Remodel 101
December 2, 2022 12:44 PM Subscribe
We have owned our 1913 era home for more than 25 years. We need to pretty urgently completely gut and remodel the only full bath in the house. I don't know where to start. Help.
First: asking friends about their contractors is a no-go. For a variety of reasons, nobody has a name to share with us.
The bathroom is not just extremely dated, but has some issues that are slowly causing water damage. We fight a constant battle against surface mildew, particularly on the ceiling. The entire bathroom needs to be gutted, with new floors, new wiring, installing a fan, the whole thing.
I assume I need to hire some kind of designer who will then hire a contractor, but I have no idea how to do that, and Google turns up basically nothing. A few "handyman" results and a few contractors that are clearly just super high end and will be far out of our budget.
I don't need a fancy high end marble bathroom. I just need a clean sturdy bathroom where everything works and nothing leaks. Who do I call to get that?
First: asking friends about their contractors is a no-go. For a variety of reasons, nobody has a name to share with us.
The bathroom is not just extremely dated, but has some issues that are slowly causing water damage. We fight a constant battle against surface mildew, particularly on the ceiling. The entire bathroom needs to be gutted, with new floors, new wiring, installing a fan, the whole thing.
I assume I need to hire some kind of designer who will then hire a contractor, but I have no idea how to do that, and Google turns up basically nothing. A few "handyman" results and a few contractors that are clearly just super high end and will be far out of our budget.
I don't need a fancy high end marble bathroom. I just need a clean sturdy bathroom where everything works and nothing leaks. Who do I call to get that?
I agree that you can start with finding a contractor. If you need design help, they'll have showrooms (like with tile and sink options, for example) to recommend with their preferred vendors. It sounds like you don't want to change the layout or move walls? But just gut and update? Focus on finding a contractor, perhaps through NextDoor (if you have that) or by asking neighbors. Focus on contractors who have done bathroom renovations.
(Also, those fancy marble bathrooms might just be what they're highlighting online and not representative of their typical jobs.)
posted by bluedaisy at 1:09 PM on December 2, 2022
(Also, those fancy marble bathrooms might just be what they're highlighting online and not representative of their typical jobs.)
posted by bluedaisy at 1:09 PM on December 2, 2022
Do you have a plumber you currently work with and like? If so, maybe they can recommend a contractor. (This is how we found the guy who did our bathroom renovation, which worked out well.)
posted by madcaptenor at 1:19 PM on December 2, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by madcaptenor at 1:19 PM on December 2, 2022 [2 favorites]
ReBath.com seems to have locations nationwide. You should get a few estimates, but they could be one. I don't think you necessarily need a designer. You can just look up pictures on the internet of baths you like, and go to a few local showrooms to get get an idea of prices on fixtures. That's a better idea, unless you are looking for one that is period-specific or something.
Also cover your budget vs the size of your room - a basic plastic tub and vinyl tile would get you a working bathroom, but if the room is small enough, going a bit high style might be worth it.
posted by The_Vegetables at 1:20 PM on December 2, 2022
Also cover your budget vs the size of your room - a basic plastic tub and vinyl tile would get you a working bathroom, but if the room is small enough, going a bit high style might be worth it.
posted by The_Vegetables at 1:20 PM on December 2, 2022
When we did this, we started by sourcing a general contractor and an interior designer. We got our recommendations from family but if we hadn't had that option, I would have gone to Next Door or my neighborhood FB group (so many old homes in my neighborhood of a similar vintage, it's about guaranteed that someone has undertaken a similar project).
It felt ridiculously bougie to work with an interior designer because we are basically IKEA people normally, but she ended up being the most invaluable part of the whole process. We simply told her roughly what we liked in terms of style and our budget, and she cut through all the noise and brought us 3-4 options for everything: floor tile, shower tile, shower handles, shower head, countertop, sink style, paint colors, light fixtures, and cabinet style. We could see at a glance how everything would look together and it all looked great no matter what it was since she was able to see the total picture in a way we could not yet. If we'd tried to do all those pieces on our own, we'd still be standing in the aisles of Home Depot knee-deep in analysis paralysis.
