When you’re looking to remodel your bathtub or shower, one of the earliest decisions is figuring out who to hire. The choice can be unclear.
Should I hire a specialist who focuses on bathtub and shower remodeling?
Should I hire a general contractor (GC) who handles all types of home renovation projects, including full bathroom remodels?
Short answer: It depends on the scope of your project and what you’re looking to achieve.
At Shugarman’s Bath, our team specializes solely in bathtub and shower remodeling. So, while we can admit we have a bias toward specialists, we also understand there are times when a general contractor makes more sense for your project or budget.
This article will break down the broad differences between specialists and GCs. We will also go into licensing, pricing, and warranties to help you understand what to look for. That way, you will better understand which route will be best for you to take with your remodeling project.
The Differences Between a Specialist and a General Contractor
A general contractor can manage a wide variety of construction or remodeling projects. General contractors can handle many trades, including kitchen remodeling, roofing, and bathroom updates. Some weeks, they’re working in the bathroom, and others they are working in a kitchen. It depends on the week. They typically coordinate several trades to do a job.
GCs like that friend you might know who has a wide range of hobbies. They’re good at many things, but aren’t truly a master of one. They have knowledge in many areas, but aren’t the best person to talk to on certain subjects.
On the other hand, a specialist focuses on a specific area of remodeling. Specialists do the same work every day to the point that they can do a job with their eyes closed.
Take the case of Shugarman’s Bath. While we do have our general contracting license, our scope of work is solely on tub and shower remodeling. It’s central to what we do. We’re a specialist that has our teams perform the same line of work every day. The process, materials, and installation are within the tub-and-shower remodel niche.
Specialists are like enthusiasts who own specialized tools, such as magnifying lenses, micro-sanding tools, and imported paints, for a specific project. They know the ins and outs of their craft to the point of mastering their niche.
Project Focus and Expertise
General contractors typically have a broader range of experience when it comes to projects. They might be accustomed to juggling different types of jobs and coordinating with multiple subcontractors. This can be beneficial for larger projects involving multiple parts of the home. It can also lead to slower progress or may vary in quality when doing more focused projects in one area, like the bathroom.
A specialist focuses on the same projects daily. For a bathtub-and-shower specialist, they’ve likely seen every possible issue in that area. Plumbing layouts, odd measurements, wall configurations, mold, rotted wood, even living pests… If you can name something you’re likely to find behind a shower wall, the specialist has likely seen it.
And since they’ve seen it, they know how to handle the issues. The specialization and focus can lead to faster timelines while also having high-quality results.
The short version:
- General contractors can be flexible in having broad project management experience.
- Specialists have, well, specialized expertise and are efficient in their field.
Checking the Licensing, Insurance, and Safety of Any Contractor
Before hiring anyone, we recommend verifying the credentials and qualifications of every contractor you’re considering.
In the state of California, the best way of doing this is by checking the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website. If you want to give this a try, feel free to check using Shugarman’s Bath (License No. 1060677).
There are four credentials to look for:
- Active Licensing
- A valid state license confirms the contractor meets all legal and professional requirements to perform the work. It’s proof that they meet state construction standards.
- Workers’ Compensation Coverage
- This coverage protects you from being held financially responsible if a worker is injured on your property. Without it, you, as the homeowner, could face costly medical or legal claims.
- Liability Insurance
- Liability insurance covers accidental damage to your home or belongings during your remodel. If a contractor damages anything in your home during construction, repairs and replacements won’t come out of your pocket.
A general contractor typically holds a B general building license, which means they’re qualified to work on projects that involve multiple building trades under one contract. So they’re qualified to work in your home. However, they might need to subcontract for specific areas they aren’t qualified for. While this isn’t inherently bad, you need to confirm each subcontractor is licensed and insured. 
You also need to make sure they got paid by the contractor for the work they performed. That way, the subcontractor couldn’t put a lien on your home, meaning they put a claim on your home for an unpaid debt. You want to avoid potential liability if something goes wrong during your project.
Specialists will typically maintain multiple trade licenses to work in certain areas. For example, in addition to Shugarman’s Bath having a B-General Building license, we also hold other certifications, such as C-36 Plumbing and mold remediation. Because our work is specifically in bathtub and shower areas, we have to work with plumbing and interior removal.
