When you’re starting to think about adapting your bathroom to make life safer, easier, and more comfortable, it’s natural to have lots of questions.
Which solution is right — a walk-in shower, walk-in bath, or wet room? Will it fit your space and meet your needs in the years to come? And how do you choose a company you can really trust?
I’m Craig Palmer, a Home Surveyor at AHM Installations, and we believe that every accessible bathroom should begin with a free home visit from one of our experienced surveying team. This is more than just measuring up and giving you a price – it’s about understanding your unique situation and giving you the best advice possible.
Whether you’re finding it harder to step into the bath due to an ongoing medical condition, whether you have found yourself adjusting to a new way of life after an accident or illness or whether you just want to make your bathroom safe for the future, this guide will help you understand why a home visit is the most important first step.
1. Every Person, & Every Bathroom, Are Different
Accessible bathrooms aren’t ‘one-size-fits-all’. I’ve visited hundreds of customers during my time at AHM and I’ve never once replicated a bathroom because what works for one household might not suit another due to many factors such as the need, budget, property style/age, plumbing restrictions and many more reasons. That’s why we will take the time to:
- Understand your specific health or mobility concerns
- Assess your property and bathroom layout and water pressure
- Discuss practical options, like low level access showers, grab rails, or comfort-height toilets
We believe a comprehensive home survey can help you make the right choice — whether it’s to replace a bath with a walk-in shower, install a walk-in bath, or completely redesign the space as a wet room but being informed and understanding the possibilities and any limitations is vital from the beginning.
2. Our Surveyors Don't Just Measure, We Listen
Some people think we’ll arrive with a tape measure and clipboard and provide a quote on a compliment slip, but nothing could be further from the truth. Our surveying team is made up of experienced and knowledgeable professionals who share AHM’s passion for treating each customer as one of our own and who bother to take the time to get to know each customer and their unique needs and mobility challenges.
Myself and my surveying colleagues usually have a background in the bathroom, medical, or mobility sectors, so we’re able to use our expertise to design a bespoke bathroom that ticks all the boxes, and which doesn’t tip the budget over. We don’t just measure up; we offer tailored solutions.
The key to getting it right is listening and understanding each customers’ unique needs, wants and budget to create a safe, stylish bathroom fit for purpose now and into the future.
During the home visit, we’ll sit down with you to fully understand:
- What’s becoming harder or riskier in the bathroom
- What your daily routine looks like
- What you’re worried about now and in the future
Visit Craig Palmer’s LinkedIn, one of our expert Surveyors.
One lady told me she hadn’t had a proper bath in over a year because she was too scared to get in. After fitting a walk-in bath, she was so relieved she cried – I was so happy to help this lady as I know how much she had struggled.
3. Avoid Costly Mistakes By Planning Properly
Without a survey, it’s easy to choose the wrong products or layout. Many times, we are called upon to visit people who have already had their bathrooms renovated but the result doesn’t fit their mobility needs – we’ve seen baths that don’t fit, showers installed where the water pressure can’t cope, shower seats and grab bars installed in the wrong places, wetroom flooring incorrectly laid and much more. Mistakes like these are costly and time consuming to fix.
A thorough home survey helps avoid mistakes like:
- Choosing the wrong solution for your health needs
- Forgetting about grab rail placement or door widths
- Picking flooring that isn’t anti-slip
- Planning a layout that won’t work with walking aids or additional care needs
We help you make decisions with long-term confidence, not guesswork.
4. We'll Help Future-Proof Your Bathroom
Many people tell us “I’m coping now, but I know I might need more help later.” That’s where a home visit really adds value.
We’ll plan with you, advising on features that can be added later, like half-height doors or shower seats or fittings that support carers or family members if needed and making sure your walk-in shower or wet room works not just now, but for years to come.
5. Expert Advice Brings Peace Of Mind
When thinking about renovating your bathroom, you will likely have several questions about the type of products that are right for you, right through to how long we’ll need to install your bathroom, and our surveyors will be able to discuss all of this with you. For example, some common questions we get asked:
- Can I stay at home while the work is done?
- How long will it take?
- What if I’ve just come out of hospital or had a fall?
- Will I be able to get funding or help with costs?
We’ll answer all these questions at the survey and show you all the viable options to create a safer bathroom.
At the end of the survey, we’ll provide a full design pack with a clear fixed price quote (not a vague estimate), detailed plans and a realistic time frame based on our availability.
More importantly, we will not pressure you and you will not be obligated to proceed. You can take as much time to think about it as you like.
You’ll be able to contact the surveyor directly on the phone or by email if you have questions or wish to make changes. I enjoy working this way because it feels so much more personal and I know my customers appreciate the direct contact.
6. Why Others Booked A Home Survey With Us
We asked other customers why they decided to call us for a home visit, and this is what they told us:
“I just needed someone to explain everything clearly. I wasn’t sure what I needed, and I didn’t want to waste money. After the visit, I felt so much more confident, I’d had a previous quote from someone, but it wasn’t clear, and I was worried they’d ask for more money” Mrs W – Sheffield
“We’d looked at other companies online, but having someone actually visit, listen, and give proper advice made all the difference.” Mr P – Peterborough
“I am hard to please and I wanted to ensure whoever did the work was trustworthy, I checked your reviews on Trustpilot and then I realised you were a Which? Trusted Trader and that was what reassured me.” Mrs D – Hastings.
7. Five Reasons To Start With A Home Visit
- Your home, health, and routine are unique
- Surveys help you avoid costly mistakes
- You get expert advice tailored to your needs
- Future needs are considered from the start
- It’s free, friendly, and pressure-free
Book Your Free Home Visit Today
If you or a loved one is starting to explore options for a safer, accessible bathroom either myself or one of my colleagues would be more than happy to come out and visit you at home.
All you need to do is call us on 0800 731 6495 and one of our friendly customer service colleagues will arrange a time and date that’s convenient for you.
You’ll need to allow 1-1.5 hrs for the visit so we can go through everything thoroughly and we suggest asking a family member, friend or care provider to come along if you think it would be helpful. Don’t forget we’re usually partial to a cuppa and maybe a biscuit!
Call us now on 0800 731 6495 for more information, to request a free brochure or to book your free home survey.
