Has anyone worked with a housing contractor before?

jwblue · Nov 3, 2011

Can a contractor change estimate before job starts?

If a contractor gives us an estimate in writing, and before the job starts want to charge additional money for something that was included in the estimate, can he do that?

The document says "Estimate" at the top of the page.

Does that give him more leeway to charge more?

boatboatboat · Nov 3, 2011

yes.

just as YOU before the work starts can tell him, you don't want the work done.

I know a lot about these things from watching TV shows about fixing up old houses and stuff.

jwblue · Nov 3, 2011

The estimate is to replace tile around a tub and put waterproof backing.

The estimate says.

"Install chrome valve set"

"All materials included."

Now he want to add cost of materials.

Pretty significant.

boatboatboat · Nov 3, 2011

Ok, so don't allow him to do the work.

ALSportsJunkie · Nov 3, 2011

How much is he charging? Shouldn't be much more than a grand. Materials will run about 200-250 depending on style of tub valve. 700-800 in labor for what should take a competent individual no more than a day is about right.

C.P. · Nov 3, 2011

boatboatboat said:
yes.

before the work starts can tell him, you don't want the work done.

+1...

The contractor problly went home and redid his shit....only to find out he was WWWAAYY OFF...It happens, but your not committed...

Nothing has been signed...

What are u building?

AS I'm sure you well know once signed...you usually pay more anyway...add-ons etc...punch-list and wife's mind changes...

Ask for his references (if you haven't already) and see if this is a pattern w/ him...

If he's worth his salt...I'd say he made a major error...and maybe you both can compromise on the change...

that is to say...if what you REALLY need done...is that important...

and the $$$ difference isn't to drastic

jwblue · Nov 3, 2011

ALSportsJunkie said:
How much is he charging? Shouldn't be much more than a grand. Materials will run about 200-250 depending on style of tub valve. 700-800 in labor for what should take a competent individual no more than a day is about right.

Is that estimate for the tile too?

It is $2950. There is repair work behind the tile that needs to be done.

This contractor is supposed to be good.

If it is a few hundred dollars more, should I just pay it and have him do the work anyway?

2.5 days.

ALSportsJunkie · Nov 3, 2011

3k is very high. Even if the stud wall behind the tub has some rot that needs to be fixed that price is out of sight - unless your tile is 20$ a sq ft. I do this shit everyday and I can practically guarantee he will have no more than $500 in materials - especially if the old tub is staying. I am assuming the tile is going on the wall only and not ceiling correct? Prices in your area are quite a bit higher I am sure...is he pulling a permit? If not you may be getting jobbed.

ALSportsJunkie · Nov 3, 2011

This is a really, really small project to use a contractor for too. I would go straight to the subs or an individual who cab guarantee his work and will be doing it himself. Ask for pictures of old work and references. No reason you should pay a guy 1500 bucks to make a phone call.

jwblue · Nov 3, 2011

ALSportsJunkie said:
This is a really, really small project to use a contractor for too. I would go straight to the subs or an individual who cab guarantee his work and will be doing it himself. Ask for pictures of old work and references. No reason you should pay a guy 1500 bucks to make a phone call.

3K is standard rate here. I know others that had it done and that was the cost. Other people wanted to charge more.

ProPokerPlayer · Nov 3, 2011

He's in Cali so its probably higher than hell... Not knowing your situation why not replace the entire tub and walls with a new surround system? Save you a ton on labor and tile is so yesterday for walls. Once hes got the old tub out the valves would be much easier to change as well. Damn near a do it yourself project..

jwblue · Nov 3, 2011

ProPokerPlayer said:
He's in Cali so its probably higher than hell... Not knowing your situation why not replace the entire tub and walls with a new surround system? Save you a ton on labor and tile is so yesterday for walls. Once hes got the old tub out the valves would be much easier to change as well. Damn near a do it yourself project..

Is a surround system a one piece unit?

The bathroom is in a corner and has a window, so we can not.

ALSportsJunkie · Nov 3, 2011

jwblue said:
3K is standard rate here. I know others that had it done and that was the cost. Other people wanted to charge more.

If you are okay with the price then that's what matters. I would feel like a robber charging that though - tile is so ridiculously easy to put on the wall though. Anyone with a 50$ wet saw and a how-to book can do a fine job if they take their time.

jwblue · Nov 3, 2011

ALSportsJunkie said:
If you are okay with the price then that's what matters. I would feel like a robber charging that though - tile is so ridiculously easy to put on the wall though. Anyone with a 50$ wet saw and a how-to book can do a fine job if they take their time.

There is likely water damage behind the wall and then there is the waterproof backing around the tub needs to be installed.

ALSportsJunkie · Nov 3, 2011

jwblue said:
Is a surround system a one piece unit?

The bathroom is in a corner and has a window, so we can not.

Usually come in 2 or 3 pieces. Personally I think they look cheap as shit.

ALSportsJunkie · Nov 3, 2011

jwblue said:
There is likely water damage behind the wall and then there is the waterproof backing around the tub needs to be installed.

Water damage would be on the subfloor and this would be visible from underneath the tub. If water got back their it would run the wall to the floor. I am not sure how the wall could be damaged unless he was talking about the bottom plate.

jwblue · Nov 3, 2011

ALSportsJunkie said:
Usually come in 2 or 3 pieces. Personally I think they look cheap as shit.

They do, but:

1> They keep the water from seeping behind the walls.

2> They never have to be grouted in the future.

I would love to get a modular unit, but we can't due to the the way our bathroom is constructed.

For me function and cost is #1 thing.

ALSportsJunkie · Nov 3, 2011

Waterproof backing is a fancy term for water resistant drywall. Costs twice as much as regular drywall. About 9-10 bucks a sheet here. Assuming you have a 5ft tub it will take about 3 pieces.

Has anyone worked with a housing contractor before?

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