Bathroom

Our process – from idea to finished bathroom

1. 01

   Step 1: Site visit, needs assessment and structured quote

   We start with a site visit to map the client’s wishes, practical needs, the room’s dimensions and the existing technical conditions. Among other things, we assess the condition and build-up of the floor, walls and ceiling, the position of the drain, the water and drainage pipes, ventilation and electrical installations.

   We look at options for a new layout, moving the shower, toilet and basin, adding storage and any structural work. Where needed, we clarify whether further investigation is required once the structures are opened.

   On this basis we prepare a structured quote for the building and technical work, describing the operations, assumptions and budget, so the client has a sound basis for a decision before the final choice of products and materials.

2. 02

   Step 2: Design, interior architect and materials

   When the client wishes to proceed with the structured quote, we develop the bathroom’s final solutions. We have our own interior architect and assemble the expertise each project requires.

   We plan the layout, furniture, shower zones, lighting, mirrors, basin, taps and storage. We review tile formats, grout lines, surfaces and material transitions, and can integrate ceramics and natural stone into countertops, niches and bespoke solutions.

   In the design we coordinate aesthetic choices with the technical requirements: fall to the drain, pipe positions, electrical zones, ventilation, accessibility and maintenance. Products and technical solutions are agreed before the contract and orders.

3. 03

   Step 3: Contract, organisation and schedule

   Once the scope, deliveries and solutions are agreed, we draw up a written contract and schedule. We use Byggblankett 3501 from Standards Norway when this form of contract suits the project. Among other things, the contract covers price, scope, responsibilities, schedule and how changes are handled.

   The client has one dedicated project manager who coordinates the trades, orders, inspections and milestones. Any changes and additional work are agreed in writing before they are carried out.

4. 04

   Step 4: Site set-up, protection, disconnection and strip-out

   The work area is secured and adjoining areas are covered. Existing sanitary ware and fittings are removed, and water and electrical connections are safely disconnected by the relevant professionals.

   We strip out tiles, membrane, substrates, ceiling and wall and floor structures as far as agreed and necessary for a complete rebuild. Waste is sorted and handled responsibly. If hazardous materials are suspected, we assess the need for a specialist survey and removal.

   With the structures open, we check for moisture, rot, damage and concealed installations. Any defects are documented, and additional work is agreed with the client before we continue.

5. 05

   Step 5: Carpentry and structural work

   The carpenter straightens and rebuilds walls and ceilings, adds any necessary reinforcement and prepares the substrate for fittings and sanitary ware. Damaged structural parts, subfloors and boards are replaced where needed.

   We adapt walls and niches, build in structures where the design requires, and prepare suitable substrates for wet-room boards, membrane and tiles. Fixings for a wall-hung toilet, vanity units, shower solutions and other equipment are planned before the walls are closed.

   Structures meet the relevant requirements for load-bearing capacity and sound and fire separation where applicable. Concealed work is inspected and documented before it is closed in.

6. 06

   Step 6: Plumbing – water, drainage, drain and sanitary ware

   The plumber reviews and adapts the water and drainage installations to the new layout. The work may include replacing and rerouting water pipes, a pipe-in-pipe system, manifold cabinet, drainage pipes and connection points for the shower, basin, toilet and any bathtub.

   We assess the existing drain and replace or move it when necessary or when the chosen design requires. The drain position is coordinated with the floor build-up, fall, membrane system and tile format. Transitions and sealing at the drain follow approved system solutions and the manufacturer’s instructions.

   The plumber installs and connects the sanitary ware, including the concealed cistern, basin, taps and shower equipment. The work is checked and tested with suitable methods before and after closing, and the relevant documentation is included in the final documentation.

7. 07

   Step 7: Electrical work – heating, lighting and safety

   The electrician maps the existing circuits and designs the changes needed for the new bathroom. This may include new circuits, sockets, light and switch points, mirror lighting, dimming and connecting electrical equipment.

   Where needed, electric underfloor heating is installed with a thermostat and floor sensor. Heating cables are laid to suit the floor build-up and required clearances. The position of electrical components is assessed against the bathroom’s zones and the applicable safety requirements.

   Electrical work is carried out by a registered electrical contractor in line with the applicable regulations, including NEK 400 where relevant. A final inspection and declaration of conformity are part of the documentation.

8. 08

   Step 8: Ventilation, floor build-up and fall

   We assess the existing ventilation and any need to improve extraction and air supply. Where the project requires, ducts, the extract valve or fan are adapted to give the bathroom suitable air exchange.

   The floor is prepared with the necessary substrate, any heating cables and levelling or screed. We create the fall to the drain and check heights, threshold and the transition to adjoining rooms. The solution is planned around how the room is used, the shower zone and the chosen drain and membrane system.

9. 09

   Step 9: Membrane and waterproofing

   The membrane system is one of the most important technical parts of a new bathroom. Correctly executed waterproofing is essential to protect the building’s structures from moisture and water damage. All membrane work is carried out in line with the relevant requirements of TEK17 and the manufacturer’s documented instructions for the chosen system.

   We use documented membrane systems suited to the substrate, the room’s use and the project’s technical conditions. The work includes preparing the substrate, priming where the system requires and creating a continuous waterproof layer on the floor and walls according to the design.

   We use the system’s own components and sealing details at floor-to-wall transitions, corners, pipe penetrations, the drain and other critical points. The connection between drain and membrane uses documented, compatible solutions in line with the membrane and drain manufacturers’ instructions.

   Documentation may include inspection forms, product information and photographs of the membrane work and sealing details. Where relevant, a leak test is carried out using a method suited to the chosen system; not every membrane system is pressure-tested. The relevant documentation is included in the project’s FDV documentation and uploaded to Boligmappa.no.

10. 10

    Step 10: Tiling, surfaces and fittings

    Once the substrate and waterproofing are approved, the tiler measures and plans the tile layout. We emphasise symmetry, correctly placed grout lines, precise edges, fall and a good relationship between floor and wall surfaces.

    Tiles are laid with a suitable adhesive system and grouting products. Movement joints and transitions use suitable elastic solutions. Where included in the delivery, the ceiling and other surfaces not exposed to water are finished with suitable filling and paint.

    Finally, furniture, mirrors, lighting, shower screens, accessories and other fittings are installed. We also offer bespoke countertops, niches and details in ceramics or natural stone.

11. 11

    Step 11: Quality assurance and documentation

    Quality assurance runs through every phase. The project manager follows up inspection points for structures, pipework, electrical installations, fall, waterproofing, tiling and final installation.

    We collect the relevant documentation from the trades, including declarations of conformity, inspection forms, product information, photographs of concealed work and FDV documentation. Materials and installations are documented with future operation and maintenance in mind.

    The FDV documentation is collected and uploaded to Boligmappa.no, giving the client digital access to information about the work, products and installations – also valuable for future maintenance, alterations and a sale.

12. 12

    Step 12: Final inspection, completion and handover

    On completion we carry out a final quality inspection, reviewing the agreed delivery, how the equipment works and any outstanding points. We then carry out a joint handover inspection with the client.

    The relevant final and FDV documentation is made available in Boligmappa. Our goal is for the client to take over a complete bathroom where technical safety, function, materials and appearance are taken care of for long-term use.