Don’t do it.
Keep the cash for your own upgrade.
Un-necessary in this market.
Hovels are going for 15% over asking.
Those options should be incorporated into the bids.
That’s up to you whether you pick up the material or he does. Either way you’ll have to be the one to decide on what to buy. Use concrete board where water may get sprayed. Most importantly, make sure he’s proficient in both plumbing and remodeling which is very, different than new construction. I’d ask for some references.
All of the above replies.
I’ve seen people work deals either way. The one thing I would say is that if you go out and you buy stuff and have it ready for the contractor to install, they may possible say “Awwwwww, this isn’t quite the right size, or quite the right unit. I can maybe make it work, but it’s going to cost you extra ...”
Everybody wants to squeeze more money out of the deal any way they can. Be alert to the possibility and work out an understanding with the contractor so that neither party surprises the other party.
If you let the contractor buy your materials, they usually double the price of what you could pay.
USUALLY, if he buys the material, he charges DOUBLE to cover his time
if you want to get more hands on and pay as you go, then use a good handyman if you can find one.
otherwise, contractors price everything.
I would spend my free time watching youtube videos on bathroom remodeling and then do it myself.
Be sure the bathroom meets ADA specs, or you'll be sued by some gimp you've never seen and his shyster lawyer.
Try Re-Bath. Not going to be top of the line stuff (except the cabinets) but it will be fast. They did our master bath in 5 days start to finish.
Usually where you get supplies will have a list of contractors available. They are probably your best bet BECAUSE they want to stay in the store’s good graces. OR...go to the building department in your Town...they might have a list also since they have to check everything for a C of O.
When we had our kitchen and bathroom re-done, we went to the stores and picked out what we wanted. The contractor billed us seperately
Maybe others do it differently - you should make it clear in advance
When my wife and I sold our house about 10 years ago we spent money to upgrade both bathrooms. IMHO, it helped a lot to get a better price that more than covered the cost of the upgrades.
It’s so much easier to sell a house with nice bathrooms (and a nice kitchen). Buyers want it because they want nice bathrooms and don’t want to have to fool with it themselves. They can roll the price of the upgrade into the mortgage and not have to pay for it all at once, so it attracts them.
That having been said, the housing market is a lot different now than it was then.
You should buy the materials. If the contractor does not pay the supplier they can come after you for payment.
Also when the job is done get a lien release signed from the contractor. There are examples online.
I have sold a few homes. Having a nice bathroom and kitchen sells the home...especially of recently remodeled. New buyers do not want to go through the hassle also unless they are diy
What is wrong with the tub?
Is it a cast iron porcelin tub OR a fiberglass tub?
IF it is cast iron, you can have the tub repainted. It is cheaper and better than replacing the tub & shower unit.
I would replace the toilet. Paint the bathroom. Maybe replace the faucet, towel bars & toilet paper holder to match. Chrome NEVER goes out of style.
The best thing is to get a recommendation for a contractor from someone you know, if possible.
The contractor figures in the cost of materials and takes a cut from that. If you provide materials he will charge you more for the labor.
Hand over pictures of your bathroom remodel to prospective buyers with an agreement to take the cost of fixing up the bathroom off the price of the home. (an agreed price before the contract is signed) That way THEY can get the tile colors and upgrades they would like to have...and you pay the base amount.
You can have the job bid on a time and materials basis or a project basis. Either way, if the contractor/handyman purchases ANYTHING expect a 10-15% (sometimes more) surcharge for the time and effort to make the purchase. If YOU buy the items you need and have them all sitting there waiting for the labor install you can save that. Also make sure you have ALL the parts your installer will need including things like Teflon Plumbers Tape, Putty, etc. Often times you will see an invoice line item for “Supplies” and this is usually calculated as a percentage of the overall project cost. Kind of like the “Oil Disposal” fee at an oil change. Even though the oil change company resells the used oil to be filtered and resold. Whole lotta selling goin on hea!
Do the rip out and haul away yourself. It’s actually fun if you are the naturally destructive type.