PSA: That time I got quoted $14,000 for a bathroom gut job vs doing it myself

So I went to get quotes for a small bathroom reno in the burbs outside Cleveland. First contractor came in at $14k for a full gut and tile. Second guy said $11k but wanted cash only. I ended up doing it myself with my crew on a Saturday for about $4,500 in materials. But here's the thing - it took us 3 weekends instead of the promised 5 days. Now I'm wondering if I should have just paid the pros. Has anyone else here had to choose between paying big money for a job versus rolling up your sleeves and losing your weekends?

2 comments

2 Comments

skylerg1728d ago

First thing I'd ask is how long those three weekends actually were. I've done two bathroom gut jobs myself and both times I underestimated drywall finishing and tile work. If your crew is friends with day jobs, three full Saturdays is roughly the same labor hours as a pro's five days, just spread out. The cash-only guy at $11k would have made me nervous for warranty reasons. My rule now is simple: pay the pros for plumbing and electrical rough-in, do the demo and finish work myself. That usually lands around $6-7k total and saves me from spending every weekend grouting. Honestly, $4,500 is a steal if everything works and doesn't leak.

jamiesingh28d ago

$4500 is a steal but you gotta check the permit situation. In my county a full bathroom remodel requires permits if you move plumbing or electrical. Even for a gut job. @skylerg17 your point about warranty is spot on. Cash only guys vanish when something goes wrong. Had a buddy learn that the hard way. Drywall finishing is the real killer. Takes more time than anything else in a bathroom gut. Tiles too if you are doing something complicated. But yeah, if the work is solid and no leaks, $4500 is basically material cost plus beer money. Just make sure you can actually find those guys again if something breaks.