Hi All


We're looking to install a new bathroom in our house in CH. Having got quotes from Swiss stores we've realised that we could save a huge amount by purchasing teh shower, bath etc from UK and having it transported here. I've got quotes for everything including the transport.


The UK salesman at the Bathstore believes there shouldn't be a problem getting the UK stuff fitted here (he's based this on having had customers from France and Germany before). However, I'm aware that Switzerland often likes to do things differently! Therefore, I like to ask if anyone here has previously installed UK bathroom Equipment in Switzerland? And if so, has it all gone ok? Is anyone Aware of any possible issues that I might have overlooked?


Thanks for your help


Gully

www.reuter.de is a better option, I have used them a few times without a problem.

Hi RTN


Thanks for the link. I had a look on their website and they look a lot more expensive than the English equivalent (almost double). But I think I am getting a particularly good deal in UK.

We also used reuter.de for most of our stuff as the prices were much cheaper than buying locally. Remember to think about delivery and returns, as you might find that not everything fits first time! Having a supplier close by make things much easier.

The biggest challenge will be finding a plumber who will actually fit the parts for you. Most want you to purchase through them. In our case, we were offering a good-sized job (plumbing entire new build house, 4 bathrooms, mud room, laundry room, kitchen) and it took us two months and a lot of searching before we found anyone who was willing to bid on a 'fit only' basis. It's basically a cartel.

The tap pipe spacing in ch is different to uk and Germany. Be aware before blindly buying taps in UK

I looked at shipping stuff from the UK (I have done quite a few renovations there) but it wasn't worth the extra hassle for the amount saved. It is not easy to return to the UK if it doesn't fit, there may be damage during transport, import fees and shipment delays due to customs and not to mention storage until you need to install each item - I don't think I would have lived with a bathtub in my spare room until I waited for the shower to arrive then coordinated the whole thing with a fitter. The shower screen was measured after the bathroom was installed then made.

I paid the bathroom company prices - list price was slightly more than Router.de but with discounts that made them about the same for most items and anything ex-showroom was a big discount. They fitted it to a schedule and we didn't have to move out or pay for a second home during removations. They were on time, fixed any problems afterwards, and had to replace and re-do things. They also took on the risk of anything being damaged or faulty up to the time I signed it off.

I had a quick look at their website, the prices are cheap but the products are pretty much no brand made in china so not really comparing apples with apples. Confession time, I did the same when I first moved here (imported bathware) the problem I have now is spare parts for the toilet and replacement toilet brushes here don't fit in the holder. Better to get the best deal on "local brands" than cheapest price and pay later.

Quick comparison on 1800l baths
http://www.bathstore.com/products/st...-nth-1481.html £549
compared to
http://en.reuter.de/kaldewei-classic...hite-a5186.php 400Euro
so I am not sure what products you are comparing.

Have you looked at buying an Austellung Badezimmer?

Just like kitchens, this can be a super deal.

The Bathstore would be the suppliers. But I'm getting more than 50% discounts on most of the products (sale items + 25% discount for large purchase). I can also claim back the 20% VAT (but still have to pay 8% tax for CH). There doesn't appear to be import duty to pay (but I'm getting this confirmed from customs).


I've got a company who will deliver the lot in one go for £400.


So I think the Price is good. The quality seemed very good when I visited their store over Christmas. The staff have been very useful by taking my bathroom measurments and mocking up 3D computer models to check that the equipment all fits.


But my concerns are whether the stuff would arrive here and I'd be told that it can't be fitted for some reason... (possible pipe size differences as posted earlier or other issues??). I'll ask around to see if there are adaptors that can be purchased.


I'm also concerned (as posted by others) that if anything is wrong with the equipment it would be very difficult to return. Hmm. The gge old cost savings vs risk issues!

Are there not adaptors that can be purchased? Otherwise, how do German suppliers (such as Reuter) sell taps to Switzerland?

Have you spoken to a local plumber? Never mind what will fit in the space you have, that is not the issue. It is how it fits, so yes, pipes and drains.

I know that none of the plumbers I work with would install UK equipment.

I know just replacing a faucet in my house involved the plumber coming to check the specs to be sure the new one was compatible. And that was just a simple faucet!

If you have taps like this which screw onto fitting which come out the wall then CH norm is 153mm or German ones are 150mm +/- 15mm(adjustable) so better to buy here or Germany. Then you can compare what you are buying. You will "probably" be okay for adapters if you buy a bath (make sure it has a built in overflow) and the drain mechanism together to suit it. But as Mrs D said it is still going to cost you for the plumber to come can check it and find the bits. All this is a waste of time until you find a plumber who will let you supply things, most don't.

That's my bath :-) great for 2 people.

153mm sounds pretty close to 6 inches, plus minus 0.4%.

Current UK taps are 180mm, older ones were wider.
Sometimes you can buy taps with a dog leg so they have flexibility, or you can buy short dog leg adaptors.

Right now, in this cold weather when building has stopped, you might find a plumber in his workshop. Ask him to buy the stuff you want from www.reuter.de and he will probably agree to fit it for you.

What tradesmen hate is sorting out the mess from somebody else. It causes endless arguments and cost calculations, and in the end nobody is happy. So they refuse these jobs.

If you bring stuff from England, bring a plumber with you. Otherwise your idea is doomed to be a struggle!

And all the instructions would be in English, right?
How is your plumber (if you find one) going to work with them?

Hiya Gully, Just wondered if you ended up going thru with this and how it worked out?
Cheers, Mel