Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Insure Bathroom Remodeling Estimate Is All-Inclusive

By Chet Lystrom

When hiring someone to perform renovations on your home, they will usually offer an estimate on the cost of materials and labor. Go over the bathroom remodeling estimate with your contractor so you understand exactly what your project estimate includes.

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.

It's important to get references from previous customers, even if you trust and like your contractor. Contractors know that their future work depends on their current work, so they are more likely to give you a fair bathroom remodeling estimate. However, you want to be wary of an extremely low estimate, because the contractor may be counting on increasing the costs as he works on the project.

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. Making adjustments on each piece of the bathroom remodeling project can considerably increase the cost of the project.

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.

Being as specific as you can ensures that you will get the bathroom that you are picturing. If you choose to change the materials, or material quality used during installation, the originally estimated cost will go up.

Understanding what model or brand of fixtures will be used in your new bathroom will ensure that you get the quality you want. 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. 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.

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