Bathrooms

D4N1EL · 12 Mar 2017

Hi,

We are in the market for a new bathroom.

We have looked in the likes of better bathrooms, Victoria plum, B&Q, Wicks, Homebase and The Bath store.

Firstly there is a massive difference in price, for example better bathrooms offer a P shaped bath, bath panel and shower screen for about £250, B&Q sell it separately £200 for bath, £150 for bath panel.

My first thought was the quality of the products, second thoughts is that B&Q will probably have a bigger mark up on the price.

This is the only bathroom in my house, I don't really want to have to replace it again in a few years.

What are people thoughts on quality from the likes of better bathrooms and Victoria plum, is it work paying the extra from the likes of B&Q?

Thanks.

jono_h · 12 Mar 2017

How about trying your local independant shop?

Ours use the Eastbrook catalogue (http://www.eastbrooktrade.com) with their own name on it.
I've always been told that it's branded stuff, which may be a bit more expensive than B&Q, but when you need a spare part they'll just order one in. Try getting any help from B&Q when the hinge has bust on your specially shaped toilet seat!

D4N1EL · 12 Mar 2017

I've had a look on google for local independent shops.

I work Monday - Friday and most Saturday mornings.

By time I Finnish work, they are shut.

I would prefer local independent shops though.

Dan Robinson · 12 Mar 2017

D4N1EL said:
What are people thoughts on quality from the likes of better bathrooms and Victoria plum, is it work paying the extra from the likes of B&Q

There is no quality.

D4N1EL said:
I work Monday - Friday and most Saturday mornings

Don't take this the wrong way, but you can't make an omelette without cracking eggs.

dilalio · 12 Mar 2017

Are you going to fit this yourself?
Quality of Fiitting can make a cheap suite look expensive and an expensive suite look cheap.

D4N1EL · 12 Mar 2017

No, I'm going to do the easy part myself, rip the current one out.

My plan is to get the room ready so someone can come in and fit the bathroom suite and do the tiling.

stillp · 2 May 2017

I wouldn't touch Victoria Plumb with a bargepole. Poor quality product, worse customer service when you want a replacement.

muggles · 2 May 2017

Victoria Plum were created out of the dying remains of MFI, and aren't really much better. The stuff you find in the DIY sheds is universally fairly poor

For baths, go here and buy anything which says "Trojan xxxxxx Reinforced". Excellent quality baths which often appear at twice the price under other brand names. Just make sure you've got some help when you're carrying up the stairs - they're properly heavy

For sanitaryware, I like VitrA, Twyford, Ideal Standard, Duravit, Laufen, Kohler

For taps/showers etc, make sure you get a well known brand name or you'll find obtaining spares impossible in a few years' time. Definitely avoid the sheds here or you'll get stung later on

Dan Robinson · 2 May 2017

New customer this week dodged a bullet with their 2 year old bathroom.

Bath installed with taps on the side - the side against the wall

.

Taps no longer listed on the website, no spares available.

Luckily they managed to find some "old stock" and got them sent out. We had to transplant the micky mouse mechanisms to the old body from the new taps.

Either that or remove the whole bath.

Was actually surprised they found someone that helpful at VP. BUt still. Two years old and no spares available. Not good is it?

rules&rulers · 2 May 2017

http://www.carronbathrooms.com/carronite-explained/

https://www.plumbase.co.uk/suregraft-cast-pbath-1675-x-100007752-2228776

Have purchased baths from the above,usually pay around £450 > £500 p bath and screen. Excellent quality.

AGAS · 3 May 2017

B&Q

wicks

Victoria

bathstore

Dan Robinson · 3 May 2017

TBF - Our kitchen tap is some cheap internet affair. It has lasted 4or 5 years now without any real problems, but you can feel the ceramic mechanism slowly grinding to a halt. Ironically when we move abroad, I'll fit something expensive just to minimise the risk of hassle for the future tenants.

dilalio · 3 May 2017

Dan Robinson said:
TBF - Our kitchen tap is some cheap internet affair. It has lasted 4or 5 years now without any real problems, but you can feel the ceramic mechanism slowly grinding to a halt. Ironically when we move abroad, I'll fit something expensive just to minimise the risk of hassle for the future tenants.

When and where you off too Dan?

Dan Robinson · 3 May 2017

Not sure when, depends on a number of things, but up to 8 or 9 years. Will be central Tokyo.

motorbiking · 3 May 2017

Better bathroom stuff has been ok and I honestly can't tell the difference between the shower unit I sourced at £250 and the £1000 one my builder/plumber sourced for the other bathroom. Go to the showrooms there is a massive difference in quality across the range. some of it is fairly horrible and some decent quality. Personally I buy for it to last 10-12 years and then it will be replaced.

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