Once we'd chosen all the design elements, we paid her hourly fee and she wrote everything up and handed it off to our GC, and he coordinated everything from there. She placed the orders for some stuff, particularly if she could get it wholesale; other stuff, like the paint, he would just put his paint crew in charge of it. For very basic stuff like a fan or a toilet, he already had options in mind that he'd installed and liked previously and he would just say this is what I usually put in, is this okay with you or not.
posted by anderjen at 1:32 PM on December 2, 2022 [3 favorites]
It felt ridiculously bougie to work with an interior designer because we are basically IKEA people normally, but she ended up being the most invaluable part of the whole process. We simply told her roughly what we liked in terms of style and our budget, and she cut through all the noise and brought us 3-4 options for everything: floor tile, shower tile, shower handles, shower head, countertop, sink style, paint colors, light fixtures, and cabinet style. We could see at a glance how everything would look together and it all looked great no matter what it was since she was able to see the total picture in a way we could not yet. If we'd tried to do all those pieces on our own, we'd still be standing in the aisles of Home Depot knee-deep in analysis paralysis.
Once we'd chosen all the design elements, we paid her hourly fee and she wrote everything up and handed it off to our GC, and he coordinated everything from there. She placed the orders for some stuff, particularly if she could get it wholesale; other stuff, like the paint, he would just put his paint crew in charge of it. For very basic stuff like a fan or a toilet, he already had options in mind that he'd installed and liked previously and he would just say this is what I usually put in, is this okay with you or not.
posted by anderjen at 1:32 PM on December 2, 2022 [3 favorites]
I second the recommendation to ask your plumber if you have one you like. That's how I found the contractor I used for my bathroom renovation.
posted by mcduff at 2:00 PM on December 2, 2022
posted by mcduff at 2:00 PM on December 2, 2022
Best answer: Don't pay in advance, even if your contractor suggests it for a discounted total! The only leverage you have is your payment, so your contract should clearly specify milestones when sums are due. You would be surprised at how many times contractors just don't show up in the middle of your job, often because another client offers a premium. You want to make sure your contractor is incentivized to come back to finish your job, especially if this is your only bathroom. Hold back (within the contract and understood by both parties) the final payment until all adjustments and final finishing is done to your satisfaction, because again, your money is your only leverage. The amount generally withheld is 10% of the total fee. This induces the contractor to actually make the final adjustments and corrections needed. You pay the milestone amounts when the work specified in the contract is correctly completed, not before.
You do not want to get yourself in a situation where you have to sue the contractor to complete work paid for but not correctly completed. There will be a sum paid by you at the contract signing to enable the contractor to purchase materials and pay employees, but after the initial payment all other monies are paid for work completed as milestones are achieved. Checking client references is also a great idea.
If you have homeowner's insurance and have damage as the result of a leak, it's possible your insurance may cover some of the damage repair cost.
posted by citygirl at 2:20 PM on December 2, 2022 [10 favorites]
You do not want to get yourself in a situation where you have to sue the contractor to complete work paid for but not correctly completed. There will be a sum paid by you at the contract signing to enable the contractor to purchase materials and pay employees, but after the initial payment all other monies are paid for work completed as milestones are achieved. Checking client references is also a great idea.
If you have homeowner's insurance and have damage as the result of a leak, it's possible your insurance may cover some of the damage repair cost.
posted by citygirl at 2:20 PM on December 2, 2022 [10 favorites]
We have a 1925 house that has now been touched from top to bottom in different stages. When we bought the house, we did a full kitchen and bathroom remodel along with some other things, but crucially didn’t really change the layout (i.e. did not change any walls or the locations of anything except the fridge. New plumbing went where old plumbing basically had been). We did all that with just a contractor and I picked all of our materials. It went fine and I didn’t think and still don’t think I needed a designer because I know what I like.
This summer we finished a complete basement gut remodel, and for that job we used a “design-build” contractor which is a term I learned somewhere on the internet I think? Basically the contractor runs things but they hired the architect/designer who did the plans and then after we had finalized the plans the contractor did the work. I still picked the materials bc that’s how I roll but probably the designer could’ve suggested stuff. We went with the design build firm for the basement because we had some layout challenges and we needed somebody who could reimagine the space for our needs, like actually draw up plans. I also went with a design-build contractor bc the thought of having to research and hire two different groups of professionals made me want to poke my eyes out with a stick.
