Phone-calls...

The installation date approaches... So I wasn't surprised to receive calls about the project. Here's a sense of the discussions, which actually ended up worrying me somewhat, as you'll see...

Phone-call #1
I received a call around Saturday lunchtime, on my mobile phone. I happened to be out and about. I was told that the bathroom would essentially be delivered before the Monday installation date. I was aware that B&Q aimed to deliver necessary items as close to the installation date as possible, so expected the call. However, as I was out I was unable to agree a date over the phone at that time.


It got me thinking whether it would be reasonable to expect the installers to actually bring the bathroom when they first arrive, instead of the buyer having to store it for them. Although I can see how it might be tricky - and perhaps a change in the conventional, established approach - it would make sense if the installer knew they were bringing everything they needed with them, to get the job done. It'd possibly even save time in the long run.

Anyway, when I received phone-call #2 I was expecting to agree to a delivery date. However that's not what phone-call #2 was actually about...

Phone-call #2
I received a second call, midweek, from a different person to the previous call. I said how I was
expecting their call, but they proceeded to ask me if I'd bought cupboard door handles.

Cupboard door handles - Had I bought them?

Well, yes, I said. I hoped so. I remembered being asked to choose them in the store. And, later on, I checked that they were indeed listed on the B&Q Supply and Fit Quotation Summary Product Item List. They also asked me whether I'd bought an extractor fan, flooring and the radiator! Again, I said I certainly hoped so - I'd aimed to buy a whole new bathroom!

The caller said she'd look into it and made a point of reassuring me that she'd be keeping in touch, before we ended the call. I'm waiting on further contact... and not completely convinced that I'll be getting what I expected.

Phone-call #3
Just a message left this time, less than a week prior to installation. Simply put, a member of B&Q staff rang up to tell us that we couldn't have the taps we'd ordered (& paid for, of course) because they had been discontinued.

So, I'm thinking, shouldn't the taps we ordered should be reserved for us once we'd signed our agreement & paid up? And, if that's not the way B&Q work surely many people will need to visit to re-order parts a few days before their installation...

I've since checked the B&Q Supply and Fit Quotation Summary Product Item List. The handles are listed, but there's no price next to them. However, it seems that all the details of the cupboards are noted about the price list. So, confident they're chosen & paid for; that they've been 'bought' along with the rest of the bathroom & work. The radiator's definitely on the list - CURVED TUBE ON TUBE CHROME 450x1674x117 CHROME PLATED £169 - along with a specific installation instruction.

Extractor fan and vinyl flooring installation is included on the order - at £184 & £135 respectively - but I can't find the items listed. Concerned. Definitely asked for them, and certainly chose the vinyl in-store. Will discuss when we're called back.


...Ah-ha. Just found vinyl flooring on the Sales Advice - £48. Paid for. Relieved. Not so for the extraction fan. If it's been missed it's B&Q's fault. I'll be disappointed if I am required to spend more £££ as a result. Unnecessary worry.

Preparation Checklist...

As the installation date approaches I have turned to the B&Q documentation, provided when we sealed the deal. It includes a very useful 'Useful Information' sheet, as follows:

Facilities
During your installation some services i.e. water, gas and electricity will be disrupted. We will make every effort to keep this to a minimum and your installer will discuss this with you at the start of your installation.

Time Scales
Installation time scales vary depending on product and design, Generally installations usually take between 5 and 10 working days but can be longer for more complex projects.

Although some guidance may be required on the first day of the installation, out qualified installers can subsequently be left to work without your attendance, for your convenience.

Waste Services
If you purchased our waste collection service our installer will arrange for it to be collected within three days of completion of your installation. It will need to be stored for the duration of your project so your installer will agree a convenient and safe location for you.

Your Preparation Checklist

Neighbours and Pets

• Do you need to mane alternative arrangements for pets during the period of the installation?
• We recommend you inform any neighbours of your installation ad explain about the possible disruption and noise during the project, which we will aim to keep to a minimum.

Room Preparation 

• Please empty the room ad clear out cupboards to aid the removal of your existing installation.
• Remember to pack away any belongings but leave out any essentials you may need for the duration of the installation.
• Our installers will cover immediate area in which they are working and any access routes, with dust sheets; however any other area in your home should be covered by yourself.

Storage Areas

To minimise disruption we will deliver as close to the installation date as possible.

• Please consider a storage location for the delivery which should be secured, sheltered from the weather and large enough to house the products for installation.
• Please let us know if you are unsure about storage and we will advise accordingly.

Parking

Our installers will need to have regular access to their vehicles throughout the installation.

• When we call you please let us know if there are any residential parking restrictions e.g. permit holder or shared parking.

So, I'm expecting to be home at the start of the installation, to deal with emptying the bathroom, covering the house, answering any questions the installers may have, and to get a sense of time scales. I've spoken to the neighbours, and the cats have access to an outdoor shed, which should give them adequate shelter during the installation. (The cats, not the neighbours.) And, so I think we're good to go. 

Buying a Bathroom...

This post reflects on our decision to spend around £6000 on our new bathroom.

In a word, it was simple.
The decision was made for us, since the existing suite was rather old when we bought the house, 5 years back. The ceiling and 1/3 of the walls is tired tongue-and-groove boarding. The 3 lights - embedded in the same tongue and groove on the ceiling - are traditional bulbs; a health and safety nightmare. The floor is also wooden - a painted laminate, which creaks painfully when stepped on.

The bath is past its best and leaks from the overflow if given half a chance. I assume it needs re-enameling (if that's a real thing) since it's difficult to sit in it without removing a layer of skin, its surface is so rough.

The taps are cracking and the cistern is discolored. And the room is in desperate need of an extraction fan. The rusting nail-spots dotting the walls and ceiling are evidence enough.

So, we've ultimately ordered a new bathroom. Form ceiling to floor. The only things we haven't bought are a) a final paint job on the untiled wall, and b) a loo roll holder.

First Post - It has begun...

We've done it!

We've taken the first steps in bringing our bathroom up to date, by agreeing for B&Q to supply & fit a whole new suite. The work is due to include ceiling, lighting, power, extractor, loo, sink, cupboards, floor... and whirlpool bath.
Looking forward to it immensely.

This blog - our (intended) series of posts - will share our experience with the world and hopefully prove to be a great advertisement for the popular DIY chain.

Fingers crossed!