Bathroom renovation quote: 10 points to check before signing

Have you requested several quotes for your bathroom renovation and the proposed amounts vary significantly? Comparing only the total price doesn't always explain these differences or determine which offer truly meets your needs.

A bathroom renovation quote must clearly describe the planned work, the materials included, the contractor's responsibilities, the timeline, and the payment terms. Two quotes that appear to cover the same project may, in reality, include very different services.

Before making a decision, here are the ten main elements to check in order to compare bids objectively and limit unpleasant surprises during construction.

1. The identity and license of the entrepreneur

A professional bid should clearly identify the company that will carry out or coordinate the work.

It should include, in particular:

• the legal name of the company;

• his full contact details;

• its Quebec business number, or NEQ;

• its GST and QST numbers;

• his RBQ license number;

• the name of the person responsible for your project.

In Quebec, a contractor who performs or has performed residential renovation work must hold a license corresponding to the type of work involved. The Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) recommends verifying the validity of this license before awarding the contract.

The RBQ's register of licence holders allows, in particular, consultation of the subcategories held by the contractor and certain information relating to their file.

This verification is important even if the company has been recommended to you or has good online reviews.

2. A precise description of the scope of the work

The term "complete bathroom renovation" is too general. It can encompass very different realities depending on the contractor.

The submission should describe precisely what will be accomplished:

• demolition of the existing bathroom;

• removal of sanitary fixtures;

• plumbing modification or replacement;

• electrical work;

• installation or replacement of ventilation;

• repair of walls and floor;

• waterproofing of wetlands;

• shower or bath installation;

• laying of the ceramic tiles;

• installation of the washbasin unit and taps;

• painting and finishing;

• waste disposal;

• Final cleaning of the construction site.

This list allows you to verify that each contractor has evaluated the same project. If a bid appears significantly cheaper, some necessary work may simply be excluded.

A detailed description also protects both parties: the owner knows what they are buying and the contractor knows what they have committed to doing.

3. Demolition and evacuation work

Demolition represents a significant stage in the construction project. It is not limited to the removal of a few pieces of equipment.

Therefore, it is necessary to check if the submission includes:

• the protection of passage areas;

• dismantling the devices;

• the removal of old coatings;

• opening the walls when necessary;

• material handling;

• the possible rental of a container;

• the transport and disposal of debris;

• post-demolition cleanup.

In a building or condo, access constraints, permitted hours and elevator rules can also influence the organization and cost of the construction site.

If waste disposal is not clearly mentioned, ask who will be responsible for it and bear the costs.

4. Materials and equipment included

A bid must allow for the differentiation of labor from materials and equipment.

For each important product, it is useful to specify:

• the nature of the product;

• the brand or manufacturer;

• the model or collection;

• the dimensions;

• the color or finish;

• the quantity;

• the planned price or the budget allocation.

This includes, in particular:

• ceramics;

• the washbasin unit;

• the counter;

• the taps;

• the toilet;

• the bathtub;

• the shower base and wall;

• light fixtures;

• the mirror;

• the fan;

• accessories.

A description like "faucet included" doesn't tell you whether the budget covers an entry-level model or a more durable option. A clearly stated price range makes comparison easier and allows the homeowner to choose a more expensive product, knowing immediately the difference in cost.

BonBain assists its clients in designing their custom bathroom and in selecting materials that suit their style, use and budget.

Sophisticated Bathroom Collection

5. Plumbing, electrical and ventilation work

Bathroom renovations involve several technical fields. These tasks must be included in the bid, even if they are contracted out to specialized subcontractors.

For plumbing, check if the price includes:

• the relocation or replacement of pipes;

• water inlets and outlets;

• the connections of the devices;

• the installation of the taps;

• the shower drain;

• flow and sealing tests.

For electricity, the quote may specify:

• the number and location of the sockets;

• the installation of light fixtures;

• the connection of an illuminated mirror;

• the installation of underfloor heating;

• the fan connection;

• any possible modifications to the electrical panel.

Ventilation must also be taken into account. An inefficient fan or a poorly installed duct can promote condensation, mold growth, and premature deterioration of materials.

BonBain coordinates the plumbing, electrical and ventilation work necessary for the construction of its bathrooms.

6. Surface preparation and sealing

Beautiful ceramic tiles cannot compensate for inadequate wall or floor preparation. The durability of a bathroom depends largely on work that will no longer be visible once the room is finished.

The submission should specify, according to the project:

• the repair or replacement of the subfloor;

• leveling of surfaces;

• the installation of suitable panels;

• the shower waterproofing system;

• the treatment of joints and angles;

• the preparation around the drain;

• the product used under the ceramic.

