When it comes to bathroom installation, not all installers are created equal. The varying skill levels and qualifications among bathroom installers can really impact the quality and safety of your new bathroom.  

Unlike gas engineers or electricians, bathroom installers do not always require specific qualifications to begin work. However, just because someone can fit a bathroom doesn’t mean they should – we’ve all heard of ‘cowboy builders’ after all! 🤠 

Of course, when it comes to your home, you’re going to want someone who has the correct skills and qualifications working on it. So, who’s installing yours? Let’s look into why expertise matters! 

Certification and standards 

As a general rule, bathroom installation often involves multiple trades, including plumbing, tiling, and sometimes even electrical work. Each of these areas requires specific skills and, ideally, certifications. 

Plumbing 

No surprises here – plumbing is a critical component of any bathroom installation! Properly installed plumbing ensures that water flows where it should, preventing leaks and water damage.  

Whilst a license isn’t required for plumbing, you do want someone qualified. It’s good to be aware though that plumbing qualifications typically cover simple plumbing and not bathroom fitting. With this in mind, you want to choose someone who has lots of bathroom fitting experience. Water damage can cause some major issues and even health and safety risks, so it’s really important that you use the right professionals. 

Electrical work 

Bathrooms often require electrical work, think lighting, heated towel rails, and underfloor heating. Any electrical work in a bathroom must comply with strict regulations due to the high risk of water and electricity interacting.  

Qualified electricians understand these regulations and can safely install electrical fixtures to prevent hazards such as electric shocks or fires. In other words, this is definitely not something you want worked on by your average Joe! 

Tiling and waterproofing 

Tiling and waterproofing are also critical to preventing water ingress, which can lead to structural damage and mould growth. Experienced tilers and waterproofers know the best practices and materials to use to ensure a long-lasting and (most importantly) safe bathroom installation. 

Again, you can get qualifications in tiling, but these tend to be on the more basic side. The tiling we do is not really for the ‘newly qualified tiler’ as they are complex and difficult installations, with larger tiles or detailed mosaic smaller tiles which are tricky to do. What many people also don’t realise, is you can only do good tiling if your walls are flat and smooth, so the plastering has to be good as well. 

Risks of using unqualified installations 

Whilst you may think you’re saving money by choosing an unqualified installer, it can lead to numerous problems and hazards – most of which you’ll then have to pay extra for to sort out. Really, you want the correctly qualified trades where applicable and the correctly trained and experienced trades where basic qualifications just don’t cut the mustard. 

Here are some potential issues that can arise from improperly installed bathroom fixtures and plumbing: 

Water damage 

Poorly installed plumbing can lead to leaks, which may go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. Water damage can affect not only your bathroom but also other areas of your home, leading to big repair bills. 

Mold and mildew 

Improper waterproofing and ventilation can result in mould and mildew growth. This not only damages your bathroom’s aesthetics but also poses health risks to you and your family, particularly if it’s growing away in an inconspicuous place and you’re not even aware it’s there. 

Electrical hazards 

Incorrectly installed electrical fixtures in a bathroom can be incredibly dangerous. The risk of electric shock or fire is significantly increased when electrical work is not performed to standard. 

Poor functionality 

Beyond safety concerns, unqualified installations often result in bathrooms that do not function as they should. This can range from poorly fitted fixtures that are difficult to use to more serious issues like blocked drains or toilets that don’t flush properly. Although some trades only have basic qualifications it is the building regulations that are what should be followed to make sure you don’t have issues. 

It’s a huge shame to spend money investing in your home and space, only to not be able to enjoy it properly because the work wasn’t completed to standard. 

Choosing the right installer 

Given the risks associated with unqualified installations, we hope we’ve convinced you to get someone in who knows their stuff! So, how do you do that? Here are some tips on what certifications to look for and questions to ask potential installers: 

Check qualifications and experience 

Take some extra time to make sure that your installer has the necessary qualifications and experience as a bathroom fitter. If they’ll be using third-party contractors, make sure that you ask about them as well.  

Ask about their training and experience too; a well-established professional should have a portfolio of previous work and positive customer testimonials. 

Ask for references 

A reputable installer should be able to provide references from previous clients. If you can’t find them on their website, don’t be afraid to ask to see them, after all, any professional worth their salt will be thrilled to show you past feedback! 

Look for membership in professional organisations 

Membership in professional organisations can show a commitment to industry standards and continuous professional development. Organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) or the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT) are good indicators of a professional’s credibility. Whilst we don’t do central heating, so we don’t have CIPHE, our electrician is qualified, so he does have to submit the correct paperwork after he has completed his work. 

Final thoughts 

Choosing qualified professionals may come with a higher upfront cost, but the long-term benefits are huge! Properly installed bathrooms are less likely to require frequent repairs, saving you money in the long run. Plus, a well-installed bathroom can add value to your home and provide peace of mind, knowing that it meets safety and quality standards. 

Ready to renovate your bathroom? Contact our friendly team today, we’d love to help create the space of your dreams!