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Bathroom Fitting

Is my tradesman liable to put this right?

Anonymous user 03/03/2024 - 3.39 PM

Eleven months ago I had a complete bathroom refurbishment which was wet room style with just a shower and no bath. The tradesman also fitted vanity units. The units are now becoming water damaged and this seems to be caused by steam and condensation as the bathroom has no window - just an extractor fan which the tradesman also chose and fitted. He is ignoring my emails asking him to rectify this. Is he liable? He said all works were guaranteed for one year which I believe to be my statutory rights anyway. Thanks. Note - the tradesman designed the bathroom himself, purchased all the materials and did not advise how the room should be maintained. There is an extractor fan which only comes on when the light is on and goes off when switched off. No advice whatsoever was given regarding the humidity in the room. The tradesman was a very offhand person who, when I raised issues with him, tried to deflect blame when he was clearly at fault. I have zero faith in him putting this right. I suppose I need to find out what my rights are.

Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?

4 Answers

Plumbo Plumbers

Rating: 5 out of 5

Shadwell, London

Did the tradesman help to design the wet room? Did he give advise to the customer? How does the customer use the wet room? Some customers don’t maintain their properties. It’s really difficult to answer before you the whole picture of what happened. But the tradesman has to answer the phone and speak to the customer.

Answered17 June 2021

Romeo Llabani Plastering

Rating: 5 out of 5

Northampton

Whether the tradesmen designed the room or not, there must have been a conversation in order to agree with the go ahead and surely some advice must have been given (but this is between both parties). Does the fan "kick in" when you turn on the light and/or when the humidity raises? Does the fan keep working until the time is up (adjustable) and/or humidity levels are low? if yes to both then, you've got the correct fan and it is working. From your query it sounds like the quality of the cabinets leaves a lot to be desired, but this is not the fitter's fault. However, the fitter should be able to claim these on the shop he bought them from and fit them free (replace like for like) depending on the guarantee they came with. So it is best to check these details with them. Try to call them to explain your concerns and then advise them that you'll be emailing the same issues raised from the phone call (for your piece of mind). Hope you work this out together.

Answered18 June 2021

Findlay Muir Ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5

Inverness

I agree that the tradesperson should engage with you. From your description of the problems that have arisen I am concerned that the extractor fan only operates when the light is switched on; I believe an extractor with a delay setting should be fitted where it continues to run after the bathroom is vacated and the light has been switched off - most come with a variable setting. I always set them to approx. 5 minutes. It is also sensible to make sure the extractor and duct is designed for the room - i.e. It can move the desired volume of air for the size of room, it’s probably not an issue since most standard extractors move more than the regulations require but worth checking. Also how long is the extractor duct and does it rise much, e.g. does it vent out of the roof? In my own bathroom I have the fan in the ceiling then a mid- line fan in the loft exhausting out of a short vent through the roof. It is difficult to comment on the cabinets without knowing more. I suppose, at least, you don’t appear to have any problems with the wet room fit out!

Answered21 June 2021

Renovation Services

No reviews yet

Carlisle

The situation as you describe appears to be not uncommon and the discussions on issues you have raised could extend well beyond this reply. But to give an overview, there should have been a written contract between the installer and yourselves regarding the works, which should have included installer workmanship warranty, in addition to item warranty from the supplier/manufacturer. If the installer planned the bathroom then he is responsible for it’s normal operation. Including items which are fit for purpose. If ventilation was an issue then that should have been part of his brief to inform and find solutions prior to starting. You appear not to be satisfied with his conduct so far, which asks the question why and how you chose him initially. It could be that a 60l min extract fan with timer overrun may help. Condensation in bathrooms is common. Solutions are not rocket science. It needs adequate heat, good ventilation and an appreciation of the issues. If the installer won’t engage to find a solution then try small claims court.

Answered26 June 2021