So I think: if you are not wanting/needing to make layout changes and you just need problems fixed, a contractor should be fine. If you want to reimagine the space and need help doing that and/or coming up with ideas for materials, etc, I suggest googling design-build contractors in your location.
posted by DiscourseMarker at 2:28 PM on December 2, 2022 [1 favorite]
This summer we finished a complete basement gut remodel, and for that job we used a “design-build” contractor which is a term I learned somewhere on the internet I think? Basically the contractor runs things but they hired the architect/designer who did the plans and then after we had finalized the plans the contractor did the work. I still picked the materials bc that’s how I roll but probably the designer could’ve suggested stuff. We went with the design build firm for the basement because we had some layout challenges and we needed somebody who could reimagine the space for our needs, like actually draw up plans. I also went with a design-build contractor bc the thought of having to research and hire two different groups of professionals made me want to poke my eyes out with a stick.
So I think: if you are not wanting/needing to make layout changes and you just need problems fixed, a contractor should be fine. If you want to reimagine the space and need help doing that and/or coming up with ideas for materials, etc, I suggest googling design-build contractors in your location.
posted by DiscourseMarker at 2:28 PM on December 2, 2022 [1 favorite]
+1 to asking other tradespeople you've worked with if they can recommend a remodeler. NextDoor has been good for recommendations, too.
I asked my realtor a couple years after I bought my house through her. She had a couple of good suggestions. The contractor I'm using is a design-build company like what DiscourseMarker described. My payment schedule like what city girl described.
Ask about how long their jobs normally take and what affects whether it finishes on time. If it's your only bathroom, you probably need to stay elsewhere while the job is in progress, and that could be a long inconvenience depending on how things go. If you have to stay in an AirBnB for weeks, that's a noteworthy expense. Don't believe anyone who promises it can be done in a day or two.
If budget is tight, you may be able to save money by doing certain tasks yourself. I did most of the demolition for my remodel. I'm also planning to do the painting and some of the trim work. My project is relatively large, and those budget items feel like a drop in the bucket, but I've personally enjoyed participating where I can.
posted by katieinshoes at 2:38 PM on December 2, 2022
I asked my realtor a couple years after I bought my house through her. She had a couple of good suggestions. The contractor I'm using is a design-build company like what DiscourseMarker described. My payment schedule like what city girl described.
Ask about how long their jobs normally take and what affects whether it finishes on time. If it's your only bathroom, you probably need to stay elsewhere while the job is in progress, and that could be a long inconvenience depending on how things go. If you have to stay in an AirBnB for weeks, that's a noteworthy expense. Don't believe anyone who promises it can be done in a day or two.
If budget is tight, you may be able to save money by doing certain tasks yourself. I did most of the demolition for my remodel. I'm also planning to do the painting and some of the trim work. My project is relatively large, and those budget items feel like a drop in the bucket, but I've personally enjoyed participating where I can.
posted by katieinshoes at 2:38 PM on December 2, 2022
Response by poster: Thank you for the responses so far. Our “regular plumber” retired during the pandemic and is no longer available. Our only other regular person is the guy who cleans our furnace. I’ve never spoken to any of our neighbors more than to just say hello and I can’t imagine asking them about contractors (we are socially very different from them). The idea of just picking someone off next door or similar seems like the lottery - nobody has more than like 5 reviews, most only 1-2, and in trying this method to just find a new plumber it took 2 months and a couple of dozen calls just to get anyone to call me back. I would guess actual contractors are even worse??? Idk.
