Replcaement bathroom - what's the most cost effective way?

[Igglybuff]

We've got a small bathoom (2x2.5m) and seperate toilet (1x2m). We want to replace all the fittings, add electric underfloor heating, retile and add a cloakroom sink to the toilet.

First quote came in at 8k exc materials and fittings. I was a bit shocked - maybe I'm being naive? We have gone to companies that do it all as opposed to finding a plumber/plasterer/electrician as we've not got time to project manage and want it done quickly.

Can anyone tell me if this is a bit steep for London? If not, how hard would it be to employ seperate tradesman and coordinate the work ourselves? We're not moving any plumbing except for one radiator and adding a sink so it should be relatively easy.

Thanks

86pinkle any chance you could link to the seller who sold your fittings?
Was the quality good?

I'm thinking of getting the bathroom re-done too, so there are some useful links on here. I have also heard bad things about bathstore, but had a good experience with Diamond Merchants on Acre Lane in Brixton. I got stuff for my last bathroom there, and they have good quality, fairly plain stuff (e.g. steel bathtubs instead of acrylic).

That sounds totally excessive!

I'm having my bathroom and kitchen done at the moment. They guy doing it is fantastic, I'm really pleased with him. He's done a fantastic job so far, he's incredibly quick, he's plastered the bathroom, moved pipes and electrics around, removed the old suite, collected and fitted the new bath, toilet and sink in just over a week.

He's also very clean - I known builders to leave a terrible mess at the end of the day, but I've been really pleasantly surprised this time!

I've found him really easy to work with - he's a nice guy, gives good advice and is very clear about what is and isn't sensible to do. Throughout the process I've always got the feeling he's motivated by wanting to do a quality job, not just make money IYSWIM.

I asked him if he wanted his contact details posted on mumsnet. He said go for it (well actually he said "what's mumsnet?" at first but he's not a mum so I'll let him off!)

It's Robbie on 07738338226.

But he's mine for the next couple of weeks! Got the kitchen and hallway to do yet

I forgot to say, after shopping around, we got our bathroom from Chris Stevens building supplies at the top end of Holloway Road.

Their prices are just brilliant and the guys we spoke to there were really helpful. If they don't have what you want in store, ask them. They have catalogues of stuff they can order in in at a discount.

I got a bath which fits our slightly unusual spec for £191, the toilet for only £45!! (and she's called Becky, according to the box. Don't know why but that really makes me smile ) they had a decent looking cloakroom sink for £35 but we went for a vanity unit at £148. Then we blew the budget on a really cool looking mixer tap / shower head for £200!

And then we got 10% off all of those prices because it was over £50.

Deinitely worth a look IMO

If you want to go really budget they do a bath, sink and toilet set for £150!

Thanks lowrib I'll definitely check that out. Haha I like the idea of a loo with a proper name

LOL at the toilet having a name!!!! I always thought of toilets as boys, not girls!

More seriously though lowrib where did you say you are? Just wondering if your guy is near us or not.

We're in Hackney, London.
Where are you?

I do know he travels for jobs but I've no idea how far.

I'm in Beckenham so might be too far?

super that's a good price - wouldn't have thought it from b&q!

We've got another quote at around 3k and are waiting for a few more now before deciding. We're now going to get the windows and doors done too which will add a bit.

I'll ask him when he comes tomorrow and see what he says.

thanks!

Pannacotta I used two suppliers on ebay;

TrueShopping - for bath suite

stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/Trueshopping__W0QQ_armrsZ1

and
Halton Home- for shower and cubicle

stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/Bathroomimporters__W0QQ_armrsZ1

I sourced the taps and wastes separately but cannot find where from - also on ebay though.

There are some pictures on my profile of the items been using then since November with no problems and plumber had no problems fitting them- need to get plasterer in to finish the rest!

Hi Igglybuff I spoke to Robbie and showed him this thread. I'm afraid he says although in general he's not afraid of crossing the north/south divide, Beckenham really is a quite far a long way.
He said the £3k quote sounds about right from the info in this thread, and is in the ballpark of what he'd quote, so if you have a local guy it would probably make more sense for you to go for him anyway. He said he agrees the £8k quote is excessive and reckons you shouldn't touch them with a bargepole!

Thank you lowrib that's really helpful, I really appreciate you asking!

We're waiting for a few more quotes to come in. We've found a builder who seemed to know his stuff so here's hoping!

Now I'm onto researching furniture, tiles etc etc which involves shopping - always fun!

Ooh let us know if you find a good place for tiles!

We have to choose our kitchen tiles this week. (Already got plain old white ones for the bathroom, but I want something a bit nicer for the kitchen).

Igglybuff Have you looked in Rovic for tiles? Its near beckenham crem. Really lovely tiles. Biggus buckage though. Oh and if you like it and want something similar but even more wow, Surface on Queenstown Road.

Thanks Toots, I'll check it out. We've seen some metro ones we like but need to see them in the flesh as it were!