Is it difficult - would we need to get a professional in to do the job or could a quite handy diy person do it? thought I'd ask before I suggested it to my other half!! thanks in advance !!
Well, I don't know how much contractors are in the UK. I live in the US. I'd get a cheap contractor. My sister tried to do a bathroom suite and she just made a mess.
Its not too hard if you know what you are doing. Depends if your other half is ok with plumbing. Also may take longer to do on your own and depends how long you can be without a bathroom. If it is just a swap and everything is staying in the same place then that will make it easier.
Just one point to add in case you did'nt know ! All Plumbing works just like electric and gas works has now to be passed by building control so if you DIY make sure all crosscontamination, backflow and anti-syphonage proccedures have been adheared to so when the work is notified and inspected which will cost you a few hundred quid by the way, then at least the works will not be condembed. You can avoid all this by using a contractor who is registered to self certify...But then that will cost you a few hundred quid aswell.... The choice is your's but at least you know it is to standards and quality workmanship that will be guarenteed. And an estate agent can spot a DIY job a mile off and instead of adding value to you're home it can de-value !!!
if you diy use the flexible pipes with an inline tap to join taps if they are out of line with the pipework for the old units. costs a bit but saves loads of hassle when tap/washers fail.
and talk to your neighbours about using their loo while yours is out of commision, may not be a straight swop over and take longer than expected.
and as gasman said make sure all pipes are earthed, & backflow / syphon issues are dealt with properly.
Installing a bathroom is easy just turn the water off and knock the crap out of everything in it, and throw it out of the window, hey presto, put your new suite in and connect back up, be done in a jiffy........took me a sunday afternoon...