Are Freestanding Baths a Good Idea?

Small bathrooms can be surprisingly tricky to design. You’ve got all the essentials to fit in; loo, sink, shower or bath, storage, and not much space to do it in. But with the right layout, you can create a bathroom that feels functional, spacious, and even a bit luxurious, no matter how compact the footprint. In the UK, many homes, especially terraces and semis (just like a lot of Yorks housing), have fairly small bathrooms, often squeezed in as part of a loft conversion or an en suite or added on to the kitchen as a later addition. That’s where clever planning really pays off. Start With What You Have Before you start sketching out dream layouts, it helps to understand the space you’re working with. Look at where the existing pipework is as moving plumbing can be costly and sometimes unnecessary. If your current layout has things more or less where they need to be, you might just need a refresh rather than a full overhaul. However sometimes a total rethink opens up space you didn’t know you had. Swapping a full-size bath for a walk-in shower can free up valuable room, and a wall-hung toilet and basin can create a more open feel by exposing more floor. Though think about use cases, will you ever want to bath children so still need a bathtub? Bathroom Layout One of the most efficient small bathroom layouts is the classic three-wall layout. This is where the toilet, basin, and bath or shower are all positioned against separate walls—usually forming a ‘U’ shape around the room. This approach maximises use of available wall space and keeps each area clearly defined. It’s practical and works particularly well in narrow bathrooms, as it allows a clear line of sight through the room, making it feel bigger. Another popular option for small bathrooms is the back-to-wall layout. Here, all the main fixtures—bath, basin, and toilet—are placed along a single wall. This approach is great for saving on plumbing costs, as everything’s in a neat line, and it keeps the floor area open, which can make the room feel more spacious. It’s ideal for rectangular rooms, especially those with the door at one end. In really tight bathrooms, using corner fixtures can be a game changer. Corner toilets and sinks help to free up central space and reduce the amount of wall that each item takes up. Similarly, quadrant shower enclosures (the ones with the curved front) are brilliant for slotting into the corner and giving you a decent showering space without a sharp edge jutting into the room. Wet Rooms are Not Just for Luxury Homes Wet rooms might seem like something you’d only see in a high-end hotel, but they can actually be a smart option in small bathrooms. By waterproofing the entire room and installing a walk-in shower with no tray or enclosure, you make full use of the space without any visual barriers. The key is good drainage and high-quality tanking (waterproofing). It’s a more involved job, but in the right property and with the right builder, a wet room can transform even the smallest boxy bathroom into something truly modern and stylish. Storage That Doesn’t Eat Space Good storage is essential in a small bathroom, but bulky cabinets or standalone units can quickly eat into precious space. Built-in storage, like recessed shelves in the wall or above a toilet cistern, keeps things tidy without cluttering the room. Mirrored cabinets are another solid choice—they do double duty by hiding away toiletries and reflecting light to make the space feel bigger. Wall mounted vanity units offer a smart compromise between storage and space saving. By lifting them off the floor, you preserve the sense of openness while still getting somewhere to stash your bits and bobs. In many UK homes, the bathroom door swings inward—usually because it’s always been that way. But in small bathrooms, that inward swing can take up vital space. Swapping to a sliding door, either pocket-style or external, can free up the area behind the door for towel rails, storage, or simply more movement space. Alternatively, a door that opens outwards (if hallway space allows) might make the room feel far less cramped. Lighting and Colour Choices Matter While layout is all about physical space, it’s worth remembering that visual space is just as important. Light colours, large-format tiles, and well-placed lighting can all contribute to the feeling of spaciousness. Use vertical lines to draw the eye upward—tall tiles or ladder-style towel warmers help here. Keep the palette light and neutral, but don’t be afraid to add contrast or a pop of colour in one area to add personality without overwhelming the room. Designing a small bathroom is all about making the most of what you’ve got. That might mean choosing a short projection toilet to save a few centimetres, or opting for a combined shower and bath unit to tick both boxes. Even little details, like fitting the towel rail above the radiator or choosing a mirrored cabinet that sits flush to the wall, can make a big difference. When space is at a premium, a well planned layout tailored to your home, lifestyle, and budget is worth every bit of time and thought.

