Should I expect higher plumber costs in NW London?

That sounds incredibly high, I would expect that price to include all materials, bath tiles etc.
I would shop around, go on the find trades people websites and get a few quotes.
Rates vary enormously, but the average to pay is £150-250 per day in London.

Hi M&SFAN

I would suggest you get quotes from sites such as TrustaTrader or CheckaTrade. Check out the credentials of the companies that want to quote you for the work before you let them in to do that.
To access trades this way, you will likely have to complete an app-style summary of the works required and give an idea of the date you require the works to be carried out.

When you complete the app-style enquiry, be careful with your wording of the works. You describe it as 'RIPPING OUT... the existing bath, loo and basin', however, if what you mean is 'REMOVE and replace existing bath, loo and basin' say that instead! The point is: are these fixtures going to remain in the same place as now or are they going into a whole new bathroom layout? Your answer has a lot to do with the quote you'll get back.

Landlords are often targeted for higher priced quotes and sloppy workmanship (because some think doing a really good job doesn't matter because it's 'only a rental property'). Don't fall for that one.

Be prepared to get a few quotes in, in writing, with a schedule of the works (so that you know what is included in the price) and then compare the quotes, like for like. If elements of the quote vary considerably, you have the opportunity to get that reduced based on the price competition.

Finally, check the timeframe of the works from start to finish and know what guarantee you get for your money. Be aware that for any electrical work done in the bathroom, e.g. new light fittings, new shower installation etc you'll need a small works certificate signed off by an electrician.

Good luck getting it sorted well and done to your satisfaction.

Lord

19K That is a Joke! I would not even consider paying 5K for a bathroom, and this is just labour!

No don't get carried away, get more quotes and or drive around your area and contact builders working around and see where there are skips, park your car and ask to speak to one of them, and see if they would do your bathroom, invite them to give you a quote and also ask them if you could see the quality of their work, most builders knows good plumbers.

There can be other factors such as parking, cost of waste disposal etc. But that seems high for labour only. could try big company like Pimlico Plumbers for comparison purposes. Also if tradesman doesn't know you, they will cover themselves for hassle, risk of delayed payments or even non-payment of final bill. some factor in an overage for unknown clients.

I had a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom business for 25 years. I'm ten years out of touch now but if that's labour only it sounds way over the top. You need to sit down and write out everything you want done in as much detail as possible. We always did that as part of the contract to cover ourselves from naughty customers. Draw up a contract with every detail wanted and avoid broad terminology, get the contract signed, most cowboys would run from that. Time consuming yes but vital and will save you stress and money. I have seen many cowboys over the years so make sure you get at least three feedbacks from their previous customers and talk to them personally. Every job we did, part of the contract was that future customers could contact them to check us out, our last 10 years were all recommendations. Sundry materials such as plumbing, electrical fittings, plaster, wood, adhesives etc. etc. add up to a surprising amount. Getting rid of rubbish can be expensive and technically a license is required for that by whoever disposes of it unless you do it yourself. Old houses often uncover problems from previous bodge ups etc and most builders will have a clause in their contract to cover that, we did. Electrics must have the proper checks by a qualified electrician and signed off with certificate also some waste plumbing may have to be inspected by local council. Before ordering things like bath etc. you need to know what you are doing especially in an older house where baths were often let into walls at each end and were often not the standard 1700 x700 today. Older toilet outlets used to go down and through floor rather than walls causing problems and loads more to think about. You also ideally need someone with all trades skills because using different tradesmen for various jobs can be a nightmare to organise and take thee times as long. Why not first off get a couple of quotes for a supply and fit from an Independent retailer whose been around for a while and you may be surprised and at least then you can work out material costs and check out labour cost. Also ask the supplier how long job will take, try and avoid commision only salespeople with no actual experience, that's why I mentioned Independents. Good luck, you're gonna need it.