Bathroom Fitter in Durham, Durham County (6)

A bathroom fitter handles the full renovation, from removing your old suite to installing your new one. Depending on the job, they might:

• Disconnect and remove existing fixtures
• Refit pipework for baths, showers, sinks and toilets
• Tile floors and walls
• Fit lighting, mirrors and accessories
• Handle carpentry, plastering, and painting

Some bathroom fitters in Durham are solo tradespeople with a wide skill set. Others work with a team or subcontract to plumbers, electricians, or tilers.

Before you hire, it’s a good idea to ask exactly what’s included. It’s also worth asking whether they’ll coordinate other tradespeople, or expect you to.

Yes, and knowing what to check can help you avoid costly mistakes.

While there’s no single official ‘bathroom fitter’ qualification, most professionals will hold trade-specific credentials. Here's what to look for in Durham:

Common qualifications:

• NVQ or City & Guilds Level 2 or 3 in Plumbing, Tiling, or Carpentry
• WRAS certification for water safety
• Gas Safe registration if gas work is involved

Insurance:

• Public Liability Insurance is a must - it protects you if anything gets damaged
• Employer’s Liability Insurance, if they bring a team

Professional memberships:

• BiKBBI (British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation)
• Federation of Master Builders

These aren’t essential, but do show a commitment to industry standards.

All tradespeople on Checkatrade are checked before they’re listed, and their qualifications and insurance are verified where applicable, so you can hire with confidence.

Most bathroom renovations take 1–3 weeks from start to finish, depending on the size of your space and complexity of the work.

You’ll be at the quicker end of that range if:

• You’re keeping the same layout
• The room is small
• The fitter has all the materials ready

Delays can happen if there are hidden issues (like rotten joists or leaking pipes), or if extra trades are needed.

It’s a good idea to agree to a schedule upfront, and allow a little wiggle room, especially if you only have one bathroom at home.

In Durham, hourly rates for bathroom fitters typically fall between £30 and £60. Some may charge daily rates of £250–£350, especially for longer projects.

That said, most full renovations are quoted as fixed-price jobs, which is often easier for budgeting.

A detailed written quote should include:

• Breakdown of labour and materials
• Estimated start and finish dates
• Payment terms (e.g. deposit amount, when the balance is due)

Need multiple quotes? Use our request a quote tool to get offers from checked tradespeople covering your local area.

Not quite, although they often overlap.

A plumber focuses solely on water systems: fitting pipework, toilets, sinks, and showers.

A bathroom fitter, on the other hand, manages the full room installation, from plumbing and tiling to flooring and finishing touches. Many are plumbers by trade, or work closely with plumbers and electricians.

If you're planning a full bathroom renovation in Durham, a fitter who can coordinate everything will save you time and hassle.

Some do, especially those who offer end-to-end renovation services. Others might recommend a local designer or showroom to help you plan the look and layout.

Ask your fitter if they offer:

• 3D design plans
• Space-saving layout guidance
• Help choosing taps, tiles, and fittings
• Support with ordering and delivery

For first-time renovators or style-conscious planners, these extras can be a game-changer. Just be aware that design services may be included or charged separately.

Yes, and they should!

A written quote protects you and sets clear expectations. It should cover:

• Full scope of work
• Costs (including VAT, if applicable)
• Timescales
• Payment stages

A guarantee gives you peace of mind. Most fitters in Durham will guarantee their work for at least 12 months.

And if you hire through Checkatrade, you get the added bonus of our £1,000 Checkatrade Guarantee (terms apply).

In most cases, no.

During a full refit, your bathroom will be out of action, sometimes for a week or more.

Here’s what that means:

• Old fixtures are removed
• Pipes and electrics may be disconnected
• Tiling, plastering, and drying times all add up

If you only have one bathroom, mention this early. Some tradespeople in Durham may be able to phase the job, keep a toilet in use, or even install temporary facilities.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for finding Durham bathroom fitters who are committed to quality.

• Search on Checkatrade for bathroom fitters near you
• Read verified reviews from people in Durham
• Post your job and request at least three quotes
• Ask questions about experience, qualifications, guarantees, and payment terms
• Check documents, including insurance and accreditations

Want to skip the faff? Post a job and let checked bathroom fitters in Durham come to you.