Terms and Conditions

Accepting Your Quote

Accepting your quote is simple. Just email us to confirm that you would like to go ahead, and we will check our calendar and let you know the available start dates.

Flexible Product Selection

Please use the links provided in your quote to choose your products. These are shown as blue underlined links. As long as your selections are made from those links, the quoted price will remain unchanged.

You are welcome to accept the quote now and finalise your product choices later. There is no need to worry about sizes at this stage, as we will review your selections and make sure everything is suitable for your bathroom and fits properly within the space.

Fixed Pricing

The price shown on your quote is fixed and will not change. We believe in clear, transparent pricing, so once your project begins, no unexpected costs will be added.

Total Price

Your total price is simply the discounted cost of your chosen bathroom package, plus the cost of any optional extras you would like to include. These extras are entirely optional and can be left out if preferred.

If anything is unclear, just ask and we will happily confirm the final total for you to avoid any confusion.

Best Price Promise

Because we specialise in bathrooms, we have developed efficient systems that help us keep standards high while keeping our prices competitive. This allows us to offer excellent value without compromising on workmanship, materials or service.

We will beat any similar lower-priced quote, provided we receive a copy before the project begins. The quote must match our scope of work, be fixed price, use similar materials, and come from a reputable company with a strong portfolio of comparable work.

Deadline for Product Choices

To help us plan your project smoothly and avoid delays, we ask that final product selections are made at least 7 days before the agreed start date.

Project Start Dates and Availability

Project start dates are offered within 90 days of the quote. All dates are subject to availability and may change, especially if there is a delay in accepting the quote.

Payment Terms

We do not take deposits. Once your bathroom is complete, we will issue an invoice payable by bank transfer.

For projects involving multiple rooms, an invoice will be issued as each room is completed. If payment is delayed, we may pause work on any remaining rooms until the outstanding invoice has been settled. This helps us reduce the risk of non-payment and manage cash flow responsibly.

For late payments, we reserve the right to charge interest at a rate of 8% above the Bank of England base rate, starting from the invoice due date.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation terms depend on the package you have chosen and on whether a design has been provided for your project.

9.1 Design-inclusive packages

If you choose a package that includes a design, any cancellation or downgrade to a package that does not include a design will incur a fee equal to 15% of the total labour cost, regardless of the amount of notice given.

9.2 Cancellations close to the start date

In addition, cancellations made within 28 days of the agreed project start date will be subject to the full labour cost.

3D Design

Choosing a bathroom fitting package that includes a 3D design allows you to preview your room, make better use of the available space, and explore different colours and material options before work begins.

A design can improve the final result by identifying potential issues early. However, while 3D designs are very useful, they do have software limitations, so some small details may not appear exactly as they will on site.

Changes to the Project Specification

We can usually accommodate changes to the project scope, such as layout changes, provided we are given at least 28 days’ notice. This allows us to plan properly and keep the schedule running smoothly.

The closer the project is to the start date, the more limited our ability to make changes becomes. Once the project has started, changes can no longer be made.

Warranty Package Selection

Before the project begins, please let us know which warranty package you would like to choose. Different packages may require different materials and labour allowances.

Optional Extras

Your quote may include optional extras. If you would like to add any of these, please let us know as early as possible, as they may affect the project duration and require changes to the schedule.

Product Availability

In rare cases, selected products may become unavailable because they are out of stock or discontinued. If this happens, we will help you choose a suitable alternative or offer a similar option.

Weather-Related Delays

Extreme weather can occasionally affect project timings. If this happens, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Customer Preparations

Before the project begins, we ask that you prepare the area as agreed, for example by clearing the bathroom space, so that we can make a smooth start.

Feedback and Aftercare

We value feedback and are always looking for ways to improve our service. We also provide dedicated aftercare support and are happy to help with any questions or concerns after the project has been completed.

Warranty

Our warranty covers both workmanship and the materials that we supply and install. We aim to make things as straightforward as possible, so if an issue arises, simply email us and we will look into it promptly.

Please note that our warranty only applies to products supplied and installed by us. If a product supplied by you develops a fault, you would need to deal with the supplier directly for any warranty claim, and the cost of refitting would not be covered by us.

Access to Sanitary Facilities

We aim to keep the toilet in the project area usable, especially overnight. There may be short periods, such as during flooring works, when it is temporarily out of use. Any other toilets in your home will remain unaffected.

Please note that the shower in the project area will not be available during the works, so alternative shower arrangements should be made.

Plumbing Testing

Our plumbing work is completed to a high standard, but testing methods need to be appropriate for the age and condition of the existing plumbing system.

