Have had 3 plumbing firms in to quote for a bathroom refurb in a 3-bed detached 1930s house. The hot water cylinder (in airing cupboard) is right out side the bathroom and we want to use this space to extend the bathroom and fit a separate shower. Our architect suggested moving the cylinder a few feet into a corner of bedroom 2 which is large enough to lose the space without compromising the room size. We have had a few other suggestions and just wondered what the advantages and cost implications are for these as it is a bit confusing getting conflicting advice. We obviously don't want to spend unnecessarily but do want a system that works well in a family home.

1. Replace existing boiler with combi boiler. Existing boiler is only 2 years old and so we weren't too keen to do this unless we could be convinced that the advantages were worth it. Also know that the pipe coming into the property is old and we have been told this might be too small to run combi effectively. Could replace this pipe but this adds to costs.

2. Move hot water cylinder up to the loft space. We're assuming this would involve additional costs in comparison to moving it a few feet into Bed 2? One plumber mentioned fitting a pump - can anyone explain this. They all advised getting a bigger tank and one plumber said this could be on its side if the attic is too small but I've read that this isn't a good idea.

3. The third thing that has caused confusion is that 2 of the firms suggesting power showers and one said that he didn't think we would need one. We want a really good powerful shower so assumed that was the best way to go (perhaps that's where the pump comes in...).

Any advice (especialy on cylinder position) would be gratefully received!

Thanks guys. Can I just ask, when you refer to a 'pump' is this the same thing as a power shower?