A huge part of the issue is that we’ve had terrible experiences trying to hire anyone to do anything, and so I’m just at sea trying to not only choose someone but choose someone who won’t utterly screw us over. I just feel like my only option is to call a bunch of random companies and be forced to hire one of the 1 or 2 who calls us back. I don’t mind waiting for the work, but with the plumber we couldn’t even get callbacks…
posted by anastasiav at 2:53 PM on December 2, 2022
A huge part of the issue is that we’ve had terrible experiences trying to hire anyone to do anything, and so I’m just at sea trying to not only choose someone but choose someone who won’t utterly screw us over. I just feel like my only option is to call a bunch of random companies and be forced to hire one of the 1 or 2 who calls us back. I don’t mind waiting for the work, but with the plumber we couldn’t even get callbacks…
posted by anastasiav at 2:53 PM on December 2, 2022
I have a friend who's an architect. I once watched him consulting with someone trying to build a condo complex in an area where they didn't really belong. He took out a pencil and said, "Have you ever thought of this?" and casually fixed a problem nobody had noticed and in the process made the building much less unattractive.
Another friend hired a contractor to fix a leak in his bathroom. They didn't need a designer. Who needs a designer? It's just a bathroom. The finished room was exactly like the previous incarnation, but with cheap fixtures and smaller mirrors. I feel that his money was wasted, because he replaced a leaky shower in a badly laid out room with a shower that doesn't leak yet in a badly laid out room.
If nothing else, a good designer will protect you from people who want to do lots of extra work just to pad their bill. They'll also give you ideas you've never thought of. All those things that were clumsy and inefficient that you never really noticed? A good designer knows about them, will point them out and then make them go away.
It's baffling to me - and I believe Theodore Sturgeon said this - that people will cheap out and refuse to hire a professional for the room which is supposed to be relaxing and pleasant, and where they'll spend a significant amount of time every day for the rest of their life. It's like saying you know nothing about cooking so you'll eat frozen pizzas for every meal from now on. What other areas of your life are there in which you don't need someone with expertise, where you're sure you don't want it to be as nice as possible?
I have friends who have an island in their kitchen so big that they can't reach the middle with both feet on the floor, and their dishwasher door doesn't open all the way. Someone else hired a friend to do their contracting. The resulting kitchen cost more than a hundred thousand dollars and is atrociously clumsy and unwelcoming.
This is going to be expensive. When it's finished it should be beautiful, not merely acceptable. A designer isn't someone who plasters everything with trim and lace doilies, they're someone who knows what works and what doesn't, and how to make a space you'll love. You want a room that makes you happy every time you go into it, not one that makes you feel as though you're lost in an Ikea. There's not enough brilliant design in the world. You could add to it.
I'm in the middle of a bathroom remodel in my 1912 house. Half our time is wasted deciding what to do, and then finding that it's not possible or affordable. A designer will cut through that crap and you'll get done.
Remodeling is hard on a marriage and on a house. Get a professional.
posted by AugustusCrunch at 2:54 PM on December 2, 2022
Another friend hired a contractor to fix a leak in his bathroom. They didn't need a designer. Who needs a designer? It's just a bathroom. The finished room was exactly like the previous incarnation, but with cheap fixtures and smaller mirrors. I feel that his money was wasted, because he replaced a leaky shower in a badly laid out room with a shower that doesn't leak yet in a badly laid out room.
If nothing else, a good designer will protect you from people who want to do lots of extra work just to pad their bill. They'll also give you ideas you've never thought of. All those things that were clumsy and inefficient that you never really noticed? A good designer knows about them, will point them out and then make them go away.
It's baffling to me - and I believe Theodore Sturgeon said this - that people will cheap out and refuse to hire a professional for the room which is supposed to be relaxing and pleasant, and where they'll spend a significant amount of time every day for the rest of their life. It's like saying you know nothing about cooking so you'll eat frozen pizzas for every meal from now on. What other areas of your life are there in which you don't need someone with expertise, where you're sure you don't want it to be as nice as possible?
I have friends who have an island in their kitchen so big that they can't reach the middle with both feet on the floor, and their dishwasher door doesn't open all the way. Someone else hired a friend to do their contracting. The resulting kitchen cost more than a hundred thousand dollars and is atrociously clumsy and unwelcoming.
This is going to be expensive. When it's finished it should be beautiful, not merely acceptable. A designer isn't someone who plasters everything with trim and lace doilies, they're someone who knows what works and what doesn't, and how to make a space you'll love. You want a room that makes you happy every time you go into it, not one that makes you feel as though you're lost in an Ikea. There's not enough brilliant design in the world. You could add to it.