We can carry out a full pressure test of up to 10 bar to help identify very small material defects. However, this can place extra stress on older plumbing systems, so we only do this if you specifically request it and accept responsibility for any impact on existing pipework or components.

In most cases, we rely on detailed visual inspections to maintain quality while reducing the risk to older plumbing systems. These inspections are thorough, but without a full pressure test, very small material defects can be harder to detect.

It is your responsibility to monitor for any signs of leaks after the work is completed and to inform us promptly if you notice anything. Leaks generally only cause significant damage when they are not dealt with quickly. In the event of a major leak, please turn off the main water supply and contact an emergency plumber if you are unable to reach us. If the issue falls within our warranty period, we will cover the cost of those emergency repairs.

Minimising Disruption and Dust

As part of our professional service, we take care to protect your home during the works. This includes using protective floor coverings, especially along access routes to the bathroom, and carrying out a daily clean-up.

Although we work carefully to manage dust, a small amount is an unavoidable part of any refurbishment project.

To keep the work organised and efficient, we may also need to use an outdoor area, such as part of your driveway, for temporary storage of tools and materials or for certain work activities. This may look slightly untidy during the project, but it is part of keeping the work moving efficiently. At the end of the project, this area will be cleaned thoroughly.

We also try to reduce waste wherever possible. In addition to taking waste to specialist recycling facilities, we aim to minimise unnecessary plasterboard replacement. Where existing plasterboard is sound and there is no practical benefit in changing it, we may keep it and only replace the areas that are genuinely damaged. This is also a more environmentally responsible approach, as contaminated plasterboard is often not recyclable.

Please note that our standard floor protection is suitable for most modern floors and stair finishes. If you have particularly delicate surfaces or bespoke finishes, you may wish to arrange additional protection before work begins.

Supplying Your Own Bathroom Materials

If you choose to supply some of the materials yourself, please make sure they are on site at the start of the project to avoid delays.

We also ask that you inspect them carefully on arrival, as some damage may only be visible once packaging is removed. Before ordering, please email us the product details, as some items require significantly more labour to install.

Please note that materials supplied by you are your responsibility, and our warranty does not cover them.

Utility Disruption

We will need to turn off the water supply to the house for short periods, usually for 1 to 2 hours at the start of the project and occasionally during the works.

Any interruption to the electricity supply will be kept to a minimum and only where essential. This may affect anyone working from home, particularly if using desktop computers. Please let us know in advance if there are certain times when power must be maintained.

Tiling

Tiles vary significantly in both appearance and performance. All tiles have some variation in size, but ceramic tiles usually vary more than porcelain tiles.

If you want narrow, neat grout lines, large porcelain tiles are generally the best choice. Ceramic tiles can vary slightly in size, which may result in grout lines appearing less even. This is particularly noticeable with smaller ceramic tiles, as the variation becomes more visible across a larger area.

Working Hours

Our normal working hours are 7:30am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.

During these hours, our team may occasionally need to leave and return to site to collect materials or carry out certain tasks elsewhere. This is a normal part of keeping the project progressing efficiently.

In some cases, and where necessary to maintain the programme, we may also work on Saturdays.

Ventilation

Good ventilation and heating are essential for the long-term performance of a bathroom. Warm air holds more moisture, which helps reduce condensation.

We strongly recommend a properly sized mechanical extractor fan with a timer, ideally linked to the lighting circuit. Where this is not possible, it becomes even more important to keep the bathroom warmer than the surrounding parts of the house and to ventilate carefully during and after showers.

If these recommendations are not followed, problems such as paint failure, mould growth, damage to wood-based materials and corrosion of metal components can occur. This may affect warranty cover.

We cannot cover damage caused by humidity, including deterioration of mirrors, units or metal finishes, where no extractor fan has been installed or used. Opening a window alone does not provide the same level of ventilation as a mechanical extractor fan.

Bathroom Sealant and Grout: Shrinkage and Repairs

It is normal for some sealants or grout to shrink slightly in the days after installation as they cure and dry. If this creates small gaps, please let us know and we will return to reapply the affected areas.

Silicone sealant is an essential part of a professionally installed bathroom and is used where needed to provide flexibility and protect against water ingress.

This is particularly important at:

• internal corners between walls and floors
• recesses and niches
• around baths and shower trays
• window and door junctions
• any area subject to movement or vibration

In these locations, silicone is used instead of grout because it is flexible and much less likely to crack over time.

