Comparing Remodeling Estimates: 3 Things That Actually Determine the Cost

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Comparing Remodeling Estimates: Why they can vary so much and what to do about it.

If you’re planning a major kitchen or bathroom renovation, one of the first things you’ll likely do is request estimates from contractors. And that’s when many homeowners run into the same frustrating problem: The quotes are all over the place.

• • One contractor says the project will cost $60,000
• • Another says $95,000
• • A third says $140,000

How can the same project have such dramatically different prices?

The answer is that remodeling estimates are rarely identical from contractor to contractor. Some have detailed estimates based on historic costs, others are basically making an educated guess.

Behind every remodeling estimate are three major factors that determine the cost:

• • Labor (the scope of work)
• • Materials and fixtures
• • The contractor’s experience and level of service

It’s important you define what’s important to you for each of these 3 parts so you can get quotes from the right contractors and provide them the information they need to estimate your project accurately.

Some questions to ask when choosing who to get estimate from:

1. • Ask you contractor how they create their estimates. Are they detailed with exact quantiies or just broad “guestimates” Do they include concept drawing or rough plans?  Do they review them in person or just email them to you? How long does it take to get an estimate?

1. • Ask them how they run their projects?  Do they have a project manager who is on site every day? Do they just rely on their subs to do the work and check in once a week of so?

1. • How is the scheduling done? Do they generally start on time / finsih on time ?

1. • How are design, material selection and ordering done ?

Create a “Bid Packet” to Give to Each Contractor

We list what to include in the packet below. By providing the same packet to each contractor you are better able to set clear expectations and will get better quality estimates.

Most contractors do not include design and material selection services in their scope of work. If those are important to you then look for contractors who provide those services to get estiamtes from. 

The Three Factors That Determine Remodeling Costs

If contractors are left to create the scope of work on their own they can make bad assumptions or even forget things. If you can provide each contractor a details scope of work you will get much more accurate estimates.

1. Labor Costs (The Scope of Work)

Labor costs can be 70% of a bathroom remodel and close to 50% of the cost of a kitchen remodel. Not all contractors provide a detailed list of labor items (scope of work) in their estimates. This can lead to misunderstanding about what it included and what is not.

To get consistent quotes from every contractor we suggest you create your own scope of work and give a copy to each contractor you get an estimate from. The scope of work should include:

Communciation and Planning
This is rarely included in the scope of work but it should be. How often do you expect progress updates? Do you want a detailed, written project schedule ? Who orders materials and where are they stored?

Jobsite Set up and Protection
This is often overlooked. What is your expectation for jobsite cleanliness?  Where should they park and how should they enter the home? Should debris be removed daily? Do you want a dumpster on your lawn for the whole project? Do you want a porta potty or can they use your restroom? Do you want a HEPA filter on site to keep dust under control? Dust barriers to divide the work area from the rest of the home ?

We recommend you ask each contractor to leave the jobsite “broom swept and hand wiped” daily and remove all debris daily. We also recommend you ask that tools and equipement not be stored in your home.

Demolition
What should be removed and what should be saved. Where should saved items be stored?   Make sure debris removal is included.

Framing and Structural work
Note any new walls that need to be built, new windows, new doors, any blocking you need for grab bars etc…

Plumbing
This is where estimates can start to get tricky. Small details like whether or not cut off valves are being replaced or if a drain needs to be moved can change the costs quite a bit. Are you moving any plumbing? Adding additional fixtures?

Electric
Just like plumbing, the details of the electric scope matter quite a bit. Are they updating the existing devices? Adding code compliant breakers and smoke detectors? Or just doing the bare minimum ?

Cabinet Install
Is the layout staying the same or changing? Do want glass door or any specialty organizers?  Cabinet

Tile installation
Any speficifc type of tile (mosiacs and handmade tiles can be more expensive to install, as can really large tiles). Any accent tiles or specific patterns ?

