BATHROOM FITTING FINANCE EXPLAINED

Published: 13 January 2025 | Reading time: 8 mins

Bathroom fitting is lucrative work with healthy margins - when you've got the kit to do it properly. Problem is, professional tools, van fit-out, diagnostic equipment and stock of quality fittings don't come cheap. This guide breaks down exactly how UK bathroom fitters finance their businesses, with real numbers and zero waffle.

WHAT BATHROOM FITTERS ACTUALLY NEED TO INVEST

Bathroom fitting sits somewhere between plumbing and building work. You need plumbing skills, tiling ability, basic carpentry, and enough electrical knowledge to safely install lighting and showers. That translates to diverse equipment needs.

Essential Bathroom Fitting Kit (£8,000-£15,000)

Power Tools & Hand Tools (£3,000-£5,000):

Cordless 18V/20V platform (drill, impact driver, multitool, grinder)
Wet tile cutter and angle grinder with diamond blades
Pipe benders, cutters, and crimping tools
Spirit levels, laser levels, measuring tools
Basin wrenches, pipe wrenches, adjustable spanners
Quality hand tools for boxing-in and finishing

Specialist Bathroom Equipment (£2,000-£4,000):

Thermal imaging camera for leak detection (£400-£800)
Pressure testing equipment (£300-£600)
Drain inspection camera (£500-£1,200)
Digital water leak detectors
Shower pump testing kit

Van Fit-Out & Racking (£1,500-£3,000):

Professional racking system for tools and materials
Pipe storage solutions
Secure lockable storage for expensive tools
Work benches and vice systems
Lighting and power points

Initial Stock & Materials (£1,500-£3,000):

Common pipe fittings, connectors, and valves
Emergency repair stock (washers, flexi hoses, isolation valves)
Adhesives, sealants, and sundries
Basic tiles and grout for repairs/touch-ups

Total startup package: £8,000-£15,000

Finance at £165-£310/month over 60 months and you're operational without burning your entire cash reserves.

Premium Bathroom Business Package (£20,000-£30,000)

If you're targeting high-end residential work or want to scale up with employees, this is your investment level:

Full tool kit for 2-3 fitters: £8,000-£12,000
Van purchase + professional signwriting: £6,000-£10,000
Diagnostic and testing equipment: £3,000-£4,000
Working stock and materials: £3,000-£4,000

Finance this package at £412-£620/month over 60 months. One medium bathroom install per month covers your payment with profit margin intact.

REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE

Reading bathroom fitter finances £22,000 business package

Five years plumbing experience, moved into specialist bathroom fitting. Working from a battered old van with borrowed tools. Wanted to scale up but had £800 in the business account.

What we financed: £10,000 professional tool package + £8,000 signwritten van + £4,000 diagnostic equipment and stock = £22,000 total

Deal structure: £454/month over 60 months at 8.2% APR

Result: Won three high-end residential bathroom contracts in first two months (clients specifically mentioned professional appearance). Revenue up 180% year-on-year. Now employing one full-time fitter.

BATHROOM FITTER FINANCE OPTIONS

You're not stuck with one option. Different finance products suit different situations. Here's what actually works for bathroom fitters:

Equipment Finance / Hire Purchase

Perfect for big-ticket items: vans, expensive diagnostic equipment, full tool packages.

How it works:

You choose equipment from any UK supplier
Finance company pays supplier directly
You pay fixed monthly instalments (36-60 months typical)
You own equipment after final payment
Deposit: 10-20% typical (sometimes 0%)

APR rates: 6.9-12.9% depending on credit history and business age

Example: £15,000 equipment package over 60 months = £310/month at 8.9% APR

Business Loans (Unsecured)

Gives you cash to spend how you need. Perfect for mixed purchases: some tools, some stock, some marketing, bit of working capital.

Typical terms:

£5,000-£50,000 available
12-60 month repayment terms
APR: 9-16% (higher than secured finance)
No equipment security required
Cash in account within 3-5 days

Best for: Bathroom fitters who need flexibility or are buying from multiple suppliers (Screwfix, Plumb Center, toolshops, private sellers).

Invoice Finance - The Cash Flow Saver

Bathroom projects often involve 30-60 day payment terms from builders or homeowners. Invoice finance releases 80-90% of your invoice value within 24 hours.

How it works:

You complete bathroom installation, raise invoice
Finance company advances 80-90% immediately
You get remaining balance when customer pays
Fee: 1.5-3% of invoice value

Example: £5,000 bathroom job completed. You get £4,250 within 24 hours. Customer pays in 45 days. You receive remaining £600 (£750 minus £150 fee).

