Insure Bathroom Remodeling Estimate Is All-Inclusive
When hiring someone to perform renovations on your home, they will usually offer an estimate on the cost of materials and labor. When getting a bathroom remodeling estimate take the time to go over it with the contractor to be sure of exactly what is included in the price. In most cases a bathroom remodeling estimate will include a margin of error, but there should also be a section that covers how much of a price adjustment will be allowed by the homeowner or if all changes and additional charges will require the customer's approval and signature.
Most contractors are honest people, depending on positive references from previous customers to obtain more work. They will generally offer an accurate bathroom remodeling estimate for the job, knowing that if they continue to charge more than the job was estimated, their future will be limited. 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. However, make sure that amount applies to the total cost of the job and not on 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
Everything spelled out in a bathroom remodeling estimate should specify the materials to be used. It is not enough for example to stipulate that a granite countertop will be used, the dimensions, especially the thickness should be spelled out in the estimate. Otherwise, a one-half-inch piece of stone can be used, which will not be as durable as you expected. 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 may not be necessary to specify the source for the items, but if there is reason to believe the contractor will buy factory seconds or used merchandise, you want to get another contractor instead of a bathroom remodeling estimate. It will take time to go through the paperwork before awarding the contract, but it will insure that you get what you pay for and in a timely manner.
