While we can’t speak for all mobility bathroom specialists, we can share our own motivations and expertise. With over 20 years of experience at Absolute Mobility, we have dedicated ourselves to serving the people in this sector. Our passion stems from a genuine concern for people’s wellbeing and ensuring they receive the high-quality care and the right tailored solutions that they deserve.
In this article we will explain what our processes are, what our experience is and why this is going to benefit you if you are looking for a disabled bathroom conversion with the hope it will give you much more informed decisions about what is right for you, whomever you choose for your project.
Why choose a specialist bathroom fitter for your bathroom conversion?
- A dedicated designer with extensive experience will assist in planning out the space using their specialised product knowledge. They will also work closely with occupational therapists, following their guidelines and statement of work.
- Quality assurance is essential in guaranteeing that all products used for the needs of mobility users meet excellent standards and uphold warranties. Our dedicated specialist bathroom fitters conduct thorough checks before and after the bathroom project to ensure the utmost quality.
- Minimising disruption involves prioritising the customer’s access to essential facilities and strategically planning around their needs.
- Dedicated tradesman will work on your project and will not need to leave for any other jobs, there will always be an arrival time and finish time, so you know who and when will be in your home.
- Specialised mobility bathroom fitters undergo rigorous training set out by manufacturers to ensure they meet the necessary standards for installing their products.
- Having a team of dedicated individuals to speak to should there be any issues arise before or after the team visit.
First visit – Design and planning
During the planning stages, one of our experienced bathroom design members, either Darren or James, will visit your home for an assessment. They will carefully consider your specific needs and preferences, engaging in open and honest conversations about the possibilities and options available to you.
Selecting the right products for your new bathroom is crucial, and that’s where our experienced designer comes in. They will guide you in choosing the best bathing solutions for your needs, such as low-level or level-access shower trays, wet rooms and our range of walk in baths and power assisted baths, they will also discuss with you options of flooring, accessible toilets, shower seats and more. Unlike standard bathroom fitters, Absolute Mobility has extensive knowledge of the safety and testing of products specifically designed for disabled bathrooms. In rare cases where our designer may feel that it would be beneficial to include an occupational therapist to carry out a full assessment of your needs, we will collaborate with a local occupational therapist, to ensure that the equipment, space and design are thoroughly thought out to suit current and future needs. If you already have a statement of work from an occupational therapist, rest assured that our designer will incorporate it into the design and layout of your accessible bathroom.
During the site visit, our bathroom designer will bring along one of our unique mobile showrooms, allowing customers the opportunity to experience and test a walk-in bath with a lifting seat, as well as a tub-style walk-in bath with an integrated seat. They will also showcase our carefully chosen slip-resistant flooring and wall panels. Once the most suitable walk-in bath has been identified, our bathroom designer will take precise measurements of the bathroom and doorways to ensure a perfect fit without any obstructions when our installation team arrives. We will also assess the existing water system to ensure it can provide sufficient filling times for the chosen walk-in bath.
From there, they will create a detailed plan and design for your disabled bathroom solution and provide you with a quote for the project.
Time is of the essence when it comes to losing a functional space within any household, especially for disabled or elderly customers. That’s why we prioritise efficiency in our planning to ensure quick and speedy installation.
Quality Assurance
Our planning ensures timely delivery of materials to customers. We have direct relationships with manufacturers to efficiently procure and store products. Comprehensive quality checks are conducted ahead of installation to ensure excellent condition and warranty compliance. If a product falls below our standards, we promptly replace it for a seamless experience and on-time delivery.
Our quality control manager, Trevor, ensures your new bathroom meets high standards. His inspection ensures satisfaction with the installation. Some baths or showers may require a crucial manufacturer check to maintain warranty. Our fitters are vigilant to ensure all necessary checks are done.
Installation
During the bathroom renovation, you will be greeted by one of our dedicated specialist installers. Our team have extensive experience in delivering exceptional results that meet the requirements of manufacturers’ warranties. They have gained valuable knowledge in this field through rigorous training and years of hands-on experience.
