Since 1998
5★ Rated
- Emergency: 07825 348536
- Office: 01787 278511
💬
Anglian AI Assistant
✕
Hello 👋 How can we help?
Since 1998
5★ Rated
From complete bathroom renovations to bespoke fitted bathrooms, shower installations and full refurbishments — Anglian PHE delivers exceptional craftsmanship across Braintree and the surrounding Essex area.
Finding a reliable bathroom fitter in Braintree isn't always straightforward. You want someone who turns up on time, communicates clearly, respects your home, and delivers work that genuinely looks and functions as it should — without the horror stories you might have heard from neighbours or read online.
At Anglian PHE, we've been fitting bathrooms across Braintree, Bocking, Rayne, Cressing and the wider Essex area for over 15 years. We're not a large impersonal company — we're a hands-on, locally based team of experienced bathroom installers, plumbers and tilers who take real pride in every project we complete.
Whether you're planning a complete bathroom transformation, a practical refurbishment to update a tired suite, or something entirely bespoke — we bring the same level of care, skill, and attention to detail to every job. Our project management approach means you have a single point of contact from your initial survey right through to the final reveal.
We handle everything: plumbing, tiling, electrical work for heated towel rails and lighting, shower fitting, sanitaryware installation, and all the finishing details that make the difference between a bathroom that looks nice and one that feels genuinely luxurious. Every element of your new bathroom is co-ordinated by us, so you never have to manage multiple trades yourself.
Qualified plumbers, tilers and electricians working as one cohesive team on your project.
One point of contact. We co-ordinate every stage so your bathroom installation runs smoothly.
Detailed, itemised quotes with no hidden extras. You know exactly what you're paying for.
Based in and around Braintree — we're invested in our community's reputation.
Comprehensive public liability and professional indemnity insurance for complete peace of mind.
We agree a schedule and we stick to it. Your daily routine matters and we respect that.
We protect your floors, dust-sheet adjacent rooms, and leave your home tidy each day.
All labour comes with a guarantee. If something isn't right, we come back and fix it.
From a straightforward bathroom refit to a full luxury redesign, we offer the complete range of bathroom installation services for homeowners across Braintree and Essex.
A full bathroom installation means stripping everything back to a blank canvas and building something new — new pipework layout if needed, new drainage, new walls (tanking and waterproofing), new tiling, new sanitaryware, and every fixture and fitting to complete the space.
This is the right approach when your existing bathroom has structural issues, an awkward or inefficient layout, outdated pipework that needs replacing, or when you simply want to make the most of the space available. We design around how you actually use your bathroom — whether that's a large walk-in shower, a freestanding bath, double basins, or clever built-in storage.
The process typically runs from removal of the old suite through first-fix plumbing, tiling, second-fix plumbing (fitting the sanitaryware), electrical connections for heated towel rails, shaver points and lighting, right through to final sealant work and quality checks. Most full bathroom installations in Braintree take 5–10 working days, depending on size and specification.
"I didn't realise how much was involved until we started — but having one company manage all of it meant I didn't have to chase anyone. It was actually a really smooth process."
— Homeowner in Bocking, Braintree
Not every bathroom needs to be completely gutted. A well-planned refurbishment can transform how a bathroom looks and functions without the disruption or cost of a full installation — particularly where the existing layout works well and the underlying plumbing is sound.
Bathroom refurbishments in Braintree typically involve replacing the sanitaryware (bath, toilet, basin), re-tiling walls and floor, updating fixtures and fittings, and freshening up the overall aesthetic. This approach is popular with homeowners in areas like Feering, Stisted, and Terling who have period or older properties where the underlying structure is in good condition but the suite itself is tired and dated.
We're honest with you during the survey. If we discover issues during strip-out — degraded waterproofing, hidden leaks, or deteriorating pipework — we'll discuss this before proceeding rather than covering it up and leaving you with problems later.
Persistent grout discolouration, cracked or lifting tiles, a dripping shower or tap, condensation issues, a suite that's more than 15 years old, or simply a bathroom that no longer reflects your home's standard — these are all good reasons to consider a refurbishment rather than waiting for something to go wrong.
