Despite the cost-of-living crisis, consumers are planning full bathroom refurbishments but more  are prepared to undertake them themselves, the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) has revealed.

According to the Showers and Cost of Living report, commissioned by the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, around a quarter (23%) of consumers are looking to complete a full bathroom refurbishment within the next two years.

However, other improvements such as replacing taps or any bathroom fittings are down from January 2022.

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According to the consumer sentiment poll, the task of repairing any bathroom fitting has fallen from 34% to 29% and replacing bathroom taps has dipped from 28% to 26%.

However, the poll also found more people would attempt to complete the tasks themselves than previously.

It revealed two thirds would still hire a professional to complete a full bathroom refurbishment, but this compared to 67% in January.

The trend is also towards DIY over professionals for replacing taps, partial bathroom refits or repairing any bathroom fitting.

In anticipation of a Government consultation on reducing domestic water use, expected, later this year, consumers were also asked about their shower purchasing considerations.

In the current economic climate, unsurprisingly, cost remained the most important consideration when buying a shower (56%).

Energy efficiency and water efficiency at 49% and 43% respectively were also viewed as important.

However, the plumber’s recommendation and being the best option for your boiler, at 13% and 20% respectively, were not considered important considerations.

The cost-of-living crisis has also impacted consumers’ views on water use, with just over half (51%) stating their attitude to reducing water use has changed as a result. In the 18-34 year old demographic, this figure grew to 71%.

The survey was conducted by insight agency Opinium Research who sampled 2,000 UK adults.