What sets the price of a bathroom remodel
Bathroom remodel quotes vary more than almost any other home project. This guide walks through the decisions that move the price and the steps of the job, with the Midland details that matter. It doesn't quote prices, because real costs depend on your room and today's market. Use it to make sure every bid covers the same work.
Scope decisions that move the price
- Keep or move the plumbing. Leaving the toilet, tub and drains where they are is the single biggest way to control cost.
- Tub or shower. Converting a tub to a walk-in shower means new waterproofing, a new drain and often new framing.
- Tile area and size. Floor-to-ceiling tile and small mosaics take far more labor than a tiled shower and painted walls.
- Glass. Frameless glass enclosures cost more than framed ones or a curtain.
- Vanity and countertop. Stock vanities are cheaper than custom; stone tops vary by material and edge.
- Electrical. New lighting, heated floors, outlets and a new fan circuit add electrical work.
- Hidden damage. Rot under a leaking toilet or tub is common in older houses. Ask how it will be priced if found.
Choices for Midland's hard water
The City of Midland says its water hardness ranges from 400 to 600 parts per million, about 23 to 35 grains per gallon. That affects what you should buy.
- Fixtures: look for ceramic disc cartridges and aerators you can unscrew and descale.
- Shower heads: models with flexible rubber nozzles are easier to clear of scale.
- Glass: ask about spot-resistant coatings and plan to squeegee after showers.
- Tile and grout: sealed or epoxy grout and fewer joints mean less scale to scrub.
- Water treatment: if you want a softener, plan a plumbed loop and a drain connection during the remodel.
Midland's supply mixes surface water bought through the Colorado River Municipal Water District with groundwater from the city's T-Bar Wellfield, so it is worth testing at your tap before choosing treatment equipment.
Freeze protection
NOAA lists about 46 freeze-thaw cycles a year for Midland. If supply lines run in an exterior wall, ask whether they can be relocated or insulated while the wall is open.
The remodel, step by step
1. Design and selections. Choose fixtures, tile, vanity and lighting before demolition. Delays usually come from late selections. 2. Permits. Ask whether the City of Midland requires permits for your scope and who pulls them. 3. Demolition. Old finishes come out; the crew documents any damage behind them. 4. Rough-in. Plumbing and electrical are moved or updated. Inspections may happen here. 5. Waterproofing. The shower gets a waterproof membrane or system. Ask which one and whether it will be flood-tested. 6. Tile and finishes. Tile, vanity, glass and paint go in. 7. Fixtures and final checks. Fixtures are set, the fan is tested and the final inspection is done.
Questions to ask every bidder
- Who does the plumbing and electrical work, and does each trade hold any Texas license its work requires?
- What waterproofing system will you use in the shower?
- How will hidden damage be priced?
- What is the timeline, and what is the payment schedule?
- What does your warranty cover, and for how long?