If you’re planning on transforming your bathroom, you undoubtedly want the result to look beautiful and function perfectly — but getting there isn’t always straightforward. A quick online search will show you thousands of bathroom ideas, tips, and tradespeople offering their services. But how do you know who you can really trust with such an important job?
At Alan Heath & Sons, we’ve learned that experience, qualifications, and good old-fashioned word-of-mouth go a long way. And with a combined experience of over 100 years across our team, we’ve seen just about everything the bathroom world can throw at us!
What sets experienced bathroom designers apart?
Bathroom design isn’t just about picking the nicest bathroom tiles or the trendiest taps (although we can provide great recommendations on those too!). It’s about understanding the space, how it will be used, and how to make the most of every inch, all while making sure everything meets safety regulations and runs smoothly behind the scenes.
A team with decades of experience brings a depth of knowledge that simply can’t be learned overnight. The team at Alan Heath & Sons, established back in the mid-80s, have been designing and installing bathrooms for generations of families. That kind of longevity shows we’re doing something right.
With over 100 years of combined experience, we’re constantly learning from each other and staying updated on the latest techniques and innovations, while still keeping the practical knowledge that only comes with time.
Spotting red flags in bathroom companies
It’s easy to be dazzled by a glossy website or a flashy Instagram page. But don’t be fooled as clever marketing doesn’t always equal quality work. We’ve heard countless stories over the years about homeowners left with leaks, bad layouts, and poor finishes because they hired someone who looked the part online but didn’t have the real-world skills.
Another thing to watch out for is when tradespeople make big promises without showing any proof of past work. Experience doesn’t always come with a certificate, but it does leave a trail of satisfied customers. Look for reviews, ask for photos of real installations (not just stock images), and find out how long they’ve been in business.
The value of proven expertise
When you work with experienced professionals, you’re not just paying for their time, you’re getting their insight. We’ve had many customers say things like, “I didn’t realise I could have done that!” when we show them clever layout solutions or better material options. That’s the power of knowing the little things that make a big difference.
From choosing long-lasting fixtures to making sure everything’s waterproofed properly behind the scenes, it’s the details that add up to a bathroom that looks great and works perfectly for years to come.
Questions to ask before hiring a bathroom designer/installer
Not sure how to tell if someone’s truly experienced? Here are a few good questions to start with:
Are they recommended by trusted sources?
Check for affiliations with respected organisations like Which?, Trustmark, or The Guild of Master Craftsmen.
Do they have real client reviews?
Platforms like Which? are great for checking feedback, especially for smaller jobs.
Can they show you actual examples of their work?
The best tradespeople are proud of what they do and happy to show it off.
Do people recommend them?
Word-of-mouth is still one of the best indicators of quality. A company that runs mainly on recommendations usually means they’ve built trust over time. At Alan Heath & Sons, we’ve built our reputation on just that; doing good work that people talk about (for the right reasons!).
In fact, before the internet was as big as it is now, we found that most of our business was from previous clients or repeat business. One year 74.1% of our enquiries were from previous jobs or recommendations!
The risks of unqualified bathroom installers
It might come as a surprise to hear, but you don’t need any formal qualifications to fit a bathroom in the UK. That’s why experience matters even more. We’ve seen the aftermath of rushed jobs and bad workmanship far too often, leaks behind walls, tiles cracking due to poor preparation, and even safety issues from dodgy electrical work.
One of the most frustrating things we see is homeowners hiring someone who seemed “qualified” but actually had no proper training or track record. This means they don’t know-how to do the job properly or how to fix things if something goes wrong.
Experience saves the day
We once helped a customer who had almost signed off on a design that looked good on paper but would have caused constant issues in real life. Our designer spotted the problem straight away and suggested a smarter layout that gave them more space and better flow.
In another case, a homeowner had hired someone who claimed to be an expert but was actually using someone else’s credentials to win jobs. Luckily, they reached out to us before any real damage was done.
These stories aren’t uncommon, which is why we always encourage people to dig a little deeper before signing on the dotted line.
Choose experience over hype
Your bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your home, so it deserves more than just a quick makeover or a cut-price job. While low quotes might be tempting, the real cost comes later when things don’t work out.
Take your time, do your homework, and choose people with a proven track record. Ask questions, read reviews, and don’t be afraid to walk away if something doesn’t feel right. At Alan Heath & Sons, we’re proud to let our work (and our happy customers!) speak for us. Afterall, experience doesn’t just matter in bathroom design, it’s essential.
Need some help creating your dream bathroom? Come have a chat with our team or visit our bathroom showroom in Coventry.