The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA), in partnership with Opinium Research, has conducted a biannual poll of 2000 UK adults to understand customer sentiment and intentions around bathroom refurbishments in the next two years.
The poll, conducted in February this year, shows an increase in the number of UK consumers planning a complete bathroom refurbishment in the next two years, back to the same level as June 2021. From their sample, more than a quarter of the UK population (26%) wants to complete a full bathroom refurbishment, with partial makeovers and replacing taps slightly up over the same period.
General repair intention is slightly down to 27% from 29% in July 2022. However, this is still the highest intended task, with replacing a shower control and replacing taps also at 27%.
While there has been a downward trend away from professional fitters, most Brits would rely on trusted professionals they have used before. For all tasks except a complete bathroom renovation, people would return to a fitter or plumber previously used, varying from 29% for replacing a bath to 35% for replacing taps.
As the cost-of-living bites, the intention to use professionals for bathroom maintenance or refurbishment has dropped, with 53% using a professional for a complete bathroom refurbishment, while 40% would use a professional to replace their bathroom taps.
Regarding a complete bathroom refurbishment, 33% would rely on a recommendation from a friend or family member. Online recommendation sites were preferred, while local directories and professional bodies seem to have fallen out of widespread use for finding professionals.
When thinking about the skills gap and if the public feels confident about finding a professional, nearly half (48%) are sure they would find their required professional in the necessary time.
Commenting on the results, BMA chief executive Tom Reynolds says: “Bathroom manufacturers and their partners are operating in a challenging economic environment. Seeing an uptick in homeowners looking at a complete bathroom refurbishment is welcome news. It could be driven by numerous factors, such as adapting to multigenerational living or adopting more energy and water-efficient products.
“As consumers look to save money, we could see an increase in the purchase of innovative products designed to cut energy and water bills. Professional installers are critical for this endeavour. Their advice and knowledge ensure customer satisfaction, compliance, and safety.”
For more about the BMA, please visit: www.bathroom-association.org.uk
