The short answer
To get a meaningful bathroom quote, tell fitters your room size, the scope of work, the suite and tiling you want, and whether fixtures are moving. Always get at least three itemised quotes from a vetted bathroom installation specialist, and compare them on scope, not just price. See our new bathroom cost guide to understand what each element should cost.
Getting bathroom quotes is easy to do badly — accepting the first price, comparing quotes that cover different scopes of work, or choosing the cheapest without checking what is included. This guide walks through how to prepare a proper quote request, what to expect from a good fitter’s response, and how to compare proposals on a like-for-like basis.
Getting quotes at a glance
- Minimum quotes Three (ideally four)
- Look for Accredited, insured specialists
- Quote format Itemised, in writing
- What to provide Room size, scope, suite, tiling
- Site visit Request one — avoid phone-only estimates
- Comparison method Same scope; check waterproofing and ventilation are included
What information to give fitters when requesting quotes
The more information you provide upfront, the more accurate and comparable your quotes will be. At a minimum, tell each fitter:
- Room size and type: family bathroom, ensuite or wet room, with approximate dimensions.
- Scope of work: a like-for-like refit, or a full strip-out with new layout.
- Suite and fixtures: the suite, shower or bath you want, or your budget tier if undecided.
- Tiling: floor and wall areas to be tiled, and the tile type if chosen.
- Whether fixtures are moving: as relocating the WC, basin or bath adds plumbing cost.
Ideally, invite the fitter for a brief site visit rather than quoting by phone. A site visit lets them see the existing room, identify complications such as old pipework or uneven floors, and give a far more accurate price. Phone estimates are faster but lead to more surprises once work starts. Our planning guide helps you decide the scope before you ask.
What a good quote looks like
A properly itemised quote should set out: strip-out and disposal; the suite, shower and fixtures by make and model; tiling labour and materials; waterproofing or tanking where needed; the extractor fan and ventilation; electrical work and certification; plumbing and any pipe moves; plastering and making good; and labour with the number of working days. If waterproofing or ventilation is missing from the quote, ask for it to be included — these are essential, not optional. Any “allowances” for unforeseen work should be flagged so you understand what would trigger additional charges.
| Item | Should be in the quote? |
|---|---|
| Strip-out and disposal | Yes |
| Suite, shower and fixtures (make/model) | Yes — specified |
| Tiling (labour and materials) | Yes |
| Waterproofing / tanking | Yes — where needed |
| Extractor fan and ventilation | Yes — required under Part F |
| Electrical work and certification | Yes — notifiable under Part P |
| Labour (days stated) | Yes |
| Making good and disposal | Yes |
How to compare quotes fairly
Once you have three quotes, line them up item by item. A price difference may be entirely explained by what is included: one fitter at £6,500 may include full tanking, a quality suite and a 5-year workmanship guarantee; another at £5,800 may omit waterproofing and offer less cover. Adjust prices to a comparable basis by adding the cost of missing items, then weigh the less-quantifiable factors: reviews, accreditations, communication and whether they carried out a site visit. The right choice is rarely the cheapest on paper if that quote is incomplete. See our how to choose a fitter guide for the full set of checks. This is general information; actual costs and scope vary with your room and chosen specialist.
When to use a quote comparison service
A quote comparison service can save time by gathering several quotes from local specialists at once. When using one, make sure it passes your request to fitters who will carry out a proper site visit rather than generating an automated online price. The most useful service connects you to real local specialists who assess the job in person — closer to getting three independent quotes than an instant online calculator. Always check accreditations and insurance independently, regardless of what the platform says about vetting. This page is general information; quotes are estimates and the actual cost depends on your specific room, scope and chosen specialist.
Compare bathroom quotes now
Use our service to compare itemised quotes from a vetted bathroom installation specialist in your area. Free to use, no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
How many bathroom quotes should I get?
At least three. This gives you a realistic price range, helps you spot outliers in either direction, and is the most reliable way to confirm you are being charged a fair market rate for a properly specified renovation.
What should I tell fitters when requesting a bathroom quote?
Give your room size and type, the scope of work, the suite and tiling you want, and whether any fixtures are moving. A site visit is far more accurate than a phone estimate, as it lets the fitter see the existing room and any complications.
Is the cheapest bathroom quote always the worst?
Not always, but the cheapest quote is often cheapest because it omits something — waterproofing, ventilation, certified electrics or proper preparation. Itemise and compare on scope before deciding, rather than choosing on headline price alone.
How long does it take to get a bathroom quote?
An online request typically generates responses within a few days. A site visit can usually be arranged within a week, and most specialists aim to quote shortly after. Allow a week or two for the comparison process if you are not in a hurry — rushing produces worse outcomes.
Sources & further reading
- KBSA — consumer guidance on choosing a bathroom specialist and quotes
- CIPHE — plumbing and installation standards
- TrustMark — vetted tradespeople and consumer protection
- GOV.UK / Building Regulations Approved Documents F, G, H and P
This is general information, not advice for your specific room or renovation. Costs, timescales and outcomes vary with your home, room condition and chosen specialist. Bathroom Answers is an independent information and introduction service, not an installer.