Choosing a bathroom fitter can be a minefield, especially when it comes to the quality and professionalism of the service. Your bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your house and you want it to be fitted to perfection. With so many tradesmen and companies out there, how do you know who’s right for your job? This will help you through the process by what to look for.
1. Experience and Skills
One of the most important things to look for when choosing a bathroom fitter is their experience. Bathrooms involve plumbing, electrics, tiling and carpentry so you need someone who has experience of complex bathroom projects, such as RM Plumbing.
- Previous Work: Ask to see a portfolio or references of previous bathroom jobs they have done. This will give you an idea of their workmanship and ability to do different types of bathrooms and styles.
- Specialism: Some fitters specialise in certain types of bathrooms, contemporary, traditional or wet rooms. Make sure the fitter you choose has experience in the style you want.
2. Qualifications and Certifications
The bathroom fitter you choose should have the necessary qualifications and certifications to do the job safely and professionally. Bathrooms involve electrics so make sure the fitter is certified to do that work.
- Plumbing Certification: Make sure the fitter has the right plumbing qualifications as bathroom installations involve a lot of plumbing work.
- Electrical Certification: If the job involves electrics, such as lighting or underfloor heating, the fitter should be certified to do that work safely and to the regulations.
- Accreditations: Look for fitters who are members of professional bodies like the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) or TrustMark. These accreditations mean the fitter follows industry standards and adheres to strict codes of practice.
3. Reviews and Reputation
A good reputation is often a good indicator of the service a bathroom fitter will provide. One of the best ways to check a fitter’s reputation is to check online reviews.
- Online Platforms: Look at reviews on trusted platforms like Google, Trustpilot or Checkatrade. Look out for recurring positive or negative comments as they will give you an idea of the fitter’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Word of Mouth: Recommendations from friends, family or colleagues who have had similar work done can be gold. Ask for recommendations and ask about their experience with the bathroom fitter, punctuality, professionalism and workmanship.
4. Transparent Pricing and Quotes
Bathroom fitting can be expensive so make sure you get a clear idea of the costs before you hire a fitter.
- Get Multiple Quotes: To get a fair price ask for at least three quotes from different bathroom fitters. This will give you an idea of the average cost of the job and help you spot any outliers.
- Detailed Breakdown: Make sure the quotes include a detailed breakdown of costs, labour, materials and any extra charges. Avoid fitters who are vague or reluctant to give you a clear breakdown of the cost structure.
- Fixed Price or Estimated Cost: Clarify if the quote is fixed price or an estimate. Fixed price gives you a clear figure, estimates can change if unexpected issues arise during the job.
5. Insurance and Guarantees
Make sure the bathroom fitter has the right insurance. This protects you and the fitter in case of any accidents or damage during the installation.
- Public Liability Insurance: This covers any damage to your property or injury to others during the work. Always check the fitter has valid public liability insurance.
- Guarantees: Ask if the fitter offers any guarantees on the work. A guarantee gives you peace of mind that the fitter is confident in their work and will put right any issues that arise after the job is complete.
6. Communication and Professionalism
Good communication is key to a successful bathroom installation job. You want to work with a bathroom fitter who is approachable, listens to you and keeps you updated throughout the process.
- Initial Contact: Pay attention to how quickly the fitter responds during the initial stages. Do they get back to you promptly or do they seem genuinely interested in your project?
- Listening Skills: A good bathroom fitter will take the time to understand your vision and requirements for the job. They should ask questions to clarify your expectations and offer suggestions or advice where necessary.
- Timeline Management: Ask about the expected timeline for the job and how they handle any delays. A professional fitter will give you a clear timeline and keep you informed if any unexpected issues arise.
7. Compatible with Your Vision
Your bathroom fitter should match your design vision and practical needs. Make sure you hire someone who not only has the technical skills but also understands your design style.
- Style Alignment: Ensure the fitter is happy working with the design you have in mind, whether it’s a modern minimalist bathroom or a vintage style bathroom.
- Collaborative Design Input: Some bathroom fitters can offer design input into the process, help you choose materials or layouts that will give the best results.
8. References and Previous Client Feedback
While reviews give you an idea of a fitter’s reputation, speaking to previous clients will give you more detail.
- Ask for References: Ask for contact details of previous clients who had similar work done. Ask about their experience with the fitter, how the job progressed and if they had any issues during the fitting.
- Follow-Up: Ask previous clients if the fitter followed up after the job was complete. A good fitter will often check in to make sure everything is running smoothly post installation.
9. Services Offered
Check if the fitter offers a full range of services, such as plumbing, tiling, electrical work and carpentry. A fitter who can do it all will save you time and hassle of dealing with multiple tradespeople.
- All-in-One Service: Some bathroom fitters offer an all-in-one service where they do everything. This often leads to better coordination and can prevent delays.
- Subcontracting: If the fitter subcontracts some of the work, such as tiling or plumbing, ask about the qualifications and reliability of the subcontractors they use.
10. Contract and T’s & C’s
Before the work starts make sure everything is in writing. A written contract protects both parties and outlines the scope of work.
- Written Contract: The contract should include details of the work to be done, materials to be used, payment terms, start and completion dates and any other agreed conditions.
- Changes and Extras: Make sure the contract covers any changes or extra costs that may arise during the job. A clear agreement upfront prevents any misunderstandings later on.
End
Choosing the right bathroom fitter takes time and consideration of many factors – experience, reputation and professionalism. By doing your research, asking the right questions and making sure everything is in writing you can choose a fitter who will give you a top notch bathroom. Whether you’re upgrading for function or style, investing the time will give you a bathroom that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
