How to get more quotes without going mad

[violetbean]

We just moved into a house that doesn't have a bathtub (has walk-in shower instead). I'm 6 months pregnant and really want to get a bathtub in asap. We are really skint so need to do it as cheaply as possible.

The bathroom is an odd shape but there are a couple of ways we could fit a tub in, if we move the sink and radiator and take out the shower.

I spent over 2 hours contacting plumbers last week but only 3 of them got back to me to arrange a visit. We had one yesterday, one today and have another tomorrow.

First guy was lovely, a recommendation, very thorough and wants to rip out the bathroom and start again (2 weeks work). Second guy (highly rated on check-a-trade) was in and out within 15 min but listened to exactly what we wanted to do and said it would be around 2-3 days work. I am expecting the first guy to quote way above what we can afford and second guy more reasonable, but second guy didn't come across as friendly or committed as first guy.

Should I start organising for more quotes (sigh!) or is it reasonable to compare two guys who seem to differ so wildly? Time is of the essence so if I wait until they have given us prices it could be another few weeks before we manage to get other people in - had such trouble getting people to respond the first time!

Also, in general would it be better to go for the full (2 week) refit, even when I'll be heavily pregnant, or just the light-touch (2 day) approach?

Thanks in advance for any replies!

I don't think I want "friendly" builders - ime, they're charming you because it then makes it harder to tie them down later in the project. I would always go for someone business-like verging on curmudgeonly. Based on what youve said (I'm assuming no retiling etc) 3 days sounds doable. Why not wait and see what the third person says?

Thanks lalalonglegs, that's really helpful - I thought people would steer me towards the 'friendly' guy but you're right that he might have an ulterior motive. Am looking forward to meeting the third guy tomorrow to see what stance he takes. There's a bit of tiling I think but not much retiling. Fingers crossed the quotes will come back ok!

The third guy was right between the first two - wants to take all the tiles out and replaster as well as moving the stuff around, said it'll probably take about a week. We'll see what quotes they each come back with!

We had the most miserable bloke do some tiling and pluming for us, had two full blown tantrums but did the best job I have even seen.
I would most certainly wait for three quotes but if you don't want everything ripped out I would go with No1 seems like you will be wasting money.

I would NOT go with No 1

Who ever you choose - no matter how miserable - if you give them a mug of tea with a Bickie every so often, you might find that they will be appreciative and do a better job because of it !! :-)