topic Re: Bathroom remodel in Home

Bathroom remodel

Abrowneyegirl — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 14:54:25 GMT

We would like to have a bathroom remodel.

We have decided to not move walls or water lines because I (we) do not want the dirt and aggrevation of a long-term project.

Being the orgainzed person I am I have selected and sourced every product we need to do the project from tile and vanity down to towel bars and drawer pulls.

The problem is getting contractors to show up and provide an estimate. They all want the job but can not provide pricing.

My husband thought the hard part was going to be to finding everything I wanted and pulling it all together. I find that very easy .........it is getting the labor that is painful.

I wish we could do it ourselves!

((((Groan))))

Re: Bathroom remodel

Fressa — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 15:18:12 GMT

We do most of these projects ourselves because of our budget and the dogs. I did find a carpenter (retired) that liked "odd" jobs. My friend always is buying and selling homes and this is her #1 complaint---no one shows up when they say, no one calls back and the costs are always more than quoted

If you have a local neighborhood paper I would check there. I also am a big fan of the BBB and you can just enter a catagory or specific job and names in your area will list as well as ratings and complaints filed. I found this useful when we had a new roof installed.

There are some servides available to help you find installers, etc. but I have not used them. I have used the sub-contractors from Lowes and Home Depot and have had mixed results.

Hope this helps you.

Re: Bathroom remodel

queendiva — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 16:53:39 GMT

Not moving electric or plumbing? Possibly a really good handyman. I had one here yesterday who had the skills. Retired engineer.

I would absolutely not hire anyone who did not provide an estimate and time frame in writing prior to the first payment.

Maybe the problem is that they are busiest at this time of year? IDK.

Ask local realtors- they know all the trades. Ask neighbors and friends and ask at a local plumbing/ bathroom fixtures supply store, if there is one in your area. Not a Big Box store. (JMO).

Good Luck!

Re: Bathroom remodel

Mj12 — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 17:14:42 GMT

@Abrowneyegirl wrote:
We would like to have a bathroom remodel.
We have decided to not move walls or water lines because I (we) do not want the dirt and aggrevation of a long-term project.

Being the orgainzed person I am I have selected and sourced every product we need to do the project from tile and vanity down to towel bars and drawer pulls.

The problem is getting contractors to show up and provide an estimate. They all want the job but can not provide pricing.

My husband thought the hard part was going to be to finding everything I wanted and pulling it all together. I find that very easy .........it is getting the labor that is painful.
I wish we could do it ourselves!

((((Groan))))

I would still find a licensed contractor. We redid our master bath 2 years ago, the footprint stayed the same. You'll have to make more calls and meet with more contractors, and insist on a written estimate,current referrals, sub policies, certificates of insurance, etc. And once you choose someone - most importantly - stay there the ENTIRE time during the reno (likely 5 days). I mean the entire time - if you have to go run an errand, have your husband stay there. Good luck!! It's a huge aggravation but worth it in the end.

ETA - even if you know these contractors or feel comfortable w/them in your home, and you're chatting about grandkids or pets, please don't ever leave the job site.

Re: Bathroom remodel

Regal Bee — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 15:40:52 GMT

@Abrowneyegirl Dealing with contractors is difficult....to put it mildly.

We did our own remodels but it was hard. I would advise a really good handyman....ask around and get references. Check out their work, if possible.

Lots of luck.

Re: Bathroom remodel

SouthernBee — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 15:47:30 GMT

We hired ReBath. They have a salesman come with all the information and variety of products you can select within your budget. We had 1 1/2 Bath but total remodel with full bath. Information from contractor and and other workers, project estimate 1 to 2 months, not an option with all our health issues. Rebath completed project in three days. We had old tub replaced with walk in shower, new floor non slip tiles, new sink and vanity at a comfort height, new medicine cabinet, new bathroom closet. Toilet almost new but added a toilet riser to have toilet at more comfortable level than the standard toilet. Installed two years ago and still looks good and easier to clean. Was not as expensive as the contractor estimates. SouthernBee

Re: Bathroom remodel

software — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 16:22:53 GMT

I've found that contractors don't really want small jobs

What you describe is a small job.

