New bathroom frustrations

gozaimasu

Creating this thread as an outlet for my annoyances at the getting-a-new-bathroom process and maybe your experiences of this might help me think about things differently and stop getting so annoyed/upset/frustrated at the process.

In 2016, I got a bathroom from B&Q, they designed and quoted based on measurements done on the computer screen right in front me in the shop, and then they provided a local fitter booked in and who turned up on time and did they job well. Only negative was paying £80 for waste collection which sat in the garden for 2 weeks and had to chase, but I was compensated for this. This was £3100 interest-free credit over 2 years.

Now I've been looking at getting a new bathroom and B&Q no longer offer the installation service - you have to find one yourself. I spent today traipsing round town and that appears to be the case for most bathroom companies these days? If I am supposed to find my own tradesperson, which is a nightmare in itself, then I might as well just buy all the bits online myself and ask someone to fit it. I could alternatively install it myself, but I will take a very long time compared to what will take 2 blokes one week. I found a company who has a cheek to call themselves "Easy Bathrooms", but it's far from easy if you have to arrange for delivery and storage of the items and then arrange for someone to come and fit it all.

I realise that I'll be paying a very high price for a company who does everything, but I just want to walk into a showroom/shop, sit down at the computer with my measurements, and get them to quote me and arrange a date for installation like they did in 2016. Is that really too much to ask?

Jeepers_Creepers

It shouldn't be too much to ask - this should be the default position - but reality in the UK has changed.

Pros and cons. If you buy and then get someone to install, anticipate a 'mare if anything subsequently goes wrong. At the very least, you will be paying the installer to remove and replace any faulty part.

If you pay a 'bathroom fitter' to both supply and fit, then you should be covered for at least a year should anything go amiss.

For the 'peace of mind' reason, it's best to get one person to DIAll. 

Failing that, best be clued up should something like a leak occur - you'd need to ascertain what the cause was. 

danrv

gozaimasu said:

I could alternatively install it myself, but I will take a very long time

That’s what I’m doing and yes, taking a very long time.
The state my bathroom was in, it would’ve been an £8k job. 
If you need a fairly quick turnaround like most, it’s going to cost a lot. It’s mostly for the labour though as materials are cheap.

I usually go on local recommendations from social media if I need reliable trades/companies. Even then, they aren’t always so.
I’m just getting them in to do the stuff I can’t like visible plastering, waste/supply pipe routing, some electrics and subfloor but the rest is DIY. 

Ganga

I put mine in a lot of years ago ,a small internal bathroom ,bath ,hand washbasin and toilet ,the biggest problem was being without a toilet whilst the change was in place ,managed with a bucket for weeees but went to B and Q  every morning to use their toilets ( ONLY A FEW MILES AWAY ) to freshen up put in new hand washbasin ,toilet and new taps on basin and bath ,would probably only do this again if pushed as i am now over 70 

plumb1_2

Recommendations are best when looking for tradesmen, ask family, friends and work mates.

gozaimasu

Well, the reason for wanting to get this done professionally is because I want a whirlpool spa bath and I wouldn't be confident re: the electrics on that. There is also the added issue that I started to renovate the en-suite 2 years ago and I haven't finished it. Sure saved me a lot of money on labour but for the main bathroom I just want it over and done with in a week like my previous bathroom install. I was also hoping they'd sort out the en-suite while they're at it.

What about Wickes? Are they to avoid?

danrv

gozaimasu said:

Well, the reason for wanting to get this done professionally is because I want a whirlpool spa bath and I wouldn't be confident re: the electrics on that. There is also the added issue that I started to renovate the en-suite 2 years ago and I haven't finished it. Sure saved me a lot of money on labour but for the main bathroom I just want it over and done with in a week like my previous bathroom install. I was also hoping they'd sort out the en-suite while they're at it.

What about Wickes? Are they to avoid?

Depends how much needs doing and budget. The big stores will be top dollar. Probably best go with a recommended independent company.
Would have thought it would take longer than a week though.

robatwork

What about Ikea?

I know they can plan and fit a kitchen so probably have a similar service for bathrooms.

FreeBear

Ganga said: went to B and Q  every morning to use their toilets

Please, not the ones out on display....

OP - I'm surprised you do not have any independent kitchen/bathroom showroom/suppliers in your town. Just about everywhere I've been had at least one such place.

pinkteapot

gozaimasu said:

Well, the reason for wanting to get this done professionally is because I want a whirlpool spa bath and I wouldn't be confident re: the electrics on that. 

Try and get recommendations for a good local independent bathroom fitter - many will do supply as well so you're just dealing with one person. Electrics are no problem at all - they'll have electricians they use. 

My brother is a plumber and tiler and almost all his work is bathroom refits. Some customers buy and supply their own stuff. He encourages people to visit the local City Plumbing where he has a trade account. There's a good showroom there with knowledgeable staff who'll put the order together. Because he puts so much trade their way he's got a good relationship with them, any issues with parts are sorted quickly, etc. 

A whirlpool bath would be absolutely no problem for an experienced fitter like him. He uses the same electrician on all his jobs that involve electric showers, new lighting, etc. Same way he's got a regular plasterer for when plastering work is needed. 

I know it's frustrating it's not like kitchens where there are companies you visit that provide the full service. 

gozaimasu

Well, the first quote is in - local family run business with a small showroom. Just under £5k including VAT for panels on the walls, p-shaped (non-whirlpool...) bath, electric shower, new basin unit and toilet. They will put the panels over the existing tiles. I know it can be done but not sure if that is the best idea. I don't even really like most of the panels out there.

Bathroom is 1.7m x 2.5m. Might post up a drawing and see if anyone here has ideas re: layout since the sink is inconveniently placed in front of the window.