10 questions to ask before hiring a bathroom fitter

These four questions can be answered over the phone or by email. If a fitter dodges any of them, that's your answer.

• 1. Are you a bathroom specialist or a general builder? Specialists install bathrooms every week — that experience shows in tanking, tiling and brassware detail.
• 2. Can I see recent photos of your own work, not stock images? Real fitters have a phone full of recent jobs.
• 3. Are you on Checkatrade, TrustATrader or similar with verified reviews? Look for volume and recency, not just a 5-star average.
• 4. Are you insured for public liability (£2m+) and is your gas/electrical work certified?

These are the questions that reveal whether the fitter knows what they're actually doing.

• 5. How will you waterproof wet areas — what tanking system and where? 'We just use silicone' is the wrong answer.
• 6. Who does the tiling — you or a sub? Tiling makes or breaks the finish; consistent results need the same person every time.
• 7. What happens if you find something behind the walls during strip-out? You want 'we stop, show you, and quote in writing' — not 'we'll just add it to the bill'.
• 8. Do you provide a written, itemised quote with a fixed price, or daily-rate estimate? Always insist on fixed.

Two final questions that protect you after the job.

• 9. What's your workmanship guarantee and how do I claim on it? A proper installer offers at least 12 months on labour in writing.
• 10. What's the payment schedule? Avoid anyone asking for the full amount up front. Standard is a deposit on booking, staged payments tied to milestones, balance on completion.

If you hear any of these, get a second quote elsewhere — even if the price looks good.

• 'Cash only, no paperwork' — no quote, no receipt, no recourse if it goes wrong.
• 'I can start tomorrow' — good bathroom fitters are booked 4–8 weeks ahead, especially in spring and autumn.
• Quote is verbal or written on the back of a receipt — must be itemised and emailed.
• Pressure to 'sign today for a discount' — proper trades don't sell like double glazing.