Perfect for: Bathroom fitters working with property developers, housing associations, or commercial clients with extended payment terms.

Van Finance

Your van is your workshop, your storage, and your business card. Finance it separately or bundle it with equipment.

Typical van finance for bathroom fitters:

Vehicle value: £8,000-£25,000
New or up to 8 years old
Deposit: 10-30% (lower for newer vans)
Term: 36-60 months
APR: 5.9-10.9% (better rates than personal loans)

Example: £12,000 Ford Transit Custom (3 years old), £2,000 deposit, 48 months = £245/month

NEED BATHROOM FITTING FINANCE?

We've financed 800+ bathroom fitters across the UK. Equipment, vans, working capital - sorted in 24-48 hours.

GET YOUR QUOTE NOW

Or call 020 3778 0274 - Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-1

WHAT LENDERS LOOK AT FOR BATHROOM FITTERS

Finance approval isn't mysterious. Here's exactly what they check:

1. Trading History

Most specialist lenders want 12 months minimum. Some will consider 6 months if cash flow is strong and you've got upcoming work booked. High street banks want 2-3 years - ignore them unless you've been trading ages.

2. Cash Flow

Can you afford the monthly payment? Lenders typically want to see 2-3x the monthly finance cost in regular income.

Quick math: £400/month finance = need £800-£1,200/month minimum turnover after other business expenses.

3. Credit History

Personal and business credit both checked. One or two missed payments won't destroy your application. Active CCJs or defaults under 3 years make things harder (not impossible).

4. Insurance & Qualifications

Public liability insurance (£2-5M cover) is standard. Gas Safe registration if doing any gas work. Not always required for finance approval, but helps demonstrate you're legitimate.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS (SIMPLE VERSION)

Step 1: Tell us what you need (5 minutes) - Phone, email, or online form

Step 2: Quick fact-find (10 minutes) - We ask about your business and finances

Step 3: Submit documents (15 minutes) - 3-6 months bank statements, photo ID, equipment quote

Step 4: Get decision (24 hours) - Most applications approved within one working day

Step 5: Sign paperwork (20 minutes) - All done electronically on phone or laptop

Step 6: Get equipment - Finance company pays supplier, you collect/receive delivery

COMMON QUESTIONS FROM BATHROOM FITTERS

Can I finance stock/materials as well as tools?

Yes, but there are limits. Initial stock (fittings, pipes, sundries) up to £3,000-£5,000 can usually be included in equipment finance. For ongoing stock/materials purchases, consider invoice finance or a business overdraft instead.

What if I'm subcontracting to builders?

That's fine. Lenders care about consistent income, not who pays you. If you're regularly invoicing builders or main contractors, you're good to go. Invoice finance works particularly well for this scenario.

I've only been trading 8 months - can I still get finance?

Possibly. Some lenders will consider 6-9 months trading if cash flow is strong. You'll likely need a larger deposit (20-30%) and rates might be slightly higher. Worth applying to find out.

Can I add my partner/employee to the van insurance?

Yes. Van finance doesn't restrict who can drive. You arrange your own insurance separately (fully comp is usually required by finance company).

THE REALITY

Bathroom fitting is competitive. Homeowners and builders want fitters who look professional, have proper equipment, and can complete quality work fast. Turning up in a rusty van with borrowed tools doesn't inspire confidence.

A £20,000 investment (financed at £412/month) transforms your business. Professional van, quality tools, diagnostic equipment, and working stock. That investment wins you better-paying jobs, builds your reputation, and pays for itself within months.

WHY BATHROOM FITTERS CHOOSE US

We understand bathroom fitting: Financed everything from basic tool kits to £30k van + equipment packages
Fast turnaround: Most decisions within 24 hours, funds released within 3-5 days
Realistic requirements: 6-12 months trading considered (not 3 years)
Flexible packages: Bundle tools, van, equipment, and stock in one agreement
Bad credit OK: We work with specialist lenders who focus on current business performance

Over 800 bathroom fitters financed across UK. Check our bathroom fitter finance page or plumber finance options for trade-specific information.

READY TO UPGRADE YOUR BATHROOM FITTING BUSINESS?

Stop making do with inadequate equipment. Finance the kit you need and start winning better work.

Apply online: Get your quote now

Call us: 020 3778 0274

Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-1. Speak to real people who understand bathroom fitting businesses.