Training
All of our specialist bathroom fitters stand out amongst the crowd because they want to specialise in this area, training and care has been taken over years to build up knowledge.
Mobility specialists need to become experienced in the niche before proudly adorning the mantle. At Absolute Mobility we will train junior members until they are well versed and fully educated. Manufacturers are stringent on partnerships too, ensuring all training is conducted on their specific products reducing the impact on void warranties.
All of Absolute Mobility’s bathroom installers are DBS checked and hold all necessary accreditations to work in the field.
Minimising disruption
Re-fitting a bathroom can be a disruptive and chaotic process. However, for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility issues, this can pose even greater challenges. Our bathroom installers understand the importance of minimising the impact of the installation by ensuring our customers have what they need and if not will prioritise and plan around them, for example, is there always a functioning toilet? are we mindful of the storage of materials during the installation.
We have efficient processes in place to minimise clutter and keep the workspace as organised as possible.
Unlike independent plumbers or builders who may be pulled away for emergency jobs, our team have allocated dedicated time for each project, ensuring that we meet agreed-upon deadlines without any disruptions.
Frequently asked questions
What qualifications should a bathroom fitter have?
To fit a bathroom in the UK, the qualifications required may vary depending on the specific work being carried out. Generally, individuals who are skilled in plumbing, electrical work, tiling, carpentry, and general construction are well-suited for fitting bathrooms. Some qualifications that may be beneficial include:
- City & Guilds Plumbing and/or Electrical qualifications
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Plumbing
- CIPHE (Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering) membership
- Relevant experience in bathroom fitting and installation
- Health and Safety training and certification
- Any additional certifications or courses related to bathroom fitting or disability access adaptations
Do you need a plumber to install a bathroom?
Hiring a professional bathroom fitter is essential for tailored designs for disabled or mobility-limited individuals. They have the expertise to install fixtures, handle plumbing, and ensure compliance. A bathroom designer provides layout advice, material recommendations, and troubleshooting. Hiring a professional ensures a successful first-time installation. Reach out to a qualified professional for assistance.
How do I choose a bathroom fitter?
When it comes to choosing a bathroom fitter for your disabled bathroom installation, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key points:
- Experience and Expertise: Look for a bathroom fitter with experience in designing and installing disabled bathrooms. They should have a good understanding of the unique needs of individuals with disabilities and be able to provide tailored solutions.
- Reputation and Reviews: Do some research on the reputation of the bathroom fitter. Check online reviews on Which? Trusted Traders along with Trading Standards Buy with Confidence and ask for references from past clients to ensure they have a track record of delivering high-quality work.
- Customisation and Personalisation: A good bathroom fitter will work closely with you to understand your specific requirements and preferences. They should be able to offer customised solutions that meet your needs and budget.
- Accessibility Features: Make sure the bathroom fitter offers a range of accessibility features, such as grab rails, disabled showers and slip-resistant flooring. These features are essential for creating a safe and comfortable bathroom environment for individuals with disabilities.
- Consultation and Quotation: A reputable bathroom fitter should offer a free consultation and a no-obligation quotation for the work. Take advantage of this opportunity to discuss your needs and see if their services align with your requirements.
How long does a disabled bathroom take to install?
The installation duration of a disabled bathroom can vary depending on the extent of the required work. For example, installing a disability bath or a level access shower may take longer if the floor needs meticulous levelling. While it may seem scrupulous, this step is crucial to prevent warranty issues and ensure water-tight doors. In some cases, weight bearing walls may need reinforcement, and for wheelchair access, doorways must meet specific guidelines. These considerations are all individual to the unique requirements of the customer but need to be taken into account to ensure the bathroom is fit for purpose.
It is important to note that not all bathroom fitters specialise in accessible bathroom installations and therefore may not take these considerations into account, making it crucial for customers to ask the right questions and ensure that all warranties will be honoured after the completion of the bathroom installation.
14 August,2024
