How does this bathroom quote sound to you?

[Russianred]

I just wanted to get some perspective on our quote - it is from the plumber who has re-fitted our central heating system and done all the plumbing in our extension and is very reliable/trustworthy/conscientious/skillled.

We are having everything ripped out and removed (tiling and old suite) and the walls bonded, boarded and re-plastered, a new suite and shower fitted, all plumbing done and all tiling done (metro tiles so time consuming) and have been quoted £3400 for materials and labour. This excludes flooring, painting, skirting boards and electrical work and the cost of those materials.

How does this sound to you?

thanks noddy & jane - btw this was my first msg ever on mumsnet. am quite chuffed someone responded:)
am very confused what to do as he is someome i've used before so know his work is good and trust him, however do feel i can never negotiate with him on prices.
i also have him doing the painting and other jobs around the house - my 1st ever property
am going to have to try and keep costs of new suite/shower/tiles to under 1500 so that i dont go over 4k for a bathroom (size 1.45m*2.46m)

Sounds very reasonable, mine was double that but with ludicrously expensive gadgetry and tiles.

Agree with other posters though that 10 days is OTT, my mum just had hers done similar to you in 5 days by plumber and his lad.

Hello Rex and welcome it's nice to meet you.

That's an even smaller bathroom than mine! I think in your circs I'd definitely get a few more quotes (you don't have to tell him about them) - you can get recommendations or business cards if you ask at tiling shops, or plumbers merchants. Quotes are free, you might find someone you really like and you can always tell them about your initial quote, and ask them if they think it is rasonable and most will be honest with you if they think it is, and explain why it's going to cost that much.

Tiling a room that size is literally no more than a £300-500 job I'd reckon - plus floor, which would add another 150-200 ime.

And the plumbing ain't gonna be hard if it's just straightforward like with like.

For what he has quoted I'd be looking at materials being included! But then where you are things might generally cost more. I don't want to set you up to think he's trying to rip you off when he may not be. but do ask him at least for a breakdown of the costs before you agree to it.

cool thanks Jane I will ask for more quotes:)

Ah yes negotiation - well your other quotes should be handy for that.

'well I'd love to book the work but with such a price difference I don't feel I can - why don't we compromise......'

:)

OP- sounds reasonable to me. Lot depends on the quality of work and the finish, easy to get it done quickly but if you want a particular standard of work done then you will pay more. You could be paying a lot more, friend told me her small bathroom cost 7 grand.

We've just had a quote for ?1600 for supplying and fitting a new bath and rearranging existing items in the bathroom. So, personally speaking, I'd snatch his hand off. Standard labour charges are ?250/day.

Btw, would your plumber like a holiday in sw France?

My advice would be to get a few quotes from good people! I know that can be harder said than done but there are a few website out there that can point you in the right direction like

www.dovcorbathrooms.co.uk/free-bathroom-quote

It's a free service that rates and compares local suppliers and can arrange for multiple quotes for you.

Failing that I would just ask around people you know to see if they have used anyone they would recomend.

OP, by all means get more quotes, but DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE the value of someone you say you have found to be "reliable/trustworthy/conscientious/skilled".

By what you have said it sounds ok. Bathrooms and plumbing can be notoriously difficult, time consuming and bring up unexpected surprises. Which is probably why he has possibly been generous with the amount of days, especially as it is on quote.

It may not take 10 actual days, for example 2 men could be working together for 5 days (unlikely in this scenario, but you get what I mean).

And if he means it will take 10 actual working days there are various reasons why it might. plasterers tend to work shorter hours for a full days wage (it is a hard physical job to do day in day out). Also the walls will need multiple lifts, which then have to dry fully before they can be painted. The plumber and tiler won't be able to work in the room while it is being plastered. The adhesive on the tiles has to go off before it can be grouted. Some tiles are easier to lay than others, so can take more time.

If you have used him before and trust him, then it's likely his price is ok. the vast majority of tradesman are out to make a living for a fair days work.

It sounds very reasonable to me. I'm currently having my en suite refitted. Everything staying in the same place but shape of the shower changing, so some building work. Excluding materials which I've bought myself, the quote is £3K plus tiling @ £250 per day including tiling materials but not the tiles. (I think there will be 5 man-days for the tiles).

And I've had to buy shower, shower tray, shower door, bath, bath taps, loo, sink, basin taps, tiles, storage cupboard, tiles (wall and floor), mirror, loo roll holder, robe hooks, towel ring, heated towel rails

I've yet to buy a loo seat and a bath panel for the side of the bath.

They are doing a brilliant job.