A Life-Changing Bathroom Renovation for a Hastings Couple
Local businesses unite to create a safe, accessible space for Sarah and Craig
The Problem: An Inaccessible and Unsafe Bathroom
For Sarah and Craig, everyday routines were anything but easy. Sarah, who is wheelchair-bound, was using a bathroom that simply wasn’t fit for purpose. With a tight cubicle shower and a standard bathtub, she was completely dependent on Craig to lift her in and out of the space.
The situation reached a breaking point when Sarah slipped behind the bath and became stuck while Craig was out—leaving him no choice but to cut away a section of bath tub just to get her out safely.
Bathroom before renovation
Cubicle shower not wheelchair accessible
A Community-Driven Solution
Visible cut where Craig had to remove a section of the bath to free Sarah
When JM Services heard about the couple’s challenges, the team felt compelled to help. Knowing that a safe, accessible bathroom was essential—but understanding the financial limitations—JM Services decided to take action by reaching out to their trusted network of suppliers and contractors across Hawke’s Bay.
The goal: deliver a fully accessible bathroom renovation that met Sarah’s needs and fit within the couple’s available budget.
The result? A heartwarming show of generosity from local businesses who came together to make a meaningful difference.
The Transformation
The renovated bathroom now includes:
A level-entry, roll-in shower
Non-slip tiled flooring & tiled bathroom walls
Accessible fixtures and fittings
A wider doorway with a cavity slider
Fixtures placed at wheelchair user-friendly heights
New ventilation and extraction for moisture control
Together, these changes mean Sarah can now use the bathroom safely and independently—bringing back comfort and dignity to her daily life, and peace of mind to Craig.
The Local Heroes Who Made It Possible
This project wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our community. A huge thank-you goes to the following businesses who gave their time, materials, and expertise:
Tile Depot Napier – Donated all tiles free of charge
Tilestyle – Handled waterproofing and tiling
Current Controls Electricians – Provided electrical work
A+ Plumbing & Gas – Completed plumbing and gas work
Bunnings NZ – Offered generous discounts on shower fittings, vanity, accessible fixtures, GIB, and more
Bay Decorating – Delivered painting and plastering services
Hawke’s Bay Doors – Supplied a cavity slider door
Home Plus Hawke’s Bay - Supplied and installed the shower glass
JM Services – Took care of drawings, council consent, project management, and carpentry
Accessible bathroom renovation - before and after
More Than Just a Renovation
This project is a true example of what happens when a community pulls together. It’s more than just a bathroom—it’s restored independence, dignity, and comfort for a couple who needed it most.
At JM Services, we’re proud to support our Hawke’s Bay neighbours through thoughtful, high-quality renovations. Whether you're after a full bathroom upgrade or need help making your home more accessible, we’re here to help—stress-free and start to finish.