Ensuites and cloakrooms are two of the most valuable additions you can make to a Braintree home. An ensuite off the master bedroom adds genuine day-to-day convenience and is consistently valued by estate agents as a significant selling point. A downstairs cloakroom — even a compact one — can transform the flow of family life and impress visitors without requiring a great deal of space.
Ensuite installations are one of our specialities. Working within the constraints of a bedroom requires careful planning — pipework routing, ventilation in a room without an existing window, and making the most of sometimes very limited floor space. We're adept at creating compact but highly functional ensuites that feel considered and well-designed rather than like an afterthought squeezed into a corner.
For cloakroom installations, we can work within very tight footprints — as small as 1.2m x 900mm in some cases — fitting a wall-hung WC, compact basin with storage beneath, and a quality finish within a surprisingly small space.
A well-designed ensuite bathroom can add 5–8% to a property's market value. For homes in Braintree, Marks Tey, and surrounding Essex villages, this represents a meaningful return on investment alongside the genuine lifestyle improvement.
A bespoke bathroom goes beyond selecting a suite from a catalogue. It's about designing a space that works precisely for you — your aesthetic preferences, your storage needs, your daily routines, your home's character. We work with you to create something genuinely tailored.
Fitted bathroom furniture — floor-to-ceiling storage units, built-in vanity units, recessed shelving, hidden cisterns behind full-height panels — can transform a functional bathroom into something that feels like a considered interior design project. We source furniture and fittings from trusted suppliers that offer genuine quality, and we can help you navigate the often overwhelming range of options to find what suits your home and budget.
Whether your property is a Victorian terrace in Bocking Churchstreet or a modern new-build on the edge of Braintree, we adapt our approach to suit the existing architecture. Period properties often benefit from a more traditional aesthetic with freestanding elements, while contemporary spaces suit the clean lines of frameless glass, minimal hardware, and large-format tiles.
Bespoke doesn't always mean unaffordable. Thoughtful material selection — choosing where to invest in premium finishes and where to be practical — can deliver a high-end result within a realistic budget. We're always transparent about where your money is best spent.
Removing a rarely-used bath and replacing it with a spacious walk-in shower is one of the most popular bathroom projects we carry out across Braintree and the surrounding Essex villages. It creates a more usable space, can dramatically improve the feel of a smaller bathroom, and is particularly popular with homeowners who have a second bathroom or ensuite where the bath is more useful.
A proper bath-to-shower conversion isn't simply a matter of removing the bath and installing a tray. The drainage needs to be correctly adapted, the floor needs to be waterproofed and prepared, and the walls need tanking to ensure long-term protection. We carry this out properly, which is why our conversions remain leak-free and look great years after installation.
We can create level-access (wet room style) shower areas or use quality shower trays depending on your preference and floor construction. For elderly or less mobile homeowners, a level-access shower with a fold-down seat and appropriate grab rails makes the bathroom far safer and more accessible.
If you have at least one bath in the property, converting an underused bathroom bath to a walk-in shower almost always increases the practicality of that room significantly. We'll advise honestly on whether this approach suits your specific bathroom and your home's overall layout.
For homeowners looking to create something genuinely exceptional — a bathroom that feels like a high-end hotel suite, a considered spa-inspired retreat, or a bold design statement — Anglian PHE has the experience and supplier relationships to deliver at the top end of the market.
Luxury bathroom renovations across Braintree and Essex often involve large-format porcelain or natural stone tiles, freestanding baths with floor-mounted taps, frameless glass shower enclosures, designer sanitaryware from brands such as Duravit, Villeroy & Boch or Roca, bespoke vanity furniture, LED-lit mirrors, and underfloor heating beneath natural stone or large-format tile.
We work with you at the design stage to understand your vision and create a detailed plan before any work begins. For larger projects, we can produce detailed CAD drawings and specification documents to ensure there are no surprises during the build.
Luxury bathroom renovations require precision at every stage. We manage the entire project — from sourcing materials to co-ordinating specialist trades — so your investment is protected and the result exceeds expectations.
Whether you're upgrading an existing shower, installing one for the first time, or converting from a bath, our local shower fitters will get it done properly — with all plumbing, tiling, and enclosure work included.
