Plumbing

Bathroom renovation in Belgium

A bathroom is the most technical room in the home: water, waste, heating and ventilation meet on a few square metres. A successful renovation therefore does not start with the tiles, but with the survey, the layout and the pipework hidden underneath. Van Dijk Home fixes the technical base first, carries out waterproofing and pipework with interim checks, and only then moves on to tiling and sanitaryware.

Bathroom renovation: plumber tightening the trap under a sink

Our method

Renovation in a fixed technical order

For every bathroom renovation we follow the same order: survey, fix layout, strip-out, pipework, waterproofing, tiles and sanitaryware. Planning stays predictable and we avoid work that must be opened up later.

  1. 01

    Survey and fix the layout

    We measure the room, the existing pipework and the connection points. From that we fix the new layout: where the shower, basin and toilet go, and which pipes must move to suit.

  2. 02

    Strip-out and pipework

    First comes strip-out, then new supply and waste runs with valves per circuit. Where pipes are still sound and in the right place, we keep them. A tightness test comes before the finish.

  3. 03

    Waterproofing and ventilation

    The floor and wet zones receive a waterproof membrane around the shower, corners and penetrations. We also check extraction of moist air so condensation cannot attack the new finish from behind.

  4. 04

    Tiling and sanitary connections

    Only when the technical base is right do tiles and the fitting of shower, basin, toilet and taps follow. We coordinate with tiler or electrician so nothing has to be opened up afterwards.

  5. 05

    Testing and handover

    Appliances are aligned, connected and tested by filling and emptying. At handover we go through valves, waste fall, ventilation and care of the sealed joints.

Technical core

Why a bathroom is more than tiles and appliances

Behind every bathroom, supply, waste, waterproofing and ventilation must work together. When they do not, leaks, standing water or moisture behind the finish appear, even if the tiles still look new.

A different layout often needs relocated pipes and a new waste fall. Without a survey first, that only shows once work is underway. That is why we fix the technical choices before strip-out and tiling.

In apartments, pipe noise control, access to the stack and building rules are added. Clean site organisation and a correct connection to the existing vertical runs remain central.

From partial works to a full renovation: plumber tightening the trap under a sink

Signals to watch

When a technical renovation makes sense

These signs show that the bathroom's technical base needs attention, not only the visible finish.

  • Moisture, mould or failing joints around shower or bath.
  • A shower floor where water stands or drains too slowly.
  • A new layout where shower, basin or toilet change place.
  • Taps or appliances that keep leaking despite local repairs.
  • Condensation that lingers after showering from weak extraction.
  • Suspicion of a hidden leak before you tile again.
Not sure? Call +32 2 000 00 00

Before we start

What to prepare before the survey

A short preparation makes the survey faster and the quote clearer. You do not need to strip anything yet.

  1. 01

    Note layout and wishes

    Write down whether shower, basin and toilet stay put or move. Mention if you are considering a walk-in shower.

  2. 02

    Make the room accessible

    Ensure we can reach existing connections, stopcocks and any access hatches. Clear loose items from the bathroom.

  3. 03

    Gather photos or plans

    Photos of the current layout and, if available, a floor plan help us judge waste runs and the stack.

  4. 04

    Tell us apartment rules

    In an apartment, mention working hours, water shut-offs and access to the shared stack.

Transparent pricing

What sets the price of a bathroom renovation

Installation on quote: we set the price after a visit on site.

Price depends on floor area, how much pipework must move and the appliances and finishes chosen. A bathroom that keeps its layout needs less opening-up than a full redistribution.

After the survey you receive a price indication covering labour, materials and coordination. You know where you stand before work starts. Call us for a first conversation, with no obligation.

Benefits

  • Survey and technical layout settled before the first tile
  • Work in a fixed order: strip-out, pipework, waterproofing, tiles, sanitaryware
  • Waterproof build-up of floor and wet zones before tiling
  • Waste fall and connection points checked per appliance
  • Ventilation included against condensation and mould

Equipment & techniques

Laser and level for fall and alignment Press tooling for domestic water circuits Waterproofing systems for wet zones Pressurising set for the pre-finish test Tools for penetrations and connections Dust control and protection of the work area

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Question not on the list? We answer it by phone, no obligation.

+32 2 000 00 00
How much does bathroom renovation cost?

Installation on quote: we set the price after a visit on site. Price depends on floor area, how much pipework must move and the appliances and finishes chosen.

How long does a full bathroom renovation take?

A typical full renovation often takes one to two weeks, depending on scope, floor area, condition of the pipework and the finish chosen. That is a guiding range, not a fixed guarantee. Drying time and tiling affect the programme. You receive a realistic phasing in advance.

Do the pipes always have to be replaced in a renovation?

Not always. During the survey we assess material, condition and position of the existing supply and waste. If they are still sound and in the right place, we keep them. We relocate or renew only when the new layout or the condition requires it.

Can a walk-in shower be fitted in every bathroom?

In most bathrooms yes, provided there is a correct waste fall and a waterproof floor build-up. On an upper floor we check the available build-up height. Where a classic fall is not feasible, a flat channel drain or a raised tray can offer a clean solution.

Why is ventilation so important in a renewed bathroom?

A bathroom produces a lot of moisture every day. Without good extraction of that air, condensation, mould and damage to joints or finishes appear. That is why we provide mechanical ventilation or correctly sized extraction together with the waterproofing.

Do you coordinate the whole project?

Yes. As plumber we take the sanitary and technical core and sequence the stages, from strip-out and pipework through to fitting the sanitaryware. Where needed we also coordinate with tiler or electrician.

Can a bathroom in an apartment be renovated?

Yes. In an apartment we allow extra for pipe noise control, access to the waste stack and building rules. Clean site organisation and a correct connection to the vertical runs remain central.

When should you call a plumber straight away?

Some signs are worth acting on straight away: a leak you cannot stop, water coming through a ceiling or a wall, a damp patch that keeps spreading, a sudden drop in pressure throughout the house, or water near a consumer unit or an electrical appliance. Close the main stop valve first: it limits the damage while the cause is being traced.

Coverage area

Present in Brussels, in Wallonia and in Flanders

42

cities served · plumbing

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Why Van Dijk Home

A bathroom’s lifespan depends on what lies beneath the tiles. We deliberately place survey, pipework, waterproofing and ventilation before the visible finish. Up to 2 years warranty on labour; parts carry the manufacturer’s warranty. You know which phase is running and when the bathroom is usable again.

Bathroom renovation: need help? Call us to check our availability.

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