Questions to ask installers

In short

Ask every company the same questions, and get the answers in writing.
Make sure the quote is a fixed price and lists everything that is included.
Ask about timescales, how you will wash while the work is done, and who will do the work.
Ask about guarantees, servicing and what happens if something goes wrong.
Check your cancellation rights before you sign.

Print this page, or copy the questions, and ask each company the same things. Citizens Advice recommends getting written quotes from at least three traders.

About the company

Are you a member of a trader scheme, such as TrustMark, Buy With Confidence or Which? Trusted Traders? Can I check this?
Will your own staff do the work, or will you use sub-contractors?
Who will do the electrical work? Are they registered with a competent person scheme?
Can I speak to, or see reviews from, customers who had similar work done?
Do you have insurance for the work?

About the quote

Is this a fixed-price quote or an estimate? (Citizens Advice says an estimate is "just a rough guess, so you might end up paying more".)
Does the price include taking out the old bath or shower, plumbing, electrics, flooring, tiling, decorating and taking away rubbish?
Does it include a seat, grab rails, screens or curtains?
What could make the price go up, and how would you tell me first?
Have you included the right VAT? (If I am disabled, the work may be zero-rated. If I am 60 or over, some items have 5% VAT.)
How much deposit do you need, and when are the other payments due? (Citizens Advice says not to agree to more than 25% as a deposit, and not to pay everything up front.)

About the product

Walk-in bath: how long will it take to fill and to empty in my home? Can my hot water tank fill it? Can I reach the taps, plug and door handle while sitting down?
Shower: how high is the step into the shower? How will the water drain away — is a pump needed?
Wet room: how will the floor and walls be waterproofed? How will you make the floor slope to the drain? How slip-resistant is the flooring when wet?
How is the water temperature controlled, to prevent scalds?
What is the weight limit of the seat, and where will the grab rails go?

About the work

How long will the work take, and when can you start?
How will I wash and use the toilet while the work is being done?
Will you need building regulations approval? Who will arrange it?
Will you follow the occupational therapist's recommendations?

After the work

What guarantee do I get, for the product and for the fitting? Is it in writing?
Does anything need servicing? How often, and what does it cost?
Who do I call if something goes wrong?
What are my cancellation rights, and will you give them to me in writing? See your rights when you buy at home.

Before you sign

Get everything in writing.
Never sign on the day of the visit if you feel rushed.
Talk it over with someone you trust.
If you are getting a grant, check with the council before anything is ordered or started.

Sources we checked

We last checked these sources on 3 October 2026. Rules and amounts can change, so please check with the organisation before you rely on them.

Get an assessment first

An occupational therapist (OT) can visit you at home and recommend what is safe and suitable for you. Ask your council’s adult social care team — in Northern Ireland, your Health and Social Care Trust.

How to get an occupational therapy assessment

This guide is general information, not medical, financial or legal advice. Everyone’s needs are different. Speak to an occupational therapist, your GP or the organisations we link to before making decisions.