Low-maintenance fitted bathroom in Birmingham city centre
This bathroom renovation transformed a tired, high-wear apartment bathroom into a clean, durable space designed for long-term use. The client wanted a robust, easy-to-maintain bathroom that could withstand everyday rental use, while still looking modern, well-finished, and thoughtfully designed.
The Before
Before work began, the bathroom was in poor condition, with dated fittings, a damaged door frame, and evidence of historic leaks from the apartment above. The space felt cramped and impractical, with bulky mirrored units built out from the walls and finishes that were difficult to clean or repair.
The structure itself presented challenges. With concrete walls and floors throughout, pipework and services could not simply be chased into plasterboard, limiting flexibility and increasing the need for careful planning. Durability was also a key concern, as the bathroom needed to stand up to regular tenant use with minimal ongoing maintenance.
What we did…
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The design focused on creating a streamlined, fitted layout that maximised usable space while reducing areas where dirt and moisture could build up. Ellis fitted bathroom furniture was chosen in a graphite grey finish, providing a clean, contemporary look that is also practical and hard-wearing.
A composite shower tray replaced the previous bath and shower arrangement, offering a far more robust alternative to acrylic options and reducing the risk of damage over time. Chrome fittings were selected throughout for their ease of cleaning and simple replacement, should individual components ever need attention. Fully tiled walls and floors replaced vinyl finishes, improving durability and making day-to-day cleaning far easier.
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Given the concrete construction, Central KBB carefully planned all pipe runs and service positions to ensure a neat, fully fitted result without unnecessary bulk. Furniture and sanitaryware were installed tight to walls and floors, eliminating gaps where dust and debris could collect.
The composite shower tray provided a strong, low-profile solution without the added cost and complexity of a full wet room. Finishes were selected with longevity in mind, reducing the likelihood of breakages and simplifying future maintenance in a rental environment.
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Central KBB oversaw all aspects of the project, from initial strip-out through to final installation. This included removing the existing bathroom, replacing the damaged door frame, coordinating plumbing and electrics, installing new tiling, and fitting all furniture and sanitaryware.
Each stage was carefully sequenced to suit the constraints of the apartment setting, with clear coordination between trades and close attention to detail. The result was a smooth delivery process that respected the property while addressing every underlying issue.
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The finished bathroom is practical, durable, and well considered, with a clean layout that supports everyday use and long-term reliability. Modern finishes and robust materials combine to create a space that looks smart while remaining easy to maintain, making it ideally suited to city-centre living.
