I'm sure we've all met them; joker tradesmen who quote crazy prices in the hope that someone, some day, will accept.
We're having some re-modelling work done to our UK home, amongst which is a new bathroom. It's a small room, and we're replacing the loo, hand basin, and bath/shower. A very easy job for even the least experienced of plumbers. You take one out and replace it with another. With all the modern flexible plastic piping around; it's child's play.
The plumber we had in mind asked for £4,000; yes £4,000 for a one day job!
If this plumber works a five day week, and takes a two week annual holiday, at that rate he would be hoping to earn anywhere up to £1 Million pa.
You're 'avin a larf mate!
Maybe it was a typing error:)
ReplyDeleteHowever, plumbers (and electricians) don't come cheap. Presumably the quote will include any hardware, not just labour. Also he will have overheads including getting rid of your old fittings (trade waste has to be paid for on disposal), a help mate etc. And what of the tiling, flooring, electrics?
A one day job? I doubt that very much.
I don't know whether that plumber came recommended to you but I always get at least two, if not three quotes if it's a large job unless using someone tried, tested and trusted in the past.
And remember, you get what you pay for.
U
Everything has been bought in advance, and simply awaits a plumber. I expect the old fittings will be taken to the local dump by my son. It is simply a matter of changing one for another; the tiling will be done by someone else.
DeleteA couple of years ago I had a new wash basin and a new loo fitted in my bathroom (I had already had the bath taken out and a shower fitted earlier) I used the plumber I always use. Job took under three hours - old ones out, new ones in, all rubbish removed, everywhere neat and tidy. £500
ReplyDeleteThere a number of National Co's who still advertise a whole new bathroom, tiled, etc, for about £2,000. How this joker came up with £4,000 just for the fitting, I have no idea. It's not surprising that so many Polish plumbers are now in the UK.
DeleteCorrection, Cro - in the wake of Brexshite a lot of Polish plumbers (and other professionals) have left/are leaving the UK. Result? Neither love nor money will shorten the waiting list to get a job done. Just join the queue. But then that is what the British are good at. What with all the "sovereignty" you have regained.
DeleteU
It is so long since we had to use the services of a plumber (those tasks have always been carried out by the husband) that I am totally out of touch with the going rate for such things. £4000 does sound a tad over the top.
ReplyDeleteFar too much; I'd rather do a two week course and do it myself!
DeleteSorry, Cro, and I most certainly don't wish to start an argument, but why would you rather fork out on a "two week course" (they don't come cheap either) than let someone earn their crust on the back of their expertise?
DeleteThink about it, if everyone took your stance the economy would go to the wall. I suppose that could be your next gripe: Services are no longer used because we can all bodge a job in the privacy of our respective bathrooms.
U
The big scale Plumbers are back again. Digging more holes, making more mess, and with a Surveyor in tow as well. Goodness knows what they're up to; I've given up asking.
ReplyDeleteEven £1000 would be far too much for the job you described. These fellows need locking up for extortion.
ReplyDeletePersonally I'd be happy with £1,000 for a day's work. Not so certain plumbers.
DeleteI am out of touch as well, as Mr. Fixit does all of that stuff around here, aided by the able bodied Mrs. Hold-this-right-there-like-that. But even as out of touch as I am, $4000 is a lot, esp. if it does not include the materials.
ReplyDeleteI got Lady M driving one of our ride-on mowers yesterday; she loved it. Possibly not wise on her behalf.
DeleteWell cro if they're fitting drains the size you say then I'd say someone is planning a big expansion in drainage for residential or business use.
ReplyDeleteThey've gone again now, but left plenty of stuff behind (just in case).
DeleteWe are thinking of having our bathroom done including two new windows …. Going by your plumber I shall need to go on the streets !!!!!! XXXX
ReplyDeleteWe're also having a big sliding window, where there was just a small one before. Should I be sending Lady M out onto the streets too?
DeleteE seen you comin...!
ReplyDeleteHe thought he had at least!
DeleteSounds as though you need to get over there and do it yourself.
ReplyDeleteLovely British humour
If only I could! Like most things, I expect if I tried, I'd discover how simple it is.
DeleteWill be interesting to see what other quotes you get for comparison.
ReplyDeleteWe've already had one for half the price.
DeleteMaybe there is some post Brexit labour shortages and that's pushing prices up.
ReplyDeleteThere's also a lot of cash hanging around, and people everywhere are changing bathrooms and kitchens (just like us).
DeleteYes, like us having an excess of money as there is nothing to spend it on.
DeleteSticker shock! Taking out one shower, tub and sink and replacing with new (including fixtures) all supplied by you, should be a one for one exchange. If new pipes are required, the price goes up. I've noticed some plumbers want to supply the sink, tub and shower materials as well as all fixtures because they want to mark-up the price and pass this on to you. Generally, I get 3 estimates for any renovation work and the numbers can be wide ranging. I also choose and purchase my own materials. My home reflects my aesthetic.
ReplyDeleteWe have bought all that's required, all we need is the plumber, and his/her time.
DeleteOh, dear! Perhaps they don't want your custom? But your funny clip is probably closer to the mark.
ReplyDeleteMy son says he's already has one quote of £1,500, so we getting closer to reality.
Delete