You can also visit some web-sites (see links) for contractor ratings. Although, a colleague of mine had a mishap with a contractor that received a 9.0 (out of 10) rating so you never know...
We contacted Contractor #1 to give both of us an estimate on our respective bathrooms. We learned the following from him:
1. Tiles
- Labour for marble costs more (adhesive is extra)
- Consider mosaic tiles for a modern look
- Don't go with marble dust products as they scratch
- Tile size doesn't effect cost
- You have to remove the tub anyways and may get damaged in the process, consider replacing
2. Faucets
- If replacing tiles, should replace tub and sink faucets for an updated look
- Rain head - height of ceiling should be considered - may not allow for it
- For re-sale value, adjustable heights will sell better (moveable shower head)
- Consider a brand like Aquabrass, similar value to more expensive brands
3. Tub
- Consider half glass panel for shower instead of sliding doors?
- Consider concrete sheet/slab behind tile
4. Countertops
- Consider quartz (ceasarstone) - it's more expensive but won't scratch, and it's not porous
- Don't extend countertop behind toilet (dated look)
- Granite is good but may be porous - it's necessary to "seal" it so that it's water-proof (not sure how often sealing is required?)
5. Vanity
- Custom made versus pre-made: a few colleagues mentioned that they picked up their vanity at Home Sense and also Rona (for between $700-$1100). This is less expensive (and faster!) than custom made but you may not get exactly what you want.
- Wall mounted is more of a design trend, less storage for a condo - may require more support for backing to hold in place (concrete walls need to handle load)
6. Plumbing
- Ensure building shuts off water to entire condo unit prior to work done
7. Other issues
- Garbage disposal
- Booking elevators (in advance)
- Letter to Management board 10 days prior & approval required
We received quotes that higher than anticipated! We're going to get a second and third opinion (to see if everything matches up) and continue to check more showrooms. Any ideas? Let us know!
2 comments:
The half glass panel instead of sliding doors for the tub is very European. Whenever we visit Paris, they seem to always have the half glass. I actually like it b/c it looks very simplistic and less cluttered than doors.
Other sources to check out: Taps on Lawrence Ave. for bathroom fixtures; Saltillo tiles near Caledonia for tiles; ELTE/Ginger’s Bath, Roman Bath. ELTE has a fabulous (but overpriced) showroom. We found a kitchen faucet we loved there but bought it on ebay and saved $400 in the process.
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