On Wed, 2 Sep 2009 17:22:50 -0400, "John Grabowski"
wrote:

Before you can get estimates, you need to spec out what you want done.
Browse on the internet and/or local stores...

1. Select the make, model number and color of every fixture you want to
have.

2. Select make, type of construction, wood and finish for any cabinetry.
Ditto any lavatory tops.

3. Select the tile - manufacturer, style number, size...all details. If
you plan to use listellos (pricey) detail those too.

4. Decide upon what areas you want tiled with what tile. Measure each
area and determine the square footage.

At that point you could draw up a form to present to people you are
considering for the work. Something like...
_______________________

BATHROOM REMODEL

Scope of work:
a. Remove all old fixtures, install new.
b. Tile approximately xxx square feet of floor and xxx square feet of
wall.
(1) all tile to be detail it
(2) all grout to be color
(3) whatever else needs to be done

Fixtures
(detail each item you want including faucets)

Cabinetry
(detail each item you want including the tops if separate)
___________________

The more precise you can be, the better off you are as contractors can bid
and you know they are bidding apples to apples. What you want is for both
you and the contractor to know *exactly* what is going to be done.

What I outlined above is still very rudimentary as there are various
unanswered questions; for example, what's on the floor/walls now? Is the
floor satisfactory for the tile installation or will you need a new
subfloor and cement board. Are the walls good or will drywall have to be
ripped out and replaced? Are new drains needed? What kind of surprises
might there be (ask the contractors)?

If you get widely divergent prices, ask why. Are they including something
you didn't spec? Do you need it?

I'd ask for two prices...one for work AND fixtures/cabinetry/tile, the
other work only; i.e., you would supply the fixtures/cabinetry/maybe tile,
they would install. Remodelers don't sell stuff cheap

Some advise...

If the period of construction is important to you - even if its not -
assure that a completion time is specified in the contract. It is normal
to have a penalty if they run over.

Don't let them work on your money. A reasonable amount up front is not
awful but the contract should specify what is to be paid and when. The
last payment should be sizeable and it should NOT be paid until *after*
the work is completed and any deficiencies rectified.

Once they start, don't keep changing stuff. If you *do* change something,
make sure it is memorialized in writing with the amount of additional cost
or (less likely) credit.

Be nice to the contractor, his subs and their workmen. I'm not saying to
bend over but be pleasant and fair...if someone hates your guts you aren't
likely to get their best efforts.


* I agree with dadiOH. You need to determine what fixtures, valves, tile,
lighting, bath fan, mirror and cabinetry are going to be installed ahead of
time. The best thing is to have all of these items on the job the day the
contractors start. The job will move very quickly if you don't have to run
out and pick out fixtures or tile after work has begun. It will mean a lot
of running around to showrooms and trying to decide on features, styles, and
colors. The alternative is to pay the $17,000 contractor and let him do all
of that.

Get an insurance certificate from the contractors that you finally chose
before work begins.

Include in the statement of work a mention about removal of all the
debris.

In my case two of us gutted a bathroom in about two hours or less and
had it sitting on the curb for the trash crew.

Trash man: "Are you putting in a new bathroom?"

Me: "Nope, we just took one out!"

One of those here's your sign moments.