Bathroom reburb estimate/quote question

[PossumPoo]

I've just received an estimate from a bathroom installer and just wondering should I request a quote or can jobs like this only really give out an estimate?

My concern was the price is quite high as an estimate but if that was what is was going to cost (bar them finding something major that needed to be fixed obviously) I would go with them but if it's only an estimate and it's likely to increase anyway then I think I'll have to keep looking.

Does anyone know? I'm so bloody clueless about all this!

just had a quote from the guy who installed our kitchen (didn't think of him to do the bathroom originally!) and he was way cheaper and I already know the quality of his work.

I'd be wary of an estimate. It's one thing to quote for specified works with the caveat that if they find something wrong which isn't apparent, e.g. water damaged floorboards due to an unnoticed leak, then putting that right will be at additional cost. An estimate could mean that all sorts of things could affect the final cost.

We have just had ours done. I would recommend that you buy all of the fixtures and fittings up front so that that are quoting for building work only. Ours required a new ceiling, replaster before tiling but no moving the plumbing (just replacing like for like) and took about 7 days of work all in. If you get an experienced fitter they will know how long it's likely to take and base their quote on that. Ask that if they need tp buy any extra materials that they either tell you what to get or show you a receipt and you reimburse. Also ask that if they uncover anything requiring extra time/work they tell you how much extra it will cost and agree what you are paying for.

Thank you both for your replies. We will be buying all the stuff just needed a quote for installation and tiling.

we were planning on getting it done when we were going to be away for a week as we only have one bathroom...wondering though if that's a bad idea, although we would be contactable if there was an emergency?

I would strip the room out myself, back to the brick or plaster that way you can see what you are dealing with.

Not a chance I'm doing that!