You’ve probably heard this one plenty of times:
“Make sure you get more than one quote.”
Generally, this is good advice. Responsible, too. But when you start booking consultations, comparing prices, and hearing promises from different contractors, the process can become overwhelming.
You’re figuring out who to trust, what the price actually means, and overthinking your choice because you don’t want it to be an expensive mistake.
At Shugarman’s Bath, we also recommend getting more than one quote for your tub or shower remodel. We understand what homeowners like you face when scheduling a consultation to make a big decision. We’ve also come to understand that getting more than one quote only helps when you know what you’re trying to learn when you get them.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Why Should You Get More Than One Quote?
- When Does Getting More Quotes Make Sense?
- What Should I Check Before Scheduling a Consultation?
- How Many Contractor Quotes Should You Get?
- How Can I Tell If My Quote Price Is Fair?
- What Should I Look For When Comparing Quotes?
By the end, you’ll know how to spot value in a quote, what to avoid, and have a clearer idea of which contractor is the right fit for your tub and shower remodel.
Why Should You Get More Than One Quote?
When you’re getting more than one quote, you’re doing more than comparing the price. You’re also making a judgment call on a contractor you’d like to work with for the tub or shower in your bathroom.
Homeowners start to think about getting more than one quote when something doesn’t feel right. Maybe the consultant wasn’t clear when explaining something. Or worse, they avoided your questions.
There are several reasons homeowners obtain multiple quotes. But one thing has always been the same: They listened to their gut when they made the right decision.
That reaction is instinctual, natural, and, most of all, smart. But here’s where there can be an issue: getting multiple quotes helps if you know what questions to ask and what you’re trying to learn from a contractor.
This is why we’ve created a buyer’s guide to help you. Our buyer’s guide provides 16 questions to ask a contractor for your tub and shower remodel, along with the reasons for each.
If you’re only collecting prices, you might not get the full value out of multiple quotes. Different contractors work… well, differently. They’ll have different services, warranties, materials, etc. So, more than the price on its face, it’s important to find value in the price being offered.
Your goal is to be able to answer these three simple questions:
- “Do I trust this company?”
- “Do I understand what I’m paying for?”
- “How long do I want this remodel to last?”
When you have an internal dialogue that can answer those questions, deciding on a contractor becomes much easier.
Are there issues with getting tons of quotes?
In our experience, yes. However, get as many quotes as you’re comfortable with.
You’ve probably heard the advice on how you should “always get as many quotes as you can.” While this sounds responsible, it can be overwhelming and confusing. Getting quotes without knowing what you’re looking for is added noise. You need to understand what you’re comparing.
Also, obtaining multiple quotes takes a lot of time. For example, Shugarman’s Bath’s consultation process typically takes 90 minutes. Even then, we recommend allowing extra time, as consultations can sometimes take up to three hours.
Now, imagine doing that for multiple consultations. And you have to be present at all of them.
When Does Getting More Quotes Make Sense?
Getting more quotes is useful when:
- You don’t like the design options.
- If you’re going to spend years looking at your bathroom, you should love it. If you don’t like the options a contractor has, keep shopping.
- You want a lower price and accept the trade-offs.
- Home improvement is truly an industry where you get what you pay for, especially when it comes to your tub and shower area. A lower cost can mean cheaper materials, shorter warranties, or weaker installation systems. None of these are inherently bad, but you need to weigh the options and understand the outcomes of what you pay for.
- You don’t trust a company you consulted with
- If your gut tells you a company you’re consulting gives you the “heebeegeebees,” listen. Slow down and compare other options.
What Should You Check Before Scheduling a Consultation?
Before you allow strangers working for a company into your home, do a little homework. A tiny bit of research can save you hours later.
Check a contractor’s online reviews, whether through Google, Yelp, or the BBB. Along with their star ratings, look at how they respond when problems come up.
Verify licensing with the Contractors State License Board to confirm the company holds proper licenses for both construction and plumbing work in California. Make sure to also check that the contractor carries liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and proper bonding.
Finally, have a list of questions you want answered during the consultation. This means asking questions about waterproofing, warranties, materials, and long-term durability. We cover all of this in our Buyer’s Guide to help you narrow down a contractor.
If you want an in-depth guide on how to look for a contractor before a consultation, check out our detailed article on how to find a qualified contractor for your tub or shower remodel.
So, How Many Contractor Quotes Should You Get?
Get as many as you’re comfortable with.
You might have a contractor come out, and you’ll fall in love at the first consultation. Or you might have to explore more options and “get to know each of their personalities,” reminding you of dating in your 20s. There isn’t an exact number you need to have. Go with what feels best for you.
The main question you need to ask yourself is this:
“What am I hoping these extra quotes will tell me?”
Note from the author: If you need a base number to reference, our design consultant team generally recommends scheduling three consultations. But again, get as many quotes as you’re comfortable with.
How Can You Tell If Your Quoted Price Is Fair?
One of the best tools for this is the Cost vs. Value Report. Think of it as the home remodeling industry’s version of Kelley Blue Book.
Cheap now usually means expensive later
Some homeowners may think of doing a tub or shower remodel once every 4-5 years, redoing the process again when the materials wear out. It’s cheap now, but has a long-term cost.
The costs add up over time when you’re paying for multiple remodels, leaks, mold, and full replacements.
A good quality tub and shower remodel in your bathroom means having it completed once and never thinking about it again.
This is all to tell you to remember that price alone won’t paint the whole picture. The price is only one of many colors when you’re getting a quote.
What Should You Look For When Comparing Quotes?
Whether quotes are similar or different in price, real differences tend to hide in the fine print.
Completion vs. "Substantial Completion"
When we say "substantial completion," we mean the contractors are making the decision that the job is done. Not you, the person paying for the project. That means you may owe the full balance, even if issues remain.
A project should be considered complete when you say it’s done.
Warranty Details
Look for escape clauses. Warranties can sound great on the surface, but they can quickly fall apart when you read the details. You want protection that actually protects you.
Check and see what would make a warranty void. And check to see if others exclude certain materials or only cover specific parts of the installation.
Licensing and who’s doing the work
A proper tub or shower remodel should have:
- A General Contractor (Class B) License
- A plumbing license
A plumbing license isn’t needed, but it is a great “should have.” You want to know the contractor is well qualified to do the work. Having a plumbing license shows that a contractor has achieved a level of expertise with the most critical aspects of tub and shower remodeling.
Ask to see the contract
Before you sign anything, ask to see the full contract and read the fine print before committing.
Do this to protect yourself from hidden clauses, unfair payment terms, warranty loopholes, and change orders.
When it comes to change orders, some contractors leave the door open to leave you with surprise costs you didn’t expect.
While asking to see the contract can take extra time, it can save you extra money and headaches.
Need to Start Somewhere? Schedule a Consultation with Shugarman’s Bath
It’s natural for homeowners to think they should get as many quotes as possible. The issue comes with collecting quotes without knowing what they’re being compared to. Too many quotes can waste time, cause confusion, and lead to costly mistakes.
Today, getting multiple quotes is about answering these questions:
- “Do I trust this company?”
- “Do I understand what I’m paying for?”
- “How long do I want this remodel to last?”
Being able to answer these questions can make your choice clearer.
Getting quotes correctly will protect your home, money, and, most of all, peace of mind. You want to know your bathroom’s tub or shower is built to last.
Ready to take the next step? Not sure where to start getting quotes? Schedule a free consultation with Shugarman’s Bath today for your tub or shower remodel!
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.
