworks can enjoy continuity of care for as long as you live in your property. We also offer HomePro cover, which means in the unlikely event that we cease trading and are unable to honour our guarantee you are protected.
Inclusive service with Lazard Plumbing
We do everything we can to make your experience of our service as harmonious and stress-free as possible. Where necessary, our service includes boiler removal and installation, underfloor heating installation, bathroom install, kitchen water works, and heating solutions.
Looking for Professional Plumbing & Home Renovations in Essex?
Whether your home is in need of a plumber for home renovations, plumbing, underfloor heating, gas boiler installation and central heating, power flushing or bathroom refurbs, we can help.
For complete peace of mind home plumbing solutions in Hornchurch, Essex and surrounding areas, contact our friendly team on 01708 502 346 or get a custom quote.
Home Renovation Plumbing FAQs
How much should I budget for plumbing during a renovation?
The budget varies depending on the scale of the project, but generally, plumbing work during a renovation can range from £1,000 to £5,000 or more. Key costs include new pipe installations, bathroom fittings, and updating outdated systems. It’s smart to add a buffer of around 10-15% to account for unexpected expenses.
Do I need building regulations approval for plumbing changes?
Yes, many plumbing alterations require building regulations approval, especially for new bathrooms, kitchens, or any work that impacts the water system. Check with your local planning department to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
What’s the best way to avoid plumbing issues post-renovation?
Choose quality materials, hire a qualified plumber, and plan your design around practical access points for maintenance. Regularly check your boiler system, soil pipes, and drainage areas for any signs of wear, especially in older homes, to prevent issues from arising.