Is CORGI Register Still Valid? If you’ve been a home owner for a while, you might remember the days when the CORGI Register was the standard for gas safety in the UK. The little orange logo used to be everywhere, on vans, ID cards and invoices. But now, no, CORGI is no longer the official gas safety register in the UK. But there's a bit more to this! If you're hiring a tradesperson for work involving gas, be that a boiler replacement, a new gas hob, A gas fire or even relocating a gas pipe, it’s really importantn to know who’s qualified and what to look out for. What Was CORGI? CORGI stands for the Council for Registered Gas Installers. It was set up back in 1970 in response to a number of serious gas related incidents across the country. Its purpose was to register gas engineers and make sure they were competent, safe, and working to national standards. For nearly four decades, CORGI was the body responsible for making sure anyone working with gas appliances in homes and businesses was trained and certified. What Happened to CORGI? In April 2009, the responsibility for gas safety in the UK shifted from CORGI to a new body: the Gas Safe Register. This change was made by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the government authority responsible for regulating workplace health and safety. The move wasn’t due to any major failings by CORGI but was part of a wider government review into how the industry could be regulated more effectively. The Gas Safe Register took over the official role of regulating gas engineers and has been the recognised standard ever since. If a plumber or heating engineer tells you today that they’re “CORGI registered,” they’re either behind the times or possibly trying to trade off the old brand recognition. While some engineers may still have CORGI ID cards from years ago, these are no longer valid for carrying out gas work legally in the UK. So Who Should You Be Hiring Now? When you need any work done involving gas—installing a boiler, moving a gas pipe, servicing a fire—you must use an engineer who is Gas Safe registered. This is the legal requirement, and it’s there for good reason. Gas Safe engineers carry a yellow ID card that shows their registration number, their photo, and a list of the types of work they’re qualified to do. It’s a good habit to ask to see this card before any work starts. Don’t worry about offending anyone, any legitimate professional will expect it. What About Plumbers and Bathroom Fitters? Here’s where things can get a little confusing. Many plumbing jobs have nothing to do with gas at all. Installing a new shower, fitting a toilet, or replacing radiators. As these don't touch gas a Gas Safe registered person is not needed. Just to ass a little more confusion, even within the Gas Safe Register, engineers are only qualified for certain types of work. Some specialise in domestic boilers, others in commercial systems or LPG appliances. Their ID card will tell you exactly what they’re allowed to do! Why Does the Confusion Persist? Even though CORGI hasn’t been the official body for over 15 years, the name still pops up from time to time. That’s largely because it was around for so long and built up a lot of trust with the public. Some engineers still mention it on websites or business cards. And some homeowners who haven’t had major work done in a while may not have heard about the change. But times have moved on, and the Gas Safe Register is now the only body that matters when it comes to gas safety. It’s the name to look for, and it’s backed by the HSE. For extra peace of mind, you can even check an engineer’s registration online at the Gas Safe Register website, just by typing in their ID number. Here at GW Plumbing, with the exception of apprenteices (who are supervised at all time), we are all gas safe registered so any job is fully covered.

If you’re planning a bathroom make over, it’s natural to wonder where most of your budget will go. Whether you’re giving a tired bathroom a fresh look or going for a full redesign, understanding and planning for the costs involved can help you amake the best choices. Of course We here at GW Plumbing will be here to help along the way too! While every job is different, depending on the size of the room, the complexity of the work, and the quality of the materials chosen, there’s usually one part of the process that takes up the largest chunk of the budget: the labour! Labour: The Hidden Heavyweight Many assume the most expensive part of a bathroom renovation will be the bath, tiles, or high-end taps. But in most cases, it’s the labour that makes up the biggest portion of the overall cost – sometimes as much as 50% or more. But thats for a very good reason, fitting a bathroom isn’t just a one-person job. It involves a range of skilled tradespeople: plumbers, electricians, tilers, plasterers, decorators, and some times a joiner too. Each has their own specialist role, and coordinating them takes time and planning. They are all very tricky jobs and to get the best bathroom you need the best people. If you’re moving things around – like relocating the toilet or converting a standard bath to a walk-in shower – the costs add up. Moving pipework can be complex and time-consuming, particularly in older homes where existing plumbing may need upgrading to meet current standards. Electrical work is another key factor. Bathrooms are considered ‘special locations’ under UK wiring regulations, meaning any electrical work needs to comply with Part P of the Building Regulations. Whether it’s installing an extractor fan, LED spotlights, underfloor heating or a new shaver socket, this work needs