So we got the bids for the new bathroom, and I have to admit I am flummoxed. This is not our first time to get bids -- we paid 75K for an addition a few years ago--, but this is the first time there has been such a vast discrepancy. The first bid we received was for around $12,250. The second was for $6,100! Neither of these include the plumbing work, which is going to be about $5,000. Neither included the cost of the tile or fixtures, which will be around 2.5K, mainly because the custom tile was over $600.
After looking at the cheaper bid, we realized he neglected to include tiling the non-shower walls, so that might add about 1K at the most. Otherwise, the bids are pretty much the same. I'm particularly confused because the sense we got from our neighbors who had used these people was that the 12K contractor was a steal. He lives a few blocks over, doesn't have the overhead of a fancy truck with his name on it, and he routinely works in our neighborhood. The other guy used to work for a huge trusted firm and started his own contracting business a few years ago. He did the ginormous addition/whole house renovation on our neighbor's house, which included two bathrooms.
I guess I'll just be happy and go with the cheaper guy. We trust both of them based on reviews. But I am very confused. I know the 12K one was wholly unthrilled with the thought of the putting the cast iron tub in place in a second floor bathroom, so maybe he jacked up the price for that.
So, back to bathrooms, what concealed trapway toilets have you guys bought? I am pretty Toto loyal, but the concealed trapway really raises the price on that brand. Anyone have luck with American Standard? I will not buy a Kohler toilet, as I have had bad experiences with them clogging in the past.
Hi Justajane,
We are in the process of remodeling the upstairs master bath in our 1970s house. Your experience with quotes sounds remarkably similar to ours: $11,000+ for the full remodel with a licensed contractor vs. around $6,000+ for a partial (shower and pocket door only, cash only). Everything was ripped out down to the joists. Here's what our remodel will have:
-walk-in tile shower replacing old tub; beige tile/grout for easy cleaning, bench for sitting/shaving; glass door w/ handle;
-same tile as flooring/border;
-comfort-height toilet;
-recessed lighting (a light box was built for this);
-pocket door;
-two undermount sinks w/granite countertops, each at a different height (husband is over 6' and got tired of stooping);
-rice paper over the window for privacy;
-cabinets/storage TBD; we think we'll have one above the toilet and others adjacent to each sink.
Because the husband is handy, he's only contracted out parts of the work, mostly involving the shower-building and tile installation, and even then he assisted with the work to 1) keep the price down and 2) learn the skill so he can do most of the work next time. A plumber has been paid a few hours' labor to handle things like moving the tub drain and the shower head. We have a few licensed-contractor friends who have been happy to come over after work to lend a hand for an hour in exchange for libations. All in all, we're still looking at close to $10,000 in materials and labor costs for the whole project, but that's still at least $1k less than if we'd contracted out the entire job. We still have to pay for the glass shower door and buy/build cabinets, but that should be about it.
I love your idea of having a clawfoot tub! Both our full baths are too small for a big tub and walk-in shower, which means separate remodels. We did a minor remodel (think $500) on the guest bathroom a few years ago: paint, new hardware, light fixtures, faucet, mirror, and exhaust fan. That should hold us for a few more years until we are ready to rip out the old tub, put in a larger one, retile the room, and put in a new vanity. In terms of time, effort, and money, it should cost far less than the master bath since we won't be building a new shower from the joists up. I do love soaking in a big tub...my garden tub from my previous residence is the one thing I miss most about that home.
Did I miss something about why the plumbing for your remodel will cost $5,000? That seems awfully steep!