topic Re: HELP WITH BATHROOM REMODEL in Home

HELP WITH BATHROOM REMODEL

ScrapHappy — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 15:23:35 GMT

We want to remodel a small, secondary bathroom. It's all builder original....white square tile on floor and in shower, cheap vanity, etc.. It's 9 foot by 5 foot. The estimate I just received was for $8000. That doesn't include tile, tub, faucet, light fixtures, trim for can light, mirror, exhaust and paint. It does include $800 for vanity & install of, and $650 for granite countertop & install. I know prices differe from area to area but just would like some input. Do you think it's too high?

TIA

Re: HELP WITH BATHROOM REMODEL

bri20 — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 15:33:39 GMT

I think that's high.

I know bathroom remodels are very pricey. Have you gotten other estimates?

Re: HELP WITH BATHROOM REMODEL

nycgrl — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 15:34:53 GMT

@scraphappy wrote:
We want to remodel a small, secondary bathroom. It's all builder original....white square tile on floor and in shower, cheap vanity, etc.. It's 9 foot by 5 foot. The estimate I just received was for $8000. That doesn't include tile, tub, faucet, light fixtures, trim for can light, mirror, exhaust and paint. It does include $800 for vanity & install of, and $650 for granite countertop & install. I know prices differe from area to area but just would like some input. Do you think it's too high?
TIA

Everything is dependent on the labor cost and materials. $8,000 including basically nothing but labor seems high to me, but I'm not expert. I suggest getting a few estimates before moving forward. I have used Home Advisors and Angie's List. Also, maybe go to Home Depot and Lowe's just to get an idea on what they might charge. You really need to shop around and also make sure whoever you decide to use is licensed, bonded and insured. Definitely do your homework. Good luck!

Re: HELP WITH BATHROOM REMODEL

scatcat — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 15:38:07 GMT

There's so many variables. Is he tiling more than around tub? Shower? Shower floor? Do you like the vanity and granite he is paying for or do you want to upgrade. You can always get a 2nd quote. Don't forget there are usually "extras" added on. We were quoted $15-25k for our master bath (2 separate quotes, we buy fixtures/tile/shower door etc)

Re: HELP WITH BATHROOM REMODEL

Q4u — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 15:53:34 GMT

We remodeled our entire house (more or less) before we moved five years ago... and even with prices going up in five years I think $8k for the size of your bathroom is high. Definitely get more estimates and if you're able do some of the work yourself that trims the price considerably.

We took down the contractor mirror in our small downstairs bathroom and I found a gorgeous mirror at a steal with etching around the sides and put that up, we painted and we even had a local craftsman come in, strip the finish off the cabinet and restain it.... the contractor then replaced the floors and baseboards and cabinet tops (granite) and we picked out the hardware and DH replaced it. Looked great...

Re: HELP WITH BATHROOM REMODEL

ScrapHappy — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 15:56:17 GMT

Not for the small bathroom. Originally we looked into remodeling/fixing our master bath because the tub and shower leaks. We figured since we had to fix tub and shower we would do some cosmetic changes, like new counter tops, lighting. All the tile in the master was a re-do. Prices for that came in $28,000 to $40,000. Even had a contractor out that our realtor uses all the time and he priced us way high, our realtor was shocked. Anyway, decided to start small and upgrade a smaller bathroom and then eventually fix master bath. Just having a really hard time.

Re: HELP WITH BATHROOM REMODEL

YorkieonmyPillow — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 15:58:56 GMT

Sounds like a lot to me.

But then, I like retro homes. I would probably just do new paint, etc.

Re: HELP WITH BATHROOM REMODEL

Janey2 — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 15:59:13 GMT

Get at least 3 estimates. I just did a small bathroom and the price difference was $4000. Everything was the exact same. Try to get referrals from people you know and trust. If that is not possible ask for referrals from where you are purchasing the tile.

Re: HELP WITH BATHROOM REMODEL

faeriemoon — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 16:03:18 GMT

For what you have said is included, that seems high.

Re: HELP WITH BATHROOM REMODEL

jlkz — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 16:27:05 GMT

@ScrapHappy

If you have a Habitat for Humanity Restore store in your vicinity, keep checking it out for bathroom items. They have new ( extra pieces from contractors...sink, base cabinet, tiles, etc. ) as well as donated used items, some in practically new condition. We've found great bargains there and you are helping your community.

Local thrift shops may surprise you with some of their donated inventory. Just last night I found 2 chandeliers, one a single with a circle of " candlestick-based candle light bulbs " and the a double ( elongated oval with two circles ) both for a total of a little over $ 70.

we are redoing a shore rental property and the prices for carpeting the house are unbelievable ! We are definitely checking out other businesses for this and kitchen cabinets.

Re: HELP WITH BATHROOM REMODEL

CAMOGIRL — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 16:38:19 GMT

Can not say if it is high or isn't. Bathrooms are expensive though.

I always like to get three estimates on anything like that. Some people are way higher than necessary. And, some people just should not be doing what they say they know anything about.

Also - you need to like the person yourself - I usually go with my gut here. After all, they are working in your home and you do have to deal with them until the job is done.

i would most definitely get a few more estimates and compare pros and cons.

Re: HELP WITH BATHROOM REMODEL

BaileyBop — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 17:20:58 GMT

Was the estimate from a general contractor or a plumbing contractor? Did you give them a list of what you want done and all fixtures that you want installed?

