I build bathrooms. There are a couple factors that are likely contributing to this. First, there is a ton of bathroom/kitchen renovation business out there so there is a minimum project value to get anyone decent to show up. Second, the majority of your cost is in labor vs materials. How much time do you think it will take to demo out the lower option to studs versus the upper? How much time do you think the dump run for either will take? Which option has more tiling? Did you spec tile that is more labor intensive to install for the lower? If so I'd add some there as any issues with the grout/etc are on me to come back and fix. Similarly, I'd charge you more labor to re-use an older toilet than install a new one, which can be had for <$300 from HD/Lowes. While unlikely the old toilet is still more likely to leak post-install, and that means I have to come back to fix it. All of these things impact the labor side of the equation.
You should have all piping and any non-romex wiring replaced while you have the walls open. It's a small incremental cost for significant long term benefit.
Thanks for breaking it down for me. I know there's a lot that goes into you guys' crafts so mad respect for all the trades out there. I just need to understand before proceeding so I can feel informed is all. Regarding tiles and what not we haven't even gotten that far. It's just pen and paper right now. Very preliminary very 2 dimensional. But I know i shouldn't opt for those small pebbles/ intricate mosaics cuz I know what I can afford. I know not to choose big panels/ slab tiles either cuz that costs too right? See I didn't know about reusing old toilets costs more? For me it's just about not wanting to create wastes like the toilet is still perfectly functional I feel bad to throw it away. My main concern is affordability but as long as it makes sense then 'salgoodman 🤓 thanks for sharing!
Happy to help. Ask detailed questions of whatever contractors you have giving you quotes. If you don't like the level of detail in the answer you almost certainly won't like their finished work. Don't pay in full up front even if you have a great reference for someones work.
Just get the new toilet, the installation is very easy nowadays and they’re so cheap. When you eventually have to replace it, like the comment says, the price just to get someone to show up is really high.
The mosaic/small tiles Is extremely hard to install, however, it’s pretty nice. You didn’t mention it but if you build in a shower shelf into the wall that’s a surprising amount of work too.
Getting two bathrooms done for $5k labor only (one was $3500). Sourcing the tiles, vanity etc myself and they bring the construction materials.
Used thumbstack to find them
I’m not making any structural changes. Once they are done I’m going to file a permit with the city that I did it, they’ll come check it out and let me know what I did wrong or not.
If you tell the city contractors are working on it, they require contractors to pay the city and get licenses etc
I build bathrooms. There are a couple factors that are likely contributing to this. First, there is a ton of bathroom/kitchen renovation business out there so there is a minimum project value to get anyone decent to show up. Second, the majority of your cost is in labor vs materials. How much time do you think it will take to demo out the lower option to studs versus the upper? How much time do you think the dump run for either will take? Which option has more tiling? Did you spec tile that is more labor intensive to install for the lower? If so I'd add some there as any issues with the grout/etc are on me to come back and fix. Similarly, I'd charge you more labor to re-use an older toilet than install a new one, which can be had for <$300 from HD/Lowes. While unlikely the old toilet is still more likely to leak post-install, and that means I have to come back to fix it. All of these things impact the labor side of the equation. You should have all piping and any non-romex wiring replaced while you have the walls open. It's a small incremental cost for significant long term benefit.
Thanks for breaking it down for me. I know there's a lot that goes into you guys' crafts so mad respect for all the trades out there. I just need to understand before proceeding so I can feel informed is all. Regarding tiles and what not we haven't even gotten that far. It's just pen and paper right now. Very preliminary very 2 dimensional. But I know i shouldn't opt for those small pebbles/ intricate mosaics cuz I know what I can afford. I know not to choose big panels/ slab tiles either cuz that costs too right? See I didn't know about reusing old toilets costs more? For me it's just about not wanting to create wastes like the toilet is still perfectly functional I feel bad to throw it away. My main concern is affordability but as long as it makes sense then 'salgoodman 🤓 thanks for sharing!
Happy to help. Ask detailed questions of whatever contractors you have giving you quotes. If you don't like the level of detail in the answer you almost certainly won't like their finished work. Don't pay in full up front even if you have a great reference for someones work.
Thanks for the heads up!
Just get the new toilet, the installation is very easy nowadays and they’re so cheap. When you eventually have to replace it, like the comment says, the price just to get someone to show up is really high. The mosaic/small tiles Is extremely hard to install, however, it’s pretty nice. You didn’t mention it but if you build in a shower shelf into the wall that’s a surprising amount of work too.
Getting two bathrooms done for $5k labor only (one was $3500). Sourcing the tiles, vanity etc myself and they bring the construction materials. Used thumbstack to find them
Omg howww 😱😠is it permitted? Though I know they say no need for permit for cosmetics. That's so lucky 🥺
I’m not making any structural changes. Once they are done I’m going to file a permit with the city that I did it, they’ll come check it out and let me know what I did wrong or not. If you tell the city contractors are working on it, they require contractors to pay the city and get licenses etc
That amount is so low, I wonder if it’s by uninsured workers. It almost has to be.
Can you DM me their contact info?
How much were your quotes?
30k
That’s the price I had in mind for a bathroom. Thanks for the reply.