If these elements are not included in the submission, ask the contractor how areas exposed to water will be prepared and protected.

A cheaper offer may sometimes involve a simpler method or omit certain preparatory work. However, the savings made at this stage can lead to costly repairs a few years later.

7. Exclusions from submission

A good submission should not only state what is understood. It should also specify what is not.

Exclusions may include:

• sanitary appliances purchased by the customer;

• delivery costs;

• painting;

• accessories;

• permits;

• the relocation of the plumbing;

• structural repairs;

• the presence of mold or contaminated materials;

• the works discovered after the walls were opened;

• the fees imposed by a condominium;

• the restoration of the adjacent rooms.

This section is essential for understanding the true cost of the project. A lower bid may leave several expenses to be borne by the owner.

When comparing offers, calculate the overall expected cost and not just the amount shown at the bottom of the document.

8. The schedule and availability of materials

The submission or contract should indicate an approximate completion period and, where possible, the anticipated start and end dates.

It is also necessary to distinguish between:

• the preparation and ordering time;

• the start date of the construction project;

• the estimated duration of the work;

• any potential waiting periods;

• the expected delivery date.

Some products, such as custom-made furniture, a glass partition, or special taps, may require several weeks to manufacture or deliver.

Starting demolition before securing the main materials risks unnecessarily immobilizing the bathroom.

An entrepreneur offering a turnkey bathroom renovation service must coordinate orders and the various tradespeople to ensure a logical progression of the project.

The schedule may change if an unforeseen problem is discovered, but the conditions that may alter the deadlines must be explained.

9. Payment terms

The submission must specify when and how payments should be made.

A payment schedule may include:

• a deposit upon signing;

• a payment at the start of the work;

• payments corresponding to certain stages;

• a balance due at the end of the project.

Payments should be linked to actual progress on the work or the ordering of clearly identified materials. Be wary of requests for full payment before work has begun.

The Office of Consumer Protection recommends that the written assessment indicate the total price, the details of the items, the payment terms and the scheduled dates for the work.

Also check:

• if taxes are included;

• What payment methods are accepted?

• at what point does the balance become due?

• how will changes requested during the construction process be billed?

Keep invoices, proof of payment and all documents related to the project.

10. Managing unforeseen events, changes, and guarantees

Opening up walls can reveal water damage, deteriorated plumbing, a weakened floor, or an installation that needs to be brought up to code. A quote cannot always anticipate these discoveries, but it must explain how they will be addressed.

Before any additional work is undertaken, request written confirmation specifying:

• the nature of the problem;

• the proposed solution;

• the additional cost;

• the impact on the schedule;

• your permission.

Similarly, any modification requested by the client should be formalized in a written amendment. Verbal agreements are difficult to verify afterward.

Finally, inquire about the warranties applicable to the labor, materials, and equipment installed. The duration and conditions may vary depending on the products and the work performed.

The RBQ recommends recording the project in a detailed renovation contract including, in particular, the identity of the parties, the price, the materials, the schedule and the payment terms.

Should we always choose the cheapest bid?

Not necessarily. A lower price can be perfectly justified, but it can also result from:

• work not included;

• insufficient allocations for materials;

• of a less complete preparation;

• due to the absence of certain costs;

• of an unrealistic timeframe;

• of a description that is too vague.

Conversely, the highest bid is not automatically the best.

To properly compare several offers, place them side by side and check each item: demolition, plumbing, electricity, ventilation, materials, waterproofing, installation, finishes and waste disposal.

The goal is to choose the proposal that is clearest and most consistent with your project, not simply the lowest amount.

Questions to ask before accepting a submission

Before signing, you can ask the contractor:

1. What specific work is included?

2. What materials do I need to buy myself?

3. Are taxes, deliveries, and removal fees included?

4. Who coordinates the plumbers and electricians?

5. How will the shower be waterproofed?

6. When will the materials be ordered?

7. What is the estimated duration of the construction project?

8. How will the additional work be authorized?

9. What guarantees are offered?

10. Who will be my contact person during the works?

A serious entrepreneur should be able to answer these questions clearly and explain the proposed technical choices.

Request a quote for your bathroom renovation in Montreal

BonBain Construction carries out bathroom renovation projects in Montreal , Lachine, Laval, Longueuil, Brossard and on the South Shore.

Each project begins with an analysis of needs, existing space, and technical constraints. The goal is to propose a coherent solution, with a clear description of the work and continuous support until completion.

Browse our bathroom projects to discover different styles and layouts completed in the Montreal area.

Would you like to get an estimate for your project? Contact BonBain Construction to tell us about your bathroom and your expectations.