Renovating Bathrooms in SE15 Victorian Homes: Challenges and Solutions
Victorian homes in SE15 are a captivating part of London’s architectural heritage. These properties are highly desirable, particularly for homeowners who appreciate history and their unique aesthetic.
That said, their original design catered to a vastly different era and can create problems for modern 21st-century living.
Fortunately, there are ways to adapt SE15 Victorian homes for contemporary lifestyles. In this blog, we’ll focus specifically on bathroom renovations.
It can be complex to update a Victorian bathroom due to the existing plumbing’s age and potential hazards (corroded pipes and asbestos concerns, among other complications). Furthermore, the existing layout may require significant alterations to accommodate contemporary bathroom designs.
Nevertheless, it’s possible to make sure that renovations proceed smoothly with careful planning. In this blog, we’ll discuss the common challenges of renovating bathrooms in SE15 Victorian homes and provide practical solutions.
Old, outdated pipework
Many Victorian properties use galvanised steel pipes, which are susceptible to rust and can lead to discoloured water and reduced water pressure. Some properties also use cast iron or clay pipes. We strongly recommend replacing these outdated systems to comply with current building and plumbing standards.
While copper remains a standard choice for plumbing, PEX pipes offer a durable and cost-effective alternative. Our experienced team is here to help if you’re unsure which option is best. We have extensive experience working on Victorian properties in SE15 and upgrading their plumbing systems. Our qualified plumbing engineers are readily available to address any pipework issues that may arise during your renovation project.
Moisture problems
Many Victorian homes were built before the invention of moisture-proofing methods, making moisture problems common in bathrooms. A professional survey will help you identify damp areas before you renovate the bathroom so you can pick the right solutions to prevent mould and mildew.
Only one bathroom
If your Victorian home has never been renovated, it likely retains its original layout: a single bathroom tucked behind the kitchen at the rear of the property. This often makes the home feel cramped and dark.
If your Victorian home has this older layout, we can work with your contractor during the layout modifications. We suggest upgrading the heating system with an energy-efficient boiler. You can also choose to update the insulation and draught-proof the windows and doors to improve your home’s overall efficiency.
These internal changes generally don’t require planning permission. However, listed properties are an exception and will necessitate permits. Your architect can guide you through the regulatory process.
Bathroom Installation
Each wet room is different and presents unique spatial challenges, from layout constraints to specific drainage requirements. But don’t worry—because at WPJ Heating, our expert team is here to guide you through the process of installing a new bathroom with ease.
Our experienced and skilled fitters will walk you through the design process and ensure your vision comes to life. We also understand how costly a new bathroom can be, which is why WPJ Heating offers flexible payment options to help finance your project.
We’ll make sure your Victorian home’s flow needs and water pressure are up to standard before fitting any new equipment. Our team will also inspect the pipework to guarantee that it’s secure and properly sloped, helping to prevent unpleasant surprises like leaks or burst pipes down the line.
Update Your Victorian Bathroom Today
Ready to refresh your SE15 Victorian bathroom? Call 020 7350 2511, and we’ll visit your home to discuss your needs. Our engineers are all Gas Safety qualified, fully insured, and follow a strict code of conduct on every job. Trust WPJ Heating to professionally upgrade your Victorian home, blending modern efficiency with its timeless charm.