There are a number of considerations in choosing a bathroom fitter.

Price

For most people price is going to be the first consideration.  Make sure that you are happy with the fitter’s price from outset.  A good fitter will offer a fixed price for the bathroom installation.  It is never advisable to pay a daily rate unless you know the fitter or have seen previous work carried out.

Do you like the fitter?

A fully tiled bathroom can take around 10 working days to complete from start to finish.  Make sure that you actually like the fitter from the outset as you will be sharing your home with him/her for the next two weeks.

Information

Has the fitter given you enough advice and information about fitting you bathroom.  Fitted correctly, a bathroom will last for years so take an interest and ask questions.  Will the fitter be tanking the shower area?  If not, why not?  Will the fitter be using a ply overlay (if so, what thickness) over your wooden floor or a cement board overlay.  If the fitter tells you that he will tile on to your chipboard floor run a mile!  Ask questions and make sure that the fitter’s answers give you peace of mind.

Cleanliness

What happens at the end of each day?  Will the fitter tidy up, put tools away, take up dust sheets, and leave your home clean and tidy each evening?  Ask

Materials

Materials will have an effect on price.  If the price is more than you were expecting, is it because quality materials have been quoted for?  If the quote is less than you expected could it be that the fitter is using cheap materials.  Good quality materials will save you a lot of money in the long run.  Tanking a shower need only cost £60 but it is worth it.  The difference between cheap tile adhesive and good quality adhesive is not only price but performance.  Good quality means it will last.  For materials there should be no short cuts.  If the quote is higher than you thought it wold be it may be justified.

Quotation

Has the fitter supplied you with a written quotation telling you exactly what is quoted for?

Guarantees

Fitters who are experienced and use quality materials will be happy to supply a workmanship guarantee.  This means that if the grout starts to crack they will resolve the problem.  Don’t expect a fitter’s guarantee to cover a shower thermostat not working correctly.  That is done to the shower manufacturer