Planning a new bathroom: what to check before you hire

A new bathroom involves several trades: plumbing, electrics, tiling and often plastering. Knowing who does what before you hire avoids gaps and surprises.

Supply and fit, or fit only?

Some bathroom companies design, supply and fit everything. Others only fit what you've bought. Supply-and-fit is simpler, because one company is responsible for everything. Fit-only can cost less but leaves you sorting out deliveries, missing parts and any problems with the products yourself.

Electrics need a registered electrician

Adding to or changing electrical circuits close to a bath or shower counts as notifiable work under the Building Regulations (Part P). It must be done by an electrician registered with a competent person scheme, such as NICEIC or NAPIT, or be checked by building control. Ask who will do the electrics and how it will be certified, and keep the certificate.

Ventilation and waterproofing

• Bathrooms need adequate ventilation, usually an extractor fan, to prevent damp and mould.
• Walk-in showers and wet rooms need the walls and floor properly waterproofed (tanked) before tiling. Ask how they'll do it.

Moving the boiler or gas pipes?

If the job means moving a boiler or any gas pipework, that work must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

What a good quote covers

• Removal and disposal of the old suite
• Plumbing, electrics, plastering, tiling and decorating, and who does each
• Which products are included, by name
• How long the room will be out of action
• Payment stages, rather than everything up front

Questions worth asking

Ask	Why it matters
Can I see bathrooms you've fitted?	Photos and nearby references show their finish
Who's on site each day?	You'll know who's responsible for each stage
What guarantees come with the work and products?	Workmanship and product guarantees are separate
What happens if you find a problem behind the walls?	Agree how extra work is priced before it starts