5
5
How much does a kitchen or bathroom remodel cost and how do you find a reputable and reliable installer?
The cost of remodeling a kitchen or bathroom depends on several factors: the size of the space, the quality of materials, and the extent of the renovation.
**Bathroom Remodel Costs:**
- Basic: £4,000 to £6,000
- High-end: Over £10,000
**Kitchen Remodel Costs:**
- Basic: £7,000 to £10,000
- High-end: Over £20,000
Additional costs can arise from labour, plumbing, electrical work, and structural changes. Remodeling multiple rooms simultaneously can save costs and reduce completion time.
To get an accurate estimate, seek quotes from multiple contractors, Ensure contractors are reputable by checking their accreditations, licenses, insurances and reviews.
Choosing a contractor:
- Prioritise reputation and reliability over cost.
- Experienced professionals offer superior workmanship and adherence to industry standards, reducing long-term issues.
Our company is accredited by the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation, HomePro, and FairTrades. We stand out for our commitment to quality, expertise, and reliability. While we are competitively priced, we never cut corners or use poor-quality materials. Note that our quotes include a 20% VAT (exemptions apply for disability adaptations).
We provide a 2 year Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) to give you peace of mind, ensuring your investment is protected.
Investing in experienced professionals ensures long-term durability and satisfaction. Our longstanding reputation guarantees customer satisfaction with every kitchen and bathroom remodel.
@kenbeardandsonltd
Tips for finding a reputable kitchen and bathroom installer
Remodelling your kitchen or bathroom can be an exciting prospect. But to ensure a smooth and satisfactory outcome, it's crucial to find a reputable kitchen or bathroom fitter. Here are some tips to guide you through the process.
Firstly, focus on finding a kitchen and bathroom fitting specialist. Choosing a company that specialises in kitchens and bathrooms ensures that they possess the necessary expertise and experience to meet your specific needs. Companies that focus on kitchen and bathroom remodels are likely to have a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved compared to those offering multiple services.
Before making a decision, it's essential to conduct extensive research and gather recommendations from satisfied clients who have worked with kitchen and bathroom fitters. Utilising online platforms and review sites can offer valuable insights through client testimonials. However, it's important to exercise caution, as reviews on Google and Facebook are not verified, potentially leading to manipulated feedback. As a tip, consider examining the lowest-rated reviews and observe how companies respond to negative feedback and critique, as this can provide valuable insights into their work ethic and customer service. We ask our clients to leave reviews for us on Checkatrade.com or HomePro where they are verified and checked. In addition to this our clients are welcome to contact our professional accreditation organisation BiKBBI to pass on any feedback they wish to share.
Checking credentials is another crucial step. Ensure that the kitchen and bathroom fitter is properly licensed and insured. Additionally, look for qualifications and experience, as well as memberships in trade associations, as these signify a commitment to professional standards.
To make an informed decision, obtain quotes from several kitchen or bathroom fitters. This will enable you to compare prices and gain a better understanding of the services included in each quote. Make sure that the quotes provide a breakdown of all costs.
Reviewing the fitter's portfolio or requesting examples of their past work can help assess the quality of their craftsmanship. Furthermore, obtaining references from previous clients allows for direct feedback on their experiences. We can arrange for you to speak directly with one of our satisfied clients and even visit one of our completed projects to witness our work firsthand. Just let us know if you're interested, and we'll make the necessary arrangements.
If possible, visit an ongoing project to observe the fitter's work and assess their professionalism. Before commencing the project, ensure that all details, including costs, timelines, and materials, are documented in a written contract.
Be wary of companies requesting large upfront payments, as this can be a sign of financial instability. Stable businesses usually have the resources to start work without needing significant advance payments. Established companies with good reputations often have strong ties with local suppliers and don’t ask for upfront payment for materials. Typically, a small deposit is enough to secure a booking and installation date. Our deposits begin at just 10% to secure an installation date, with exceptions for custom-made, made-to-order, and special/high-value items. The majority of the payments are due after work has started and when completed.
Clear communication is vital for a successful project. Choose a fitter who communicates clearly and promptly responds to your inquiries.
Lastly, do not hesitate to ask questions about the fitter's experience, the projected timeline, and their approach to problem-solving. By following these steps, you can enhance the likelihood of hiring a reliable and reputable installer for your project.
How To Detect and Avoid Scam Builders
Some tips to help you avoid fraudulent contractors
Avoiding rogue builders is crucial for ensuring your construction or renovation project goes smoothly and safely. Here are some detailed tips to help you identify and avoid rogue builders:
1. **Research the Company’s History**:
- **Check Company Registrations**: Look up the company on official registries to see how long it has been in operation and if it has any previous dissolved iterations.
