Two ways to get a new bathroom, and how to decide
When you start planning a bathroom renovation, one of the first decisions you will face is whether to buy the products and manage the installation yourself, or whether to hand the entire project over to one company and let them handle everything from start to finish.
At Imperial Bathrooms Windsor, both options are available. Neither is the wrong choice, they suit different situations, different homeowners and different projects. Understanding the difference helps you make the right decision for your circumstances.
What does supply only mean?
Supply only means that Imperial provides the design consultation and all the bathroom products, the sanitaryware, tiles, brassware, fittings and accessories, which you then arrange to have installed using your own tradespeople.
This works well if you already have a trusted builder or bathroom fitter you work with, or if you have the time and inclination to manage the installation side of the project yourself.
The advantage of using Imperial for supply only is that you still benefit from the expertise of the design team and the quality of independently sourced products. Every product recommended meets the same standard the team would specify for their own homes, regardless of whether Imperial is installing it.
The average supply-only project value is around £5,000, with entry-level projects starting from approximately £4,000.
What does full installation include?
Full installation is a managed service that covers the entire project under one roof. It includes:
- Design consultation
- Surveying
- Product specification and supply
- Installation by the same bathroom installer who surveyed the room
- Aftercare
With full installation, there is one point of contact throughout. You do not need to coordinate trades, chase updates or manage the project yourself. The team at Imperial handles it.
Critically, the person who surveys your bathroom is the same person who installs it. That means nothing gets lost between the quote and the job, and full accountability sits with one team from the first visit to the final snag check.
Average project values for full installation sit at around £9,000, with mid-range projects typically falling between £6,000 and £10,000 and premium projects reaching £10,000 to £20,000.
Which option is right for you?
The right choice depends on a few key questions.
Do you already have a trusted installer? If you have a builder or fitter you know and trust, supply only is a sensible route. You get the benefit of Imperial’s design expertise and product quality without paying for installation you do not need.
Do you have the time and confidence to manage the project? Coordinating tradespeople, managing a delivery schedule and overseeing a bathroom renovation takes time and attention. If that sounds manageable, supply only works well. If it sounds like a source of stress, full installation is likely the better fit.
Is this a significant investment you want handled properly? Many homeowners who initially intend to manage the project themselves find that, once the complexity becomes clear, full installation is the more sensible choice. Having one team accountable for the whole job reduces the risk of things falling through the gaps.
What is not included in either service?
It is worth noting that structural building work, knocking down or supporting walls, for example, falls outside the scope of both services. If your project requires structural changes, you will need a separate contractor to handle that element before the bathroom work begins. This is something the Imperial team will flag at the consultation stage so there are no surprises.
Talk it through with the team
If you are unsure which route is right for your project, the best thing to do is come in and have a conversation. The Imperial team will ask the right questions, understand your situation and help you decide, without pushing you towards the more expensive option if a simpler one makes more sense.
Contact Imperial Bathrooms Windsor or visit the showroom at 436 St Leonards Road, Windsor, to discuss your project.
FAQs
Supply only means Imperial provides the products and design consultation, which you then have installed by your own tradespeople. Full installation is a completely managed service that covers design, surveying, supply and installation by the same team, with one point of contact throughout.
Supply-only projects do not include installation costs, so the amount you pay Imperial is lower. Average supply-only project values are around £5,000. However, you will then need to budget separately for your own installer. Full installation projects average around £9,000 and cover the complete service.
Yes. Imperial applies the same product standard regardless of whether it is supplying or installing. Every product recommended meets the standard the team would specify for their own homes. If a product arrives damaged or faulty, Imperial handles it.
Full installation at Imperial Bathrooms Windsor covers design consultation, surveying, product specification and supply, and installation by the same bathroom installer who carried out the survey. Aftercare is also included. The same person who quotes the job is the same person who completes it.
If you have a trusted installer and the time to manage the project yourself, supply only may be the right fit. If you want one team handling everything and a single point of accountability from start to finish, full installation is the more straightforward choice. The Imperial team is happy to help you work through this at consultation.
