From thinking about replacing their worn-out showers, Natalie and Andrew ended up entrusting us with four complete bathroom installations – and we rose to the challenge.

When Natalie and Andrew first called into our Bristol showroom, they had already been talking over bathroom renovation plans for some time. The electric power showers in their ensuite and family bathrooms were showing their age after twenty years. From initially just discussing replacements, ideas had gradually expanded, and they were now thinking about a complete refit for each bathroom,

“Looking around various local bathroom suppliers, we could see how design has moved on. Our bathroom and ensuite were certainly looking tired,” says Natalie, “As well as new showers, I wanted improved layouts, some storage, good-quality fittings, and a more inviting feel, but it was going to be tricky. We weren’t really sure quite where to start, or what might be possible, and there was just so much choice.”

Loraine greeted the couple at the showroom. Chatting with them, she established their situation, then showed them around the displays. She pointed out different products and features, before suggesting an initial meeting with our expert bathroom designer Olga Karpisz,

“Loraine was really helpful, but certainly not pushy,” recalls Natalie, “We definitely needed someone with expertise to advise us, and it was clear there was no charge or obligation, so we were happy to come in for a chat with Olga.”

Natalie and Andrew sat down with Olga and showed her photographs and dimensions of their two rooms. Over two face-to-face meetings, she talked them through all the options, created new designs for each room and made recommendations.

One of Natalie’s ‘must-haves’ was a beautiful feature bath in the family bathroom, where she could enjoy a relaxing soak. Although she was thinking of choosing a freestanding model, the idea of dust gathering behind was a worry. Researching online she found a style with a lip that fits snugly into a corner, solving the problem. Olga tuned in to Natalie’s concerns and when it came to choosing the right bath filler, she stepped in,

“I was quite taken by a freestanding, floor-mounted bath filler, but Olga had spotted that I wanted easy-to-clean features and no dust-traps,” says Natalie, “She listened to me, and then guided me towards a wall-mounted bath tap instead, which was definitely the right choice. Olga really understood what we liked and wanted, and her input made all the difference,”

Improving the layout in both rooms was a key requirement, and Natalie was looking for a more modern, spacious feel overall. She hoped to move the ensuite hand basin from under the window, and the WCs in both rooms to more convenient positions, as well as getting rid of the big, awkward step up into each of the existing shower cubicles. She and Andrew had spoken previously to a local fitter, who had led them to understand these alterations could not be achieved. However, Olga brought on board our trusted fitting contractor John, who visited Natalie and Andrew’s home. After assessing the spaces, he reassured them he had the skills and technical know-how to make the changes they wanted.

Olga’s designs were focussed on addressing all the issues Natalie and Andrew raised. The bathrooms have been updated with stylish, large-format wall tiles, minimising grout-lines and maximising colour and impact. For each room, she sourced a low-level shower-tray, creating a near-seamless feel. She suggested large, drencher shower heads, and neat, smooth action sliding shower doors that do not jut into the rooms. The noisy, electric shower pumps were replaced by a new pressurised hot water system, boosting water-pressure throughout the house and delivering a powerful shower. Around the hand-basins space-enhancing, built-in storage conceals charging points for toothbrushes and shavers, and keeps surfaces clutter-free.

With plans agreed, John began with the family bathroom, followed by the ensuite. From the start, Natalie and Andrew were impressed with his quiet, polite attitude and high standard of work. As things progressed, and having invested time and energy in research and decision-making, the couple decided to push on, asking us to re-fit a second ensuite bathroom and the ground-floor cloakroom as well. These two projects were completed in a follow-up phase, a few months after the first was finished,

“There were a couple of minor snags along the way, but once I’d alerted Gardiner Haskins, they were sorted quickly and efficiently,” says Natalie.

All four installations have now been in use for some months, and Natalie and Andrew could not be happier with them. Natalie loves the colourful tiles and deep, luxurious bath in the family bathroom, while Andrew tends to use the more masculine-looking ensuite shower room, with its clean, functional lines and smart, chunky fittings,

“They all look fantastic, plus they’re really practical and easy to look after,” says Natalie, “We achieved what we had in mind, and we had good value and excellent service from everyone associated with Gardiner Haskins. I’d have no hesitation in recommending them to friends – and I have!”

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