How to choose a bathroom fitter: 10 things to check

A new bathroom is a sizeable investment, and it’s one of the rooms you’ll use every single day. So it’s worth taking a little time to choose the right people to fit it.

Here are ten things we’d suggest checking before you hire anyone, including us.

1. Look at real reviews, and read them properly

Google reviews are a good starting point. Don’t just look at the star rating. Read what people say about tidiness, communication and how problems were handled, because every job has the odd hiccup. A firm that responds politely to a less-than-perfect review is often a good sign. You can read what our customers say.

2. Ask to see recent work

Any established fitter should be happy to show you photos of finished bathrooms, ideally in homes similar to yours. If you live in an older property, ask specifically about period homes.

3. Check they’re insured

Public liability insurance protects you if something goes wrong, such as a leak that damages the ceiling below. Ask to see the certificate. We’re fully insured and happy to show you ours.

4. Make sure electrics are properly certified

Electrical work in a bathroom is subject to strict safety rules, and some of it has to be certified under Building Regulations. Ask who will do the electrics and whether you’ll get a certificate. Our electricians are NICEIC approved, and you’ll receive the paperwork when the job is finished.

5. Ask about gas work

If your project involves moving or replacing a boiler or any gas pipework, the person doing it must be on the Gas Safe Register. You can check any engineer’s registration on the Gas Safe Register website.

6. Get a written, itemised quote

A good quote lists everything: strip-out, plumbing, electrics, preparation, tiling, every product being supplied and making good. Be wary of a single line that just says ‘new bathroom’. If anything isn’t clear, ask for a breakdown.

7. Understand who does the work

Some firms do everything themselves. Others manage a team of subcontractors. Neither is automatically wrong, but you should know who’ll be in your home and who’s responsible if something isn’t right. At Phoenix, our own in-house team handles everything from plumbing and electrics to carpentry, plastering and decorating.

8. Agree the payment terms

A reasonable deposit to cover ordering materials is normal. Paying the full amount upfront is not. Agree in writing when payments are due, and never feel pressured to pay in cash.

9. Ask about guarantees

What happens if a tile cracks or a seal leaks six months later? Ask what workmanship guarantee is offered and for how long, and check the manufacturer’s guarantees on the products. Get both in writing.

10. Trust how they make you feel

Did they listen? Did they explain things clearly without jargon? Did they turn up when they said they would? The way a fitter treats you before the job is a good guide to how they’ll treat you during it.

Warning signs

• They knock on your door uninvited, saying they ‘happen to be working nearby’.
• The price drops sharply if you ‘sign today’.
• They can’t give you a landline, a business address or a company name.
• They’re vague about certificates, insurance or guarantees.

Listed and period homes in Suffolk

Many homes in Hadleigh, Woodbridge and Sudbury are period properties, and some are listed. If your home is listed, changes to the building, sometimes even inside, may need listed building consent from the council. Ask any fitter whether they’ve worked on listed homes, and check with the council before work starts. In Hadleigh and Sudbury, that’s Babergh District Council; in Woodbridge, it’s East Suffolk Council; and in Bury St Edmunds, it’s West Suffolk Council.

Why people choose Phoenix

We’re a local firm based near Maldon, fitting bathrooms across north Essex and Suffolk, with more than 20 years’ experience running plumbing and electrical businesses. We’ll always give you a clear written quote, explain your options honestly, and leave your home as tidy as we found it. But don’t just take our word for it. Ask us the same questions you’d ask anyone else.

Frequently asked questions