When planning a remodeling project, understanding the materials included in a contractor’s estimate is crucial. If you need help with understanding an Estimate for the overall bathroom remodel, read my blog post here: Bathroom Remodel Estimate
Here’s a brief guide to help you understand what to look for in regards to Materials and Finishes, an important aspect of your renovation journey.
Detailed Material List
A comprehensive estimate should include a detailed list of all materials required to complete the project. The contract should clearly state if you are responsible for suppling materials or if the contractor and/or designer will be. This typically covers:
- Flooring: Tile, Hardwood, Laminate, Vinyl or any other specified material.
- Cabinetry: Types of wood or composite materials, finishes, and hardware.
- Countertops: Marble, Quartz, Quartzite, Dekton, Etc
- Plumbing Fixtures: Sinks, Faucets, Showerheads, Bathtubs, and Toilets.
- Lighting Fixtures: Types and styles of lights, including any specialty lighting.
- Paint and Finishes: Brand, color, and type of paint, along with any finishing products.
Quantity and Measurements
Look for exact quantities and measurements of the materials, especially if you are responsible for purchasing them. This includes the square footage of flooring, the number of tiles, or the linear feet of cabinetry. Accurate measurements are essential for budgeting and ensuring there is no shortfall during the project. Also make sure that the location of materials is understood. If you want your backsplash to extend full height, the contractor needs to know to account for that. Often times the minimal standard (6″ backsplash in a bathroom) is what a contractor will bid in order to keep their overall estimate low so they get the job.
Allowances and Alternatives
Sometimes, an estimate may include allowances for materials that haven’t been finalized yet. These placeholders give you the flexibility to choose specific products later. Ensure the allowances are realistic and discuss alternatives if the actual materials exceed the budget.
What if I told you that the tile allowance for a standard small shower was $350 with approximately 100 Sq Ft required. Would you think that is a lot or a little? Does that give you enough information to make an informed decision about your budget? That would make the tile about $3.50 per square feet and you can get a basic white subway tile from Home Depot for less than $2 Sq Ft. But what about the shower pan? A shower pan requires a small mosaic tile which are typically sold on mesh, a basic penny round tile at Home Depot is over $3 Sq Ft. How about a niche? We often match a shower pan tile to the niche to make it more decorative.
Do you know how you would finish the tile edges of a shower remodel? Have you heard the terms Schluter or Bullnose? These are both options of how to finish the tile when it meets another piece of tile or wall. Or you could miter the edges of the tile, but that means your install cost goes up and it creates more waste.Don’t forget about sales tax, I bet your contractor didn’t account for that in the allowance calculation.
Cost Breakdown
With the given information, a $350 tile allowance for a small bathroom shower might seem like an okay tile allowance at first but here is why it’s not:
Wall Tile: 100 Sq Ft x $2 Sq Ft = $200 + ($14.50 sales tax @ 7.25%) = $214.50
Shower Pan & Niche: 18 Sq Ft x $5 Sq Ft = $90 + ($6.53 sales tax @ 7.25%) = $96.53
Schluter: $15 per 8′ stick x 2 Qty = $30 + ($2.18 sales tax @ 7.25%) = $32.18
Grand Total: $343.21
Is it possible? Absolutely, but only with basic mass produced materials. If you want anything decorative or special, you won’t get there. This also doesn’t take into account any overage. You typically need 10-15% extra of your tile for waste and breakage. Does the approximate 100 Sq Ft include the overage? If your contractor is purchasing the material for you, are they charging a markup for placing the order and coordinating pick up or delivery? Is the allowance supposed to include grout?
These are all important questions that need to be communicated with the Contractor.
Specifications
If a contractor is purchasing the materials on your behalf, they should send you an invoice for you to approve the purchase and final cost before placing the order. The invoice should specify the quality and specifications of the materials and where they are being purchased from. This includes brand names, model numbers, and any particular features. Some products are made specifically for big box stores even if they are a good brand. The Kohler sink you buy at Home Depot is not the same quality as if you bought it directly from Kohler or an authorized retailer. Knowing the quality ensures that you’re getting the value you expect and helps avoid any potential disappointments. An invoice should provide a clear cost breakdown for each material, including if shipping, pick up fees or a markup are included. This allows you to see where your money is going and helps in making informed decisions, especially if you need to adjust the budget.
Why it Matters?
Every material selection matters because it changes the price, of the physical material and the installation. If you are comparing bids from multiple contractors, you need to understand the materials you intend to use and make sure they are bidding the same items. Not all contractors are going to give you a detailed estimate of each line item so you need to be specific about what you want ahead of time to avoid change orders and estimates comparing apples to oranges.
See the Blog Post What your Contractor Needs to Know so they bid accurately based on your design preferences.
Conclusion
Understanding what materials are included in your contractor’s estimate is key to a successful remodeling project. By thoroughly reviewing the details, you can ensure transparency, avoid unexpected costs, and achieve the desired outcome for your space.
If you are looking to start a remodel and don’t understand the estimates you’ve received, feel free to reach out to me. I’d love to help you!
Leave a Reply