Drywall and finishing work
What level of drywall finish do you want… smooth (level 3,4 or 5) or textures (orange peel, knockdown, skip). Do you want sound proof drywall, mold resistant or high impact? All if these can affect cost.

Painting and Wall Finishes
Do you expect the best quality paints or basic? Designer finishes? wallpaper?

Project management
Also commonly overlooked. What are your expectations for job supervision and planning? Should the project manager be on site every day?  Do you expect daily progress reports and project photos?  How are change orders handled? How strict is the start date or finish date ?

Design
Few contractors include design work. It that important to you? Do you expect some plans as part of the estimate or do you just need a designer during the project planning phase. Don’ tjust thing about the layout and finishes. You will want an electric plan, plmbing plan etc… to avoid confusion.

Material ordering and storage
Do you want to get the materials on your own and have them ready on site (this means you are responisble for material warranties and any errors or damaged materials). Or do you want your contractor to order and store all materials ?

A contractor who includes time for design development, planning, and coordination may appear more expensive at first, but that planning often prevents costly surprises later in the project.

Dust barriers and floor protection are an important part of each project. We like to add a filter to our dust barriers…. thei allows air flow so when your AC kicks on it doesn’t pull diry area through any cracks in the barrier or cause the barrier to fail. 

2. Material and Fixture Costs

The second major factor affecting remodeling costs is materials and fixtures. 

Material choices can dramatically affect the price of a remodel and many contractors will “low ball” materials costs in their estimates to make the price look more attractive.

Include in your “bid packet” to the contractor a list of materials and examples of the things you like. 

Do you want marble counters or granite? A basic Kohler faucet or an upscale one from Newport Brass?  Set clear expectations in the estimate process about your material expectations. 

3. Contractor Experience and Level of Service

This is one of the biggest factors. Often when you get a low cost estimate for a remodel it’s because the contractor giving the estimate lacks experience and simply not estimating correctly. This might seem like a “good deal” but it usually ends in regret.

Not all contractors approach complex remodeling projects the same way. Some contractors primarily provide construction labor. Others provide a more comprehensive remodeling experience, which may include:

• • professional design services
• • project planning and layout development
• • project management
• • coordination of subcontractors
• • ongoing communication throughout the project
• • guidance with selecting materials and fixtures

These services require time and expertise, but they also help reduce confusion, delays, and mistakes during construction.

When comparing estimates, it’s important to remember that you’re not only comparing prices—you’re also comparing how the project will be managed and executed.

All the details of the project should be worked out in the design process. The contruction process should just be about executing the plan developed in design. The more decisions you leave to be made during the project, the more opportuity for mistakes and missed opportunities. 

The Bottom Line: Planning Leads to Better Remodeling Results

When you begin a remodeling project by collecting quick estimates, they often end up comparing very different versions of the same project.

But when you start by clarifying:

• • the scope of work
• • material expectations
• • and the level of service they want from their contractor

You are much more likely to receive accurate estimates and successful project outcomes.

For complex renovations like kitchen and bathroom remodels, taking time to plan the project first can make the entire remodeling experience smoother, more predictable, and far less stressful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Comparing Remodeling Estimate

Why do remodeling quotes vary so much?

Remodeling quotes often vary because contractors may be estimating different scopes of work, materials, and levels of service. Labor, material choices, and contractor experience are the three primary factors that influence the cost of complex remodeling projects.

What should be included in a remodeling quote?

A remodeling quote should clearly describe:

• the scope of work
• labor involved
• material allowances or selections
• project management costs
• Design costs

Detailed estimates make it much easier to compare contractors accurately.

How many quotes should I get for a remodel?

Most experts recommend getting at least three estimates when planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Multiple quotes help establish a realistic price range and reveal differences in scope or materials.

Why is planning important before getting remodeling estimates?

Planning helps clarify the scope of work, design goals, and material selections. Without clear plans, contractors must make assumptions, which can lead to inaccurate or inconsistent quotes.