Bathroom Renovation Costs: Get Estimates Before You Begin
If you’re planning to redo your bathroom, you’ll have to be prepared to shell out some cash. In fact, you can easily expect to spend thousands of dollars on the renovation process, depending on the size and needs of your bathroom. In this article, we’ll discuss what the bathroom renovation costs are in general and then break down each of the different elements of your renovation project so that you know how much you can expect to pay (and save!) when it comes time to hire a contractor and get started with your bathroom renovations.
What to expect from an estimate
Not all contractors and renovation companies are equal. A good estimate should be a detailed list of everything that will be included in your project. Although costs may vary based on materials, you should get an idea of what you can expect to pay for each service listed in your estimate. Some estimates may include line items for unexpected expenses that don't end up occurring; other may come with detailed explanations about why certain elements cost more than others or fall outside of an expected range. Whatever is included, your contractor or company should be able to clearly explain how they came up with their estimated price (including sales tax and labor) when providing you with an estimate of cost for bathroom renovation.
Getting Free Quotes
On any given project, you should get at least three cost estimates. The best way to do that is to get referrals from friends, or scour Yelp or Angie’s List for reviews of contractors. Contractors love customers who shop around and ask for quotes—it makes them look good if they win your business. If a contractor has asked you for money up front, don’t pay it—that’s a sign of a scammer. And always get everything in writing.
Steps for getting the most out of your estimate meetings
1. Be prepared to ask lots of questions and request additional information. 2. Look at several estimates, not just one. 3. Check references for each contractor you are considering hiring. 4. Ask about a company's safety record and how it deals with customer complaints or problems that arise during work. 5. Make sure all contractors have liability insurance or a bond (which means they will pay for any damage they cause). 6. Make sure all contractors carry workers' compensation insurance (which means their employees will be covered if injured on your property). 7. Consider asking for references from friends who have had similar work done recently; call those people to see if they were satisfied with their contractor's work and service after completion of the project.
How does your renovation cost breakdown?
If you’re getting quotes from contractors, make sure you know exactly what each estimate is based on. Is it a firm price or an estimate? If it’s an estimate, have they included contingency amounts to ensure that unforeseen issues aren’t going to break your bank at last minute? What items are they planning on installing, if anything; do you prefer to buy and install everything yourself? In any case, make sure you understand all of these factors before moving forward with a contractor. Your bathroom renovation could cost more than $10,000 but on average a basic remodel averages $3500-$6000. Here is a breakdown of how much cost for bathroom renovation can vary based on local prices and types of services provided.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Once you get all your estimates, don’t be afraid to question and dig in on costs. A good contractor should be able to clearly explain each item and why it is being charged as such. If you feel like something doesn’t make sense or that you are getting some hidden charges, don’t be afraid to question them further. Do they provide a warranty? What materials are they using? Where will they dump their trash? How long have they been doing work in your neighborhood?
