Gerber is a brand that often flies under the radar but deserves attention for its commitment to providing affordable yet high-quality toilet options. The Gerber Viper and Gerber Viper 21-562 are popular choices for budget-conscious homeowners, offering efficient flushing and straightforward designs. Gerber toilets are known for their easy installation and compatibility with various bathroom styles.

For those seeking a touch of European sophistication, Swiss Madison is a brand that stands out. This relatively new player in the market has gained attention for its contemporary and minimalist toilet designs. The Swiss Madison St. Tropez and Swiss Madison Sublime models showcase the brand’s commitment to blending aesthetics with functionality. Homeowners looking to elevate their bathroom aesthetics often turn to Swiss Madison for its sleek and stylish offerings.
❗ Durability & parts concerns: Swiss Madison parts may not last as long or be as accessible as those from established brands like Geberit or Toto. Since these systems are built into the wall, servicing can be disruptive.
In an era where water conservation is paramount, Niagara Conservation takes the lead in providing toilets that prioritize efficiency. The Niagara Stealth and Niagara EcoLogic series are known for their ultra-low water consumption without compromising on flushing power. These toilets appeal to environmentally conscious homeowners who want to reduce their water footprint without sacrificing performance.
WoodBridge is a brand that caters to homeowners looking for a luxurious bathroom experience. Known for its elegant designs and advanced features, WoodBridge toilets often include soft-closing seats, bidet functions, and easy-to-clean surfaces. The WoodBridge T-0001 and WoodBridge T-0737 are examples of toilets that seamlessly blend comfort and functionality, making them ideal for those seeking a touch of opulence in their bathrooms.
Grohe concealed cistern frames (e.g. Rapid SL series) are widely regarded as rock‑solid: “bomb‑proof” in UK installer forums, with near‑zero leak history and modular parts serviceable behind flush‑plate access. Though Grohe and Hansgrohe are better known for taps and showers, many customers pair Grohe frames with ceramic pans from other brands (Geberit, VitrA, etc.) for a reliable wall‑hung installation.
Selecting the best toilet brand for your home involves considering a multitude of factors, from flushing efficiency and water conservation to design and budget (Not sure about your bathroom renovation cost? Check our advanced bathroom renovation cost calculator). Each of the brands mentioned - TOTO, Kohler, American Standard, Gerber, Swiss Madison, Niagara Conservation, and WoodBridge—brings its own unique strengths to the table.
Whether you prioritize cutting-edge technology, classic design, affordability, or environmental consciousness, the perfect toilet for your home is undoubtedly out there. By exploring the offerings of these top brands, you can make an informed decision that not only meets your practical needs but also enhances the overall aesthetics of your bathroom. After all, the throne in your home should be a perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and style.
Selecting the perfect toilet for your home is an important decision that can greatly impact your family’s comfort and well-being. In this article, we’ll explore various types of toilets, heights, designs, and factors to consider when purchasing the best toilet for your family.
In conclusion, selecting the best toilet for your family requires careful consideration of your needs, budget, and personal preferences. By exploring different types, heights, designs, and factors, you’ll be well-equipped to make a wise decision that enhances your home’s comfort and functionality. Check our article about best toilets in UK you can buy
If you’ve ever tried squeezing into a cramped corner shower first thing in the morning, you’ll know the struggle. Ditch the tub (if you can spare it) and go for a sleek walk-in shower with a frameless screen - it instantly makes the room feel more spacious and modern.
Modern bathrooms often feel a bit… clinical. Adding natural textures like oak shelves, slatted panelling, or stone-effect tiles helps soften the space and brings in warmth - especially handy for those grey Manchester mornings. Pair wood with matte black fittings for a stylish contrast that works brilliantly in older homes with character.
Let’s be honest — nobody wants to see toothpaste tubes and loo rolls cluttering the space. Integrated storage solutions like vanity units, wall-hung cabinets, or even recessed shelving in the shower can make your bathroom feel cleaner and calmer. Ideal if you’re living in a terrace where space is tight.
