It makes sense that you might want to get a quote within 10 minutes. It’s short, sweet, and to the point when we’re dealing with our crazy schedules in life. However, a short consultation won't cover many details, which could lead to extra costs or delays when installation day arrives.
At Shugarman’s Bath, we run about 500 detailed design consultations per month, taking the time to thoroughly understand your space so we can give you the best tub or shower remodel the first time. Our hands-on experience helps us spot potential issues early, plan each remodel carefully, and provide accurate quotes before any work begins.
In this article, you’ll learn how different consultation timeframes affect the accuracy of a quote and how each type of consultation could impact your time and project costs later.
Table of Contents:
- What is a “10-Minute Consultation,” and Why Does It Exist?
- How Can a Short Consultation Affect Your Time and Cost Risk Later?
- What Is a Detailed Consultation For a Shower Remodel?
- How Do 10-Minute and Detailed Consultations Compare?
- Why Taking Time For a Shower Remodel Design Consultation Matters
What’s a “10-Minute Consultation,” and Why Does It Exist?
While it generally isn’t a literal 10 minutes, this type of remodel consultation is a quick visit to give a rough price. The contractor takes a few measurements, looks at the space, and moves on to the next homeowner. There isn’t much time for homeowners to slow down, really get to know the contractor, and ask the questions they want.
A ten-minute consultation exists because it feels convenient for homeowners. People are busy. As a result, quick visits sound way easier than setting aside a block of time.
It sounds efficient, but a short timeframe really only gives enough time to take measurements and snap photos. You don’t get the real planning you need when making a home improvement decision. Not to mention, it doesn’t give enough time to spot the green and red flags when hiring a contractor.
What Information Is Missed in a 10-Minute Consultation?
There isn’t much time to evaluate the risks, design the space, get to know the contractor, or understand how the tub and shower space will be installed.
Design is one of the most important (and fun) parts of a consultation. Doing a 10-minute consultation doesn’t let you create a layout, discuss material choices, or understand how the space should look.
It’s also likely that a problem area will be overlooked when the consultation is rushed. The consultant won’t be aware of the problems, or they’ll make assumptions before your installation starts. They might assume the framing is straight or that there isn’t any biological growth behind the walls. In truth, they won’t truly know until the demolition phase of your remodel.
Because they aren’t taking the time to understand your space using tools like moisture meters or looking closely at areas that might be damaged, they can’t make as well-informed guesses.
Finally, there’s the cost of the project. Without a clear plan, your remodel cost will be given only a rough range rather than a down-to-the-penny estimate. You’re likely to be hit with contractor-issued change orders every time they find something that affects your install.
It makes sense to want to do a quick consultation for a ballpark estimate. Shugarman’s Bath solves this by providing tub and shower pricing overviews on our website.
How Can a Short Consultation Affect Your Time and Project Cost Later?
Even though you saved time at the beginning, you can end up losing more time and money once the work is underway.
Details are missed, and your project isn’t fully thought through. The consultant can’t inspect the tub in the shower area in full detail and prepare for potential problems behind the walls. More than that, they overlook how the space should function in the long term.
How will the space accommodate your safety needs? Does the design account for aging, storage needs, or grab bar placement? Questions like these can’t be answered thoroughly at that time, often leading to adjustments during your project. Even small adjustments can lead to added costs or scheduling delays.
So you never miss an important detail during your design consultations, download our Buyer’s Guide to learn which questions to ask and what to look for in your answers.
What Is a Detailed Consultation For a Shower Remodel?
A detailed consultation takes more time because it’s meant to create a clear plan before the remodeling work starts. The contractor is slowing down to thoroughly inspect the tub and shower area, taking careful measurements and determining the scope of work for your installation. Your design consultant wants to understand what the space requires before remodeling.
There is also extra time involved in your design. You’ll discuss the layout, materials, and use of the space so the project has a defined plan after signing the contract. Your consultant is there the entire time to help provide layout and material options.
Most of all, you’re getting to know the contractor you’re potentially working with for your remodel. It’s kind of like a first date. The point is to take time to get to know a person and see if you mesh well with them. It works the same with contractors.
You can take your time to:
- Ask questions
- Learn about the installation process
- Look at the contractor’s qualifications (licensing, insurance, etc.)
- Review your down-to-the-penny quote (at least with Shugarman’s Bath)
Based on the above, you should be able to determine if they are the right contractor for your tub or shower remodel. Even if you decide not to move forward with that contractor, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your quote and the details that matter when comparing other remodelers.
Read our article on the tub and shower design consultation with Shugarman’s Bath. That way, you’ll know what will happen before, during, and after your design consultation.
How Do 10-Minute and Detailed Consultations Compare?
Here is a table that compares 10-minute consultations to more detailed consultations:
|
Area of Evaluation |
10-Minute Consultation |
Detailed Consultations |
|
Time Spent |
Very limited. Usually 10 to 30 minutes. |
Typically 90 minutes or more. |
|
Measurements |
Basic |
Detailed |
|
Design Planning |
Minimal planning. Your design will be planned, but you likely won't be shown the design or materials. |
Fully discussed with you. A contractor typically provides samples of materials for you to see and feel. |
|
Risk Identification |
Unaware of issues or assumed |
Thorough evaluation using moisture readers, getting details about the home, if there have been past issues, ect. |
|
Pricing Accuracy |
Given a broad cost range |
Depends on the contractor. Some give a range, while others may be down to the penny |
|
Chance of Added Costs During Installation |
Typically high |
Typically lower |
|
Homeowner Education and Having Questions Answered |
Little to no education, or having your questions answered |
Higher chance of homeowner education and having questions answered |
Why Taking Time For a Shower Remodel Design Consultation Matters
Speed often comes with tradeoffs. When a quote is rushed, important details can be missed. You can expect delays, additional costs, and change orders when the project begins.
While you might’ve first thought a detailed consultation to be inconvenient and time-consuming, slowing down at the beginning can help your project go smoothly. After all, you’re making a big decision for your home. A detailed consultation can save you from surprises later.
Next, read our article on whether you should get more than one quote for your remodeling project.
Want a detailed consultation to better understand your tub and shower remodel? Schedule a FREE consultation with Shugarman’s Bath to have a professional look at your space in detail.
The opinions expressed in the referenced materials are those of the authors only, not necessarily of Shugarman’s Bath. While these referenced materials are useful in answering generalized questions, each bathroom is unique. For a particular question about your tub or shower remodeling project, contact your Shugarman’s Bath consultant.
