Bathroom remodel

Abrowneyegirl · ‎03-15-2010

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))))

Fressa · ‎03-20-2012

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.

queendiva · ‎03-12-2010

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!

Mj12 · ‎03-09-2010

@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.

Regal Bee · ‎07-20-2017

@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.

SouthernBee · ‎09-16-2010

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

software · ‎06-08-2016

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.

Hellcat64 · ‎06-16-2015

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.

Abrowneyegirl · ‎03-15-2010

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 · ‎03-15-2010

@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.