Rip-off Plumbers

[Dinger2]

What is the position after recruiting a plumber to refurbish a bathroom he provides and fits a well-known make of electric shower and charges£212.96 when exactly the same model is available at B&Q for £139.00 ---£73.96 difference! Am I within my rights to withhold say £50? It's a good job were not paying by the hour but an agreed labour charge because he'sreally spinning it out,now in to the third week in an 8'x5' bathroom.

[alavahalf]

Why dont you do the shopping for the materials if you are unhappy with the price...
If the plumber goes round the shops looking for the best price, you will have to pay for his time anyway...

[ummmm]

I don't mean to p!ss on your fire but a plumber charged you an extra £73.96 and you're surprised.

Did it come with all the fittings?....any extra pipes?...etc etc. He has to cover time and petrol as well you know.

[Cheryl_Tweedy]

"Into his third week now in an 8' x5' bathroom"

Can you not start charging him rent?

[alavahalf]

We use around 15 -20 contractors who are mainly one man bands. They are given drawings of what is required in a bathroom.
It normally involves removing the old suite, flooring tiles etc.
Installing a new suite, re-tiling and any specialist floor required and any associated wiring.
Basically a strip out and refurbish...as a rule they are out and finished by day 4 or 5 and that is working alone.

I think your plumber must like it at your house...!

[ummmm]

I think the plumber has taken on too many jobs at once...

[tamborine]

£74 labour for a job that will last 5years approx - I think that's dirt cheap! Apprenticships & qualifications cost.

[buildersmate]

It is perfectly possible that is what he paid his plumbing merchant for the product. So, ask for the evidence - his copy invoice. There is a huge variation in prices paid for things. I agree with Alavahalf.