What to look for in a bathroom fitter
- Multi-trade competence or a managed team — A bathroom refit involves plumbing, electrical work, tiling, and sometimes structural changes. Your fitter should either hold qualifications across these trades or work with named, qualified subcontractors for each element.
- Part P electrical qualification — Bathroom electrical work (extractor fans, shaver sockets, shower circuits) falls under Part P of the Building Regulations. The fitter or their electrician must be registered with a competent-person scheme (NICEIC, NAPIT, or equivalent).
- Gas Safe registration (if moving or installing a boiler) — If the bathroom refit involves moving a boiler, radiator pipework, or installing a gas towel rail, Gas Safe registration is legally required for that element of the work.
- Waterproofing knowledge — Ask about tanking (waterproof membrane application) behind tiles in wet areas, especially in walk-in showers. The fitter should know products like Schluter DITRA or BAL waterproofing and explain their method.
- Portfolio of completed bathrooms — Good bathroom fitters photograph their work. Ask to see examples of similar-sized bathrooms, paying attention to tiling precision around niches, window reveals, and floor drains.
- Public liability insurance — Water damage from a poorly fitted bathroom can cost thousands. Ensure cover of at least £2 million and check the policy is current.
Questions to ask before hiring
- Who handles the electrical and plumbing elements? If the fitter subcontracts these, ask for the names and qualifications of the electrician and plumber. You need a Part P certificate for electrical work and any gas work must be Gas Safe registered.
- How do you waterproof the shower area? The answer should involve a tanking system or liquid membrane applied to walls and floors before tiling. If the fitter says silicone alone is sufficient, they do not understand modern bathroom waterproofing.
- What tile adhesive and grout do you use, and are they suitable for wet areas? Wet-area tiling requires flexible, waterproof adhesive (S1 or S2 rated) and an appropriate grout. Ask about brands — BAL, Mapei, and Weber are professional-grade.
- Will you fit the bathroom to a set specification, or do I choose materials? Clarify whether the quote is supply-and-fit or labour-only. If you are supplying tiles and sanitaryware, ask about breakage policy and whether they will check deliveries before starting.
- What is the realistic timeline from strip-out to handover? A typical family bathroom takes 7–10 working days. If a fitter promises completion in 3 days, they are either cutting corners or not accounting for waterproofing curing times.
Red flags to watch for
- Claims waterproofing is unnecessary. Any bathroom fitter who says tanking or waterproof membranes are not needed for a walk-in shower does not meet current best-practice standards. Water will eventually penetrate grout and damage the structure beneath.
- No electrical certification offered. Bathroom electrical work must be Part P compliant. If the fitter cannot provide an Electrical Installation Certificate for new circuits or modifications, the work does not meet Building Regulations.
- Silicone as a primary waterproofing method. Silicone sealant is a finish, not a waterproofing system. It degrades within 2–3 years. Relying on silicone alone around a shower tray will lead to leaks.
- Cannot explain the tiling layout. A professional fitter plans tile layouts to avoid narrow cuts at edges and ensures symmetry around focal points. If they cannot explain where cuts will fall, the result will look amateur.
- No waste removal plan. A bathroom strip-out generates significant waste: old tiles, plasterboard, sanitaryware. The quote should include skip hire or waste removal. If it does not, expect hidden charges.
What to expect on costs
A standard bathroom renovation costs £4,000–£8,000 for labour and materials. High-end refits with underfloor heating, walk-in showers, and premium tiles can exceed £12,000. A basic cloakroom or en-suite costs £2,000–£4,000.
For a detailed breakdown, see our full cost guide.
Find rated bathroom fitters in Kent
- Bathroom Fitters in Kent — county-level directory
- Bathroom Fitters in Maidstone
- Bathroom Fitters in Canterbury
- Bathroom Fitters in Dartford
- Bathroom Fitters in Tunbridge Wells
- Bathroom Fitters in Ashford
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