My two-year ordeal with Wickes - a cautionary tale…read more
I feel compelled to share my experience with Wickes Group Plc after what was supposed to be a straightforward bathroom renovation turned into a two-year nightmare. I hope my story helps others make an informed decision before entrusting Wickes with their home improvements.
Project Details
Order Value: Over £14,000
Order Date: May 2023
Completion Date: July 2025
What I Endured
Endless Delays:
I watched as weeks turned into months, then years. My project was constantly postponed, with installers failing to show up, works being rescheduled at the last minute, and long stretches of complete inactivity. I lost count of the number of times I was promised a call back or a visit that never materialised.
Chaotic Communication:
I was bounced between customer service agents, managers, and installers, none of whom seemed to know the full story or take ownership of the situation. My emails and calls were often ignored, and I had to explain my predicament over and over again. There were times when I genuinely wondered if anyone at Wickes was actually in charge.
Disruption to Family Life:
For long periods, my family had no access to a functioning bathroom. We had to adapt our routines, make alternative arrangements, and live with the daily stress of a home in disarray. The emotional toll was real--this was not just an inconvenience, but a source of ongoing anxiety and frustration.
Poor Workmanship and Repeated Repairs:
The quality of the work was disappointing, with issues ranging from leaking shower trays to faulty installations and unfinished jobs. Each attempt at a fix seemed to introduce new problems or further delays. Even after remedial works, I was left chasing Wickes to finish what they had started.
Financial Confusion and Out-of-Pocket Costs:
I made significant payments to both Wickes and the installer, yet was left unclear about who was responsible for what.
Insulting Compensation:
After all this, Wickes offered a flat £1,000 as compensation--a sum that feels like an afterthought rather than a genuine attempt to make amends. It does not come close to covering the inconvenience, stress, and disruption my family endured.
Furthermore, despite remedial works being completed last week, there is still a bulk bag of waste left on my driveway. This is yet another example of Wickes' lack of attention to detail and disregard for customer experience.
Summary of the timeline:
May 2023: Original bathroom order placed with Wickes.
June-December 2023: Initial installation phase; issues with installer performance and incomplete works.
20 December 2023: Installer U failed to attend a scheduled inspection and did not follow up.
January 2024: Wickes began searching for a new installer; significant delays due to lack of availability.
29 January 2024: New installer X conducted a survey of outstanding remedial work.
March-April 2024: Discussions continued regarding replacement tiles due to discontinued original stock.
9 May 2024: Wickes Field Installation Manager inspected and documented list of 6 major outstanding issues.
May-June 2024: Disagreements about tile availability, retiling scope, and remedial work logistics.
June-July 2024: No significant progress made; delays persisted and communication was inconsistent.
August-November 2024: Customer repeatedly chased Wickes for action; corrective action team engaged and another installer Y failed to attend appointments.
December 2024 - January 2025: Multiple unfulfilled promises to assign a new installer.
February-March 2025: Discussions on replacing wetroom with standard tray and screen; more delays.
April-June 2025: Installer Z tasked with retiling shower area and installing new screen.
July 2025: Work finally completed. Wickes issued final compensation offer of £1,000.
A Personal Appeal
As a busy NHS consultant, I expected a professional service and clear communication. Instead, I was left feeling powerless, ignored, and deeply let down. My advice to anyone considering Wickes for their home improvements: think very carefully. My experience has been one of broken promises, endless delays, and a shocking lack of accountability.
For Reference
I have kept detailed records of every email, text, and conversation with Wickes and their installers. Everything I have described here is backed up by documented evidence.
Wickes, you can do better. I hope you take this as an opportunity to reflect and improve--no one should have to go through what my family and I endured.