Note: Many reputable general contractors may also maintain specialty licenses or partner with certified tradespeople to comply with state standards.
Timelines and Efficiency
Depending on the scope of the project you have in mind, a general contractor may take longer. Because they coordinate with multiple trades, drying times, and coordinating projects in multiple homes, the same project can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. Obviously, this number can vary depending on the scope.
Even though their timeline might be longer, the tradeoff is flexibility. They can modify layouts, move walls, or take on custom design elements that a specialist may not offer. The extra time can reflect their ability to manage remodels that involve more trades or design changes.
As for specialists, they often advertise a shorter installation timeline since their crews handle the same process. While a specialist still needs to order your materials, they already have the necessary equipment. Once your materials arrive, a professional shower remodel can often be completed in 1-2 days.
Examples of General Contractor and Specialist Timelines
Here is an example of a General Contractor timeline doing a tub and shower remodel (assuming subcontracting schedules are perfectly timed):
Day 1: Demolition crew does their thing
Day 2: Rough plumbing
Day 3: Waterproofing
Day 4: Tile work
Day 5: Grout work
Day 6: Finish plumbing
Day 7: Installing shower doors and accessories
Mind you, subcontractor scheduling isn’t usually perfectly timed, which is why projects commonly last 2-4 weeks.
As for a specialist, they typically can do everything in 1-2 days because the crews know all the trades.
Pricing and Payment Structure
Pricing varies wildly depending on the contractor you use for home remodeling. It comes with the territory. However, here are some general trends:
- General contractors often provide “ballpark” estimates. This means the price can change depending on what’s found during demolition or construction.
- Many traditional GCs give a “time and materials” estimate with no limit on the time or materials.
- The California Contractors State License Board recommends quoting with net pricing over Time and Materials. This is because “time and materials” are well known for starting low, followed by the contracts leading to large overages.
- Change orders may increase the total cost if unforeseen issues arise. That’s why you should always check the contract closely.
- On the other hand, some GCs can offer more flexible pricing if you want to adjust plans mid-project. Adjustments will likely cost more money and would constitute a change order.
- Many traditional GCs give a “time and materials” estimate with no limit on the time or materials.
- Specialists can be more reliable with pricing and cost certainty. This isn’t guaranteed with every specialist. However, some specialists give you the total before the project starts.
- And if they’re REALLY good, they’ll have some form of a “no-surprise” guarantee.
- Note: There are also many specialists who charge extra if stuff is found behind the walls of your tub or shower.
Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for. Regardless of the route you take, always make sure the payment terms and scope of work are clearly defined before signing.
Warranty and Long-Term Service
A general contractor’s warranty typically covers labor for one year and manufacturer defects on materials. After that, homeowners are responsible for future repairs or maintenance.
Specialists will often provide extended or “bumper-to-bumper” warranties. This means materials and labor are covered over many years. These warranties may include periodic service visits to make sure your system is working correctly.
Regardless of whether you hire a specialist or a GC, here are questions to always ask about the warranty:
- How long is the warranty valid?
- Does it cover labor, materials, or both?
- Is it transferable if I choose to sell or rent out my home?
Choosing a Specialist or a General Contractor For Your Project
A general contractor might be better for you if:
- Your remodel involves multiple spaces.
- You want more design flexibility in multiple areas of your home.
- Note: Specialists will have plenty of design choices and combinations in the areas they specialize in.
- You prefer to coordinate several trades under one company for a full-home or multi-room renovation.
A specialist might be a good choice for you if:
- You’re focused on a specific area of your home without major layout changes.
- You value a process from start to finish with a clear timeline and structure.
- You want a team that handles that area of your home every day and is familiar with the common issues.
Is a Specialist or General Contractor Right for Your Bathtub or Shower Remodel?
Knowing which option best fits your needs can be difficult. The biggest thing to keep in mind is what’s best for your specific project.
When it comes to projects that only involve your bath or shower, a specialist can often deliver faster, cleaner, and more consistent results. A project involving multiple areas of your home or other parts of your bathroom might require a reputable general contractor.
If you’re looking specifically to have your bathtub or shower remodeled, you can start with Shugarman’s Bath. We can offer you a free consultation and our expertise. See firsthand what a specialist in this area has to offer, and decide if it’s the right fit for you.
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