Is this bathroom quote fair?
A fair quote is one you can compare. It lists what is being torn out, what is going in, who does the plumbing and wiring, which permits are pulled, and what happens if the walls hide a problem. Here is the checklist.
On this page
Line items a full quote should show
- Demolition and haul-off, including the old tub
- Plumbing: valve, supply lines, drains, any fixture moved
- Electrical: GFCI outlets and lights, plus an exhaust fan ducted outside
- Subfloor and wall repair, priced per sheet or per foot for anything found behind the tile
- Shower system: pan, waterproofing, walls (tile or panels), niche, bench, glass
- Tile: floor and walls, by square foot, with the tile allowance stated
- Fixtures and vanity: model numbers or an allowance for each
- Permits and inspections
- Paint and trim, plus cleanup
Red flags
- One lump-sum number with no breakdown.
- "Today only" pricing that drops if you sign at the kitchen table. Under Texas Business and Commerce Code Section 601.051, you may cancel until midnight of the third business day after you sign. Section 601.002 applies that right to purchases over $25 made through a personal solicitation away from the seller's place of business.
- No mention of permits on a job that moves plumbing.
- No names for the plumber or electrician. Texas has no state license for general contractors or remodelers. The state licenses the trades inside the job: plumbers through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners and electricians through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
- A large cash deposit before anything is ordered.
- Allowances that are too low for what you picked out, so the real cost shows up as change orders.
Compare against published ranges
| Job | Published range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom remodel, typical project | $6,000 to $18,000, $12,000 average | Fixr, Jan 2026 |
| Cosmetic refresh (paint, fixtures, vanity) | $2,400 to $10,000 | Fixr, Jan 2026 |
| Full gut remodel | $9,000 to $30,000 | Fixr, Jan 2026 |
| Primary bathroom | $7,000 to $30,000 | Fixr, Jan 2026 |
| Half bath or powder room | $1,200 to $15,000 | Fixr, Jan 2026 |
Fixr national ranges. A quote outside them is not wrong by itself; it should explain why.
Questions to ask
- What happens to the price if you find rot or bad pipe?
- Who pulls the permits, and will I see them before work starts?
- What is the payment schedule, tied to which stages?
- What is the written warranty on labor, and who honors the product warranties?
- Is the homestead warning in the contract? (What that is.)
Questions San Antonio homeowners ask
Should I always take the lowest bid?
Only if it covers the same scope. The lowest bid often leaves out permits or the cost of surprises behind the wall.
What is an allowance?
A placeholder amount for something you have not picked yet. Tile and faucets are common ones. If you choose something that costs more, you pay the difference. Ask what the allowance actually buys.
Is a change order normal?
Yes, when you change your mind or the remodeler finds hidden damage. It should be written and priced before the extra work starts.