B&Q or Wickes for a walk-in shower and basin?

[user1471867483]

We've already got a new toilet put in by our council as mum's in receipt of pension credit, but that's the limit to what our council can do and we badly need a shower and basin as they're 42 years old and maroon (cringe) 🤦. Mum likes the idea of a big company (for come back). I'd appreciate your opinions please.

Neither! Better quality from a brand and a good local independent guy with trade accounts to source the best thing. Just make sure they have public liability and you see a copy of that.

Big firms are fine for products but fitting is only as good as the fitters - which obviously varies from area to area. Ask around for a recommendation for a bathroom fitter.

Basins and shower cubicles can be cheap or expensive, up to you.

I recently bought a decent basin from Plumbworld, we had been round the local bathroom showrooms but their basins etc were outside our price range. Plumbworld are online only so it was a bit of a risk not being able to see the basin in real life first, but I researched it as thoroughly as I could and we're pleased with it.
Shower cubicle & tray weren't cheap wherever we looked, I managed to get relatively discounted Mira in the end (buying from a trade store through eBay) and the plumber/fitter was impressed, he commented Mira were always good quality. Unfortunately the plumber wasn't great at fitting so it was something of a false economy as we're having to put right the fitting issues, but it will be lovely.

What about IKEA?

I'd get a local plumber with good reviews and let him source it. A local business isn't going to want a bad review. A national company won't give a shit. Have you seen the reviews for places like wickes and b&q.

Yes, their reviews are mixed.