So, I’ve been looking into remodeling a small bathroom in my rental property, and let me tell you, the prices I’ve been getting are through the roof! The bathroom itself is pretty standard – a 5×5 space, nothing fancy. I’m talking about a basic steel tub, toilet, a run-of-the-mill vanity you could pick up at Home Depot, some tile for the floors and tub surround. Simple stuff, right? Well, apparently not so simple when it comes to the quotes I’ve been receiving. We’re talking 7k to 9k for labor alone, and that’s not even including materials. It’s a full gut job, down to the studs and starting fresh.
It’s crazy to me how lucrative the bathroom remodeling business seems to be. I mean, just take a peek at those Facebook groups where people are constantly promoting their services. It’s like everyone and their uncle is an expert in bathroom renovations. So, I thought to myself, maybe I should break it down and hire out each part separately. First up, I got quotes ranging from $600 to $700 just for the demolition work. Seems a bit steep for tearing things down, don’t you think?
My plan now is to go the more budget-friendly route. I’m thinking of hiring a couple of guys off Craigslist who know their way around construction for $20 an hour each. We’ll tackle the demo in a day, load everything up on my trailer, and haul it off to the dump. Easy peasy. I figure I can handle installing the tub and shower valve myself – it can’t be that hard, right? For the drywall and backer board, I’ll bring in a specialist, and then it’s onto the tile work. Once that’s done, I’ll put in the toilet and vanity myself. I used to be a DIY warrior, but my poor back just can’t handle it anymore.
What’s your take on this whole situation? Are these quotes I’m getting anywhere close to reasonable, or am I getting taken for a ride? Let me know what you think!