I'm in the middle of a bathroom remodel in my 1912 house. Half our time is wasted deciding what to do, and then finding that it's not possible or affordable. A designer will cut through that crap and you'll get done.
Remodeling is hard on a marriage and on a house. Get a professional.
posted by AugustusCrunch at 2:54 PM on December 2, 2022
Best answer: If there's a local bath / plumbing showroom near you, that's another place you could ask. But yeah, expect to keep calling folks until you get at least three out to visit and quote and have a good idea who you want to hire. This may be a lot of calls. My last contractor was recently licensed and was working his way up. He had previously worked assisting a different contractor, that might also be a pipeline if you're only finding contractors who are too big/fancy for you. I've hired a couple folks off Yelp reviews and they've ranged from mediocre to grifters. :(
Also, I didn't realize that I could look up a contractor's license online and see if there were any complaints or outstanding claims against them. Obvious in retrospect, not sure how many people actually do this.
posted by momus_window at 3:39 PM on December 2, 2022 [3 favorites]
Also, I didn't realize that I could look up a contractor's license online and see if there were any complaints or outstanding claims against them. Obvious in retrospect, not sure how many people actually do this.
posted by momus_window at 3:39 PM on December 2, 2022 [3 favorites]
I agree that you can start with finding a contractor. If you need design help, they'll have showrooms
Eh, not quite. This is a particular kind of service known as "design-build."
Earlier this year, we went through basically what you're thinking of - 100+ year old home, one bathroom, some moisture issues, etc. When we first bought the place a decade ago, we tried to get some quotes from contractors (like, General Contractor-type contractors) and the response was universally this: we'll do whatever you want, but you have to do all the upfront work like picking (and buying!) tile, fixtures, paint, and everything else. They just did the labor. If that's something you want to do, you can save a little money going that route; if all you want to do is give a general idea of what you want things to look like and then write a check, go with design-build.
There are places whose bread and butter are kitchens and bathrooms. They are, as you might guess, called "kitchen and bath design-build." (I'm mentioning all this in the hopes it will help you with internet searches.) We went with such a service - we showed up to their showroom, picked from an extensive array of options, they showed us mockups, and we signed a contract. They handled everything else, from pulling permits to providing a porta-john.
Some things to consider, in no particular order as they spill out of my head:
-The total cost of the project was split roughly 1/3 material and 2/3 labor. Cheaping out on fixtures won't actually save you a ton off the total cost of the reno, so my feeling is to make sure to buy stuff you like and that will last, even if it's a little more expensive. Labor is just expensive no matter what, but I would also be extremely cautious about going with a low bidder (if you're going to try to coordinate everything yourself). It's a bit like tailoring, I guess - a shirt made from very fine materials is going to look like garbage if it's sewn poorly, but a skilled craftsperson can make even low quality materials look really good.
-We were quoted 9-ish weeks to complete the job and it took more like three months. This is not unusual.
-For the sole bathroom in your home, come up with plans for showering and toileting early. We had the porta-john, but we did request that they reinstall the inside toilet every day as much as possible. We sponge-bathed in the kitchen for three months. Maybe you don't want to deal with the hassle; if so, factor in additional cost for hotel or other arrangements.
-Despite having a project foreman, I found myself inspecting the work every single day after the workers left. Many things were not according to plan, but it was easier to spot then and there and then get it rectified the next day.
-It is way more stressful to live in a construction site than I originally thought it would be.
So, suggestions - find a design-build outfit near you. I think you can save the most money by cutting back on things that require a lot of labor - changing the configuration of the room (we added a half wall and moved plumbing around), finish work (especially tiling! paint is a lot cheaper so keep tile only to places that are going to be wet), stuff like that. Do not expect anything in the bathroom to be salvageable.
posted by backseatpilot at 4:17 PM on December 2, 2022 [4 favorites]
Eh, not quite. This is a particular kind of service known as "design-build."
