The short answer
A good bathroom remodel estimate spells out the full scope, names the waterproofing system, and covers permits, substrate prep, debris disposal, and a written warranty. If two bids look very different, it's usually because one leaves some of these out.
Why bathroom remodel bids vary so much
Two bids for the same bathroom can be thousands of dollars apart. Sometimes one contractor is simply more expensive. More often, the cheaper bid leaves things out that show up later as change orders. The only way to compare fairly is to make sure every bid covers the same work.
What every estimate should include
Use this as a checklist when you compare bids:
A detailed scope of work. Every surface, fixture, and system being changed, written out, not "remodel bathroom."
The waterproofing system by name. This is the most important line in the whole estimate. Water damage behind a shower is expensive to fix, and the method used matters.
Substrate and subfloor prep, including what happens if the subfloor turns out to be damaged.
Demolition and debris disposal.
Protection of floors and nearby rooms.
Plumbing and electrical by licensed trades.
Permits and inspections, or a permit allowance.
Who buys the materials. If you're supplying the vanity, tile, or fixtures, the estimate should say so and include delivery timing.
A written warranty covering workmanship, separate from manufacturer warranties.
Red flags in a bathroom estimate
A single lump-sum price with no breakdown.
No mention of waterproofing at all.
No permit allowance on work that will need one.
Vague allowances like "tile allowance: TBD."
No written warranty.
A price far below everyone else's with no explanation.
Questions to ask before you sign
How do you handle damage you find behind the walls?
Which waterproofing system do you use, and why?
Who's my point of contact during the project?
How often will I get updates?
What does your warranty cover, and for how long?
A contractor who welcomes these questions is usually one you can trust.
How we write our estimates
Every Treat Builds project starts with a cost-plus estimate, with labor and materials grouped clearly and our builder's fee shown, and then becomes a fixed-price contract, so your total is set before work starts. If we find damage behind the walls or you want to change something, it's written up as a change order and you approve it before we proceed. Every project comes with a one-year workmanship warranty, plus the manufacturers' warranties on products. See what our projects typically cost in our bathroom remodel cost guide.
