Sanitary trade vs. sanitary installer

There is a lot to write about building a house. We have been through it and came through very well. However, we really regret one decision. It cost us nerves from the very beginning, caused additional expenses, and is still causing us problems even today, a year and a half after moving in.

When it comes to the bathroom, one has the highest demands and always dreams of a feel-good oasis. Friends had told us about Ceramica, so we made an appointment there and planned our bathrooms.

At some point, it became clear that now someone still had to build the bathroom since Ceramica only sells the goods. Most plumbing companies then raise their hands and don’t want anything to do with it. We were able to convince our plumber company since they also installed the heating for us, and then the trouble began.

First of all, you have to take care of the delivery yourself. Sometimes you have to pick up items yourself and unload them. With many things, this becomes a real challenge and is nerve-wracking. Then some things were not right with our planning, so we constantly had to make calls and mediate between several parties. This is an effort you don’t have at all if you order the bathroom directly from the plumber because then he takes care of everything.

Unfortunately, that was not all. The biggest problem came later. After we had moved into the house, we noticed an unpleasant smell in the main bathroom that had to be coming from the toilet. However, the plumbers couldn’t find the cause, and so they searched for months in all possible places until they finally found out that the toilet was defective. After it was replaced, the stench disappeared immediately.

However, the problems with Ceramica remained. Because now we had a large bill from the plumber since he didn’t sell us the toilet. Ceramica, in turn, referred us to the manufacturer with whom we had no contract. The sad end of the story: we are sitting here, without being at fault ourselves, with a large, actually unnecessary bill.

But when you think about it carefully, we are to blame ourselves. We chose Ceramica and were even warned about it beforehand by our construction manager.

Therefore our recommendation to everyone who is building a house or wants to renovate their bathroom. Order everything from one source. The products are the same everywhere, and the bathroom planning software is now available everywhere as well.

Go to the plumber you trust and don’t buy anything separately there. The problems already start with delivery, and if you are unlucky, they will haunt you long after moving in.

Is our case with the dealer an isolated incident, or is this a general problem with the trade?

Thank you, interesting report.

We are still considering how best to approach it. We sampled with a large dealer from whom the installer purchases. However, the installer himself has a small showroom and other suppliers. Now the thing is, the dealer demands absolute astronomical prices, which are charged to us. The installer openly told us that he does not pay these prices himself (discounts, ...) and keeps the saved amount for the installation. The whole topic really annoys us. If we buy exactly the same parts online, it's over €6000 less. Just the washbasin costs €1200 more there than online. The mirror cabinet also has a €1000 difference. For the fittings, he charges double the internet price. However, the installer will not install parts that we have not purchased through him. Now I am already considering whether I should rather screw the toilets, washbasins, and mirror cabinet to the wall myself. It would certainly save €4000 and is no rocket science.

A craftsman who charges only one price for everything not only has exorbitant prices but apparently lives on the same planet. There is absolutely NO reason why one should not make a clear distinction between material (goods) and labor! Unfortunately, in times of fully booked order books, there is no real market of demand. Nevertheless, I would look for another plumber - because this is simply unacceptable! From my point of view, a craftsman should be properly paid for his work. The usual practice of financing labor with profits from purchases is neither transparent nor does it build trust. On the contrary. However, I see the problem of allocation in the event of damage: Who is then responsible for what? Especially with installations (this includes sanitary systems, incl. pipes and lines), high costs for repairs arise in the event of damage (I know of a case right now, it’s really no joke). So it’s always a balancing act as to what is more important to you.

A craftsman who charges only one price for everything not only has exorbitant prices, but apparently lives on the same. There is absolutely NO reason why one should not make a clear distinction between material (goods) and labor! Unfortunately, in times of fully booked order books, there is no real demand market. Nevertheless, I would look for another plumber - because that just doesn't work! From my point of view, a craftsman should be properly paid for his work. The usual approach of financing labor with profits from purchases is neither transparent nor does it create trust. On the contrary. However, I see the problem of allocation in the event of damage: Who is then responsible for what? Especially with installations (this includes sanitary facilities, including pipes and lines), high costs for repairs arise in the event of damage (I know of a case right now, it's really serious). So it always remains a balancing act of what is more important.

Not only the risk. A plumber also earns on the material. Try to find a company that installs third-party goods for you. You will hardly find that in the "saturated" markets. Live and let live.

The only thing we did not do was the bathroom cabinets, etc. For that, I have a buddy who helped me.

Now I'm already considering whether I should screw the toilets, washbasins, and mirror cabinet to the wall myself. Would probably save 4000€ and it's not rocket science.

Even with two left hands and feet, this is one of the easiest handyman jobs in the DIY area.

So the plumber usually gives you a 30% discount on the moon prices, then you’ll get a good reduction.