Based upon the title of this blog, I’d bet that by the end you would think that I will have an exact answer for you… (Let’s see) When calling a contractor with this question you will most likely get a vague answer over the phone. Why? A contractor has to qualify a potential client by finding out what products you would like, your intended scope of work and the conditions of the work area. Sounds easy enough, right? Who are you calling? (A large Corporation with mass overhead, Handyman, Moon-Lighter, a friend of a friend that read a “How-To” book, General Contractor or a Bathroom Specialist…) You would find a wide range of pricing with the categories given but let’s start with some basic questions that I may ask you.
- How did you hear about us?
- How old is your home?
- What would you like to do with the space?
- Have you been working with other contractors?
- When would you like to start work?
- Do you have a budget in mind for the project?
These are some good questions to start a conversation and help a contractor become familiar with your goals for the project. (Oh NO, did this guy just ask me the “B” word?) Sure, knowing your budget is a good way to become aware of what you are able to spend vs. your desired scope of work. Now that there is a basis of pre-qualification, the contractor will have a good idea if this will potentially be a good working relationship for your project.
Maybe you looked up the price for your toilet, tile, fixtures, shower door, paint etc… and you just want to know how much it will cost. Let’s use tile as an example. Maybe you would like your bathroom floor and shower tiled and the “Box Store” advertisement said, “We can install that for $4.00 per square foot.” A legitimate contractor will not price installation by the linear foot or square foot because it is impossible.
- Does your subfloor need replaced?
- Is your floor flat?
- Would you like a square, diagonal, brick lay, herringbone or a hopscotch pattern?
- Do you want Ceramic, Porcelain, Stone, Marble, Glass, Mosaic tiles or a combination of all of these?
- What size tile would you like? (Keep grout calculations in mind)
- Grout quality? (good, better, best)
My best advice on this topic is to find a Bathroom Specialist that you are comfortable with (you may find more information about selecting your contractor here https://www.aloneeagle.com/research-your-harrisburg-pa-remodeling-contractor/ ) Pick and choose materials that fit your budget and welcome advice or ideas that your contractor may have to offer. When all your selections are made, an accurate price will follow!
“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten”
~ Benjamin Franklin
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