Open, contemporary shower areas with minimal or no enclosure. Perfect for larger bathrooms and ensuite conversions. We create level-access or low-profile tray designs with quality wet-area tiling and frameless glass screens.
Overhead rainfall heads — either ceiling-mounted or arm-extended — create an immersive showering experience. We install thermostatic rainfall systems with separate hand showers for complete flexibility.
Thermostatic shower valves maintain a consistent temperature regardless of water pressure fluctuations elsewhere in the house. Essential for family homes and the most popular choice for any new shower installation.
Electric showers heat water on demand directly from the cold supply — ideal where hot water supply is unreliable or where you need an independent showering option. We handle the plumbing and electrical connections.
For homes with a gravity-fed system and lower pressure, a power shower with an integral pump boosts flow for a far more satisfying shower. We assess your system before recommending the right solution.
From frameless glass panels to fully enclosed cubicles, sliding doors to pivot doors — we supply and fit a wide range of shower enclosures. All shower trays are properly bedded and sealed for lasting waterproofing.
A note on shower installation: The most common reason shower installations fail prematurely is inadequate waterproofing behind the tiles. We always apply tanking membrane to all wet area surfaces and use waterproof tile adhesive and grout — not just in the obvious areas, but around pipe penetrations, corners, and tray joints where water most commonly finds a way through. This is the difference between a shower that looks good for a year and one that looks great for a decade.
The right sanitaryware selection makes an enormous difference to how a bathroom looks and functions. We guide you through the options and handle all the plumbing and installation work.
The humble toilet has come a long way from the standard close-coupled suite. We install the full range — from practical close-coupled designs that suit straightforward bathroom refurbishments, to concealed cistern systems where the cistern sits within the wall cavity or behind a full-height panel, to wall-hung WCs which create a clean, floating aesthetic and make floor cleaning significantly easier.
Wall-hung toilets require specific wall-mounted frames (carriers) installed within or against the wall — this is structural work that needs to be done correctly. We have extensive experience fitting these systems and all work complies with current building regulations.
Basin choice significantly affects both the look and the practicality of a bathroom. Pedestal basins suit traditional settings; semi-recessed basins offer a compromise between style and storage; countertop basins create a striking design statement; and under-counter basins fitted below a worktop give a clean, contemporary look.
Vanity units beneath basins are one of the most practical additions to any bathroom — providing concealed storage for cleaning products, toiletries, and spare towels. We fit both freestanding and wall-hung vanity units, and can incorporate them into bespoke fitted bathroom furniture schemes that run the full length of a wall.
Good bathroom design isn't just about aesthetics — it's about creating a space that flows well, makes the most of every square metre, and still looks as good in five years as it does on day one.
One of the most common complaints we hear from homeowners who've had bathrooms installed elsewhere is that nobody really thought about the layout. Doors that swing into the shower enclosure. Towel rails positioned where you can't reach them. Basins at the wrong height. Tiling that works on paper but creates a visually chaotic effect in reality.
Our bathroom design process starts well before any materials are specified or ordered. We visit your home, take accurate measurements, and have a detailed conversation about how you use the space and what you want from your new bathroom. We then work up design proposals that address the practical and aesthetic elements together — because they're inseparable in a well-designed bathroom.
We're not tied to a single supplier, which means we can work with a wide range of tile formats, sanitaryware styles, and furniture ranges to create something that feels genuinely tailored rather than off-the-shelf.
Freestanding baths, metro tiles, period-style taps, and warm wood-tone vanity units. Perfect for older and character properties across Braintree's conservation areas and surrounding villages.
Large-format tiles, frameless glass, wall-hung sanitaryware, and mono-tone colour palettes. Creates a clean, spacious feel even in smaller bathrooms.
Natural stone, designer fixtures, bespoke joinery, underfloor heating, and lighting design. For homeowners looking to create something genuinely exceptional.
We believe the process should be as stress-free as the result is impressive. Here's exactly what to expect when you choose Anglian PHE for your bathroom installation in Braintree.
We start with a conversation — by phone, email, or in person — to understand your project, your priorities, and your rough budget range. No pressure, no sales patter.
We visit your home to take accurate measurements, assess the existing plumbing and drainage, check the condition of walls and floors, and discuss design options in situ.
