Bathroom Quotes - can we ask them to go lower?

Goleo

We have had other quotes which were in the middle of those - but those bathroom fitters did not fill us with confidence when they came round to quote. The problem we are having is the fact that Bob and Dave both seemed to have the same ideas when they came to look at our bathroom so we are wondering how they have managed to give such different quotes.

What I am really interested in is if it is reasonable to ask Bob (who i think we would prefer as we have seen his work) if he would be able to do the work for a bit less - or is it not the done thing?
Has anyone done this before?

keystone

Goleo wrote: »

What I am really interested in is if it is reasonable to ask Bob (who i think we would prefer as we have seen his work) if he would be able to do the work for a bit less - or is it not the done thing? Has anyone done this before?

You can try but as I have already said I don't think it reasonable. He has (IMHO) given you a very fair price based on the scope you have detailed. If he were £500 higher then I'd say yes perhaps you should ask if there is anything he can do about his price but at this price no I don't. Did I not say that already but in a one word answer?

Don't let yourself be seduced by Daves waaaay too low price into believing that Bob has a lot of slack to give away. I don't think he has TBH.

Cheers

Leif

Goleo wrote: »

We have had other quotes which were in the middle of those - but those bathroom fitters did not fill us with confidence when they came round to quote. The problem we are having is the fact that Bob and Dave both seemed to have the same ideas when they came to look at our bathroom so we are wondering how they have managed to give such different quotes.

What I am really interested in is if it is reasonable to ask Bob (who i think we would prefer as we have seen his work) if he would be able to do the work for a bit less - or is it not the done thing?
Has anyone done this before?

From what you have said, you know nothing about Dave apart from his quote, and the fact he seemed good. I would avoid him like the plague as you have absolutely no idea if he is kosher, or a king size muppet. His quote is very low. There are plenty of bodgers out there. I was talking to a job agent yesterday, and he had a couple of trades do work, and they were bodgers. He was unable to find trades via personal recommendation. From experience I would never employ a trade unless I found them via personal recommendation from someone I know has decent standards, or they are used by a respected high street shop (not a shed such as B&Q etc, a specialist bathroom shop say). I did once employ someone without personal recommendation, and I have learnt my lesson.

The problem is that you are asking a stranger to do work on an important room in your house, and if they do a messy job, you have to live with it for years.

quietheart

BOB :beer:

Leif

ListysDad wrote: »

For what its worth, your first most immediate reaction to the individuals will probably give you the answer you're looking for.

I'd be wary of judging them by the presentation they give. In my experience, the worse the trade, the more they suck up to you, and work hard to come across well. Good trades get plenty of work, and don't need to impress you with spiel. As I say, just my limited experience.

Goleo

Thanks for you comments. Very useful. We will be making our decision soon and i'll let you know how it goes.
If anyone else has anything to add keep the comments coming.

ZenUK

I wouldn't consider either of them.

A decent fitter would not use plasterboard as a tile backing board. (Moisture resistant included)

Look up Aquapanel and Wediboard etc This is what professionals use to prevent water ingress and tiles falling off after a few years,

keystone

ZenUK wrote: »

A decent fitter would not use plasterboard as a tile backing board. (Moisture resistant included)

Look up Aquapanel and Wediboard etc This is what professionals use to prevent water ingress and tiles falling off after a few years,

Sorry to appear rude but thats complete and utter tosh. Plasterboard is fine as a tiling substrate if its tanked in the shower area.

Cheers

Goleo

Could he not just stick the tiles on the walls if they are ok?

keystone

Goleo wrote: »

Could he not just stick the tiles on the walls if they are ok?

Yes but inevitably they won't be once the old ones have been hacked off.

Cheers