struggling to get quotes and know what's a fair price for this work!

[wootle]

And also to know what's the best way to do the job.. Because all the builders I've had round disagree with each other!

Basically I need some work done to the bathrooms at my house. In the main bathroom there's an alcove where there is plumbing for a shower. It's the wrong size for a shower tray apparently, so my options are tile it out or cut into the wall and fit a shower tray in.

Half the builders say tiling it will leak. One said I need a specially made tray, £500!

I don't have a bath panel. One says do it in tiles, others say mdf.

The bathroom walls (where not already tiled) and the walls of the ensuite (I'll come to the ensuite in a bit) are all boarded in marine ply. This is fine according to all but one builder who says it all needs treating.

So main bathroom, tiling,bath panel. Whole room needs grouting and general finishing off as well.

Have had 3 quotes. One for 700 plus materials. One 1200 which included materials but no shower tray (he was the guy who said tiling it only was fine). And one for £2000 including a tray. I've already bought shower, it's just tray and door, and bath panel needed. I have all tiles.

Then there's the ensuite. Walls need tiling (and treating according to the one guy) shower needs fitting, as does loo and sink, extractor fan installing, towel rail. And again bits of finishing off.

Again, 3 quotes, of 1300, 1500, and 2500. All but the lowest include materials but there are no materials for this room cos I've already bought it all (tiles, shower, suite etc). So that's confusing.

Oh I've also had another quote for both of 6000. No breakdown. And another 5 who either have never been heard from again since taking all measurements or who said they were busy, didn't want to take on someone else's work..blah blah.

I've no idea what's a fair price, what's the right way to do the job. And all of them have had a moan about what a mess it is, how much work needs doing etc which I must say hasn't endeared any of them so far!

Any thoughts please? I am on a tight budget so cant afford to get this wrong!

Anyone?

Which, of any of them, will guarantee their work if it develops a leak ?

None are offering any guarantee against leaks.

My first thought is that you probably need a plumber, rather than a builder, especially for your ensuite.

He/she can probably recommend someone to do the electrics / tiling that they are not able to do themselves.

My second thought is why people have quoted for materials if you've already got your ensuite sanitary ware. I think you need to confirm if they mean things like grout / silicone. I'd bite someone's hand off for a new ensuite for £1,500 - you know yourself how much you shower, sink, taps etc cost!!

Your bathroom is down to your preference. Would you prefer to stand in a shower tray, or on a tiled floor? The same with your bath panel. What kind of 'look' are you going for?

£2k sounds a lot for what you appear you need done. Again, you probably need a plumber not a builder for advice.

Have you got plumbers to quote or general builders? We had a tricky from a plumbing perceptive loft conversion and used a builder who's trade is plumbing and that worked well.

Do you have a preference on how the work the work should be done? i.e what might look better or if you tile will you get sufficient floor space to shower? Lots of lofts or ensuites have bijou shower areas so there are suppliers who make smaller trays and shower doors.My concern would be that the shower area is too small to properly shower if it really isn't something that suppliers make.What size is the floor area?

Have any of the builders suggested plastering and then tiling? We inherited an ensuite with tiles directly onto boards and it didn't stay dry.When we changed it to plaster and tiles it's been great.

Where are you getting the builders from? I think you may have to keep looking as when you find a credible builder you feel confident and they should be able to explain how many days are involved.In London you are looking at daily rates of between 150-200 per day so that will help you determine how much work they are allowing.

Is the shower electric? That can add extra costs as an electrician needs to be involved, especially if its a new circuit.

Shower is 740mm wide. Shower trays are generally 750, so a standard one wont fit. I honestly don't have a preference. The shower is above my lounge, so I'd like to avoid leaks, bit beyond that I really don't mind, I just want to get it done and useable mainly!

No one has suggested plastering. It's marine ply not just board sp should be water resistant, hence why I was surprised one guy got in such a state over it needing to be sealed.

All quotes have come from firms advertising themselves as bathroom installers/ plumbers/ tilers, apart from the 6k quote which was from a general handyman who also does plumbing.

I've got them from checkatrade, trustatrader, etc. Councils recommended traders i tried first, couldn't get any to even give me a quote! I've been trying for 2 months and am fed up already, but i really need to get it all done sooner rather than later.

Showers not electric. Work is about 4-5 days for ensuite, and 2 for main bathroom. We're outskirts of London.