Alan Tierney
Even new fittings need maintenance: prevent potentially damaging leaks by maintaining good seals around basins, baths and showers. Teak sink, from £800, by William Garvey
Mains utilities supplies are relatively new in the grand scheme of things, and the majority of older houses were built without bathrooms, running water or plumbed-in waste. What’s more, warmth was provided via open fires rather than modern boilers and other tech. So any refurbishment is likely to involve making significant upgrades to the plumbing and heating installation.