Based on your brief and the survey, we develop a design proposal — layout options, tile suggestions, sanitaryware recommendations — tailored to your space and taste.
You receive a detailed, itemised written quotation covering all labour and any supplied materials. No vague estimates — you know exactly what you're agreeing to.
We remove the existing bathroom suite, tiles, and any fixtures. All waste is disposed of responsibly. We protect your floors and adjacent rooms throughout.
New pipework is run to the agreed positions for bath, basin, toilet, and shower. Any drainage alterations are completed at this stage.
Walls are boarded with waterproof substrate where needed. Tanking membrane is applied to all wet areas — shower enclosures, bath surrounds, and splash zones.
Wall and floor tiling is completed using quality adhesive, spacers, and grout. All cuts are precise and tile layout is planned to minimise awkward cuts at eye level.
Sanitaryware is installed — bath, basin, WC, shower — and all connections are completed and tested. Taps and shower valves are connected and checked for correct operation.
Heated towel rails, shaver sockets, LED lighting, and ventilation fans are connected. All electrical work in bathrooms complies with Part P building regulations.
Silicone sealant is applied around the bath, shower, and basin. Accessories are fitted. The room is cleaned and we work through a detailed snagging list together.
We walk you through everything, leave you with care and maintenance guidance, and provide your workmanship guarantee documentation. We remain available for any follow-up queries.
Most bathroom problems are symptoms of underlying issues that only get worse over time. Here's what we commonly find — and what we do about it.
Water infiltration behind tiles — often invisible until significant damage has occurred — is the most common bathroom problem we encounter. It typically stems from failed silicone, insufficient waterproofing behind the tiles, or cracked grout. We strip back to the substrate, apply proper tanking, and re-tile correctly.
Bathrooms where you can't open the door fully, where the shower is in the darkest corner, or where there's no logical flow are surprisingly common. We redesign layouts during refurbishments to make the space actually work, often without moving drainage.
Black mould on bathroom ceilings and around window frames is a ventilation problem, not a cleaning problem. We assess existing extractor fan performance and recommend appropriate solutions — including humidity-triggered fans and improved duct routing.
Frustratingly weak shower pressure is often a system issue rather than a shower valve problem. We assess whether a pressure-boosting pump, a different valve type, or upgrades to the supply pipework will resolve the issue before recommending any particular solution.
Individual cracked tiles can sometimes be replaced, but cracking tiles are often a symptom of movement in the substrate beneath. We investigate the cause before carrying out repairs — otherwise the same tiles crack again within months.
Older properties across Braintree and the surrounding Essex villages sometimes have copper pipework that has corroded, or compression fittings that have worked loose over decades. We can assess and replace aging pipework during a renovation before problems develop into leaks.
A lack of proper storage is one of the most consistent frustrations with existing bathrooms. We incorporate vanity units, recessed shelving, mirrored cabinets, and fitted furniture into renovation designs to make storage feel integral rather than an afterthought.
Hairline cracks in shower trays and baths — often caused by inadequate support beneath — allow water to seep under the unit over time, causing significant damage to the floor beneath. We replace cracked units properly, with correct bedding and support.
Don't just take our word for it — here's what customers across Braintree and Essex have shared about their bathroom installation experience with Anglian PHE.
"Absolutely delighted with our new bathroom. The team was professional, respectful of our home, and the quality of the tiling in particular is exceptional. The whole process from survey to handover took about three weeks and went without a hitch."
"We had an ensuite created from what was previously a box room. Anglian PHE designed the whole thing, sorted all the plumbing and electrics, and the result is genuinely impressive — it looks far bigger than the space suggests. Brilliant job."
"After years of putting up with a tired, leaking shower, we finally had the bathroom completely refurbished. The difference is night and day. They found some dodgy pipework behind the old tiles and sorted it without drama. Highly recommended."
Our team is based in and around Braintree, giving us quick access to all the surrounding towns and villages across this part of Essex. We carry out bathroom installations throughout the CM7, CM8, CO5, and CO9 postcode areas.
