Buying your own bathroom and paying a fitter only for the labour — known as supply-only fitting — is one of the most cost-effective ways to get exactly the bathroom you want. But it only works smoothly if you buy the right things in the right quantities. This guide covers how it works, what to buy, and the mistakes that catch people out.
What supply-only fitting means
It is simple: you choose and purchase the suite, tiles and fittings yourself, and I install everything for you. You are in full control of the products and the budget, and you only pay for the fitting labour — not a showroom’s mark-up on the materials.
Why people choose it
- You pick exactly the suite, tiles and fittings you want — no being steered toward a showroom’s preferred ranges
- You control the budget and can shop the sales and online deals
- It often works out cheaper overall than a supply-and-fit package
- You can buy gradually as you find the right items at the right price
The supply-only shopping checklist
People remember the big items and forget the small ones — and it is the small, cheap parts that hold a job up. Here is what to have on site before fitting starts:
The main items
- Bath and/or shower tray and enclosure
- Basin and pedestal or vanity unit
- Toilet (pan, cistern and the right seat)
- Shower (mixer, electric or digital)
Brassware and plumbing bits
- Taps for the basin and bath
- Shower valve and kit
- Wastes and traps for the bath, basin and shower
- Flexible tap connectors and isolation valves
- Toilet fill and flush valves (if not supplied with the unit)
Tiling and finishing
- Wall and floor tiles — plus around 10% extra for cuts and breakages
- Tile adhesive and grout (the right type for the area)
- Tile trim/edging
- Silicone sealant in a matching colour
- Tanking kit if it is a wet area or wet room
Easy-to-forget extras
- Toilet roll holder, towel rail and any accessories
- Extractor fan (if being replaced)
- Underfloor heating mat (if you want it)
- Flooring
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting the small parts — wastes, traps and valves are the usual culprits that stall a fit
- Ordering too few tiles — always allow extra; running out mid-job means waiting on a matching batch
- Going too cheap on working parts — taps, valves and the shower earn their keep; a failed bargain valve costs more in the long run
- Mismatched waste sizes — trap and waste sizes must match the suite
- Buying before measuring — check the suite actually fits the space and the door swing
A quick chat before you buy saves headaches
This is the single best tip: run your shopping list past me before you order. A five-minute check that you have the right wastes, valves, adhesive and quantities means the fit runs start to finish with no hold-ups waiting on a missing £5 part. It is the difference between a smooth week and a frustrating one.
When supply-and-fit might suit you better
Supply-only is brilliant if you are happy to do the shopping and decision-making. If you would rather hand the whole thing over — one quote, one point of responsibility, someone else sourcing everything — a full supply-and-fit service may suit you better. I am glad to do either; it comes down to how hands-on you want to be.
Frequently asked questions
Will supply-only definitely be cheaper?
Usually, because you avoid the showroom’s mark-up on products and pay only for labour. How much you save depends on the deals you find — but for most people it comes in lower than a comparable supply-and-fit package.
What if I order the wrong thing?
It happens, which is exactly why I am glad to check your list before you buy. If something is wrong or missing, it is far cheaper and quicker to sort before the job starts than mid-fit.
Do you still handle the plumbing?
Yes — I fit and connect everything you have supplied and bring in qualified trades for any work that needs them, so you still have one person managing the installation.
Planning a bathroom in Blackburn? Get a free, no-obligation quote and I’ll talk you through the options — no pressure, no jargon.