How to choose a bathroom contractor in London
Compare scopes, not just prices — and ask how the team handles what it cannot see yet.
The right contractor makes a renovation feel calm. The wrong one makes it feel endless.
Key takeaways
Ask for a written scope that lists strip-out, services, preparation, waterproofing, finishes and making good.
Check registrations for electrical and gas work and insurance for the build.
Look at finished projects similar to yours, ideally with before and after photos.
Be cautious of prices given without a survey, or a single line for labour.
Agree how changes, delays and hidden problems will be handled before work begins.
Questions
Questions to ask every contractor
What exactly is included?
Strip-out, waste removal, services, waterproofing, tiling, fitting, decoration and making good.
What is provisional?
Items that depend on what is found once the old bathroom is removed.
Who manages the project?
One point of contact who coordinates all trades.
How is waterproofing done?
A clear answer naming a system is a good sign.
What happens after handover?
Aftercare, snagging and any guarantees offered.
Paperwork
Documents you should expect
- A written quotation with a scope of works and payment schedule.
- Drawings or a layout for anything beyond a like-for-like refit.
- Product schedule: sanitaryware, brassware, tiles, lighting.
- Certificates for electrical work and building control where required.
- Insurance details.
Warning signs
Warning signs to watch for
- A fixed price over the phone without seeing the room.
- Large upfront payments before materials or work.
- No mention of waterproofing or ventilation.
- Reluctance to put the scope in writing.
- No photos of completed work similar to your project.
Comparing quotes
How to compare quotes fairly
Lay quotes side by side by scope, not total. A cheaper quote may simply leave out tanking, waste removal or decoration. Our London bathroom cost guide lists what a complete scope covers, and our projects show finished rooms from across London.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Two or three detailed quotes based on the same scope are usually enough to compare properly.
A reasonable deposit to secure materials is common; avoid paying most of the cost before work starts.
Electricians and gas engineers should be registered for notifiable work; check this for anyone doing those parts.
It reduces gaps between design and installation because one team is responsible for the result.
Related services: full bathroom renovation, bathroom design. Related projects: Light Under the Eaves, Deep Green, Warm Walnut, Warm Stone, Black Lines.
