What taps to choose for bathroom and kitchen, and what to check before installing them

Changing the taps seems the simplest part of a bathroom renovation, until an incompatibility with the existing installation appears that forces you to chop into the wall to adapt the water point. It's worth going over the options before giving a fixed price.

Washbasin tap: single-lever or two-handle

The single-lever is the most installed today for convenience, with one lever controlling flow and temperature. The two-handle (independent hot/cold water) is more usual in renovations that respect a classic style.

Kitchen tap: check the worktop before changing it

The tap with a pull-out spout makes it easier to fill large containers and clean the sink. Always check that the existing worktop hole is compatible before quoting the change — switching to a model with a different hole may force the worktop to be modified.

Shower: three different systems

• Shower column: a complete set with overhead rose, hand shower and control. Check the hot and cold water supply point before installing it — most columns need a concealed connection at a specific height that may not match an old installation.
• Single-lever shower mixer: the concealed one (only the head visible, the body goes inside the partition) gives a more modern finish but requires work on the wall; the exposed one is quicker to replace in a one-off renovation.
• Thermostatic mixer: keeps the water temperature constant even if pressure changes, avoiding scalds or sudden changes. Highly recommended in homes with children or the elderly, and mandatory in many hotels and care homes under safety regulations. The concealed type needs more wall depth than a standard single-lever.

Finishes: beyond classic chrome

All types of tap come in several finishes: chrome (the classic), matt black, white and stainless steel. The finish doesn't change how it works, but it does change maintenance — matt finishes show water drops less than shiny chrome.

What gets forgotten when quoting

Installing any tap includes connecting to the existing angle valves and a watertightness test after fitting — it's not just "screwing the new tap on". If the supply point doesn't match the previous one exactly, the installation must be adjusted before connecting the tap.

Frequently asked questions

Is a thermostatic mixer mandatory in a private home? No, but it is highly recommended in homes with children or elderly people because of the scald risk from sudden pressure changes. It is mandatory by regulation in hotels and care homes.

What's the difference between a concealed and an exposed shower mixer? The concealed one leaves only the head visible with a more modern finish, but requires work on the wall; the exposed one is quicker to replace in a one-off renovation without touching the partition.

Can I change the kitchen tap without touching the worktop? Only if the new model is compatible with the existing hole — always check before quoting the change as a simple task.

Conclusion

Choosing well between single-lever and two-handle, or between concealed and exposed, isn't just a matter of style: it determines how much building work is needed and whether the existing installation is compatible without modification. Checking before giving a fixed price avoids on-site surprises halfway through the installation.