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Poor bathroom install in new loft conversion
Need some advice please.
I’m near the end of a loft conversion and we’ve added a new bathroom with shower. It is: horrible. The tiles were done by a proper tiler, but my builder did the grouting and silicone and it’s terrible. We also have a window in the shower cubicle and it looks to be installed crooked. Everything’s installed, but the finish is so bad, I’m considering ripping it out and starting over. Is there any way to salvage or should I just start getting quotes from others? How much should I expect it to cost to redo? The furniture would need to be removed then reinstalled, right? And including plumbing, I assume that’s going to cost a lot even though we won’t replace anything? Since this was included in the cost of the whole loft conversion I don’t know how much to expect for just a bathroom.
Also, I don’t think I want to continue with my current builder because we clearly have different definitions for “nice”.
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3 Replies
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Loft bathrooms can be unforgiving. If tiles are moving or water’s leaking, it’s often down to poor prep — either no tanking or the wrong adhesive. Unfortunately, patching rarely lasts. The long-term fix is stripping back, waterproofing properly, then retile.
It’s not what you want to hear, but it’s the reality with bathrooms in lofts where weight, moisture, and angles all play against you.
For a sense of what a proper refit costs, this guide could help:
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This reply was modified 5 months, 4 weeks ago by Isabel Acland.
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This reply was modified 5 months, 4 weeks ago by
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A poor bathroom installation in a newly completed loft conversion can lead to a range of issues, from leaks and poor drainage to uneven tiling, inadequate ventilation, and even structural damage if left unaddressed. The first step is to carry out a thorough inspection to identify the root causes—whether it’s faulty plumbing, incorrect waterproofing, substandard workmanship, or non-compliance with building regulations.
Once the problems have been assessed, you should document all defects with photos and written notes. This evidence is essential when approaching the installer or builder responsible for the work. Under UK consumer and construction law, you are entitled to request that the contractor corrects the issues at no additional cost, especially if the work does not meet building standards or the terms of your contract. https://www.readingbathroomsandkitchens.co.uk/bathrooms-newbury
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That’s incredibly disappointing, especially when it’s part of a larger loft conversion where you’d expect the finish to be right.
Poor grouting and messy silicone aren’t minor details — they’re finishing basics. The good news is they can usually be removed and redone properly without ripping the whole bathroom out.
The window is more concerning. If it’s genuinely installed out of level, that points to workmanship rather than just cosmetic issues. Bathrooms are detail-heavy spaces, and alignment matters — especially in a shower area.
Before starting again from scratch, I’d get an independent bathroom fitter to assess it. If the waterproofing, tray levels and plumbing are correct, it may just need remedial finishing. If those fundamentals are wrong, that’s a different conversation.
Given this was included in your loft conversion cost, you’re entitled to a reasonable standard of finish. If your expectations and the builder’s definition of “nice” don’t align, it’s better to address that now rather than regret it later.
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