Earlier this year, we went through basically what you're thinking of - 100+ year old home, one bathroom, some moisture issues, etc. When we first bought the place a decade ago, we tried to get some quotes from contractors (like, General Contractor-type contractors) and the response was universally this: we'll do whatever you want, but you have to do all the upfront work like picking (and buying!) tile, fixtures, paint, and everything else. They just did the labor. If that's something you want to do, you can save a little money going that route; if all you want to do is give a general idea of what you want things to look like and then write a check, go with design-build.
There are places whose bread and butter are kitchens and bathrooms. They are, as you might guess, called "kitchen and bath design-build." (I'm mentioning all this in the hopes it will help you with internet searches.) We went with such a service - we showed up to their showroom, picked from an extensive array of options, they showed us mockups, and we signed a contract. They handled everything else, from pulling permits to providing a porta-john.
Some things to consider, in no particular order as they spill out of my head:
-The total cost of the project was split roughly 1/3 material and 2/3 labor. Cheaping out on fixtures won't actually save you a ton off the total cost of the reno, so my feeling is to make sure to buy stuff you like and that will last, even if it's a little more expensive. Labor is just expensive no matter what, but I would also be extremely cautious about going with a low bidder (if you're going to try to coordinate everything yourself). It's a bit like tailoring, I guess - a shirt made from very fine materials is going to look like garbage if it's sewn poorly, but a skilled craftsperson can make even low quality materials look really good.
-We were quoted 9-ish weeks to complete the job and it took more like three months. This is not unusual.
-For the sole bathroom in your home, come up with plans for showering and toileting early. We had the porta-john, but we did request that they reinstall the inside toilet every day as much as possible. We sponge-bathed in the kitchen for three months. Maybe you don't want to deal with the hassle; if so, factor in additional cost for hotel or other arrangements.
-Despite having a project foreman, I found myself inspecting the work every single day after the workers left. Many things were not according to plan, but it was easier to spot then and there and then get it rectified the next day.
-It is way more stressful to live in a construction site than I originally thought it would be.
So, suggestions - find a design-build outfit near you. I think you can save the most money by cutting back on things that require a lot of labor - changing the configuration of the room (we added a half wall and moved plumbing around), finish work (especially tiling! paint is a lot cheaper so keep tile only to places that are going to be wet), stuff like that. Do not expect anything in the bathroom to be salvageable.
posted by backseatpilot at 4:17 PM on December 2, 2022 [4 favorites]
For getting recommendations, my method is to casually mention the project to anyone I meet who has a minute to chat. Hairdresser? Grocery or hardware store clerk? Barista? Dental hygienist? "Hey, so, I'm planning a bathroom remodel, and don't even know where to start to find a good contractor. Don't suppose you know anyone?" My massage therapist recommended the yard guy I hired, she's always talking about gardening, I didn't know she had someone in for the basic yard care! And my hairdresser's dad is a general contractor. I ended up dropping that project idea, but it would've been a starting place to call.
posted by dorey_oh at 11:56 PM on December 2, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by dorey_oh at 11:56 PM on December 2, 2022 [1 favorite]
Every place I’ve lived for the past twenty years has had an online neighborhood group somewhere - usually Facebook, but also often discussion boards, etc. That’s how I’ve found the best handypeople and various services but if you have any contacts in real estate in your area they should have good recommendations as well.
posted by annathea at 6:02 AM on December 3, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by annathea at 6:02 AM on December 3, 2022 [2 favorites]
Unless you are changing the layout or want to make a design statement, I wouldn't use either an architect or an interior designer. I would just hire a general contractor preferably one who specialises in bathrooms to some extent. In my area, I would ask on the local facebook group for recommendations. Literally something like "I'd like to completely redo my bathroom, do you have anyone you recommend".
I think probably the simplest way to think about the style/design is, that the tile and vanity make the most visual impact, and also so pick stuff that you really like. Your bathtub, toilet, shower and tub faucet and vanity faucet should be from a reputable brand (eg Delta, Kohler, Moen...) in a style that goes with the tile/vanity/overall look. Making sure that it works well, is then pretty much in the implementation.
