Bathroom re-fit order of work

[hedgehog]

We're refitting our bathroom from scratch (including new ceiling) & I want to check the order of working we're intending to use. Assuming all tiles, fittings etc. have gone: (a) plan position of new bathroom suite, rad. etc. & mark out. (b) make channels for new wiring & any concealed pipes (c) put up new ceiling boards (d) fit wall & ceiling lights & new pipework (e) make good & replaster walls & ceiling (f) paint ceiling & door frames etc. (g) retile walls (h) prepare floor & fit new floor covering or tiles (i) install new suite & connect up. Have we got this right? We have loads of DIY books but none of them say whether you fit a wall-hung basin onto tiles or tile round them, for example.

[Philtaz]

When my suite was fitted the plumber ensured he left a gap behind the cistern etc for the tiler who would be coming later, therefore I believe you fit the suite, then tile around it. As for the floor covering, you mention tiles. If it is an upstairs bathroom this is a bad idea as the flexibility in the floor will result in the tiles coming loose very quickly, therefore I used the vinyl stick down type. If it is a downstairs bathroom you're OK to use ceramic ones.

[cwr]

I would tile first before suite goes in,plaster walls and ceiling before fitting light fittings.You can tile upstairs floor(lay 6-9mm ply and seal with PVA)and they will never come loose.

[Maude]

The sequence might be better expressed as 1. Set out bathroom 2. Cut chases 3. First fix plumbing and electrics (and door frames etc if appropriate) 4. Fix plasterboard ceilings 5. Plaster walls and ceilings6. Paint ceilings (and walls and architraves and skirtings if appropriate) 6. Tile walls 7. Second fix sanitary fittings and electrics and test 8. Lay floor 9. Hang door (and paint if appropriate - we always do the undercoats somewhere else). 10. Snag and touch up.

[secretspirit]

I would paint at the end because inevitably the paintwork will get whacked by one of the fittings while you're bringing them in or you'll get grout on everything and have to re-do it!

[Tweed]

Yep, tile before fitting the basin. Though don't fit any light fittings until the plaster is complete at least, better still to wait 'til it's painted/tiled. In fact if it's to be tiles you'll have to wait. Of course you'll need to wire for the fittings before plastering. You should also tile the floor before the walls.