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Finding a Bathroom Fitter

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  • Postik
    Postik Posts: 416 Forumite
    100 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    edited 9 March 2023 at 12:29PM
    I think as Doozegirl said, the majority of decent trades are not going to have a landline number, website or reviews.  They get most of their work from word of mouth and are stacked out with work so they just don't need such things.  They also work with their hands and raw materials, most of them probably barely know how to turn a computer on.

    As it happens, I work in IT, and many of my suppliers and contractors don't have a website or landline number for pretty much the same reasons as above (good at what they do so get plenty of work via word of mouth).

    If you want someone with premises, website, a limited company and landline number then expect to pay more because all these things cost money (rent, website designer, accountant, etc).  Even then I am cautious of "larger" companies/setups because sometimes they are under far greater pressure to keep the money flowing in so won't always do a good job, nor come back if they bodge something up.  The work can also be variable depending on which employee carries it out.

    Good luck!
  • This is where I'm struggling somewhat. I'm skeptical of those who promote themselves on the internet too much but then don't know how to find those who don't. 
  • Postik
    Postik Posts: 416 Forumite
    100 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    This is where I'm struggling somewhat. I'm skeptical of those who promote themselves on the internet too much but then don't know how to find those who don't. 

    What I've always done is asked for recommendations from people I trust.  Years ago I knew someone who owned a small DIY shop and he was an invaluable source for recommendations.  I also know someone who owns a building company and whilst they only tend to focus on bigger jobs often they would have friends or aquiatances that do smaller projects. If you don't have any friends or family that have had their bathrooms done lately I'm not sure what you can do.  If you know good tradesmen that specialise in other areas you can always ask them, because usually they will know someone.  I am always skeptical of asking my "friends" on Facebook because I think you can get a load of untrustworthy recommendations that way.
  • bris
    bris Posts: 10,548 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    You have no choice, if you want it done then B&Q, Wickes etc are you're only option. Your reason for avoiding them is pretty silly tbh because their prices are usually lower than the local independents.
  • Go to where the trades people  buy their bathrooms. Not diy sheds :'( .  Have a chat with the counter staff, they know the installers who regularly purchase bathrooms suites.
    Plumbers merchants with bathroom displays are also a good place to enquire be prepared for the sales chat on their bathrooms. 

    Good luck.


  • diystarter7
    diystarter7 Posts: 5,202 Forumite
    1,000 Posts First Anniversary Name Dropper
    This is where I'm struggling somewhat. I'm skeptical of those who promote themselves on the internet too much but then don't know how to find those who don't. 
    Look up the tradesites - look up someone that has been there for years - often they have gaps in their feedback ie no work but they are often busy thsoe times with word of mouth work

    NB:  When looking at reviews - check for people that requested work and never left feedback, if its the odd one, no big deal but if its more than lets say 10%, the people may not be 100% happy - whe reading reviews, EG bathroom fitters, they may have dozens of reviews for fitting a leaky tap/futting it, chaing toilet seat etc but look for relevant reviews, ie bathroom full refurb etc.

    Try to get one living near to you, ie easily travel daily distance - when seeking a quote, ask probing questions who will b doing the work, does it inc vat, when start finish times etc who leads the job, any exmaples you could go and see, etc etc. Give them a call after the quote to ask another question etc and see how quickly they come back - never give money up front and on larger jobs in increments but for work completed as agreed and within times, if not, they only get money at the end


    A builder knows where you live etc and can often judge if you will pay, but a customer often only has the builders word,

    So be careful and do your homework and dot fall for the nice banter and ask if they see any problems with the refub,EG, may encounter damp etc and what would happen and see what they say and they should never carry out works that were not agreed unless you have been advised,

    If a builder can start a major refurb next week, be weary about that and do more research


    Good luck
  • I've since arranged for someone else to come round and give me a quote and he never turned up. 

    Now I think more about the person who gave me an expensive quote the alarm bells are too much PR. He has a fancy website, Facebook page, Instagram page, Twitter and even a YouTube video that's an advert for him. 
  • I'm in your situation OP. Looking to get my bathroom done but no idea where to go and keep getting conflicting opinions of sites like checkatrade. 

    I've asked for recommendations and got a family relative who has done a poor job. Likewise, I've spoken go onto the websites and found iffy people there too. 
  • diystarter7
    diystarter7 Posts: 5,202 Forumite
    1,000 Posts First Anniversary Name Dropper
    Hi
    The thing is you do not know how good they are util they have finished your job and or come back to the snag or sadly, left half way through.

    Someone did great flooring at one of our kids place, 10/10

    We had the same flooring for the hall and the bloke was on the phone most of the time when trying to fit the floor and we noted later he had used three damaged pieces of wood and the lining up was not great.  Therefore, at times, even if someone has done a good job there is no gurantee the work will be good

    Just safeguard yourself as much as possible by seeing if they turn up on time for the quote, what their van looks like ie do they take pride in their vhecle that has their tools, the way they talk to you, waht they say and check work they have completed a few months ago ie type you ant and ask if you could give them a call if its a big project and you should be able to tell by their reaction along with the other info if you should take them on - never pay up front but as a last resport in increments not for days worked but targets me

    Ask about start finnish times and how long project will take and get it in writing

    Thnaks


  • Doozergirl
    Doozergirl Posts: 34,075 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited 14 March 2023 at 9:50AM
    I've since arranged for someone else to come round and give me a quote and he never turned up. 

    Now I think more about the person who gave me an expensive quote the alarm bells are too much PR. He has a fancy website, Facebook page, Instagram page, Twitter and even a YouTube video that's an advert for him. 
    Why is that an alarm bell?  The price might be bonkers on the face of it, but marketing your business isn't a crime!  People hang out in different places.  

    The YouTube video, if it is an advert, is re-targeted directly at you.  He won't be randomly advertising to everyone.  

    I think you've got too many bells.   
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