I like that ReBath idea, I didn't know they would do all that.

I need everything replaced, but no structural or plumbing changes.

Re: Bathroom remodel

Hellcat64 — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 16:44:21 GMT

We remodeled 2 bathrooms and asked the tile store for recommendations. They provided 4 names of contractors that specialized in bathrooms. All 4 came and gave estimates. We chose the guy that did tiling but could also do carpentry. He had an electrician and a plumber that he brought in . Everyone was licensed and insured. We had a good rapport with him and he did a great job. We also set up a 3 payment schedule. When he started we gave him a down payment. When he completed the walk in shower and all the tiling , we gave him another payment. After he finished and we inspected we gave the final payment that had some adjustments. We also recommended him to friends who also used him and were very happy.

Re: Bathroom remodel

Abrowneyegirl — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 16:49:21 GMT

Sounds like many here understand my pain.

Finding people have not been a problem, I have a lot of connections and we had this house built.

I agree licensed and insured people are the only people we work with.

We will not be squeezed in between other projects.

I called 15 people -all wanted the job over the phone when they heard the address. 12 showed up as scheduled- all wanted the job and wanted to schedule a start date.

1 person gave us an estimate contract.

The job is only about $15,000 to $20,000 excluding materials so it is not a big project, that may be part of the problem.

Every homeowner I talk says my story is familiar and wishes us luck and sympathy!

Re: Bathroom remodel

Abrowneyegirl — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 16:54:04 GMT

@software wrote:
I've found that contractors don't really want small jobs

What you describe is a small job.

I like that ReBath idea, I didn't know they would do all that.
I need everything replaced, but no structural or plumbing changes.

ReBath is great for some projects and they are quick.

Our project is not within their scope however.

I agree @software contractors prefer jobs in the $60,000+ range and want to come and go for months.

Our job is only $20,000 and will only take about a week.

Re: Bathroom remodel

queendiva — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 16:56:59 GMT

@Abrowneyegirl: Only $15-20K plus materials?!

That's not a small bathroom remodel in my world.

Re: Bathroom remodel

SouthernBee — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 17:14:14 GMT

@queendiva: Totally agree. Also understand why some people would not consider Rebath but it is an option for people that have need a bathroom remodel in addition to other multiple home improvement projects but limited financial resources. Southern Bee

Re: Bathroom remodel

Mj12 — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 17:24:32 GMT

@Abrowneyegirl wrote:
Sounds like many here understand my pain.
Finding people have not been a problem, I have a lot of connections and we had this house built.
I agree licensed and insured people are the only people we work with.
We will not be squeezed in between other projects.

I called 15 people -all wanted the job over the phone when they heard the address. 12 showed up as scheduled- all wanted the job and wanted to schedule a start date.
1 person gave us an estimate contract.

The job is only about $15,000 to $20,000 excluding materials so it is not a big project, that may be part of the problem.

Every homeowner I talk says my story is familiar and wishes us luck and sympathy!

@Abrowneyegirl it is extremely frustrating, isn't it? Over the phone wouldn't work for me either. We scheduled a bunch of estimate visits - literally half on our list didn't come, didn't call, etc. Crossed them off right away. A few were hours late - sent them away and crossed off. I wonder if there is a trade school in the area, would they have any referrals?

Re: Bathroom remodel

SouthernBee — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 17:36:51 GMT

@software: Rebath was the answer for us due to disability problems and needing so many home improvements. This was a wonderful up grade from the old bathroom.

