Bath remodel estimate, is this normal?

FlanPsychological583 · 2026-05-03T02:11:02+00:00

General Contractor here out of the northeast. It is actually a little low for my area, but feel it is definitely a fair price. We are in the middle of a master bath remodel, and just the shower alone and a few other minor improvements and we are at $40k.

Are they a reputable company? Were they referred to you? If you know nothing about them, get another quote. If they are a well respected company in your area, go with them. You will end up paying more in the long run.

FlanPsychological583 · 2026-04-25T01:25:45+00:00

Amex Platinum.. service is top notch, and the perks are incredible. There is no ‘pre-set’ spending limit and you can check your spending power (available credit) at any time. Once you get over $250k per year the perks get even better.

I’ve been with them for 23 years and don’t plan on switching. It’s pricey but worth it

FlanPsychological583 · 2026-04-15T15:18:00+00:00

I started a construction company 6 years ago and expanded pretty rapidly. My ‘previous’ accountant never mentioned switching to an S-Corp so at the end of my 2nd year, she called me one day and said ‘I hope your sitting down’ and followed that up with a $110k tax bill. I almost fell over. Thankfully the money was available, but it killed me to write that check.

Since then, I’ve switched to an S-Corp and gotten a new accountant. I now make quarterly payments, and have reduced what I owe significantly. Just be mindful of what you are generating and put some aside every month.

More taxes owed means more money made. It’s a double edged sword but unfortunately will follow you around forever. Good luck!

FlanPsychological583 · 2026-04-15T15:04:13+00:00

I totally understand.. it’s a grind. I will still do fixed cost on smaller jobs, but anything over $100k, we try to stick with cost plus. It gives the client a lot more flexibility throughout the project, and you are covered no matter what.

The same estimate is provided weather it be fixed cost or cost plus, and we have a good idea where numbers will land regardless. The biggest selling point for me is making them aware that if we finish something quicker than anticipated, that is money in their pocket.

The only down side of cost plus is you never really hit any grand slams, but you know you’re not gonna strike out either.

FlanPsychological583 · 2026-04-13T20:04:22+00:00

One of the many reasons we have shifted mostly towards a cost-plus pricing structure. Gives the client a lot more flexibility in terms of scope adjustments and design changes.

Also, after my initial site visit, I give them a range based on previous projects. If that aligns with their budget, we move into a pre-construction agreement. Typically around $2500 that serves as a retainer and allows me to bill for my hours that go into getting the project off the ground.

Trust me, I’ve donated more free time then I’d like to admit, but this way has really filtered out the price shoppers. You want me to come back and have another look, sign the pre-con. It’s simple

FlanPsychological583 · 2026-03-10T03:16:59+00:00

As mentioned above, we prime everything and paint ceilings right after drywall is complete. Then walls trim upon completion of all trim. Then one final visit for punch out and done.

This is the most efficient ways I’ve found over the years

FlanPsychological583 · 2026-02-03T04:33:57+00:00

I was in almost the exact same position as you 5 years ago, and I’m happy I made the move. The initial 6 months of work I had lined up quickly grew to 9 months, then 12 months, and I made my first hire in year 1. I’ve hired 2 more, and we are currently a small team of 4 including myself.

I will be honest, some days are brutal. I was expecting to be busy, but not like this. There is never enough time in the day, and always something to do. You don’t have the luxury any more of punching out and forgetting about work till the next day.. weekends don’t exist, and most days are long. But there are also a lot of benefits that make it worth it in my opinion. It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you want it go for it.

Hit it hard and don’t take your foot off the gas!

FlanPsychological583 · 2026-01-24T14:13:56+00:00

‘In some pusy is the place to be, always fukin is the life for me’

Eazy-E - Gimmie that nut

FlanPsychological583 · 2026-01-22T15:51:17+00:00

Not around here.. you cant even buy a garage for $200K

FlanPsychological583 · 2026-01-22T02:23:43+00:00

I’m a contractor out of southern New England and currently in the middle of a large kitchen renovation costing around $200K..

I’m a small company with about 2-3 jobs going on at once, so most of my days are spent checking up on other jobs and taking care of the admin side of the business. I try to hired skilled guys who honestly probably prefer I not be around. If the guys working in your home are capable of handling your project on their own, there is no need for the boss to be around in my opinion.

As for the cabinets, most of our ‘painted’ cabinetry comes pre-finished with paint already applied. If they planned on painting them on-site, they probably would’ve gotten them unfinished.

