What Should You Expect to pay

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT TO PAY?

It’s Rick from Rick Robben Construction — 707-332-7575.

Once a week, I post a newsletter called “What Should You Expect to Pay?” This week, I’m discussing the cost and process of converting a bathtub into a walk-in shower.

CHOOSING A CONTRACTOR

First, hire a licensed contractor. Verify the contractor’s license and confirm that they carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. I also recommend calling the local building department. If they have never heard of the contractor, proceed carefully.

If you hire an unlicensed person and someone gets hurt, you could be held responsible.

Once you choose a contractor, you should receive a detailed written contract. Be cautious if the contractor requests a large payment upfront. In California, the down payment generally cannot exceed $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less.

PLANS AND PERMITS

The contractor will prepare a simple set of plans and obtain the required building permit.

Why is a permit important? If unpermitted work is discovered, the project may be stopped, and additional permit fees and penalties may apply. The contractor could also face civil penalties or disciplinary action against their license.

Customers sometimes ask me to complete work without a permit. I always decline those projects.

THE REMODELING PROCESS

Once the permit is issued, the work can begin:

1. Protect the surrounding areas and complete demolition.
2. The plumber installs the new shower valve, relocates the drain and installs new angle stops.
3. The electrician installs the required exhaust fan, recessed lighting and GFCI-protected outlets.
4. The first inspection is completed.
5. The tile setter builds a custom shower pan and waterproofs the shower floor, walls and surrounding areas.
6. The shower pan is filled with water for 24 hours and remains filled until the waterproofing inspection is completed.
7. The second inspection is completed.
8. The tile setter installs the shower and bathroom tile.
9. The vanity and quartz countertop are installed.
10. The plumber installs the sink, faucet and other plumbing fixtures.
11. The bathroom is painted.
12. The electrician and plumber return to install the finish fixtures.
13. The shower glass is installed.
14. Final inspections are completed.

FINAL WALK-THROUGH

The homeowner should carefully inspect the completed work and prepare a punch list. The final payment should not be made until the agreed-upon work and punch-list items are complete.

A good contractor should also meet with the homeowner afterward and ask for honest feedback. There is always an opportunity to improve.

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT TO PAY?

A typical bathtub-to-walk-in-shower conversion with the additional bathroom improvements described above should cost approximately $24,000. The final price will depend on the bathroom’s condition, selected materials and exact scope of work.

Rick Robben Construction
707-332-7575