How to Compare Bathroom Remodel Bids
Bathroom bids almost never include the same things. The most important difference — waterproofing — is invisible in the finished product and expensive when it's missing.
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Compare my bathroom bids free →Verify waterproofing system for each bid
This is the single most important comparison point. Ask each contractor: "What waterproofing membrane are you installing in the shower?" Only accept specific answers: RedGard, Schluter Kerdi, WEDI. A bid without this is quoting an inferior product regardless of its total price.
Get tile spec from every contractor
Tile is 20–35% of a bathroom budget and the most variable line item. From each bid, extract: tile type (porcelain/ceramic/natural stone), size, brand/series, and sqft for floor vs. walls separately. A bid that says "tile floors and walls" is not a spec. Compare like for like — same tile type and quality across all bids.
Confirm shower valve brand and model
IRC requires pressure-balancing or thermostatic shower valves. Ask each contractor the specific valve brand and model. Moen Posi-Temp, Kohler Rite-Temp, Delta Monitor are the standards. No-brand or unspecified valves fail faster and are harder to repair. This is a quality signal, not a cost signal.
Check what scope each bid includes vs. excludes
Most variable items: demo (included vs. add-on), permits (included vs. excluded), exhaust fan (new vs. reuse existing), vanity and fixtures (specified vs. allowance), accessories (towel bars, mirror, etc). Create a line-by-line checklist and mark each bid. Adjust totals for any exclusions before comparing numbers.
Confirm timeline and cure time plan
A realistic full-tile bathroom remodel takes 3–4 weeks minimum. Ask each contractor: "What is your cure time plan between waterproofing, tile, and grout?" A contractor who answers specifically (24-48 hours between layers) is doing the job correctly. One who says "about a week" is rushing.
Compare payment schedule and permit plan
Standard: 10–20% deposit, progress payments, final after punch list. Confirm each contractor pulls required permits — any bid that excludes permits will add them as a change order. Ask for permit responsibility in writing.
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