We're getting ready to remodel quite a few rooms in our home and have a quote from one contractor. For each "part" of the remodel (Master bath, guest bath, kitchen, etc) the contractor gave quite a bit of detail about what's going to be done, but for each major part, he only gives a grand total for the work. Is this customary for a remodel quote? Should the costs be broken down even more?

For example, below is a section of the quote for the master bath. There's no pricing except a few places were he specifies allowances. is this the norm for contractors?

-Master Bathroom:
-Demolition:
-Remove existing cabinets, countertops, and toilet
-Remove existing shower door and shower surround
-Remove existing tub
-Remove vinyl floor and under-lament
-Remove wall between tub and shower
-Remove half wall between tub and vanity
-Remove existing window
-Haul away all related debris
-Plumbing:
-Relocate shower drain
-Install new shower pan liner and drain
-Install new shower valve and trim
-Install (2) new faucets and new toilet at trim out
-Includes $1,500 allowance to purchase new plumbing fixtures
-HVAC:
-Install new bath vent fan near shower
-Electrical:
-Install required electrical for new vent fan
-Relocate light over shower
-Install new homeowner supplied vanity lights
-Install wiring for floor heat system
-Drywall:
-Repair drywall as needed where walls were removed
-Touch up drywall as needed throughout bathroom
-Remove wallpaper from water closet room
-Tile:
-Install heated floor system
-Install concrete board under-lament on floor and shower walls
-Install concrete mud floor in shower
-Install ceramic tile on floor and on shower floor and walls
-Install grout
-Includes $1,500 allowance to purchase tile

 

It depends on the contractor. Some will break it down but I suspect most don't unless asked. As a painting contractor, I rarely priced individual parts of the job separately although it is good to have the work aspect [what will be done, materials to be used] wrote down so there won't be any surprises or misunderstandings.

 

I am one who adds line item detail to my estimates. It shows a level of trust between the client and contractor. It also helps me in the fact that I do not have to re-work the contract should the homeowner decide not to do a portion of the project. Many times I will include painting as a finishing element in the contract. The homeowner decides that they would like to tackle the painting portion. I can then simply line item cross out that portion and the balance of the contract is still valid. The home owner also sees exactly what the savings are if we are stretching his/her budget.

I must admit, that on larger projects, It becomes too much information and tends to confuse more than help. On these bigger projects, I will line item only those areas where I feel handing off the work to the homeowner would not alter my ability to deliver a quality product. It usually comes down to painting, staining, demolition, trash removal to landfill, choosing materials, etc. The meat of the job such as installation of shower pan liner and such (in your example) would not be line itemized except for total materials needed as I this is integral and I would insist on performing that duty. To be frank, I think your contractor, by providing an allowance on items, is in fact doing the same thing. Tile can range from $1 sqft to over $7 sqft for materials. The line item says he has worked $3 sqft (for example) into the quote. Any over or under will adjust the contract and is subject to your decisions and not his.