B&Q Bathrooms fitters?

selloptape

Hi there,

Ok - so I know this doesn't sound very MSE but I'm thinking about using B&Q for my bathroom :eek: . Just wondered if anyone else had and if experiences were positive or negative, plus if you thought it was ok value?

I've had four quotes - 2x local plumbers @ around 2.5k but these don't inc tiling, flooring, skip and electricians, so I think these will rise to around 3.5k.

Two 'all in quotes' are b&q @4k and other local plumber @ 5.5kish.

So the b&q quote isn't cheapest but the two lads who quoted around 2.5 both offered to do cheaper for cash which is putting me off as I've had bad quality work done before when paying cash and been stuck with the results

Not sure what to do, I've asked friends but no one has had any work done lately so no recommendations. Ironic as I went out with a plumber for three years ha ha!

Could always slap on another layer of hideous tile paint and ignore it for another year X

Dan-Dan

selloptape wrote: »

Hi there,

Ok - so I know this doesn't sound very MSE but I'm thinking about using B&Q for my bathroom :eek: . Just wondered if anyone else had and if experiences were positive or negative, plus if you thought it was ok value?

I've had four quotes - 2x local plumbers @ around 2.5k but these don't inc tiling, flooring, skip and electricians, so I think these will rise to around 3.5k.

Two 'all in quotes' are b&q @4k and other local plumber @ 5.5kish.

So the b&q quote isn't cheapest but the two lads who quoted around 2.5 both offered to do cheaper for cash which is putting me off as I've had bad quality work done before when paying cash and been stuck with the results

Not sure what to do, I've asked friends but no one has had any work done lately so no recommendations. Ironic as I went out with a plumber for three years ha ha!

Could always slap on another layer of hideous tile paint and ignore it for another year X

Better that than let B&Q assign your fitters for you

Browntoa

B&Q fitters could be your local cash fitters anyway as all works contracted out

Dan-Dan

OP should be looking to appoint her own local fitters and performing due diligence prior to that
Letting a multi national do it , is asking for trouble

thebigbosh

A colleague had just had a B&Q bathroom fitted and it took over a month and three different fitters, two sets of differing bathroom setups and a lot of time on the phone to the local manager apparently. Don't think it's the norm as he said his kitchen was fitted well - hence why he returned to B&Q - but a bad experience nonetheless. He's expecting compensation but nothing agreed yet

DaftyDuck

Shed fitters are one of those "never-can-tell" experiences. A year ago a near-neighbour told me she'd ordered a B&Q kitchen and fit. I didn't tell her what a fool she'd been/how she'd regret it... it was too late. I knew the worst when a couple of schoolkids appeared in something like a Vauxhall Nova to do most of the work, accompanied by one bloke in a van on occasions. I tutted, knowingly and wisely, at a distance. It explained why it was actually quite a cheap quote.

Bl00dy perfect job. Tiling, worksurface scribing, neat plumbing, left clean & tidy. Cupboard alignment was perfect, door hanging, drawers smooth.... there was even certification for moved electrics.

I had slaved for days fitting mine. It was not as good. Nowhere near...

SuzieSue

It's pot luck who the fitters will be if you use b&q and they will be paid peanuts and will be paid a fixed price for the job so will want to get it done asap.

cddc

It may be possible for the designer @ B&Q to ensure that the fit goes to their best fitter.
Others are correct in saying that for nationals, the fitters are usually sub contracted.

This does not mean they are always poor fitters though. A good installation manager weeds out the cowboys quickly. They are vetted, or at least they should be. It depends on the installation manager and how good they are. You should have come back in the event of problems .

There are as many good and bad local installers out there if not more bad ones than those that fit for the sheds.

audigex

You could also consider factoring an extra cost for the fitters, and telling them beforehand that you know B&Q are stingy and try to squeeze in too many jobs ("Not your fault mate, you're just doing your job...") and you're happy to add £100 cash tip if they can spend a bit more time on it.

Obviously it depends if you're willing to do this, but it may be worth considering. Worst case you offend someone who's proud of their workmanship and would do a top job anyway, but it may encourage someone who's rushed and underpaid to spend the time and do a really good job.

Also your local chaps asking for cash may or may not be trying to dodge the taxman... frankly (and despite what George Osborne says), their tax affairs are none of your concern unless you work for HMRC. However if you do go down this option, insist on a full receipt and also pay for at least some of the work on a credit card: this should give you at least some protection.

They may be willing to accept cash to dodge the taxman, but equally they may just be trying to avoid Credit Card fees which, while not insane at around £50-100 on £4k, will be eating directly out of their profit margin (which is probably a few hundred quid)

selloptape

Thanks for the advice everyone, such a big decision and don't want to get it wrong x

phill99

audigex wrote: »

Also your local chaps asking for cash may or may not be trying to dodge the taxman... frankly (and despite what George Osborne says), their tax affairs are none of your concern unless you work for HMRC. However if you do go down this option, insist on a full receipt and also pay for at least some of the work on a credit card: this should give you at least some protection.

How many builders do you know that take credit cards? Some do, but the vast majority don't.