Specifying bathrooms in new or retrofit properties

Affordable housing providers can face a difficult task when it comes to procurement. Regulatory and financial restraints mean that most are more mindful of budgets than ever before. Meanwhile, the shift in consumer behaviour and increasingly diverse communities has seen housing providers working harder to meet tenant demands.

Keith Ridding discusses the best practice methods for specifying bathrooms in new or retrofit properties.

Supplier relationships

When it comes to purchasing bathroom products, it pays to have a unique vantage point of all the benefits a reputable manufacturer can provide. In fact, one sustainable way for housing associations to generate long term savings and increase quality is to develop and foster relationships with tried and tested suppliers.
By harnessing this relationship, procurement teams can better understand the products and suppliers can, in turn, better understand project requirements. Doing so can also help keep a consistent level of service without the fear of encountering a dip in maintenance standards.  

Using established bathroom manufacturers  

Housing associations should always opt for a trusted and reputable manufacturer, and one that offers a dedicated bathroom team. Any leading suppliers will have the knowledge to understand what solutions are suitable, ensuring all tenants are housed and happy. These manufacturers should also understand the significance of product durability and stock continuity in fulfilling housing targets and maintenance obligations.
Look at a supplier with a dedicated team that can advise on everything from bathroom safety to product specifications, as well logistical support, planning and contractor training. For example, Twyford provides a free, comprehensive CIPHE accredited training day for all installers including sub-contractors and apprentices.

Quality and Durability

Housing associations should also be future-proofing the bathroom. It’s important to use a supplier that offers bathroom products with guaranteed quality and robustness. When purchasing brassware, for example, look for designs with solid brass composition casting, ceramic cartridges and chrome plating (to BS EN428) to ensure functionality, safety and durability. Importantly, too, find a supplier which offers extra security measures such as Twyford’s 25-year guarantee, which promises to deliver performance for years to come on ceramic products, steel and acrylic baths.

A stylish approach

It’s no secret that having a stylish home can improve personal wellbeing and, with modern life becoming ever-more demanding, it has never been so important to create a bathroom space that promotes feelings of calm, wellness and contentment. Of course, affordability will always be a major factor for housing associations but, today, quality of life is also key.
To meet this growing trend, housing associations should consider affordable and attractive bathroom products. There is an array of affordable yet stylish solutions out there, such as the Twyford E100, Alcona and Option ceramic ranges, which combine versatile and classic design with flawless function.

Getting your installation spot on

The ability to quickly install fixtures and fittings is another important consideration for housing associations. Any bathroom manufacturer worth their salt will have invested heavily in extensive research about installation methods, especially those operating in the affordable housing sector.
More often than not, credible suppliers will have systems in place that enable bathrooms to be fitted through innovative factory-fitted professional fittings. This can help housing associations streamline their installation process, saving time and money.

Eco efficiency

Modern housing projects are incorporating eco-conscious designs and elements, and this is no different for the bathroom and opting for companies that are leading the way in water saving innovations. For instance, Twyford has been committed to reducing toilet flush volumes with the new Flushwise® dual flush push button toilet, which uses 60% less water than a standard toilet.
Housing associations face many challenges, with an ever-changing landscape shaped by shifting elements, from government policy to changing lifestyle trends. By seeking out the services of trusted and reputable bathroom manufacturers that stand for quality, industry expertise and superior performance, housing associations can help face these challenges head-on.

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