to be done safely and signed off properly. Hiring an experienced bathroom fitting company such as GW Plumbing, you can make things more efficient due to the skills available in the team. The benefit, though, is peace of mind – knowing the work is done to a professional standard, complies with all regulations, and won’t cause problems later. Tiling and Flooring: Time-Consuming and Labour-Intensive The cost of tiles varies widely, with premium porcelain or natural stone options costing significantly more than ceramic, but the real cost often lies in the time it takes to install them properly and cutting corners here can result in a poorly finished bathroom. Precision matters in tiling – especially around tricky areas like corners, niches, and pipework. The more intricate the layout, the more time it takes. Large-format tiles need careful handling and cutting, while smaller tiles or mosaics demand precision and patience. Flooring, especially if you’re choosing underfloor heating or laying tiles on uneven surfaces, can add further labour and material costs. Proper subfloor preparation is essential to avoid future problems like cracked tiles or water ingress. Your Suite: Quality Makes a Difference While labour is usually the biggest single cost, the bathroom suite itself – your bath, shower, toilet, basin and fittings – can also take up a fair chunk of the budget, particularly if you’re drawn to luxury brands or bespoke designs. We can offer help and advice on high quality items at good value prices. Freestanding baths, waterfall showers, sensor taps and wall-hung units all add style, but they also come with higher price tags. Not just in terms of the items themselves, but also the installation. Wall-hung toilets and basins, for example, need concealed cisterns and reinforced walls, which means more work behind the scenes. That said, it’s often worth investing in better-quality fixtures. Cheaper fittings may save money upfront, but they’re less likely to stand the test of time, meaning you could end up paying more in repairs or replacements a few years down the line - or just not have as high quality bathroom! Unexpected Extras One area that can tip a bathroom install over budget is the unexpected. Once tiles are pulled off or floors are lifted, hidden issues like damp, rotten joists, or outdated wiring sometimes emerge – especially in older properties. That’s why it’s wise to keep a contingency fund of around 10–15% of your total budget. We can check for a lot of things but even best laid plans sometimes throw up unexpected issues. There are also finishing touches that are easy to overlook in the initial planning stages but can add up fast. Things like towel warmers, mirrors with built-in lighting, storage units for example can be the finishing touches to make a room. Utilise an experianced and reputable company such as GW Plumbing and Heating to ensure your new bathroom is the best bathroom!

Cast Iron Bathtubs Cast iron bathtubs just shout luxyry and are built to last a lifetime. They bring an undeniable sense of elegance to any bathroom. Often associated with grand manor houses or vintage hotels, they have a timeless aesthetic that never goes out of style. Their solid, weighty feel gives them an air of sophistication that plastic or acrylic tubs simply can’t match. Freestanding designs, such as clawfoot or pedestal styles, add a touch of glamour and create a stunning focal point. A cast iron tub doesn’t just serve a purpose—it elevates the entire room. The luxury of a cast iron bathtub isn’t just about looks. It’s also about the experience. When you sink into the warm water, surrounded by the smooth enamel finish, it feels indulgent. The thickness of the material blocks noise, creating a quieter and more serene environment. Every aspect of a cast iron bathtub is designed to make your bath feel like a retreat from the world. How is a cast iron tub different? They are made by pouring molten iron into molds and coating it with a thick layer of enamel. This process creates a bathtub that is incredibly tough and durable. It can handle years of use without showing signs of wear. Unlike other materials, cast iron doesn’t chip, dent, or scratch easily. It’s also resistant to chemicals, meaning your cleaning products won’t damage the surface. This durability makes it a practical investment for any homeowner. They One of the standout features of cast iron bathtubs is their superior heat retention. The thick material absorbs and holds heat, keeping your bathwater warm for longer periods. This is ideal for anyone who enjoys long, relaxing soaks. You don’t have to constantly add hot water, making it a more enjoyable and efficient experience. On a cold day, there’s nothing quite like sinking into a cast iron bathtub and feeling the warmth surround you. Cast Iron Maintenance Maintenance is another area where cast iron bathtubs shine. The enamel surface is non-porous and easy to clean. A simple wipe with a soft cloth and mild cleaner keeps it looking pristine. You won’t need to worry about staining, discoloration, or the surface degrading over time. With minimal effort, your bathtub will maintain its beauty and function for decades, adding to its luxurious appeal. Choosing a cast iron bathtub is more than a practical decision—it’s a statement. It shows that you value quality, elegance, and comfort. Whether you’re updating a modern bathroom or restoring a vintage space, a cast iron tub is a feature that transforms the room. Its durability, heat retention, and timeless design make it a true symbol of luxury. Why not have GW Plumbing design your a stunning bathroom with a cast iron tub at the headline!