We always aim for the neatest finish possible. In open areas, specialist tools can help produce a smoother and more even line. However, in confined spaces, awkward corners, or where multiple sealant lines meet, a perfectly seamless appearance is not always possible. Minor irregularities at these junctions are normal and do not affect performance.

It is also important to note that silicone does not create the same sharp visual finish as grout. Showroom displays often avoid visible sealant lines for aesthetic reasons, but in real bathrooms, sealant is necessary for long-term durability and good practice.

Close-up photography will naturally highlight small surface variations that are not normally noticeable in everyday use. The finish should therefore be assessed from a normal standing position in standard lighting. Minor visual imperfections in sealant lines are acceptable within normal industry standards, provided the sealant performs its waterproofing function properly.

Sealant Maintenance

Bathroom sealants are an important maintenance item and should be checked regularly. Because they are exposed to moisture, temperature changes and cleaning products, they will naturally need periodic replacement over time.

For projects still within our warranty period, we offer up to two free replacements of failed or compromised sealant using quality materials applied by skilled installers.

Drainage

Creating a level-access shower drain is not always possible. Existing plumbing positions, floor construction and the need to maintain proper waste flow can all limit how low the drain can be set.

If the drainage cannot be lowered enough, we will form a small step at no extra cost. In many cases, a step is actually the best solution if you want the strongest and most reliable waste flow.

Toilet Flush Performance

Modern UK toilets are designed to meet water efficiency regulations, which means they use less water per flush than older models. As a result, the flush can sometimes feel less forceful than older systems, particularly when clearing solid waste.

In many cases, flushing twice is normal and does not indicate a fault. If flushing performance is a priority, a rimless toilet is usually the best option, as this design tends to flush more effectively. Even with rimless toilets, a second flush may still occasionally be needed.

Packages: Value, Balanced and Premium

We offer three packages to suit different budgets and priorities.

The higher the package level, the more time, planning and supporting materials we can allocate to the project. This usually leads to a better overall result. Higher packages also allow for the use of more premium supplementary materials where appropriate.

Even where the visible bathroom products are similar, the extra planning, labour time and materials included in the higher packages usually result in a better finish and a better long-term outcome.

The Value Package is best where affordability is the main priority. The Balanced Package offers a middle ground between cost and outcome. The Premium Package delivers the best overall result with the fewest compromises.

Because of these differences, warranty periods also vary:

• Value Package: 1 year
• Balanced Package: 3 years
• Premium Package: 5 years

If you ever need to use the warranty, simply email us and we will review the issue as soon as possible. Urgent matters, especially leaks, are prioritised.

If your project is outside the warranty period, you are still welcome to contact us. While we do not have a fixed policy for out-of-warranty repairs, we often help where we reasonably can, especially for smaller issues that can be resolved quickly.

Warranty issues also give us valuable long-term feedback. They help us understand how products and installation methods perform over time so that we can keep improving our standards and reduce the chances of the same issues happening again.

Gravity-Fed Plumbing Systems

Properties with gravity-fed plumbing can sometimes experience low shower pressure. In these cases, a shower pump may be needed, but this is only included if specifically mentioned in the quote.

Work involving radiators can also sometimes introduce air into the system, which may affect performance. If this happens, we are happy to bleed the system and restore it to proper working order. Please let us know promptly if you notice any issues.

A negative head pump is generally more reliable than a positive head pump. It performs better where the water tank and shower are at similar heights and can often run two showers at once.

A positive head pump is generally more suitable for a single shower and can be less reliable where height differences are limited. In some cases, you may need to start the pump using a lower handheld shower position before using it normally.

Property Heating During Work

We ask that the property temperature is kept above 20°C during the works.

This is important for processes such as plastering, painting and grouting, all of which rely on suitable temperatures to cure properly. Keeping the property warm helps materials dry correctly, improves the final finish and reduces delays.

Temperatures below 20°C can slow curing times and may affect the quality of the result.

Bathroom Cleaning Guidance

To keep your bathroom looking its best, regular cleaning is essential. This helps prevent mould, staining and surface deterioration.

Please use suitable cleaning products and methods. Harsh chemicals such as bleach should only be used on ceramic surfaces such as toilets and basins, and should not be used on sealants, vanity units, wall panels, ceilings or vinyl flooring.

A soft cloth should be used wherever possible to avoid scratching. Extra care should be taken with black-coated metal finishes, which are generally more delicate than chrome.

Non-Waterproof Surfaces

Any non-waterproof surfaces in the bathroom, such as painted walls, vanity units, timber trims, skirting boards or window surrounds, should be dried promptly if they become wet.

