There’s lots to think about when planning your new bathroom. Before you start, it’s a good idea to think about your options and your budget, and consider ways of getting just what you desire without going over it.
Here at Aspire Bathrooms, one of our core values is to provide helpful advice. So we’ve put together these useful tips to help you make the right choices and decisions when it comes to your new bathroom, and who you choose to design and install it.
1. Know what you want and how much you want to spend.
Finer detail aside, being clear on what you’d like to achieve will help you get the right person for the job, plus an accurate quote within your budget.
2. Get three quotes.
This way you’ll be able to compare prices and check they’re reasonable. Get them in writing. They should be on headed paper with a breakdown of costs including VAT. Also be clear that the price quoted is fixed and not a rough guide.
3. Look out for hidden extras.
Get a detailed list of what’s included in the quote and always ask about additional costs for anything you don’t see listed. Make sure it covers labour, materials and trades like tiling, plastering, plumbing and electrics, as well as the cost of the bathroom suite itself and any appliances and installation.
4. Make sure all bases are covered.
Sometimes a new bathroom will put a strain on your existing electrics or heating system. A good tradesperson will check your fuse box and advise you upfront whether it needs to be replaced with a modern consumer unit. They’ll also check the capacity of your heating system and existing boiler to check they can cope with the new bathroom installation. Any additional work required should be quoted upfront so there are no surprises down the line.
5. Ask about accreditations.
All domestic electrical work MUST be carried out by NICEIC Part P compliant electricians and gas installations by a Gas Safe Registered engineer otherwise your home insurance will be invalid, not to mention lives could be put at risk. Check the credentials of the people carrying out your work: always be diligent and ensure you receive all the relevant official certificates for the work carried out in your home.
6. Get a guarantee.
Find out what is offered by way of a guarantee for the labour and make sure you have it in writing. Also ensure you are given all the relevant warranty paperwork for appliances and any other installations such as boilers.
7. Go with recommendations.
A good tradesperson will get plenty of work through word of mouth. Ask around people you know for recommendations, look online for testimonials or request references from trade associations.
8. Get a written agreement.
Once you’ve decided to go ahead, get the job agreed in writing. Ask for a list of all the work to be completed plus a timescale and payment schedule. Smaller jobs will usually be settled on completion. Staged payments are normal for bigger jobs. Get a receipt for each payment made.
9. Remember: the cheapest isn’t always the best.
Sometimes it’s better to pay a little more, especially if it’s someone who’s been recommended or you feel you can trust. Go with your instincts.
Looking for Helpful Advice on Bathroom Design or Installation?
Aspire Bathrooms is at your service. Give us a call and ask us anything you like. We’re on 01932 781015, or you can contact us using our online form.