Gone are the days of plain white tiles all over. Why not add some drama with patterned floor tiles or a feature wall behind the sink? Think Victorian-inspired patterns in classic homes or herringbone metro tiles for a modern vibe. If you’re in a rental or keeping to a budget, peel-and-stick wall panels are a game-changer.
A large mirror does more than show your morning face - it reflects light and makes smaller bathrooms feel twice as big. Consider round mirrors for softer lines or go full width if you’re sharing the space. Extra points if it’s a mirror cabinet. Storage and style? Win-win.
Remodelling your bathroom is no small job. If you’re not handy with the plumbing or tiling, bring in a local renovation team that knows Greater Manchester homes - especially the quirks of older properties in areas like Didsbury, Prestwich, or Chorlton.
Don’t forget to factor in the cost of tiling (and complex tiling patterns, tile size), fixtures, lighting, and labour. Always get quotes from local, trusted bathroom installers. For more detailed estimate, feel free to use bathroom renovation cost calculator
Modern toilets often have dual flush buttons (small flush for liquid, full for solids) to save water - good for the environment and your bill. Some high-end models even offer rimless designs (no rim under the bowl edge), which are more hygienic and easier to clean.
If your bathroom layout is tricky (like many older homes in Greater Manchester), it’s worth checking where the soil pipe exits - downwards or out through the wall - as this affects which toilets will fit without expensive pipework changes.
Kitchen RenovatorsIn this specific project, we carefully removed an outdated shower and installed a durable, space-efficient bath that was designed to suit the needs of daily family life. Our goal was to create a bathroom that would combine durability, comfort, and soundproofing, all while ensuring technical precision throughout the renovation process. The entire project was completed in approximately 15 working days and included a comprehensive structural overhaul—everything from plumbing updates and new walls to doors and finishes.
We started by completely stripping out the old bathroom, removing all outdated shower components, structural walls, tiles, flooring, plaster, and fixtures. The entire space was taken back to its bare structure to prepare for the new bath installation. Before this renovation, the house had undergone a full re-plumbing, ensuring we were working with fresh, clean copper pipework that would support the bath for years to come. Additionally, the first-floor walls had been completely restructured to create more space in the bathroom and adjoining bedrooms. This provided the perfect foundation for our transformation. During the demolition, we discovered that the original framing lacked the necessary integrity to support the weight and structure of the new bath. Rather than moving forward with the existing framework, we took the opportunity to rebuild the bathroom structure, ensuring straight and true stud walls, as well as installing a new, appropriately sized door frame and door.
Before boarding the walls, we took an important step to enhance comfort and privacy by adding sound insulation within the stud cavities. This is often an overlooked part of the process, but it’s crucial in family bathrooms where noise from running water, drainage, and other activities can easily travel to adjacent rooms. The insulation helps minimize this sound transmission, creating a quieter, more peaceful bathroom environment. Next, we installed green moisture-resistant plasterboards. These specialized boards are ideal for high-humidity areas like bathrooms, offering superior protection against dampness compared to standard plasterboard. We carefully taped and sealed all board joints and screw holes in preparation for the waterproofing phase, ensuring a solid foundation for the next steps of the bath installation.
For the flooring substrate, we chose cement boards, which are ideal for wet environments like bathrooms. These boards are a top-tier, industry-approved choice for floor tiling, offering exceptional dimensional stability, compressive strength, and superior water resistance. When installed properly — fully bedded and securely screwed into the subfloor — cement boards provide an ultra-stable, non-flexing base that supports both the bath and tiles, preventing any risk of movement or cracking over time. Unlike traditional materials such as plywood or chipboard, cement boards offer significantly better long-term durability, especially in high-moisture areas or spaces that see a lot of use. In this project, their use was crucial because the bathroom is adjacent to a staircase, an area susceptible to slight vibrations and structural movement. Cement boards absorb and dampen these vibrations far more effectively than timber, greatly reducing the chance of cracked tiles or loose grout down the line. For these reasons, cement boards weren’t just a logical choice — they were essential to ensuring the floor’s durability and the bathroom’s overall longevity.
