A bathroom renovation is a exciting project that can transform your home, both aesthetically and functionally. But fitting a bathroom involves multiple trades and hiring the right professionals is key to a smooth and successful bathroom installation. Whether you’re planning a full bathroom renovation or just upgrading an old bathroom, you need to know the trades involved and how to choose bathroom fitters for the whole job.
How Many Tradesmen Do I Need to Fit a Bathroom?
The number of tradesmen required depends on the size of the job, whether it involves structural changes and the complexity of the bathroom design. A full bathroom renovation involves multiple trades, including plumbers, electricians, tilers, plasterers, carpenters, decorators and bathroom fitters. Below we break down the key trades you’ll need.
1. Plumber – The Foundation Trade in Bathroom Fitting
A plumber is essential for any bathroom work, they handle all plumbing work including:
- Installing and connecting the bathroom suite (toilet, sink, bath and shower)
- Fitting a wall hung toilet or shower enclosure
- Ensuring the correct connection of fixtures to water and drainage systems
- Fixing water damage or leaks in an old bathroom
- Installing underfloor heating (if required)
An experienced bathroom fitter often has plumbing skills but for complex bathroom installations it’s best to hire a good bathroom fitter and a specialist plumber for quality results.
2. Electrician – Safe Electrical Work
Electrical work in a new bathroom requires a qualified electrician to install:
- Lighting (spotlights, wall lights and ceiling lights)
- Electric showers
- Underfloor heating
- Extractor fans for ventilation
- Power outlets for shaver sockets or heated towel rails
All electrical work in a bathroom renovation must comply with building regulations so you need to hire a certified professional.
3. Tiler – Finishing Floors and Walls with Precision
A professional tiler is responsible for:
- Laying floor tiles that are durable and water resistant
- Installing wall tiles to enhance the bathroom design and prevent water damage
- Ensuring tiles are properly sealed to avoid leaks and long term water damage
Whether you choose ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tiles, a skilled tiler is key to a polished finish.
4. Plasterer – Preparing Walls and Ceilings for Decoration
If your bathroom renovation involves removing an old bathroom suite, you may need a plasterer to:
- Smooth out uneven walls and ceilings
- Prepare surfaces for painting and tiling
- Repair plasterboard after electrical and plumbing work
A well prepared surface improves the durability and appearance of the whole job.
5. Carpenter or Joiner – Custom Features
A carpenter or joiner may be required for:
- Fitting bathroom cabinets and storage solutions
- Constructing wooden flooring (if applicable)
- Adjusting door frames or skirting boards during the bathroom installation
Many master builders offer carpentry services as part of their bathroom fitting services.
6. Painter and Decorator – Final Touches
Once the installation is complete a decorator will add the finishing touches with:
- Moisture resistant painting
- Waterproof wall coatings
- Finishing touches that match the bathroom design
A professional decorator will bring your dream bathroom to life with the right colours and finishes.
Do I need to hire a Bathroom Fitter?
Instead of hiring different trades separately many homeowners choose to hire an experienced bathroom fitter to manage the whole job. A skilled bathroom fitter can:
- Manage multiple trades involved in the installation
- Ensure building regulations are met
- Provide a written contract outlining costs, services and timelines
- Handle unexpected issues such as water damage or structural changes
Hiring a good bathroom fitter will save you time and hassle.
What to look for in Tradespeople
When choosing bathroom fitters or tradesmen consider:
✔ Multiple quotes – Compare costs from at least three professionals
✔ Provide references – Ask for past work examples and customer reviews
✔ Written contract – Ensure all services and timelines are documented
✔ Expertise – Choose specialists with proven experience in bathroom fitting
Final Thoughts
A bathroom renovation requires careful planning and the right team of tradesmen. Whether you’re renovating a family bathroom or creating a dream bathroom, choosing qualified professionals is essential for high-quality results.
For expert bathroom fitting, consider working with skilled bathroom fitters who can manage the entire project efficiently. If you’re looking for a professional team, visit The Plumbers Cardiff for expert services in bathroom installation.