Plumbing Advice

Pingu1

My shower was making a burning smell last week, so I called a plumber in to swap with another I bought. He said he didn't feel confident doing it due to the really old 1980s fuse board, which needed replacing. I was quoted £850 for the fuse board replacement, which seemed have been done without any issues.

The plumber removed the shower, only to discover it hadn't been sitting on the tiles properly. Water was getting into the back of the shower, hence the burning smell. Some of the tiles were then removed - it appears they were sitting ontop of more tiles. The whole lot was damp. So I've been quoted £3000 - £3500 for retiling the shower cubicle and fitting the new shower. It seems a bit steep. I can't afford it. Luckily I budgeted for the fuse board replacement. The Plumber has advised me to go down the buildings insurance route, to see if they can cover the repair bill. I'm a leaseholder in a block of four flats, so I don't have any confidence this will work. Thanks.

fenwick458

is that the cable that fed the shower I can see in the picture?  it doesn't look suitable if it is.
£3500 does seem steep I'd get more quotes

ariarnia

it might depend on where you live but if you are supplying the materials then it seems a lot for labour. around here i would ballpark around £250 per day for a skilled tradesperson. have you asked him how many days that is and what's involved? could be the quote includes a load of plaster, new tiles and tray and it's bigger job than it looks at the start or it could be a very high quote. 

tacpot12

I don't think the insurance route is going to work as the problem is either the original workmanship, or the deterioration of the installation over time; neither of which will be covered by the insurance. 

I'd try to get a couple more quotes to retile and refit the shower.