We work regularly in Bocking and Bocking Churchstreet — a short distance from our base — as well as Rayne, Cressing, and the villages of Black Notley and White Notley where we have a number of returning customers in older properties. We cover Feering and Marks Tey to the south, and extend north to Great Bardfield, Great Saling, and Stisted.
Further afield, we're happy to travel to Manningtree, Tiptree, Terling, and Pattiswick for the right project. If you're unsure whether you fall within our working area, simply get in touch — we'll always try to help if we can.
Being genuinely local matters to us. We're not a national company sub-contracting to whoever is available. When you book with Anglian PHE, the same team we send to quote the job is the team that installs your bathroom.
Serving all areas within approximately 20 miles of Braintree town centre, including Colchester, Chelmsford, Sudbury and Halstead areas.
📞 Check Your AreaAnswers to the questions we hear most often from homeowners planning a bathroom renovation in Braintree and across Essex.
Bathroom installation costs vary considerably depending on the scope of work, size of the bathroom, quality of materials specified, and whether structural or drainage changes are required. As a rough guide, a straightforward bathroom refurbishment (replacing the suite and re-tiling in an existing layout) might start from around £3,500–£5,000 for labour and basic materials. A full bathroom installation with new layout, quality tiles, and mid-range sanitaryware typically falls between £6,000–£12,000. Luxury renovations with designer sanitaryware, natural stone tiling, and bespoke furniture can comfortably exceed £15,000–£20,000+. We always provide a detailed, itemised written quotation after visiting your home — so you'll know exactly what's included before committing.
Most full bathroom installations in Braintree take between 5 and 10 working days, depending on size and complexity. A straightforward refurbishment with no layout changes might be completed in 3–5 days. A larger bathroom with a completely new layout, wet room area, and complex tiling could take 10–14 days. We agree a programme with you before work starts and keep you informed of progress throughout. We always aim to have your bathroom functional at the end of each day where possible, so you're not without facilities overnight.
In most cases, no. A like-for-like bathroom replacement or refurbishment within an existing bathroom space does not require planning permission. However, if you're creating a new bathroom in a space that wasn't previously a bathroom (converting a bedroom to an ensuite, for example), or if the property is listed, you may need to check with your local authority. Braintree District Council's planning department can advise, or we can point you in the right direction. Electrical work in bathrooms does need to comply with Part P building regulations — we always ensure our work is compliant and can provide certification.
We understand that being without a functioning bathroom is genuinely disruptive — particularly for families. We plan the installation sequence to minimise this as much as possible. Typically, we aim to have a functional toilet and basic washing facilities available by the end of each working day. If you have a second bathroom or ensuite in the property, this obviously helps. For larger projects where disruption is unavoidable, we'll discuss the schedule with you beforehand so you can plan accordingly. We're also flexible about working sequences where practical — if, for example, you have guests staying, we can adjust our programme.
We offer complete flexibility here. We can supply everything — sanitaryware, tiles, shower enclosures, taps, towel rails, and accessories — sourcing from our trade suppliers at competitive prices and managing the logistics. Alternatively, if you'd prefer to select and purchase your own tiles and sanitaryware from a showroom you've visited, we're happy to work with customer-supplied materials (as long as they're of suitable quality). Many clients prefer a combination — they visit a tile showroom to choose tiles themselves, while we supply the sanitaryware and ancillaries. We'll discuss this during the design and quotation stage.
Proper waterproofing is arguably the most important element of any shower installation — and the area where cutting corners causes the most problems down the line. We use tanking membrane (a liquid-applied or sheet waterproofing system) applied to all wet area surfaces before tiling begins. This includes the back wall, side walls, corners, around any pipe penetrations, and the floor area. We use waterproof tile adhesive and grout throughout wet areas, and apply quality neutral-cure silicone at all internal corners and junctions between the tile and the shower tray or bath. We never rely on grout alone for waterproofing.
Absolutely — we carry out standalone shower replacements and upgrades regularly, without the need for a full bathroom renovation. If your existing shower is failing, if you want to upgrade from an electric to a thermostatic mixer, or if you simply want a better shower experience, we can assess the existing installation and carry out the relevant work. The extent of re-tiling required depends on what's found beneath the existing tiles, but we'll always advise you honestly before any work begins.
