Family bathroom refit, London
Quote comparison · London · 20 October 2026
Our summary
Trader A costs less, while Trader B offers longer workmanship cover; settle waterproofing, exact products and possible extras in writing before comparing final prices.
- Trader B costs £3,490 more including VAT.
- Workmanship cover is 2 years (A) versus 5 years (B); neither says it is insurance-backed.
- Confirm waterproofing, basin relocation and floor preparation before signing.
How the prices compare with the market
Typical in London: £7,800 – £15,600
- Quote A: likely total £8,500 – £8,850Within the typical range
- Quote B: likely total £11,976 – £12,096Within the typical range
Each quote's likely total: the quoted price plus our estimated cost of missing work. The verdict uses the middle of that range.
Based on: Mid-range family bathroom, adjusted for London (+30%). Full details: Family bathroom, mid-range (4–5 m²) — 4–5 m². Sources: BestBuilders bathroom refit guide (Aug 2026). Benchmarks updated October 2026.
Typical prices from published UK cost guides. Your job can reasonably cost more or less because of access, size, materials or location. A low price isn't a bad sign on its own — check what's included.
Check these before you sign
Higher price buys a different package
Trader B has a higher tile allowance, explicit tanking, ceiling painting and a longer guarantee, but keeps the old fan and fits one fewer light.
Confirm waterproofing before tiling
Trader A only says it will prime and seal. Allow £200–£400 if a full tanking system is extra.
Five years versus two years
Trader B offers 5 years of workmanship cover, Trader A 2 years. Neither says the cover is insurance-backed.
Deposit and payment timing
Trader A asks for a 30% deposit (£2,445); Trader B 20% (£2,328). But Trader B collects 80% by delivery (£9,312), while Trader A takes 70% by the start of tiling (£5,705).
Agree extras and specifications
Trader B may add £216 for a plywood floor overlay if needed and does not mention moving the basin. Its tile allowance is £45/m² against Trader A’s £30/m² porcelain — a higher allowance alone does not mean better quality.
Main differences
Price (VAT included)
| Quoted price | + Estimated cost of missing work | = Likely total (range) |
|---|---|---|
| £8,150 | £350 – £700 | £8,500 – £8,850 |
VAT added the same way to every quote
How we worked this out
Waterproofing tanking (£200–£400) and ceiling painting (£150–£300) are not clearly included.
Guarantee: 2 years workmanship; not stated as insurance-backed.
Deposit: 30% deposit (£2,445); 70% paid by the start of tiling.
Estimate The missing-work figure is our estimate, not a charge from this trader.
| Quoted price | + Estimated cost of missing work | = Likely total (range) |
|---|---|---|
| £11,640 | £336 – £456 | £11,976 – £12,096 |
VAT added the same way to every quote
How we worked this out
Possible £216 plywood overlay, plus a new fan or fourth light (£120–£240) if wanted.
Guarantee: 5 years workmanship; not stated as insurance-backed.
Deposit: 20% deposit (£2,328); 80% paid by delivery of goods.
Estimate The missing-work figure is our estimate, not a charge from this trader.
- The trader's quoted total
- Our estimate for work the quote doesn't mention
Estimates are not charges from the trader — confirm in writing.
Work included, item by item
Select any item to see the exact wording from each quote. A yellow edge marks an important difference.
| Work item | Quote ATrader A | Quote BTrader B |
|---|---|---|
Questions to ask each trader
Quote A · Trader A
- 1. Does priming and sealing include a full waterproof tanking system? Please name it, confirm which areas are boarded, and that the floor build-up suits the tiles.
- 2. Please list the exact suite, brassware, screen, radiator, fan and tile models, the tile quantities, and give a fixed price for ceiling painting.
- 3. Please provide the full 24-month guarantee, its exclusions, the goods warranties, and say whether it is insurance-backed.
- 4. How is the 30% deposit protected, and can payments be linked to completed, checked work?
- 5. Will every extra need our written approval first? Please confirm the start date, how long we will be without a bathroom, and how hidden damage is costed.
Quote B · Trader B
- 1. Does the fixed price include moving the basin? When does the £216 overlay apply, how thick is it, and is it suitable for tiles?
- 2. Please give exact product models, tile material and quantities. Does the £45/m² allowance include VAT? Which tanking system is used, and which walls are boarded?
- 3. Please provide the five-year guarantee and goods warranty terms, exclusions, and say whether it is insurance-backed.
- 4. Why is 80% payable by delivery, and what protects our payments and ownership of the goods before installation?
- 5. Is the retained fan suitable, and are three lights enough? Please price a new fan and a fourth light separately.
ScopeCheck reads quotes automatically and can make mistakes. Check the evidence and confirm anything important with the trader in writing.