We have enjoyed the easy access and easy to clean. The floor is comfortable and neither hot or cold. SouthernBee

Re: Bathroom remodel

Abrowneyegirl — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 21:59:54 GMT

@queendiva wrote:
@Abrowneyegirl: Only $15-20K plus materials?!
That's not a small bathroom remodel in my world.

Yes Sad isn't it! Contractors are very disappointed with our project. They try their best to up-sell other projects while they are here! Yeah, right - I can't get a bid for 1 project!!

We have a newer home so it is considered a quick/easy project.

If you have an older home, the hidden costs can add up really fast.

I HATE dealing with any contracting projects!

Re: Bathroom remodel

blackhole99 — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 00:16:22 GMT

Contractors want to make money on every aspect of the job, so they do not want you to buy your own materials. It doesn't surprise me that you can't find someone to do the job.

Re: Bathroom remodel

ScrapHappy — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 01:53:51 GMT

I remodeled 3 bathrooms: master, a smaller 8x9, and a jack and jill. Taken down to the studs. It took me about 8 months to find someone I trusted. I live in an area of what's considered "more expensive." Just because we live here, doesn't mean money grows on trees and we'd be willing to pay whatever they want. I had a contractor give me an estimate of over $52,000 for the master and that only included work/labor, tub and sink. Are you kidding me? I can't understand why they can't provide pricing. Most I dealt with had a very detailed estimate. I, too, picked everything out and either had it delivered or took it home myself. Contractors will charge extra for that. Having everything ordered and at your home BEFORE work starts. That really helps. Counter tops are the exception because the cabinets, template, sink, etc. Just keep at it. Ask around and whoever you pick, check them out (especially with the BBB)...to see if there are any charges/complaints on their record.

Re: Bathroom remodel

Abrowneyegirl — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 14:04:53 GMT

@blackhole99 wrote:
Contractors want to make money on every aspect of the job, so they do not want you to buy your own materials. It doesn't surprise me that you can't find someone to do the job.

I have not purchased the materials, however I do know what all the materials cost.

They want the job, they just want to quote me an "air quote" of the job with a cost between x and y. Usually with a $10 to 15 thousand range (!?!?!?!?) I could guess THAT I do not consider that to be a quote or a bid but a guess.

I had one guy call me back 2 weeks later and tell me start on Wednesday - I was shocked and confused I asked him if he had sent a bid (thinking we just did not recieve it).

He was annoyed, and told me "I told you when I was there it would cost anywhere between x and y"

Re: Bathroom remodel

CelticCrafter — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 15:50:05 GMT

When we redid our bathroom, we used Bathfitters for just the tub and the surround but I do know they would have done everything if we wanted them to. They do employ licensed plumbers.

I don't remember though if they would have done the ceramic floor.

Re: Bathroom remodel

Hellcat64 — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 16:42:35 GMT

@Abrowneyegirl wrote:
@blackhole99 wrote:
Contractors want to make money on every aspect of the job, so they do not want you to buy your own materials. It doesn't surprise me that you can't find someone to do the job.
I have not purchased the materials, however I do know what all the materials cost.

They want the job, they just want to quote me an "air quote" of the job with a cost between x and y. Usually with a $10 to 15 thousand range (!?!?!?!?) I could guess THAT I do not consider that to be a quote or a bid but a guess.

I had one guy call me back 2 weeks later and tell me start on Wednesday - I was shocked and confused I asked him if he had sent a bid (thinking we just did not recieve it).
He was annoyed, and told me "I told you when I was there it would cost anywhere between x and y"

Wow, I feel so lucky after reading all these posts. My contractor sent me to all the places he does business with, cabinet guy for vanities, granite guy, tile place. Everything I picked out I got at his discounted price and he picked everything up. Same thing with the plumber. All my fixtures and toilets at his price. We also gutted both bathrooms which are average size. We have an older house so the floors had to be replaced before he could even tile. Looked at a lot of glass sliding doors and was lucky enough to get them on sale. Both my bathrooms came in at around $30 thousand.