Bath to shower conversion - exposed vs concealed valve?

Hi, In most cases, there isn’t a huge labour cost difference between fitting an exposed shower valve and a concealed shower valve when a full shower refurbishment is being carried out. An exposed valve is generally quicker and simpler to install because it fixes directly onto the wall surface. A concealed valve requires the wall to be chased or recessed to accommodate the valve body and pipework, which involves a little more work. However, if wall panels are being installed and the walls are already being opened up as part of the project, the additional labour cost is usually relatively modest. Regarding tile removal, there can be a saving if you remove the tiles yourself before work starts, as it reduces the demolition and waste removal time for the installer. The actual saving depends on how easily the tiles come off and whether the walls remain in good condition afterwards. If tile removal causes damage to the substrate that requires repair, some of the potential saving can be lost. If you can provide a few photos of the existing bathroom and shower area, I would be happy to give more specific advice. Thanks. For pricing purposes, I would typically expect: * Exposed valve vs concealed valve: often only £100–£300 difference in labour on a shower conversion where walls are already being worked on. * Customer removing tiles beforehand: potentially £100–£250 saving, depending on the size of the area and waste disposal requirements. The biggest cost factors are usually the condition of the walls and floor once the bath and tiles are removed, rather than the choice of shower valve itself.

If the pipework can stay in the same location, there’s often not a huge labour cost difference between an exposed and concealed valve. Concealed valves generally look neater, but they do require more preparation behind the wall. As for removing the tiles yourself, it can save some labour costs, but only if it’s done carefully and any damaged plasterboard or wall repairs are dealt with before installation starts. ROOOZ SERVICES LTD Heating • Plumbing • Gas

I agree with imperial bathrooms and kitchens, consealed showers cost more to buy and more work to install. N20 property maintenance is using ai lol

A concealed valve is more expensive to buy and fit so the cost will be at least double of a exposed valve in my experience.

Best to leave the tiles as wallboards are fitted over tiles with infills where there are no tiles as for concealed shower valve depends on thickness of wall, usually a surface valve with rain shower head is a nice option

The labour cost difference between an exposed and a concealed shower valve is usually quite small if the walls are already being opened up. A concealed valve takes a little more time to install because it needs to be recessed into the wall, but many homeowners prefer the cleaner finish. Removing the tiles yourself can save some labour costs, provided it's done carefully and the walls aren't damaged. If the fitter has to repair damaged plasterboard or prepare uneven walls before fitting the shower panels, those savings can quickly disappear. If you're supplying all the materials, make sure everything is on site before work starts to avoid delays.