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Reality Check

| Posted in General Discussion on January 19, 2002 03:31am

*
I’m doing my bathroom remodel and I just wanted to throw this by somebody. I just got my quote from my plumber. He will be: Removing the old tub and surround (one pice unit, sawzall job), supplying the new tub and surround (Lasco), installing the new unit, new supply line for the toilet, setting new toilet (I supply), also he will be roughing a second sink with the supply and drain. He says he will be able to do it all in one day with another guy. So two guys one day. The quote for the labor and the tub and surround (as well as his time to get the tub and surround) is $2200 flat.

Does this make sense?

If I figure $75/hour for 16 hours (two guys) that is $1200, maybe 2 hours (one guy)to get tub and surround is another $150. So that is $1350 for the labor. That leaves $850 for the tub and surround and misc. parts.

I’m not one to ask for a breakdown on everything but this seems a little high to me. If it is a little high so be it, he was highly reccommended so I wouldn’t mind paying a slight premium. However if it way off base I would appreciate knowing.

Thouhgts?

Thanks

SJ

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Replies

  1. Luka_ | Jan 15, 2002 03:38am | #1

    *
    You are paying a set price. If you don't like the amount, ask for bids from others. Which is more important to you, a good, quality job done by someone who is highly recommended, or a cheaper price ?

    I think the price is a good one. If he was highly recommended, and you can afford the price, then it comes down to whether you want to go to the trouble of finding a cheaper price, and taking your chances with the quality of the finished product, and/or your satisfaction with the business relationship.

    1. John_Lazaro | Jan 15, 2002 03:41am | #2

      *If it seems high, get another quote. IMHO stay away from Lasco...last time we used them (almost ten years ago) they were very thin and flimsy in the base. Had to replace a couple within a few years. If you're going multiple piece due to remodel, check out Sterling by Kohler. I've used this unit a few times and been very happy.Good luck,John

      1. calvin_ | Jan 15, 2002 04:01am | #3

        *Just goes to show you. I liked lasco, have had one in the daughters bath for 11 yrs, no problemo. Finish still good (acrylic)and quite substantial. Only bitch I had, the remodel units had to be bolted together (difficult in a small bath) b/4 sliding it in the opening. They have addressed it now I have heard. Haven't had occasion to use a remodel one in several years. Have looked at the sterlings and not thought much of them. Styles looked cheap to the customers and to me. To your price, not knowing your location, the job, or anything else for that matter, it's impossible to guess an answer.

        1. Tommy_B. | Jan 15, 2002 05:20am | #4

          *If he is supplying all fittings, traps, etc. I could see his total materials running 400-500 depending on tub specs, etc. This would not include fixtures.At the most your discrepancy is 400 bucks or so, which could be accounted for with his materials markup, profit and overhead. If you know he does top notch work, I personally wouldn't gamble.

          1. david_thodal | Jan 15, 2002 08:18am | #5

            *Steve, By all means ask for a break down of costs. Any tradesperson who is reputable will give one to you. And expect items like overhead and profit. Without knowing prices of tub and fixtures, I would suggest it is very reasonable.walk gooddavid

          2. Ralph_Wicklund | Jan 15, 2002 08:46am | #6

            *I can't comment on the price because some areas command more than others but I know it is a one day job because I just completed a similar install, SOLO.And replumbed everything from under the house. Commode, sink, tub/shower, supply and waste lines to all and new vent through the roof.After breaking that out from the overall price of the remodel........... I could charge 50% more and reach your $2,200. Where do you live? Maybe the grass is greener.

          3. Cliff_Popejoy | Jan 15, 2002 09:36am | #7

            *I strongly disagree with David T. that "any reputable tradesman will give you a price breakdown".That's a slippery slope--you show the client the breakdown, and before you can turn around they are questioning your overhead and your right to make the profit you choose. How would a client for a small job like this feel if I was to ask to see a detailed statement of their net worth. And when I did, I were to say, "Well, from what I see, you can afford to pay me more than I'm asking, so I'm upping the price..."? One issue on fixed-price jobs is that the client doesn't realize that the contractor is taking a risk, and may make little money in some instances, and make more than expected on others. The contractor has to (or ought to) build a cushion into his overhead for this eventuality, but most clients don't want to be paying for overhead.If cost is the driving issue, get three or four bids (if you can), talk to previous clients of each bidder, and make your choice. But I wouldn't expect to see the breakdown. Of course, if you want to approach the job on a time and materials basis, that's different.Just my two cents.Cliff

          4. Schelling_McKinley | Jan 15, 2002 01:58pm | #8

            *My reputable plumber would not give a breakdown of his costs and I wouldn't think of asking him. If I can't trust him, why should he trust me? He and his sons have been in business for over 45 years and are not going out of business anytime soon. I need him a lot more than he needs me. Fortunately he acts like that is not the case.

