I normally do most stuff around the house myself, so rarely get anyone in and don’t have any trusted contacts. After asking three bathroom fitters for quotes on our bathroom, I only got two to actually visit and one to actually quote. The second just never turned up and the third one visited, but then went silent and stopped replying to me. So I’ve asked two more, both of whom visited and seemed happy enough to discuss the work and provide a quote, but that was two weeks ago. Is it me? or is there just too much work out there at the moment? What’s a reasonable length of time to allow? The first guy is now asking if I want to go ahead, but I’d like at least one comparative quote as his was at the top end of what I’d hoped.

I had wanted to avoid carrying on with it myself as I was at a point where it will be out of action for a very long time, given the pace I work at and the amount that needs doing. It’s our only bathroom and there are two kids in the house…

Having the same experience, looking for kitchen fitters. Some turn up and never quote despite seeming very interested and competent, some don’t turn up, some are just plain rude on the phone, like they are doing you a favour answwering … the two or 3 that do fulfill all the basic criteria have quotes varying by 2-3K.

I think it’s a combination for us of where we are (relatively remote for the South, 30 minute drive for most) and an abundance of work about – it appears they can pick and choose a bit at the moment. Most quotes have arrived within 3 weeks if they are coming at all.

When you award the contract getting them on site will be your next bit of fun.
Never believe ” See you Monday” if you know they are busy. It sounds good but gets annoying after the 5th time.
Also make sure you tell them you only pay 100 pre cent of the bill if they are there 100 per cent of the time until finished. The last thing you need is a bomb site in the bathroom and no idea when they will return.

More than a week without contact and I’d have written them off.

Had this for kitchenslast October /Noveember.

Technically the local independent kitchen specialists is strill prepping the Quote despite having bought form magnet and got an independent chippy to do the work.

After getting them in a week to two weeks is about right. depending on how busy that are and how much work is needed to get th quote done. And as ever no final payment till the job is completed to your satisfaction.

I’m still in shock,moved into new house,rot to end of joists under the living room, and insects in joists,local firm quoted me £1200 less than only other people who would come out,said we’re busy,it’ll be 4 weeks,but gave me a date,checked 2 days before date,they said “Yes,the boys will be round at 8am,it’ll take 2 days”.The boys turned up at the said time,did the work,finished 2:30 on the second day,cleared up,and left,stunning performance.