Most professionals will offer you an estimate on your home remodeling project. Go over the estimate with your contractor so you understand exactly what your project estimate includes. Make sure that your estimate not only includes a clause for unknown repairs that may come up, but also specifies just how much cost adjustment is allowed and that all changes must be approved by a homeowners signature.
Most contractors are honest people, depending on positive references from previous customers to obtain more work. Contractors know that their future work depends on their current work, so they are more likely to give you a fair estimate. However, there are a few that will purposely undercut a bathroom remodeling estimate in order to get the contract and then try to add things into the price without consulting the owner.
Allowing the contractor to make adjustments to certain aspects of the project up to a certain dollar amount is normal in most remodeling contracts. Adjustments should be made to the overall total cost of the project, not individual phases. This mistake can considerable increase the cost above the initial bathroom remodeling estimate, with the homeowner having little wriggle room to reign in costs.
All Contract Specifications Should Be Exact
The contractor should include all materials expected to be used for your bathroom remodeling project in the estimate. The materials list should not just be a general list. It should include product dimensions and styles. Being as specific as you can ensures that you will get the bathroom that you are picturing. During installation if you insist on a thinker piece, the estimate will increase based on the customer’s demand for a change.
The specific brand and model of any fixtures should also be included in any bathroom remodeling estimate to insure only top quality items are used. It shouldn’t be necessary to specify the source of the materials, unless you think the contractor may try to purchase factory seconds or used products. Taking the time to go through the estimate with a fine tooth comb will ensure that you get what you are expecting out of your bathroom remodel.
I am a professional remodeling contractor. We do many bathroom remodels. In our contract we have a clause for doing unexpected work that does not require a homeowners approval. There are so many things that can come up in bath remodeling, like rotted floors, etc. The homeowner really has no choice about doing this additional work, so we just go ahead with it. It costs more, but most homeowners appreciate it that we do this additional work when needed. It’s an issue of trust. We do what’s best for the homeowner and most appreciate this. KH
Thanks Ken,
I think the biggest concern for homeowners is being taken advantage of. You are right that there are always things that come up that you cannot expect, it’s also unfortunately true that not all contractors are looking out for the best interest of the homeowner as you are. We are really glad to have you posting on our site. Please come back. People like you are most welcome here!
It’s a good thing to get the help of a professional, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all there is to do in a bathroom remodel, but it’s important to be involved in the details, to have a general idea of what you want, and not to sign anything before you have considered your alternatives.
This way, you have a better chance to work out a lower price with your contractor, for your bathroom renovations.
admin@bathroom remodels´s last blog ..Remodeling Your Bathroom
I think to mitigate the disruption of a bathroom remodeling project, planning is absolutely essential. The first thing a homeowner needs to do is sketch out some bathroom remodeling ideas to ensure the bathroom design & cost estimates will meet target functional requirements & budget.
Good advice. It does make me nervous as a homeowner to think that a contractor will go ahead with a repair without advising the homeowner. I understand that it would be difficult to tell the owner about all of the issues that come up that were not accounted for in the contract, but I would still want some sort of report on what additional costs have been added to the project as they are incurred. Maybe that’s asking too much?
There are generally unforseen costs that arise during the remodeling of a bathroom. Make sure the contractor who is doing the work will be professional enough to tell you about the extra work they may have to do. Good article, great advice! Thanks!
You can get everything you have always wanted from cozy Jacuzzi to heated bathroom floors along with the proper lighting to make your bathing experience really pleasurable. Well these home remodeling companies make sure to transform your ordinary bathroom into a five star spa without having you to pay more. You always wanted that 5 star luxury bathroom for your home but the idea seemed too good to be true. Along with the kitchens, bathrooms are also one of the major areas of homes. So recommend you to consult one of the best companies that can make your house kitchens, bathrooms, rooms as beautiful as you want. gatch builders
Finding an honest contractor to work with is so very important. Working with a contract so both of you know what to expect from each other is also of top importance.
Before remodeling your bathroom you must know the best design for your home setting.
Free Bathroom Designs
http://www.homeplansforfree.com/Free-bathroom-designs/index.php
New Bath Planning
http://www.brandsconstruction.com/Blogb2/bathroom-ideas.php
Wishing you the very best.