Shower Specialist vs General Contractor for Remodels

You know the tub and shower area is the part of your bathroom most likely to cause problems if it's not done right. What you're not sure of is whether it's best to have a general contractor handle that part along with your larger project, or if you need a specialist in the tub and shower area.

Shugarman's Bath has completed more than 6,500 tub and shower remodels across San Diego and Orange County. We specialize in the tub and shower area. While we have a bias toward specialists, we can acknowledge that a general contractor might serve your project better, depending on what you’re planning. Our goal is to help you make the best decision for your home, even if you decide not to work with a specialist.

This article goes over the differences between a general contractor and shower specialists, how to decide which one fits the scope of your project, what licensing and credentials to check before hiring, differences in pricing and timelines, and how to plan a full bathroom remodel.

Table of Contents:

• What Are the Main Differences Between a General Contractor and a Shower Specialist?
• Do You Need a General Contractor or Specialist for Your Remodel?
• What Should You Check For Before Hiring Either Option?
• How Long Does It Take to Finish Projects With a General Contractor and a Specialist?
• How Does the Cost Compare Between a General Contractor and Specialist?
• How Do Warranties Usually Compare Between a General Contractor and a Specialist?
• What's the Best Way to Plan a Full Bathroom Remodel?
• Does Shugarman's Bath Work as a Specialist or a General Contractor?

What Are the Main Differences Between a General Contractor and a Shower Specialist?

A general contractor manages many kinds of remodeling projects. This can include full bathroom remodels, kitchens, roofing, room additions, decks, and other types of work in and around your home. They coordinate with several trades, often bringing in different subcontractors for more specialized parts of the work.

A specialist focuses on one area of remodeling. A shower remodeling specialist specializes in work in the tub and shower area. They do the same work daily, with their crews, materials, and processes being built around that one part of the bathroom.

Do You Need a General Contractor or Specialist for Your Remodel?

It depends on your project's scope.

A general contractor might make more sense if you’re covering multiple rooms or need a room layout change. General contractors may be a better fit if the project will require several trades coordinated under a single contract.

A specialist works if you are focusing on the tub and shower area or planning a full bathroom remodel. In a full bathroom remodel, the tub and shower area is the most failure-prone part. It involves plumbing, needs to be properly waterproofed, and gets hit with gallons of water daily. You want someone who knows the space well so you don't deal with problems later.

What Should You Check For Before Hiring Either Option?

Always verify credentials before hiring anyone. Make sure licensing and workers’ compensation insurance are up to date, and check whether they have any complaints or disciplinary actions on file. The best way to do this is through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website.

Look for these things before signing a contract with anyone:

• An active B - General Building Contractor license, which confirms the contractor is legally allowed to work on the structure of your home.
• No unresolved complaints or disciplinary action with the CSLB.
• Up-to-date workers’ compensation coverage, which protects you if a worker is injured on your property.
• Confirmation that any subcontractors used are also licensed and insured.

A general contractor typically holds a B - General Building Contractor license, which allows them to coordinate multiple trades. They might bring in subcontractors for specialty work like plumbing or electrical. Make sure the subcontractors used have the proper licensing and insurance.

A tub and shower specialist may also carry a C-36 - Plumbing Contractor license to show they have demonstrated expertise in the trade and are qualified to do the plumbing in the tub and shower area.

If you want information on general liability insurance to cover accidental damage to your home during the project, you can request that information from a general contractor or specialist.

How Long Does It Take to Finish Projects With a General Contractor and a Specialist?

A full bathroom remodel with a general contractor typically takes 2 to 4 weeks since they’re often coordinating with multiple trades. Scheduling gaps are common because subcontractors need to manage their own schedules. The rest of the project can be delayed if a subcontractor can’t make it on a scheduled day.

General contractors can do the tub and shower area early on in the project, but the timelines vary. They often move between different types of projects, handling a kitchen one week and a bathroom the next. Pacing might not be consistent.