- **Beware of Frequent Name Changes**: Be cautious if a company frequently changes its name or has been dissolved and re-registered multiple times. This could be a sign of trying to avoid liabilities or legal issues.
2. **Verify Licenses and Insurance**:
- **Proper Licensing**: Ensure the builder has all the necessary licenses for the type of work you need. Check these licenses with the issuing authority.
- **Adequate Insurance**: Confirm that the builder has public liability insurance, professional indemnity insurance, and employers liability insurance.
3. **Check References and Reviews**:
- **Past Projects**: Ask for references and contact past clients to inquire about their experiences.
- **Online Reviews**: Look up online reviews on trusted platforms. Be wary of consistently bad reviews or overly positive reviews that seem fake.
4. **Avoid “Jack of All Trades” Claims**:
- **Specialisation**: Be wary of builders who claim to do everything, as they might not have the necessary expertise in specific areas. Specialists are usually more reliable for specific tasks.
5. **Detailed Contracts and Quotes**:
- **Written Contracts**: Always get a detailed written contract that outlines the scope of work, timelines, costs, and payment schedules.
- **Transparent Quotes**: Request detailed quotes and be cautious of quotes that are significantly lower than others. This could be a tactic to lure you in before adding hidden costs later.
6. **Payment Practices**:
- **Avoid Upfront Payments**: Never pay the full amount upfront. A small deposit might be reasonable, but the bulk of the payment should be made upon completion or in agreed-upon stages.
- **Bank Transfers**: Pay through bank transfers or electronically rather than cash to keep a record of payments.
7. **Professional Affiliations**:
- **Trade Associations**: Check if the builder is a member of any professional trade associations, which often have codes of conduct and standards members must adhere to.
8. **Site Visits**:
- **Current Projects**: If possible, visit a current project site to see the quality of work and how the site is managed.
- **Completed Projects**: Viewing completed projects can give you an idea of the builder’s capabilities and craftsmanship.
9. **Warranty and Aftercare**:
- **Warranties**: Ensure the builder provides warranties for their work and materials used.
- **Aftercare Services**: Check if they offer aftercare services and how they handle issues that arise post-completion.
10. **Authenticity of Portfolio**:
- **Verify Project Photos**: Rogue builders often use other people’s images or stock images to represent their work and services. Ask for specific details about the projects shown in their portfolio and verify these with previous clients if possible.
11. **Gut Feeling**:
- **Trust Your Instincts**: If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to walk away if you have doubts.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of hiring a rogue builder and increase the chances of your project being completed satisfactorily and without undue stress.
Information From BiKBBI
More Details
WANT PEACE OF MIND? MAKE SURE YOUR INSTALLER IS THE
BUSINESS
The BiKBBI is the industry’s recognised symbol of quality and trust, which is why we will only allow professional kitchen, bedroom and bathroom installers to become approved members.
HELPING YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT INSTALLER FOR YOUR HOME
The kitchen, bedroom and bathroom industry is saturated with tens of thousands of traders claiming to be kitchen, bedroom and bathroom specialists. Consumer Direct, the government watchdog, report shocking statistics relating to poor workmanship and bad experiences within the industry...
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOU’RE DEALING WITH A PROFESSIONAL?
BiKBBI is the UK’s first government sanctioned institute dedicated to kitchen, bedroom and bathroom installers. Our aim is to support reputable installers and raise installation standards in the UK whilst providing UK consumers with an informed choice.
TRADE PROFESSIONALS
Our members are:
Independently accredited by the BiKBBI
Experienced to deliver a quality job
Reliable and always put safety first
Checked with customers for job satisfaction
PEACE OF MIND
Our members and their contractors must:
Conform to Gas Safe Register legislation
Conform to UK electrical legislation
Hold a minimum of £2m public liability insurance
Dispose of waste from installations legally & ethically.
MEASURED BY STANDARDS
Our members are:
Bound by the Institutes standards & guidelines
Follow a clear installer charter / code of conduct
Abide by independent terms & conditions and a clear dispute resolution
procedure.
FOR PEACE OF MIND VALIDATE YOUR BiKBBI MEMBER
ONLINE NOW
MY NAME MALCOLM BEARD - T/A KEN BEARD & SON LTD
TELEPHONE 07803336519
MY MEMBERSHIP NUMBER N286245
Validate my credentials at
bikbbi.org.uk or call 01375 213 199
©Copyright. All rights reserved.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.