HEATMYARSE

Can anyone please recommend a good building & plumbing contractor who might be able to install a new shower-room? I know a couple of decent plumbers but they're sole-traders and the job is too big for them as it will involve some construction and electrical work as well as plumbing. I've also been on to a few bigger plumbing and building concerns but it seems my job isn't quite big enough to interest them; I get the impression that 'plumbing' is now largely the preserve of the aforementioned sole-traders with the bigger outfits all rebranding as 'heating engineers' because that's where the real money is. All of which leaves me still searching for a good local generalist building, plumbing & electrical firm. Grateful for any recommendations? Thanks.

I did the opposite to sjn9; after reading the reviews on here and getting three estimates,I paid a small (10%) deposit and booked ahead with 'Back To Wood'. It was SO worth the wait! I live in what I guess is a fairly typical South London, Victorian conversion flat. Steve and Nikki's task was to refurbish one (kitchen) floor first sanded many years ago and, in three other rooms, to rescue original wooden floors dating back to the 1870's and badly-abused by the cowboy 'builders' who did the conversion in the 1970's. Up came hardboard sheeting, underlay (much of it now crumbled almost to dust) and ancient carpet to reveal part-painted boards that, to me, looked completely irretrievable. Two weeks later, after painstaking repairs and careful re-sanding and staining, those same boards are the best feature in what (though I say it myself) is a really nice space. Forget the high ceilings and fancy cornices; the floors are what take the eye and the flat is transformed. This was an expert job done by people who really understand, care about and enjoy what they do. (And though the job was more demanding than expected, Steve and Nikki still managed to complete it on time and for the agreed price.) I think I'm right in saying that their waiting-list is now a good deal shorter than the four months I waited - but believe me, Back to Wood are well worth waiting for. If you want an estimate, Steve's mobile number is 07949-411650