Also, consider the type of shower materials being installed. A tile shower generally takes longer to install compared to materials like acrylic copolymer or stone resin composite shower walls.

Depending on the scope of your shower remodel, a specialist can often complete a tub and shower remodel in 1 to 2 days once materials arrive. In-house crews can handle demolition and installation without waiting on other trades.

Keep in mind that if you’re doing a full bathroom remodel, you’ll still need to hire another contractor, bring in a licensed handyman, or finish the remaining work on your own timeline.

How Does the Cost Compare Between a General Contractor and Specialist?

Like timelines, costs vary depending on the scope of work. A full bathroom remodel typically costs between $25,000 and $36,000, while a tub or shower remodel can range anywhere from $12,500 to $22,000.

Also, different contractors price and offer quotes differently. General contractors often give ballpark or time-and-materials estimates. They can change the price if unexpected issues come up during the installation, often leading to change orders that change your overall project cost.

Many specialists will quote a fixed total before the project starts, though some of them may charge extra if they encounter unforeseen issues during your remodel.

How Do Warranties Usually Compare Between a General Contractor and a Specialist?

Warranty length varies by company. Some companies will offer a single year of coverage on materials and labor, while others will offer the same coverage for as long as you own the home. The best way to find out is to ask a contractor direct questions about your contract.

The amount of coverage you get on your warranty can depend on how a company operates. Many general contractors will bring in subcontractors for plumbing. If a plumbing issue arises, the general contractor might not cover the subcontractor’s work. A specialist that does work in-house can often cover that same plumbing work.

No matter who you hire, ask these questions about the warranty before signing a contract:

• Does it cover labor, materials, or both?
• Is it transferable if you sell your home?
• Does the warranty cover subcontracted work?

For questions to ask a contractor and answers to look for, download our buyer’s guide to help you vet contractors.

What’s the Best Way to Plan a Full Bathroom Remodel?

Start with the tub and shower area, even if you're remodeling the entire bathroom. This part of the space accounts for roughly 70% of the cost for a full bathroom remodel. It’s an area in your home that’s susceptible to waterproofing failures and moisture damage.

You don’t need to complete your full bathroom remodel in one go. A phased approach gives you more control over the process. How you go about a full bathroom remodel can look a little something like this:

1. Remodel the tub and shower area first.
2. Complete any remaining plumbing work.
3. Finish with flooring, vanity, paint, and fixtures.

For a more in-depth guide, read our article on how to plan a full bathroom remodel.

Does Shugarman's Bath Work as a Specialist or a General Contractor?

Shugarman's Bath holds a general contractor license, but we specialize in the tub and shower area. We don't do full bathroom remodels. Our focus is on the tub and shower area because it’s likely to fail if it isn’t done correctly.

We hold B - General Building Contractor and C-36 - Plumbing Contractor licenses, so we can handle the most important parts of a tub or shower remodel without subcontractors. We are certified to handle mold in the area, and our installers are in-house employees.

To be candid, Shugarman’s Bath isn’t the right fit for every project. A general contractor might serve your needs better if you plan a whole-home renovation, want to change your bathroom layout, need to work on multiple rooms, or want one contractor to manage your bathroom remodel from beginning to end.

If you’re planning a large-scale home renovation, think about starting with a specialist to get the tub and shower area right, followed by having a general contractor (or another skilled tradesperson) finish the rest.

Is It Better to Hire a Shower Specialist or a General Contractor?

There isn’t a right or wrong answer as to which route you take. The choice depends on your focus and what you want out of your remodel. A specialist stays consistent because they repeat the same job over and over. A project involving multiple areas of your home might be better suited for a general contractor.

Now that you understand the differences between a shower specialist and a general contractor for remodels, read our article on how Shugarman's Bath is qualified to remodel your tub or shower.

If you’re looking to start with the tub and shower area, you can schedule a design consultation with Shugarman’s Bath so an expert can come to your home and take a look at your bathroom.

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.