Ask to see proof, not just claims
Public liability insurance should be current and the certificate should name the actual trading entity, not a personal name that does not match the invoice. Ask for the sum insured; anything under £1-2 million for domestic work is worth questioning.
If electrical work is involved, ask specifically who does it and under what scheme, since a bathroom fitter should never be doing notifiable electrical work themselves without the right registration. The honest answer is either a named registered electrician or a clear statement that it is subcontracted to one.
Questions worth asking every fitter
Who actually does the tiling, plumbing and any electrics, in-house team or subcontractors? Neither answer is wrong, but you want to know before problems arise, not after.
Can I see two or three examples of similar completed work, ideally in person or on a site visit rather than only photos?
What happens if you find something unexpected once the floor is up, and how is that priced and agreed?
What is included in the figure: VAT, waste disposal, making good the decoration around the room, sealant and testing?
What is the payment schedule, and is any of it due before materials are ordered or work starts?
Red flags in a quote
A single lump sum with no breakdown by stage or trade makes it impossible to see what has been costed and what has been guessed.
A price dramatically lower than every other quote for the same specification, particularly if it does not mention waterproofing, strip-out disposal or electrical certification as separate items.
Pressure to pay a large deposit in cash with no invoice, or a request for the full balance before work is finished.
Reluctance to put the specification, brand of tray, tile sizes or adhesive type in writing. Vague specifications are where scope disputes start.
A sensible payment structure
There is no single legal rule here, but a structure that protects both sides usually looks like a modest deposit to secure materials and the slot, a stage payment once first-fix and waterproofing are done, and a final balance once the room is finished, tested and you are happy.
| Stage | What should be complete | Typical share of total |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Survey done, quote agreed, materials ordered | 10-25% |
| Interim | Strip-out, first-fix, waterproofing complete | 30-40% |
| Final | Tiling, second-fix, testing and clean complete | Remaining balance |
Checking references properly
Ask for a couple of addresses or contactable customers from the last six months, not two-year-old testimonials. A quick phone call about timekeeping, communication and how snags were handled tells you far more than any star rating.
If a fitter has no recent references to offer for domestic work of a similar size, treat that as information rather than an oversight.
Frequently asked questions
Is the cheapest quote ever the right choice?
Sometimes, but only if it covers exactly the same scope as the other quotes. A low price that omits waterproofing, disposal or electrical certification is not actually cheaper, it is incomplete.
Should I ever pay the full amount up front?
No. A staged structure with a final balance due once you are satisfied with the finished room protects you if something is not right.
How much deposit is reasonable?
Enough to secure materials and your slot, typically 10-25% of the total, not the majority of the job.
Do I need to see insurance documents myself?
Yes, ask for them directly rather than taking a verbal assurance. A legitimate business will send a certificate without fuss.
What if the fitter subcontracts some trades?
That is normal in this trade. What matters is that you are told who is doing what and that they are suitably insured and, where relevant, registered.