Making Sure You Get An Accurate Bathroom Remodel Estimate

When hiring someone to perform renovations on your home, they will usually offer an estimate on the cost of materials and labor.   When getting a bathroom remodeling estimate take the time to go over it with the contractor to be sure of exactly what is included in the price.   Most estimates will include a cushion just in case unknown repairs come up, but it should also specify how much cost adjustment is allowed and that all changes must be approved by the homeowners.

Most contractors are honest people, depending on positive references from previous customers to obtain more work.   Contractors know that their future work depends on their current work, so they are more likely to give you a fair bathroom remodeling estimate.   However, there are a few that will purposely undercut a bathroom remodeling estimate in order to get the contract and then try to add things into the price without consulting the owner.

Making small adjustments as a contractor completes a project is normal and should be expected.   Adjustments should be made to the overall total cost of the project, not individual phases.  It will be difficult for the homeowner to reign in the cost of the bathroom remodeling project if increases are made to each little part of the project.

All Contract Specifications Should Be Exact

Your bathroom remodeling project estimate should definitely include all the materials the contractor expects to use.   It is not enough for example to stipulate that a granite countertop will be used, the dimensions, especially the thickness should be spelled out in the estimate.   Being as specific as you can ensures that you will get the bathroom that you are picturing.  During installation if you insist on a thinker piece, the estimate will increase based on the customer’s demand for a change.

Other things to look for on the estimate are the brand and model of any fixtures that will go into your new bathroom.   It shouldn’t be necessary to specify the source of the materials, unless you think the contractor may try to purchase factory seconds or used products.   It will take time to go through the paperwork before awarding the contract, but it will insure that you get what you pay for and in a timely manner.

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By: Chet Lystrom