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The checklist
What to check in your bathroom quote
Each point lights up on the quote as you read.
- Who will do any electrical work near the bath or shower
New circuits and some alterations near a bath or shower are notifiable in England. Most repairs and replacements are not. Agree which route applies before work starts.
- The extract ventilation included in the job
A new bathroom or shower room should have extract ventilation. If you’re refurbishing, existing extract ventilation must be retained or replaced.
Source: Planning Portal: ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms
- The quote is in writing
Citizens Advice says not to rely on a verbal quote and to get it in writing.
- A fixed price, not an estimate
A quote gives an agreed price for specified work. An estimate gives an approximate cost. Ask which you’ve been given.
- When each payment is due
Citizens Advice suggests agreeing payment stages, with a chance to put problems right before the final payment.
- When the work will start and finish
If no time is agreed, the law only says the work must be done within a reasonable time.
- The insurance the business holds
Ask what insurance the business holds and to see the policies. Citizens Advice includes public liability insurance among the cover to check.
- Who takes away the waste
You must take reasonable steps to make sure waste from your home only goes to someone authorised to take it, such as a registered waste carrier.
- Cancellation information, if you agree the job at home
For a contract agreed in your home, the business must give you set information and a cancellation form, on paper or another lasting form.
Before you agree
Registrations and certificates to ask for
- Who will handle electrical approval and certification?
For notifiable work, a scheme-registered electrician can self-certify. Otherwise, agree the building-control or registered third-party certification route before work starts.
Search the electrical competent person register - Gas Safe registration, if the job includes gas work
If the fitting includes work on gas appliances, check that the engineer is Gas Safe registered and qualified for that work.
Check the Gas Safe RegisterSource: HSE: domestic gas safety FAQs
The money
Know what you’ll pay and when
Citizens Advice says to keep the deposit as low as possible and not agree to more than 25%.
NI Direct advises avoiding large deposits and never paying the whole amount up front.
If you agree a job in your home, you can usually cancel within 14 days of agreeing it.
If you asked for work to start within those 14 days and then cancel, you pay for the part already done.
Ask the business
Questions to ask before you agree
- Who will do any electrical work, and which certificates will I receive? Electrical Safety First: Part P of the Building Regulations
- What extract ventilation is included in this quote? Planning Portal: ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms
- Is this a fixed price or an estimate? Citizens Advice: before you get building work done
- What insurance do you have, and can I see the policy? Citizens Advice: before you get building work done
- Can I pay in stages, with the last payment once the work is finished? Citizens Advice: before you get building work done
- Who will take the waste away, and are they a registered waste carrier? GOV.UK: waste duty of care code of practice
- If we agree this at my home, will you give me the cancellation information in writing? Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, regulation 10
Common questions
Questions people ask
Is electrical work in a bathroom notifiable?
Some is. In England, new circuits and certain alterations near a bath or shower are notifiable. Most repairs and replacements are not. Agree notification and certification before work starts.
Does a new bathroom need extract ventilation?
A new bathroom or shower room should have extract ventilation. If you’re refurbishing, retain or replace any existing extract ventilation. Planning Portal says a refurbishment with no existing ventilation system need not add one.
Source: Planning Portal: ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms
How much deposit should I pay for bathroom fitting?
Citizens Advice says to keep the deposit as low as possible and not agree to more than 25%.
Should a quote be a fixed price?
A quote gives an agreed price for specified work. An estimate gives an approximate cost. Citizens Advice recommends getting the quote in writing.
Can I cancel building work I agreed to at home?
If you agree a job in your home, you can usually cancel within 14 days of agreeing it.
This guide covers England. Rules for building work differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is general information, not legal advice, and it does not say whether a price is fair.