These are among the older group housing blocks in the area, and most have changed hands more than once. Each owner has usually altered the bathroom, and none of it is recorded. So the first part of this job is finding out what is actually behind the surface before drilling into it.
Nobody knows what is behind the tiles
In a flat that has been renovated twice, pipework has been moved, capped and rerouted, and there is no drawing of any of it.
A fixing into a concealed water line in a finished bathroom is the worst outcome this job has.
So we scan before drilling rather than relying on where a pipe ought to be, and we ask the owner what they know. Where a reading is ambiguous we move the fixing. It costs a few minutes and it has saved far more than it costs.
Tiling laid over tiling
A common shortcut in these flats is tiling over the existing tiles rather than removing them, and it is invisible once finished.
A fixing through two bonded layers only grips the outer one properly, and an enclosure fixed that way works loose within a couple of years.
So we sound the wall before drilling. Where there is a double layer we use a longer anchor that reaches the masonry behind, which is the same job with a different fixing and a completely different outcome.
Floors that have risen with each renovation
Every time a bathroom floor is re-tiled without lifting the old one, the floor rises and the fall towards the drain flattens.
After two rounds it is often nearly level, and occasionally it runs the wrong way.
So we check the fall with a level rather than assuming the room drains, because a sealed enclosure on a flat floor becomes a tray. Where it is flat we leave a deliberate gap at the base or set a low threshold, and we say which when measuring.
How the job works
- Tell us about the jobSend a few photos, rough sizes and what you need. Use WhatsApp or the form. For a repair, a short video of the door moving helps a lot.
- We call you back in about 2 minutesWe confirm what you need and a time to visit. Where we can, we give you a rough price on the call.
- We come and measureWe measure the opening and check the walls, floor and ceiling around it. Anything made to size is made to these measurements, so they must be right.
- You get a written priceIt lists each item, with GST as its own line. If anything about the job changes, we tell you before we go ahead.
- We fit itYou approve the price and pay the advance. Our own team fits the work, checks that every door and window opens and closes properly, and clears up. Most jobs are done in 3 to 4 days.