Go to a wholesale house for tile and choose what you want. Go to a wholesale house for plumbing fixtures and pick out what you want. Do the same for electrical fixtures etc.

Then get an estimate for the whole project from a general contractor. They will then hire and person to demo. An electrician to install the electrical, a plumbing contractor for plumbing, etc. Sometimes the GC will do some of the work like the demo, but most trades have to have a license for each one.

If you can act as the general contractor that will save you money. Also, if you do most of the demo that will save you money.

If you buy your own fixtures those installing them will not warranty the fixtures, only their installation of those fixtures.

Remember, buying from a do-it-yourself place to buy fixtures you are not getting the same thing that the wholesale houses have. This is a fact expecially in regards to plumbing fixtures. You get what you pay for in that regards.

Re: HELP WITH BATHROOM REMODEL

Mom2Dogs — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 18:09:26 GMT

Yes, your price seems high for what you requested for the quote.

Several years ago I updated my bathroom. For $3000 we had new tile and molding at the floor. New stool as well as the vanity repainted and raised in height. new fixtures and knobs on the vanity doors and drawers and a new vanity top...not granite.

I was very happy with the price and the look of the bathroom. I have to have the tub/shower surround done but I am not sure when I will do that. I have no experience with bath fitters and that is the route we will have to go because we don't want to tear out a wall to put in a new shower.

Re: HELP WITH BATHROOM REMODEL

Nightowlz — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 18:48:04 GMT

That sounds high too me. I'm glad DH could do most of the work when we remodeled. We paid someone to help DH get the ugly fiberglass unit out & get the new tub installed in one bath. DH did everything else. He tiled the shower with niche, all new fixtures, same toilet, same vanity (refinished) with new top, sink, mirror, lighting, paint. We already had nice tile floors. DH did have to take up the tiles along the tub & replace so the new tub would fit. We have extra tiles from when we had the floors tiled. I think it cost around $3000.

Re: HELP WITH BATHROOM REMODEL

ScrapHappy — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 19:59:43 GMT

We moved to Georgia from California. EVERYTHING in California is expensive but right now Georgia is winning on that end. I'm starting to think that some of these contractors are just bidding so high thinking I'm stupid and will pay it. Or they bid so high because they don't want the job in the first place.

Re: HELP WITH BATHROOM REMODEL

ScrapHappy — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 20:05:15 GMT

When we started out looking out remodeling is was initially for our master bath. The tub and shower leaks. Since we need that fixed, we though updating it a little would be a good idea and that would be best time to do it. At first we had remodeling companies come out. They do all the work, have showrooms, designers, etc. Estimates for the master bath job were $28,0000 to $40,000. And that is not a gut job or moving plumbing or electrical. Simple updates: change lighting, new countertops, new mirror and, of course, fix shower and replace tub (all tile around tub, shower and floor has to be replaced). After that, we decided to keep searching and start off smaller....hence the smaller bathroom. This guy is a general contractor, not part of a big design team. We don't plan to move plumbing or electrical, just update/change.

Re: HELP WITH BATHROOM REMODEL

karlam — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 20:44:51 GMT

We have an 8x5 half bath and the estimate I received to totally redo it was $7,000. That price did not include a vanity, sink, mirrow, lighting, toilet, etc. I'm holding off for now because the bath is off the kitchen and though I would have it done the same time the kitchen is being remodeled.

Re: HELP WITH BATHROOM REMODEL

Tigriss — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 21:49:55 GMT

@scraphappy wrote:
We want to remodel a small, secondary bathroom. It's all builder original....white square tile on floor and in shower, cheap vanity, etc.. It's 9 foot by 5 foot. The estimate I just received was for $8000. That doesn't include tile, tub, faucet, light fixtures, trim for can light, mirror, exhaust and paint. It does include $800 for vanity & install of, and $650 for granite countertop & install. I know prices differe from area to area but just would like some input. Do you think it's too high?
TIA

Let me get this right.....$8000 for:

Not included: tile, tub, faucet, light fixtures, trim for can light, mirror exhaust and paint......

So that leaves what: the vanity, toilet, sink faucet, towel rods, and what......vanity and counter $1450 so the toilet, sink fixtures and towel rods are $6550 for them and labor.

For $8000, all of it should be done with exceptional matierials with that price for that size of bath. GET ANOTHER QUOTE right away!

Re: HELP WITH BATHROOM REMODEL

RedTop — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 22:39:08 GMT

I am in southern WV, and paid around $8000 for WV Rebath to come in and upgrade BOTH of our bathrooms with a new tub and custom shower base, as well as full wall panels with ccorner shelf units in both bathrooms.

The contractor had to saw the original one piece fiberglass units into pieces to remove them---they were put in place as soon as the wall studs were nailed down, and the house was literally built around them.

We replaced the toilets and vanities ourselves, but felt the price we paid WV Rebath was fair for the job we wanted done.

Re: HELP WITH BATHROOM REMODEL

pattypeep — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 14:06:37 GMT

Is this something that you and your dh could do on your own? We had a secondary bath about the same size. I'm kind of handy, but my dh is not. We did it on our own, though, and the cost was minimal. We left the current tub and shower in, but tore out everything else. We laid the tile floor ourselves, then re-installed the water closet and put in a pedestal sink instead of a cabinet to save room. Bought a new mirror and light fixture. We had to buy a tile cutter, and I believe with everything the cost was no more than $500. Labor really drives the cost up. Perhaps you can be your own general contractor and hire out each task as you go.