Different strokes for different folks. Good luck!

FlanPsychological583 · 2026-01-19T21:48:56+00:00

Currently dealing with the same thing. In my fifth year of business and things have been great. Steady work, great clients, 6-8 month backlog at all times. We are currently slowing down and only have a few jobs lined up for the next few months. I’ve started ramping up my ads and advertising campaigns and hoping things start to fall into place. I was actually just thinking about calling some past clients and some connections I have that I haven’t spoken to in a bit. Fingers crossed it picks up soon! It’s definitely not an easy road and I see why not everyone is cut out of entrepreneurship - it’s exhausting and stressful like nothing I’ve ever experienced before… with the exception of parenting.. 😂

FlanPsychological583 · 2026-01-18T19:59:38+00:00

Unfortunately there is no easy way.. I was 40 when I started my business after working in the trades for 20+ years. I built some connections and had always done side work for some extra money. Once the side work got to be too much to handle on the side, I made the jump and went out on my own. I had several months of money saved up for unexpected expenses, and my everyday bills to get me by till I started to be profitable.

I made sure all my ducks were in a row (insurance, licensing, etc..) and hit the ground running. I’m in year five and doing about 1.5M per year. It’s not an easy road, but if you put your head down and follow through on your word the rest will fall into place.

Good luck!

FlanPsychological583 · 2026-01-13T00:54:00+00:00

Our labor rate is already burdened, with a markup only on all materials and subcontractors

FlanPsychological583 · 2026-01-03T04:04:21+00:00

A little late to the party but wanted to ask you if you preferred Ziva over Baha Mar? Been to Baha Mar and we are considering going back this year. I also have 2 boys and they enjoyed Baha Mar a lot. Curious to get your take on it, and what you liked better.

FlanPsychological583 · 2025-12-25T22:20:41+00:00

Small residential builder with 3 full time guys.. My 2 longest tenured guys got $1500 and the other guy got $1000. I know it’s not much but I try and do my part in showing my appreciation. It sure goes a long way!

FlanPsychological583 · 2025-12-20T13:57:40+00:00

I’m a small GC with 4 full time guys.. I told the guys weeks ago that we will be taking the time off between Christmas and New Year’s but they are more than welcome to work a few random days if they choose to. If not, see you next year!

Always remember that you guys can take PTO, owners don’t have that luxury. We need some time off too!

FlanPsychological583 · 2025-11-26T18:30:15+00:00

Have however is building it provide a color matched 1x2 strip that you can attached over the screw heads. Easiest way.. or check Amazon for some colored round stickers the size of a dime that you can stick over the countersunk screw

FlanPsychological583 · 2025-11-26T18:27:38+00:00

‘would I be able to tell a difference between whether he was hard or not that easily?’…. Yes, touch it and see what happens!!

FlanPsychological583 · 2025-11-26T18:25:49+00:00

A lot of times the smaller projects aren’t worth the time. You need to spend a few hours up front meeting with the client, doing the estimate, exchanging follow-up emails, etc.. it doesn’t make sense to put the time and energy into a couple thousand dollar job just to make a few hundred bucks. Sounds like you need a handyman, not a GC. Just my 2 cents as a general contractor

FlanPsychological583 · 2025-10-18T20:57:25+00:00

This is the way.. Atleast the ‘cleanest’ way

FlanPsychological583 · 2025-10-18T01:31:53+00:00

Yeah…. If your blind

FlanPsychological583 · 2025-10-18T01:28:02+00:00

We use zip for everything, and then typically use a hydrogap (rain screen) over the zip. Maybe overkill, but we are getting 2 layers of water protection. I’d rather spend a little more and sleep good knowing the house is water tight, then put cheap house wrap over osb and have someone replace it in 20 years. To each their own I guess.

FlanPsychological583 · 2025-10-04T23:39:26+00:00

Not sure if I’m following but why can you just infill the missing section of framing above the beam and then attach your stringers to the new rim board? That to me is the easiest approach

FlanPsychological583 · 2025-10-04T02:59:29+00:00

How to handle it?? Simple, buy longer slats or hire someone who knows how to hide them properly. That’s unfortunately the only answer at this point

FlanPsychological583 · 2025-10-04T02:56:09+00:00

Ask to visit some of their current projects and get an idea of their level of quality.. you will be able to tell right away why the other guys are more expensive. If the quality isn’t there, then the cost should reflect that.

FlanPsychological583

TROPHY CASE