The secret to a stress-free bathroom renovation and fair pricing lies in one simple document: your job description. A clear, comprehensive brief not only helps you find a bathroom fitter quickly but also ensures you know how to get the best bathroom quotes. Ambiguity leads to higher quotes and unexpected costs down the line, so clarity is key to establishing a professional relationship based on mutual understanding.
Your bathroom fitter job description template essentials
The following points form the best job brief for a bathroom remodel. Be detailed—the more information you provide, the more accurate and competitive your quotes will be.
- Scope of work: Clearly state whether this is a full rip-out, a simple swap (like-for-like), or a major reconfiguration involving moving the toilet or shower. Note whether the ceiling or lighting will be replaced.
- Dimensions & access: Include the room’s size (in metres), ceiling height, and note any access issues (e.g., parking restrictions, third-floor flat, limited working hours).
- Fittings and materials: List all items to be installed (e.g., wall-hung vanity, walk-in shower with specific door type, thermostatic mixer). State whether these are already purchased or need to be sourced.
- Tiling and finish: Specify the area to be tiled (e.g., floor and shower enclosure only, or floor-to-ceiling) and the tile type (e.g., small subway tiles vs. large format porcelain). Mention any desire for underfloor heating.
How to negotiate and get the best quotes
Once you have your detailed job brief, you’re ready to receive quotes. A professional will appreciate your detail and respond with a tailored, accurate price.
- Compare like-for-like: With a specific brief, you can easily compare costs. Look for a breakdown of labour vs. materials to ensure transparency. If a quote is significantly lower, question what has been omitted (e.g., waterproofing, waste disposal).
- Negotiate scope: You can confidently negotiate bathroom fitter price if you have comparative quotes. A common area of negotiation is the scope of work—for instance, can you handle the paint prep and waste disposal yourself to reduce their labour time and cost?
- Ask for details: Ensure the quote specifically details the waterproofing method used for the shower/bath area and the exact products they intend to install if they are sourcing materials.
Key questions to ask a bathroom installer before hiring
To vet your shortlist, use these essential questions to ask a bathroom installer. Their answers will reveal their professionalism, specialism, and reliability:
- Experience: How many bathrooms did you complete last year, and do you specialise in any particular style (e.g., wet rooms, period properties)?
- Insurance & warranty: Are you fully insured (Public Liability) and do you offer a guarantee on your workmanship?
- Project management: How long will the project take, what are your typical working hours, and what is your payment schedule (milestones)?
- References: Can I see three recent photos of your work, particularly close-ups of the tiled corners and sealant, or speak to a previous client?
- Subcontracting: Will you personally be doing all the plumbing, tiling, and electrics, or will you be subcontracting any of the work?
Example job description for a three-piece refit
A well-written brief should be simple and direct, like the following example:
Job Title: Full Bathroom Refit (Like-for-Like Layout) – London E1
Room Dimensions: 2.5m x 1.8m (H: 2.4m). Ground floor access with driveway parking available.
Scope of work:
- Full rip-out and disposal of existing suite, tiling, and flooring (fitter to manage skip/waste).
- All plumbing to remain in the existing positions (toilet, basin, bath waste).
- Installation of customer-supplied new three-piece suite (pedestal basin, standard bath, close-coupled toilet).
- Tiling of the floor (4m² porcelain tiles) and tiling of the shower walls only (10m² metro tiles) with required waterproofing membrane around the bath area.
- Installation of a new heated towel rail (existing pipework).
- Final installation of customer-supplied LED mirror and vanity light (electrics to be certified by a qualified electrician).
- All necessary plastering and sealing.
Timeline: Ideal start date within the next 4-6 weeks. Estimated duration 5-7 working days.
The importance of a trusted professional
By using Rated People to find a trusted professional, you gain an expert who will adhere to your brief, guarantee their work, and ultimately deliver a bathroom that lasts. Your upfront effort in writing the perfect bathroom fitter job description directly correlates to the quality of the finished product.
With Rated People, you have the power to get it done. Find a trusted, local tradesperson today.