The chosen bath was a 7.5mm thick square acrylic bath. Thickness matters — thinner baths (2–4mm) tend to flex, leading to sealant cracking and eventual leaks. A 6mm, 7mm or 8mm bath is significantly sturdier and retains heat better, making it ideal for regular family use. The square shape was a deliberate choice. Compared to curved or rounded baths, square baths offer more internal leg room, making them more comfortable and suitable for both adults and children. Although the bath came with standard brackets, we built a custom bath support frame.
Before fitting tiles or finishes, we applied a full tanking membrane and waterproofing kit (from Mapei brand), a trusted brand in the industry. This included a liquid membrane over the walls surrounding the bath and wet zones, as well as sealing tapes at all board joints, wall-floor connections, and around pipe penetrations. This step ensures that any water penetrating the tile surface cannot reach the structure, preventing long-term damage and mold growth.
With the structure and waterproofing complete, the bath was set into place on the custom frame and securely fixed. Critical detail: We filled the bath with water during the sealing process. This step ensures the bath is under full weight load, allowing the silicone sealant to flex correctly and prevent cracking once the bath is later used. Once cured, the silicone forms a watertight seal that won’t pull or separate when the bath is filled.
Renovating your bathroom is a significant investment, and finding the right professionals to do the job is crucial. Whether you’re searching for “bathroom fitters near me” or a “bathroom fitter in Manchester,” knowing what to look for will help ensure a smooth and stress-free renovation. This guide covers essential factors to consider, key questions to ask potential fitters, and how to understand the complete budget before committing to any company.
A reputable bathroom remodeling contractors will have public liability insurance to protect both you and them in case of any accidents or damages. Ask the fitter if they have insurance and request a copy as proof. A company that hesitates to share this information should raise red flags.
Trustworthy bathroom fitters rarely ask for a deposit in advance. Companies like Builders Squad Ltd, for example, only require payment once the work is completed in full. Be cautious of any company that insists on large upfront payments, as this could indicate financial instability or a lack of confidence in their work.
Ask what kind of warranty the company provides on their workmanship. A reputable bathroom fitter should offer a guarantee on their work, covering aspects like plumbing, tiling, and fixtures. A longer warranty period is usually a sign of high-quality service and confidence in their work.
A professional bathroom fitter will ensure your home remains as clean as possible during and after the work. Ask whether they will handle waste disposal and if they will leave the site tidy once the renovation is complete.
Good bathroom fitters don’t just finish the job and leave—they offer advice on maintaining your new bathroom. Ask them for tips on cleaning, preventing blockages, and maintaining fixtures. For example, they should explain how to clean hair from the shower trap filter to prevent drainage issues.
When searching for “bathroom fitters near me” or a “bathroom fitter in Manchester,” it’s important to do your research. By asking the right questions, checking credentials, and understanding the full scope of the project, you can ensure a successful bathroom renovation without hidden surprises. A reliable “bathroom remodeling company” will be transparent about costs, offer warranties, and manage the project efficiently from start to finish.
Discover the possibilities for your home with Builders Squad Ltd. Let us bring your vision to life with our expert bathroom remodeling and home renovation services in Greater Manchester, UK. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards creating the home of your dreams.
In home improvement, bathrooms and kitchens are often the most overlooked spaces. Yet, these small areas have a significant impact on the look and daily routine of your home. A well-designed bathroom enhances functionality and adds luxury and style to your living space. A bathroom should be more than just a functional area. It should be a place where you can relax and unwind. Imagine stepping into a clean, stylish, and well-organised bathroom each morning. It sets a positive tone for the day. Similarly, ending your day in a tranquil, inviting bathroom can help you de-stress and sleep better. Remodelling your bathroom can transform this essential room into a sanctuary. Are you looking to remodel your bathroom but don’t know where to start? If so, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled some innovative and inspirational ideas to upgrade your bathroom into a modern oasis.