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they can mean slightly different things in practice. A bathroom renovation typically implies a more comprehensive project — potentially altering the layout, replacing pipework, and completely reinventing the space. A bathroom refurbishment often describes a process of updating an existing bathroom, replacing the suite and tiling while keeping the same basic layout. Both involve removing the old suite and installing a new one, but the extent of structural and plumbing work differs. During our initial consultation, we'll discuss exactly what's needed in your specific situation rather than applying a generic label.
Small bathrooms and awkward layouts are actually something we enjoy working with — the design challenge of maximising a compact space often produces the most satisfying results. Wall-hung sanitaryware, slimline vanity units, offset shower trays, cleverly positioned mirrors to enhance the sense of space, and large-format tiles with minimal grout lines all contribute to making small bathrooms feel considerably larger than they are. We've created functional and attractive bathrooms in spaces as small as 2.5m x 1.5m — with the right approach, even small rooms can be transformed.
Yes. All labour carried out by Anglian PHE is covered by our workmanship guarantee. If any issue arises that's attributable to the quality of our installation work within the guarantee period, we return and rectify it at no cost. Manufacturer warranties on sanitaryware, shower valves, and fittings vary by brand and product — we'll provide you with all relevant documentation on handover. We always work with reputable suppliers whose products carry meaningful guarantees, and we're here to support you if you have any issues after the installation is complete.
Yes — converting part of a bedroom into an ensuite is one of the more involved projects we undertake, but the results are always worth it. We assess the feasibility based on the position of existing pipework in the house, the floor structure (which affects drainage options), and the available space. In most cases, an area of around 1.5m x 2m is sufficient for a well-designed ensuite with a shower, WC, and basin. We handle the partitioning, all plumbing and drainage work, ventilation, tiling, and fitting. The project typically requires sign-off under Part P (electrical) and potentially Part L (if drainage is altered), and we manage this compliance on your behalf.
Tile selection is one of the decisions that most affects how your finished bathroom feels, and it's worth taking the time to get right. As a general guide: larger format tiles (600x600 or 600x1200mm) make rooms feel more spacious by reducing grout line density; lighter tones reflect more light; rectified tiles (with very precise edges) allow thinner grout joints for a cleaner look. For floors, ensure tiles have an appropriate slip resistance rating — R10 or R11 for bathroom floors. We can advise on reputable local tile showrooms in the Braintree and Colchester area, or work with tiles you've already chosen. We always recommend ordering 15–20% more tiles than the calculated area to allow for cuts, breakages, and future repairs.
Building Regulations (Part F) require adequate ventilation in bathrooms. For bathrooms without an openable window, a mechanical extractor fan with a minimum 15 litres/second extraction rate is required, with a 15-minute overrun timer to clear residual steam after the room is vacated. For bathrooms with windows, a fan is still strongly recommended — relying solely on opening a window (which you won't always want to do, especially in winter) is the primary cause of bathroom mould growth. We always fit appropriate ventilation as part of our installations and can advise on humidity-sensing fans, which activate automatically and provide far more effective moisture control than manually switched units.
Yes — electric underfloor heating (UFH) beneath bathroom tiles is a popular addition and very achievable as part of a bathroom renovation. Electric UFH mats are installed beneath the tile adhesive bed before tiling, connected to a thermostat (ideally a programmable one), and provide a comfortable, warm floor surface. The cost is relatively modest (typically £300–£600 for the system and installation in an average bathroom) and the running costs are low given the small area. We can also discuss wet underfloor heating connected to your central heating system for larger areas, though this is more commonly specified in kitchens and living areas. UFH works particularly well under large-format porcelain tiles, which conduct heat efficiently.
We typically ask for 4–6 weeks' notice for a full bathroom installation once the quotation has been agreed and any supply items have been ordered. Lead times on certain sanitaryware and tiles can affect this — some ranges are readily available from stock, while others may have 2–4 week delivery lead times. We'll discuss this clearly during the quotation process so you know when to realistically expect work to begin. For straightforward refurbishments or standalone shower replacements, we can sometimes accommodate shorter lead times. It's always worth getting in touch sooner rather than later, particularly if you're planning around school holidays or a specific date.