Rule-of-thumb estimate for bathroom job? (with apologies)

[Bert Coules]

Now I know full well that this is an impossible question to answer with any sort of accuracy, but is it possible to give an *extremely* rough rule-of-thumb costing for a (non DIY) total bathroom refit? That is, employ someone to rip out all existing fittings, tiles and vinyl floor covering and replace with decent middle-range suite (loo, basin, bath) and tiles. Nothing to be moved around, just straight replacements.

The room is approximately 12ft x 8ft x 8ft high.

The ceiling will need to be replastered too, though that would presumably be by a different tradesman.

I'm asking on behalf of a friend, who asked me. She's not looking for anything other than a very rough ball-park figure. For example, if there were no unforeseen complications, could it probably be done for say, £10,000? £6000? Less than that? She lives on the south coast, if that makes any difference.

Many thanks.

[A.Lee]

£1500 upwards. Can be done in 5 days, but could take 7. All depends on the fittings. Baths/sink/toilet can be bought for £250, tiles around £300 for decent ones, £150 for extras like cement/grout/plumbing fittings, £600 labour, so it is possible to do it for £1000. Extra for flooring and plastering.

[Bert Coules]

That's very helpful, thanks.

[meow2222]

You could build a new bathroom for that

[John Rumm]

You are probably talking about 1000 - 1500 for the materials (more if there is a shower), and more if going for pricey tiles. So probably at least 3K, but 4k to 6k would be in the realms of possibility in the south east (not sure where your friend is). If you get a quote from Dolphin some some other nationwide bunch of chancers, then the sky is the limit - but 10 to 15K is not uncommon!

[Bert Coules]

Thanks, John. I was tempted to say £3000 off the top of my head, so that's a useful corroboration. My friend certainly knows better than to go to Dolphin or the like: I'm pretty sure that she has local guys whom she's used before for minor jobs with good results.

[Jim K]

?? 5 -7 days labour for £600? but who? Rogue Traders?

JIm K

[Jim K]

can;t she just get 3 quotes and take it from there?

Jim K

[Bert Coules]

Of course she could, and will. But asking for an informed independent opinion before doing so is surely a sensible move?

[Jim K]

define "informed"?

Jim K

[Bert Coules]

I'm using the standard definition.

[A.Lee]

£120 for 5 days. If it is difficult/takes longer, then it will be more, that's why I said £1500 upwards. I'm doing one in 2 weeks time for £600, including supply of bath, sink and taps. It'll be an excellent job too. Got the bath for £100, the basin at £6, absolute bargain, the same is here: Bath taps were 2nd hand - virtually new Bristan, the basin tap was the only compromise, had to pay £15 for a 'chrome' one which turned out to be chromed plastic, but it looks OK. She has bought the tiles herself.

I wouldnt do it for many others, but this is an old lady who has no money. Even so, at that price, I should be making £350, which if I work well, should take 3 days, so not too bad.

[RJH]

Dolphin - one mate had a 10k kitchen from them - very unhappy, poor fit and a couple of the cabinet doors wouldn't open properly due to poor design. Another had an undisclosed amount (but a lot knowing him) en suite from Dolphin - also disaster, and took months to do the tiling.

Rob

[Dave Liquorice]

Where on earth do you get the idea that they shouldn't be charging VAT on the materials they supply? VAT is passed "down the chain" until it hit's someone who isn't VAT registered and thus can't reclaim it.

[charles]

They are correct. You pay VAT on materials as well as on labour, they reclaim any input VAT.