Replacing a kitchen or bathroom like for like is mostly cabinetry and tiling, but as soon as electrics, gas, ventilation or drainage change, Building Regulations come into play. Getting them right first time avoids failed sign-offs and problems when you sell.
Electrical work – Part P
New circuits, a new consumer unit and most electrical work in a bathroom (a “special location”) are notifiable. The work must be done by an electrician registered with a competent person scheme, who self-certifies it, or approved through Building Control. Keep the certificate – buyers’ solicitors ask for it.
Ventilation – Part F
Kitchens and bathrooms produce a lot of moisture, and extract fans are required when they are newly created or the extraction is replaced. The guidance in Approved Document F sets intermittent extract rates of at least:
- Kitchen: 30 litres per second via a cooker hood, or 60 litres per second elsewhere in the room.
- Bathroom: 15 litres per second.
A well-placed, properly ducted fan is the best defence against condensation and mould.
Gas – only Gas Safe
Moving a gas hob or boiler must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It is a legal requirement, and you should receive the certificate afterwards.
Water and drainage
- New waste pipes need the right falls and access for clearing blockages.
- Showers and wet areas need proper tanking (waterproofing) behind the tiles – grout and tiles alone are not waterproof.
- In new homes and conversions, baths must have a device that limits hot water to 48 °C (Part G).
The order of work
- Finalise the design: layout, appliances, sockets and lighting positions.
- Strip out the old room and check what is behind the walls and floors.
- First fix: plumbing, waste, electrics and extract ducting.
- Plastering, tanking and screeding; allow drying time.
- Fit the kitchen or sanitaryware, then tiling.
- Second fix electrics and plumbing, seal, decorate and test.
We design and fit kitchens and bathrooms
From kitchen and bathroom upgrades to full property restorations, we breathe new life into existing spaces. Ask us about your project.