          5. blue_eyed_devil_ | Jan 15, 2002 02:58pm | #9

            *Steve, your making several assumptions. Those assumptions are assumptions, not facts.I've wasted a lot more than two hours chasing parts. YOu've allotted only two.If the parts weren't acquired in your two hour limit, would you be willing to pay the contractor more?Get a few more bids and pick the one you feel most comfortable with.blue

          6. Peter_Koski | Jan 15, 2002 03:19pm | #10

            *Not interested in breaking down my estimate either. Too much room for "You got $200 for xyz item!?! My gosh I could get that at Blows for $85 or John's Flea market in Brevard County for $50. You need to refigger Mr."

          7. Steve_Joyce | Jan 15, 2002 04:16pm | #11

            *Thanks for the responses. It is not that I can't afford the $2200, I really just wanted a reality check as I mentioned. I have woked with every other trade both personally and by hiring subs but never plumbing, therefore I had no feel for the market. I am in MA and I am used to paying high for labor. Since the $2200 doesn't seem really out of wack to most people here I don't feel it is worth my time to deal with bids. My time is valuable (for the most part).I personally don't like asking for breakdowns on "bids". Maybe just a materials list just so I know what they are using, but since I know what it takes to run a business I believe overhead etc. are legitimate charges of any business. Those are non-negotiable.I will try to find out what Lasco products though so I know what I'm getting.ThanksSJ

          8. bobl_ | Jan 15, 2002 04:56pm | #12

            *In MA? don't forget that HE has to pull the permit.Trip to town hall, inspection(s)

          9. david_thodal | Jan 15, 2002 08:17pm | #13

            *I like to give full cost explanations to potential clients. Several reasons for this. It places the job upfront. The client knows exactly what is being received for how much. if they balk at a item cost: " I can get that cheaper at... " I can explain my suppliers and service. If they still balk, then I become wary of the job. potential for problems. Clients that do not accept the need for overhead and profit are likely to be trouble as well. It is a way of weeding out potential problems before the job. Often I will give allowances for specific items, even with a firm bid to allow flexibility in the materials and allow the client to see if they are comparing apples to apples . I have lost several projects because I was higher in price to someone who did not itemize his bid. These clients have all commented that they should have taken my bid as the final cost exceeded mine once the "extras" were billed for.As a contractor, I trust my subs to give me a fair deal. But I still like itemization and they offer it without my asking. A level of trust and a good way to cross check numbers before the client acceptance.It is a way I do my business and I find it works well or me, in my area.walk gooddavid

          10. Roger_Martini | Jan 17, 2002 09:31pm | #14

            *I had a plumber in for some work, and he gave me an option, $700 flat rate, or $45/hour plus materials. I went for the latter and the bill was $120. He told me the fixed price bid includes a margin for any eventuality, such as the connections in the iron waste stack leaking after he's been cutting bits off of it with the sawsall. Just a matter of who wants to take the risk that unforseen things will happen, him or you. I took the bet and won that time.

          11. jroy_ | Jan 18, 2002 10:39pm | #15

            *If he has a good reputation and you can afford it award him the job. When I built my own home I did most of the sub work except plumbing and I chose a guy because the price fit my shrinking budget....BAD MOVE!! The guy want to put supply lines in the outside walls and cut a hole the size of Texas in a floor joist to run a waste pipe...couldnt wait for him to finish.

          12. Steve_Joyce | Jan 19, 2002 12:50am | #16

            *Thanks for all the responses. I went with him for his original bid. Life is too short to waste time trying to save a few bucks. I'd rather do it right the first time. Plus I plan to have other projects down the road that I can use him on.ThanksSJ

          13. Bucksnort_Billy | Jan 19, 2002 03:30am | #17

            *$75/hr labor for two guys is a great deal. Plumbers her in NC charge $90 for the same...You took the right path. And, no problems with Lasco, here, either...

  2. Steve_Joyce | Jan 19, 2002 03:31am | #18

    *
    I'm doing my bathroom remodel and I just wanted to throw this by somebody. I just got my quote from my plumber. He will be: Removing the old tub and surround (one pice unit, sawzall job), supplying the new tub and surround (Lasco), installing the new unit, new supply line for the toilet, setting new toilet (I supply), also he will be roughing a second sink with the supply and drain. He says he will be able to do it all in one day with another guy. So two guys one day. The quote for the labor and the tub and surround (as well as his time to get the tub and surround) is $2200 flat.

    Does this make sense?

    If I figure $75/hour for 16 hours (two guys) that is $1200, maybe 2 hours (one guy)to get tub and surround is another $150. So that is $1350 for the labor. That leaves $850 for the tub and surround and misc. parts.

    I'm not one to ask for a breakdown on everything but this seems a little high to me. If it is a little high so be it, he was highly reccommended so I wouldn't mind paying a slight premium. However if it way off base I would appreciate knowing.

    Thouhgts?

    Thanks

    SJ

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