From a compact showroom in Park West, Dublin, to a team of more than 50 people delivering thousands of bathroom renovations, Ripples Bathrooms has established itself as one of Ireland’s leading bathroom renovation specialists.
According to Ian Bissett, Contracts Manager at Ripples Bathrooms, the company’s success has been built on a simple foundation.
“Ripples started over 20 years ago offering homeowners a better bathroom renovation experience through great design, quality products and exceptional service.
“Over the years, the business has grown through word-of-mouth recommendations, repeat customers and our presence across both digital and traditional media.”
Growth
“The scale of the business today is very different from where we started, but our values remain the same,” says Ian.
What began as a bathroom supply and design business has evolved into a fully managed renovation service.
“Our in-house designers, surveyors, project managers, installers and customer support teams all work directly for Ripples, giving us greater control over quality, communication and the overall customer experience.”
Alongside its residential renovation work, the company also delivers a range of commercial projects.
Expectations
Customer expectations have changed considerably, with homeowners arriving armed with inspiration and ideas gathered online.
“Customers are more informed than ever before and often arrive with inspiration gathered from social media, websites and magazines.
“At the same time, they’re looking for much more than products. They want expert advice, professional guidance and reassurance that their project will be managed properly from beginning to end,” Ian goes on.
“We’re also seeing more customers wanting to experience everything in person before making decisions, whether that’s touching materials, seeing finishes or exploring complete bathroom displays.”
Showroom
Despite the growth of online research, Ripples believes the showroom remains a key part of the customer journey.
“While customers do a lot of research online, our showroom is where they really start to feel inspired,” says Ian.
“Our Dublin 12 showroom features more than 75 bathroom displays, showcasing everything from traditional bathrooms and family spaces to contemporary designs, luxury ensuites and fully fitted wet rooms.”
He continues: “Customers can explore different layouts, materials and finishes while seeing how products work together in a completed space. Seeing something online is one thing, but experiencing it in person is completely different.”
Bespoke Design
At the heart of the Ripples approach is a focus on designing bathrooms around individual customer needs.
“For us, bespoke design means creating a bathroom around the individual client.”
Whether the priority is additional storage, a luxurious retreat or practical solutions for a growing family, the design process begins with understanding how the space will be used.
“Our designers take the time to understand the client’s vision before creating a design that balances style, functionality and long-term practicality.
“Whether it’s a family bathroom, luxury ensuite, wet room or commercial washroom, the goal is always the same: creating a space tailored to the people using it.”
Challenges
Like many businesses across the sector, Ripples is also navigating the challenges that come with maintaining standards while continuing to grow.
“Maintaining consistently high standards while continuing to grow is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry.
“Customers rightly expect excellent communication, reliable timelines and a smooth renovation experience. Delivering that level of service requires ongoing investment in people, systems and training.”
Ian also points to the ongoing challenge of recruiting and retaining skilled tradespeople.
“The availability of skilled tradespeople also remains a challenge, which is one reason we’ve invested heavily in building and retaining our own teams.”
The Difference
Rather than competing solely on price, Ripples focuses on the value of its fully managed renovation service.
“We don’t try to compete solely on price because that’s not where our value lies.
“A bathroom renovation is a significant investment and customers want confidence that every aspect of the project will be delivered properly.”
That complete service, from design and surveying through to installation and aftercare, is what Ian believes differentiates the company from online-only competitors.
“What sets Ripples apart is the complete service we provide. From design and surveying through to project management, installation and aftercare, we manage the entire renovation from start to finish.
“Online retailers can sell products. We deliver completed bathrooms.”
Industry Support
Ripples is sponsoring an award category at this year’s Ireland’s Bathroom Trade Awards, recognising the businesses helping to drive standards across the sector.
“We’re proud to support Ireland’s Bathroom Trade Awards and the wider bathroom industry.
“We’re sponsoring the Best Supplier category, recognising the suppliers whose products and collections help drive the industry forward and define what quality looks like.”
Having spent more than 20 years in the industry, Ian believes it is important to celebrate excellence and encourage continued growth.
“Having been part of the industry for more than 20 years, we believe it’s important to support initiatives that celebrate excellence and encourage future growth.”
Looking Ahead
“It’s an incredibly exciting time for the business,” says Ian.
Later this summer, Ripples will open a new showroom at Nutgrove Retail Park, featuring approximately 50 bathroom displays showcasing a wide range of styles, products and design ideas.
The company has also recently expanded into a new warehouse and office facility to support continued growth and increased demand.
Reflecting on the journey so far, Ian remains proud of what the business has achieved and optimistic about the future.
“From a small showroom in Park West to a team of more than 50 people delivering thousands of residential and commercial projects, we’re incredibly proud of the business we’ve built and excited to continue investing in its future.”