Renovating your bathroom is a big deal. Whether you’re upgrading a tired space or doing a complete makeover, you want it done right the first time. But finding a tradesperson you can trust can be a bit tricky. With so many people out there claiming to be “experts,” how do you know who’s legit and who’s just winging it?
At Alan Heath & Sons, we have decades of experience providing reliable and professional bathroom installations. So, we like to think we’re well qualified to tell you what to look for (and what to avoid) in a bathroom tradesperson!
The risks of choosing an inexperienced bathroom tradesperson
We’ve all heard horror stories of bathroom renos gone wrong. Maybe a friend hired someone because the price was too good to pass up, only to end up with a leaky shower and tiles that started cracking after a few months. Or perhaps your in-laws hired a cowboy who was happy to take their money but left them in the lurch with an unusable bathroom. Unfortunately, these kinds of things happen way more often than you’d think.
The truth is, anyone can slap a logo on a van and call themselves a bathroom fitter. And while their quotes might seem like a steal, inexperienced or unqualified tradespeople often cut corners. They might not use the right materials, overlook essential waterproofing, or rush the job just to move on to the next project. The end result? A bathroom that needs fixing far sooner than it should — and that’s going to cost you way more in the long run.
How to spot a trustworthy bathroom tradesperson
So, how do you separate the pros from the amateurs? Here are some dead giveaways that you’re dealing with someone who knows their stuff:
Years of hands-on experience
Experience counts — a lot. A tradesperson who’s been in the game for years (even better, decades) has likely seen it all. They’ve dealt with tricky layouts, unexpected plumbing surprises, and know how to handle them without cutting corners.
Membership in reputable organisations
Look for affiliations with trusted organisations like Which? Trusted Traders or TrustMark. These groups vet tradespeople and hold them to high standards, so if someone’s affiliated with them, it’s a pretty good sign they take their work seriously.
Detailed quotes and contracts
A trustworthy pro won’t just give you a vague number scribbled on a piece of paper. They’ll provide a detailed quote that breaks down what’s included, the timeline, and what happens if things don’t go to plan. This shows they’re organised and upfront, two qualities you definitely want in someone working on your home.
Solid portfolio of work
Ask to see photos of previous projects or, even better, visit a job they’ve completed. A good tradesperson is proud of their work and will happily show off their past projects. It’s even better if they have a bathroom showroom (like ours!) and can show you the brands and materials they work with firsthand.
Red flags to watch out for
Not everyone out there is playing fair, so keep an eye out for these warning signs:
Flashy social media without substance
A slick Instagram profile full of beautiful bathrooms might look impressive, but is it actually their work? Some people use stock photos or borrow pictures from other companies to build a portfolio that doesn’t reflect their own experience. Always ask for proof that the work is theirs.
Suspiciously low quotes
If a quote seems way lower than others you’ve received, that’s a red flag. It’s easy to get lured in by a bargain, but low prices can mean cheap materials, rushed work, or hidden costs that pop up later. A fair price usually reflects the quality and expertise you’re getting.
No references or reviews
A reputable tradesperson should be able to provide references or point you to genuine online reviews. If they’re dodging questions about their past work or can’t produce any testimonials, that’s a big warning sign.
Vague communication
If someone is vague about timelines, materials, or costs, it’s best to steer clear. Good communication is key to a smooth renovation, and if they’re sketchy before the project even starts, imagine how things might go once they’re in the middle of your bathroom.
Why recommendations and reviews matter
Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find a trustworthy tradesperson. If friends, family, or neighbours have had a great experience with someone, that’s a good sign. But don’t stop there, remember to check online reviews on platforms like Checkatrade or Trustpilot to get a wider perspective.
When reading reviews, pay attention to:
Consistency
Do the reviews sound genuine and mention specific details?
Project similarity
Look for reviews from people who had similar work done — a great kitchen fitter doesn’t automatically mean they’ll nail a bathroom reno.
How they handle complaints
At the end of the day, no one’s perfect, but a professional who responds to negative feedback with grace and offers to fix issues is someone who takes their reputation seriously.
Want to find a bathroom fitter you can trust? Come have a chat with us! We have years of experience fitting high-quality bathrooms and would love to help you create your dream home.