bathroom renovation - DIY or Beams?

[McCheck]

We have a single loo in a room and next to it a room with tub and sink.The wall separating them is 15cm thick and neighbours have knocked it through.

We want to create a family bathroom,

• knock through existing wall
• remove the door of loo room and make it into a wall
• re- tile
• replace all appliances (but leave them where they are so the plumbing is there)
• add in shower and connect it to the external wall pipes
• add in medicine cabinet
• add in nice lighting
• add in heated towel rail.

Now, Beams (an online interior design / build company) quoted 20K plus for that. Has anyone used them?

Surely I can plan and material source this myself? I have some builders and will outsource the plumbing and building

Where to start?

Beams is just a third party broker platform that connects you to contractors - they don't do any actual work

so what is their cut? 10%?

It is unclear what their cut is - no details in the terms and conditions
They have only been trading for 2 years and employ 3 people

I think you need a few ( at least 3) builders to come and give you a proper quote (not an estimate). It should list exactly what is to be done, what materials they will provide and a total price. They will need to know exactly what you want done. Find out if vat is included in the price or not.

Ask around locally for reliable builders, and don't be afraid to ask for references.