It sounds like you're nervous about quality. The more you are just replacing like for like, the easier your contractor will find it to just do a good job. For example if the tub is the exact same size as the one that's currently there, then the existing pipework will work properly. Just ensure that the walls and floor are properly waterproofed by the contractor.
posted by plonkee at 10:45 AM on December 3, 2022
I think probably the simplest way to think about the style/design is, that the tile and vanity make the most visual impact, and also so pick stuff that you really like. Your bathtub, toilet, shower and tub faucet and vanity faucet should be from a reputable brand (eg Delta, Kohler, Moen...) in a style that goes with the tile/vanity/overall look. Making sure that it works well, is then pretty much in the implementation.
It sounds like you're nervous about quality. The more you are just replacing like for like, the easier your contractor will find it to just do a good job. For example if the tub is the exact same size as the one that's currently there, then the existing pipework will work properly. Just ensure that the walls and floor are properly waterproofed by the contractor.
posted by plonkee at 10:45 AM on December 3, 2022
Is there a tile or plumbing store in your area? Not Lowe’s or Home Depot; a specialty store. If you go there you can probably get recommendations for both contractors and designers.
posted by Kriesa at 10:48 AM on December 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Kriesa at 10:48 AM on December 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
Not Lowe’s or Home Depot; a specialty store.
Lowes or Home Depot have contractor lists. Going there would be fine, but not necessarily the lowest price.
But given the plumber drama, I'm assuming they are in either a seriously economically depressed area or the hottest place in the country, because there are large plumbing companies in most major US cities that work 24 hours a day, so getting someone to come by isn't particularly hard.
Also, if getting a plumber was that difficult, well there are about 500 plumbers for every interior designer or architect - so guess how difficult it would be to get either of those for a small project?
posted by The_Vegetables at 7:49 AM on December 5, 2022
Lowes or Home Depot have contractor lists. Going there would be fine, but not necessarily the lowest price.
But given the plumber drama, I'm assuming they are in either a seriously economically depressed area or the hottest place in the country, because there are large plumbing companies in most major US cities that work 24 hours a day, so getting someone to come by isn't particularly hard.
Also, if getting a plumber was that difficult, well there are about 500 plumbers for every interior designer or architect - so guess how difficult it would be to get either of those for a small project?
posted by The_Vegetables at 7:49 AM on December 5, 2022
Best answer: We had two bathrooms and a long-neglected house with some water damage, so like you we were under some time pressure.
An architect made drawings for us to get the permit process started, but we made all the aesthetic decisions. (She suggested some good specialty retail stores for tile and plumbing supplies, but we also found other sources on our own.) We already had plumbers and electricians we knew and trusted. So they were able to refer us to everyone else we needed, and we acted as general contractor, dealing directly with all the tradespeople and arranging for city inspections as needed.
I'm not recommending that you do the same, but it's all still very fresh in my mind so if you have any specific questions or are just curious about any aspect of the process, send me a message.
Obviously you'll need to start somewhere. I think kriesa's advice is good: you could begin by visiting specialty stores. Your profile says you're in Portland, Maine. A quick web search turns up this plumbing supplies place and this tile store, so if your profile location is still accurate, you might stop by and talk to people there.
posted by tangerine at 2:08 PM on December 5, 2022
An architect made drawings for us to get the permit process started, but we made all the aesthetic decisions. (She suggested some good specialty retail stores for tile and plumbing supplies, but we also found other sources on our own.) We already had plumbers and electricians we knew and trusted. So they were able to refer us to everyone else we needed, and we acted as general contractor, dealing directly with all the tradespeople and arranging for city inspections as needed.
I'm not recommending that you do the same, but it's all still very fresh in my mind so if you have any specific questions or are just curious about any aspect of the process, send me a message.
Obviously you'll need to start somewhere. I think kriesa's advice is good: you could begin by visiting specialty stores. Your profile says you're in Portland, Maine. A quick web search turns up this plumbing supplies place and this tile store, so if your profile location is still accurate, you might stop by and talk to people there.
posted by tangerine at 2:08 PM on December 5, 2022
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posted by Nickel at 1:04 PM on December 2, 2022 [3 favorites]