Things you'll wish you knew earlier if you are supplying the sanitaryware

Supplying your own sanitaryware - your toilet, basin, bath or shower - can save you money and give you more control over what you end up with (though it's worth checking what discounts your trade may have access to as well).

Ordering your sanitaryware yourself does also mean you are the one responsible for getting everything right. Small misses will cause delays, extra costs or awkward compromises once the work has started.

Start with your plan, not the products

It's super tempting to start buying things early, we get it!

But before you order anything, make sure your layout is locked in and your contractor knows exactly what you're planning.

• Layout
• Shop links
• Dimensions
• Installation requirements

A new wall-hung basin? Needs pipework in the wall instead of the floor. A back-to-wall toilet needs space for a concealed cistern. These decisions affect first fix, not just what gets fitted at the end. What looks to you like a simple swap from new to old might not be so simple!

Check what is (and isn't) included before you add to basket

This catches people out all the time. Not everything you need comes in the box.

• Freestanding baths check if additional pipes or fittings are required (we've been caught out by this before…) on traditional baths you'll likely need an exposed bath overflow pipe, a 'p–trap' and p–trap connection pipe, and potentially a floor mounted tap column (depending on your choice of taps)

• Wall-hung basins you'll want a bottle trap waste that matches your other fixtures i.e. chrome or brass because it's not hidden
• Toilets require a specific frame for wall-hung, as well as a concealed cistern

Oh and cisterns don't always come with aesthetically pleasing flush buttons! Read more on the differences between types of toilets.

Measure properly (then check again)

Make sure what you're buying actually fits your space.

• Overall dimensions width, depth and height as well as tap holes / placement
• Clearances around the item i.e. do you have enough space in front of that size shower, bath, toilet to move around comfortably
• How it connects to existing plumbing especially true of any changes to your toilet type and position

You can check your plan against the dimensions you need around your bathroom items. Thinking about moving the toilet? Here's why moving the toilet is a big decision.

Order early (earlier than you think)

Plumbers will need items like taps, valves and shower fittings during first fix, not just at the end (while the bath or basin might not be going in yet, you'll need a look at those too to confirm where the plumbing points all need to go).

Order well in advance and have it delivered at least a couple of weeks before work starts so that you can check it's all in one piece! You want all sanitaryware items on–site and ready before your contractor starts.

Check everything as soon as it arrives

Open boxes straight away. Don't leave it until installation day.

• Damage in transit
• Missing parts
• Incorrect items

Returns windows can be short, and once something is installed, it's much harder to fix...!

Think about returns (before you buy)

Even with the best planning, things change.

• Longer return periods
• Clear return policies
• Retailers who will take back packaging

Otherwise you can end up trying to resell unused items or stuck with something you can't use.

Keep track of everything

• What you've ordered
• Where it's from
• Receipts and warranties

You'll need this if anything goes wrong or needs replacing later.

That one thing people don't realise

• Plumbing layout
• Wall construction
• Installation time
• Cost

So it's always worth checking everything with your contractor before ordering!