Owner Self-Purchase Items
Bathroom / Toilet Accessories Guide (WC, Heater, Vanity, Basin, Tap, Bidet, Mirrors & Accessories)
We’re happy to support owners who wish to self-purchase bathroom/toilet items. However, when items are not sourced from our recommended suppliers, item selection, compatibility, completeness, delivery issues, and warranty sit with the owner, and it may affect timeline and cost. This guide sets clear expectations so installation stays smooth and professional.
1) Important Clarification: Supply Is Not Included Unless Stated
Unless clearly stated in your quotation:
- Bathroom/toilet items (WC, heaters, vanity, basin, taps, bidet, mirrors, accessories) are not included
- Our renovation scope typically covers preparation of plumbing/electrical points and installation (if agreed), not product supply.
2) Two Options: Use Our Recommended Supplier vs Owner Self-Purchase
Option A — Purchase via Our Recommended Supplier (Smoothest Option)
When items are purchased through our recommended suppliers, we can manage the full flow, including:
- Coordination of delivery timing
- Checking items for completeness and obvious defects
- Confirming specifications (sizes, fittings, power requirements)
- Handling wrong/short deliveries (exchange / re-delivery)
- Clear accountability for after-sales support (where applicable)
Option B — Owner Self-Purchase (Allowed, With Conditions)
If you choose to self-purchase:
- Owner is responsible for correct selection and full completeness
- Owner manages supplier mistakes, exchanges, and warranty claims
- Additional coordination caused by wrong/short/missing items may lead to additional charges and rescheduling
3) WC (Toilet Bowl) — Pipe Measurement Clarification (Very Important)
For WC replacement/installation, we will provide:
- A photo of the existing waste outlet area with measurement tape shown (for reference)
However:
- Final confirmation of WC compatibility and sizing must be done by the owner’s supplier, not By Design.
Why this matters: Different WC models have different “set-out” requirements and connector types. The supplier/manufacturer is best placed to confirm compatibility for their specific model.
4) Owner Responsibilities for Self-Purchase Bathroom Items
To proceed with owner-supplied WC/heater/vanity/basin/tap/bidet/mirrors/accessories, the owner must provide:
- Brand, model number, and spec sheet
- Exact dimensions and installation method (wall-hung / floor-mounted / countertop / undermount etc.)
- Water inlet/outlet requirements (tap hole count, flexi hose type, bidet connections)
- Electrical requirements (heater load, vanity power, mirror lighting/defogger)
- Delivery confirmation: all items must arrive before the installation window
Why this matters: Bathrooms are tight in space and installation is sequence-sensitive (waterproofing, tiling, vanity, accessories). Late changes cause rework.
5) Delivery, Receiving & Crated Items (Owner Self-Purchase)
✅ Owner arranges delivery and ensures items are ready for installation.
❌ By Design does not receive/store/manage owner-purchased deliveries.
Crated / Wooden Packaging (Common for Taobao Purchases)
Some Taobao items arrive in crates or heavy protective packaging.
- We can assist to uncrate items and dispose debris, but this is chargeable.
- Owner may also choose to arrange their own uncrating/disposal before installation day.
Why this matters: Uncrating and disposal takes time, creates debris, and may require additional manpower and cleaning.
6) Vanity Installation Scope (Assembly vs Installation)
Our standard quotation typically includes:
- Installing a fully assembled vanity cabinet (top + bottom, if applicable), and mounting as required
If the vanity requires assembly on-site:
- Assembly work is not included and will be chargeable.
Examples
- Vanity arrives flat-packed / parts not assembled → assembly is chargeable
- Vanity top, basin, or drawers need on-site installation beyond standard mounting → may be chargeable depending on complexity
7) Power Requirements Must Be Declared Early (Vanity / Mirror / Heater)
If your vanity, mirror, or accessories require power (e.g.,):
- mirror light / mirror defogger
- vanity sensor light / built-in socket
- bidet seat power point
- instant/gas heater electrical needs
You must inform us early so we can plan:
- power point location
- concealed wiring route
- isolator switch requirements (where applicable)
Why this matters: If power needs are only discovered late, it may require hacking/rewiring after finishes are completed (chargeable and may delay timeline).
8) Short / Wrong / Missing Items: Re-Trip Charges Apply
If any item is:
- wrong model/spec
- damaged/defective
- incomplete (missing brackets, hoses, valves, fittings, mounting kits)
- delivered short or late
and this causes partial installation or return visits, then re-trip charges and additional labour charges will apply.
Examples
- Bidet delivered without T-connector / hose set → cannot install → return trip required
- Vanity delivered but missing mounting brackets → installation cannot be completed → return trip required
9) Re-Installation Due to Supplier Error or Replacement Request (Chargeable)
If wrong items are supplied (or owner changes items after installation) and requests:
- removal and re-installation
- replacement works
- repositioning or re-testing
this will be treated as a Variation Order (VO) and charged accordingly.
10) Warranty Clarification
- Product warranty: between owner and the owner’s supplier/manufacturer
- Installation workmanship warranty: By Design covers installation-related issues only (e.g., correct mounting and connection workmanship within our scope)
Product defects, missing parts, compatibility issues, or warranty approval must be handled with the supplier.