If regular wiping is unlikely, for example in family bathrooms used by children, it is often better to choose fully waterproof materials throughout. This may include tiled or panelled walls, a UPVC ceiling, waterproof window surrounds and designs that avoid moisture-sensitive trims and units.

Colour Variation Between Materials

Please note that colour names are not standardised across manufacturers. Two products described as brushed brass, white or any other finish may still differ in shade.

This is especially common where different materials are involved. For example, the white of a shower tray may not exactly match the white of a basin, panel or other item. Exact colour matching across all products is usually not possible.

Cold Weather and Freezing Temperatures

During periods of very cold weather, especially when outside temperatures fall below zero, it is important to keep the bathroom properly heated.

Maintaining the bathroom above 20°C helps reduce the risk of frozen or burst pipes, particularly in older properties that may not meet modern insulation standards.

Refitting Existing Bathroom Products

We may be able to refit existing items, but we cannot guarantee their suitability for reuse.

Most bathroom products are designed for a single installation, and removing and reinstalling them can affect their condition or performance. This is especially relevant for plumbing items, where seals and fittings may begin to leak once disturbed.

We cannot accept responsibility for leaks arising from existing plumbing, reused products or pre-existing plumbing design faults.

Please also note that in some cases, including warranty repairs, similar alternative products may need to be used. Repairs cannot usually be made to look exactly like a brand-new installation, as they are carried out under different conditions.

Ownership of the Property

We can only undertake the project if you are the legal owner of the property and your name is on the title deeds. If you are not the property owner, you will not be able to accept our quote.

Products and Customer-Supplied Items

Although we take care to protect all products during installation, it is not always possible to keep every item completely pristine. Because many products are assembled and adjusted on site, minor marks or scratches can occasionally occur despite careful handling. This applies both to products supplied by us and to products supplied by you.

Please also note that some quotes include discounts based on the overall project value. If you choose to supply some materials yourself, the total project value must still meet the relevant threshold for the discount to apply.

For example, a project worth £11,000 may qualify for a discounted price of £7,700. However, if you supply £1,500 worth of products yourself, the project value would reduce to £9,500, meaning the discount threshold would no longer be met.

This policy helps ensure that projects remain at a suitable scale for us to maintain our normal standards of workmanship and service. Customer-supplied products can also create delays and complications if items arrive damaged, incorrect or unsuitable, which is why we generally recommend that materials are supplied through us where possible.

Business Structure

Please note that Claude’s Tradesmen is a trading name and not currently a limited company. Your invoice will therefore be issued by us as a sole trader in the following format:

Ilie Pituc trading as Claude’s Tradesmen

The Balance Between Design and Reliability

In bathroom design, there is often a balance between appearance and long-term reliability. In general, the most reliable options tend to be the most practical ones.

For example:

• chrome finishes are usually more durable than black or brass finishes
• gloss finishes are generally easier to clean and maintain than matt finishes
• tiles are usually more durable than panels, while solid core panels are more durable than standard panels
• larger tiles usually perform better than smaller ones because there is less grout
• porcelain tiles are generally stronger than ceramic tiles
• tile-effect panels are usually softer than ceramic or porcelain tiles, so they are more prone to scratching or denting
• epoxy grout is more durable and more mould-resistant than standard grout
• pedestal basins are generally more durable than vanity units
• standard mirrors tend to last longer than LED mirrors
• LED cabinets are generally less reliable than LED mirrors because they include moving parts
• larger, more powerful extractor fans usually perform better long term, although they may be noisier
• walk-in showers are generally more reliable than enclosed shower cubicles because they have fewer moving parts
• white trays tend to age better than coloured trays
• anti-slip trays require more maintenance
• standard taps are usually more durable than waterfall taps
• exposed showers are generally easier to maintain than concealed showers
• fully waterproof wall and ceiling finishes are more durable than plaster and paint
• raised shower trays often drain more reliably than low-profile trays
• shower curtains generally contain water better than bath screens
• steel baths can last longer than standard baths
• close-coupled toilets are usually easier to maintain than toilets with concealed cisterns
• UPVC ceilings resist moisture well, although they are less impact-resistant than tiled or panelled walls

If reliability is your main priority, we would normally suggest considering upgrades in this order:

1. wall finish upgrade, such as solid core panels or tiles
2. shower mixer
3. toilet
4. enclosure, where a walk-in shower is not being chosen
5. basin unit

Choosing our top package, together with the most reliable product options, will usually give you the best long-term outcome. In some cases, it is absolutely worth accepting a little less reliability for a design you prefer, but it is important to understand that this trade-off does exist.