First, you should try for a minimum of 3-4 bids, second , not a word about your budget, remember, give an inch and they'll take ( or ask for ) a mile ? What I do in terms of fixtures and materials is to purchase the ones I want and have them on hand for the contractor i.e toilet, sink tub tile lights etc. This allows me to bargain shop and ensures the quality of the materials. But then I have the time to shop and some experience with this sort of stuff. I don't bother with pipe, connectors etc, that's the contractors job. The rule of thumb foe ratio of labor vs products is labor costs as much as they think they can get away with ! Remember at least 3 or 4 bids. Ask friends , neighbors, people at work , re their experiences, you might get some good leads. Good luck !

When getting bids on my bathroom, I did what Paul suggests -- Definitely don't mention your budget, just that you're on one. And let them know you're getting a few bids. I asked them to give me prices for labor and the "working materials" (thinset, board, pipes, etc.) Then you can supply fixtures and other items you find, or compare costs with what the contractor can do for you. Sometimes they pass along or share their discount at tile shops, plumbing supply stores, etc.

The bids I got on my bathroom ranged from $5,000 - $14,000. We're going with the middle contractor at about $8,000 and that's doing it in 3 stages. Getting more than 2 bids shows you if someone is way out of line.

Get in touch with your realtor, or a realtor in your area, as they often know good tradespeople. Also, try Angie's list, and Consumers Checkbook if they publish in your town. I have found very good people that way.

Thank you, Paul21 and Marymt. It never occurred to me *not* to state my budget -- I thought that would help to rein in expectations. The other wrinkle is that the local showroom that carries most of the fixtures I'm interested in lists retail prices on everything, but has contractor discounts "that are based on volume." (Is this true?) So I can't budget my purchases from there independent of a contractor. Maybe I need to make those selections before soliciting additional bids.

As a rule, do contractors charge more to install higher-priced fixtures? If they do, is it because they think they can, or because the products require more care and tricker installation?

If you are going to pick out things on your own you should be aware of the codes for your area. My contractor helped me out there, because some of the things I originally picked out weren't up to code. My contractor had a cost-plus pricing model so higher-priced fixtures did cost more.

The suggestion to check with a realtor is a good one. If possible try to see a completed job. This was eye opening for me as one potential contractor had positive references, but when I saw the work I thought it was unacceptable. Just like everyone lives in different levels of cleanliness, people have different acceptable levels for symmetry, attention to detail, etc. Good luck.

Get the quote itemized too. Shop on line as well as local retailer so you know where they are at with pricing. Of course someone that spends time with you say a plumbing store and helps you figure out what you need for your shower is worth a little extra cause they have the rents to pay etc. But I don't want to pay their entire rent either! Research research research that's all I got to say, the more the better and as you kick around this site you will learn. and it is not enough just to think you hired the right guy you have to know how to do the job as well so you know when they are screwing up. It's all very stressful but fortunately I like construction so......

Tell the show room that you're shopping for and purchasing the finish items yourself and ask for the contractor's discount. They may extend it to you, they may not.

If the person doing your work is a regular at the showroom, they should extend it to you.

I never charged more to install a $1000 sink versus a $50 sink. Now, for example only, a washlet might incur a slight installation upcharge over a regular toilet since the washlet has additional plumbing and electrical concerns when compared to a standard toilet.

Plumbers who supply toilets, sinks, etc, will often "warranty" those items IF they purchase them on their own. If YOU purchase the item and the plumber only does the installation, then typically no warranty is extended to you by the plumber.

Do realize that if you stockpile inventory purchased by you, then you are responsible for the items. If the sub purchased them, he'd be responsible for them until installation was complete.

Anything you buy, consider going over what is needed for installation with the plumber. Some items might require additional tidbits to install. You don't want to lose a half-day labor while the plumber waits for you to get that "special item" at the supply house.

Also, things you purchase on your own? Open the packaging and inspect the item. Make sure that there are no hairline cracks in the toilet china, for example. Remember, you bought it, so it's your toilet. If the plumber supplies it, it's his toilet.

Jut a few ideas.

Mongo

I just met with the first contractor I'm having bid on my bathroom job. He didn't ask my budget and I didn't give him a number. He will be giving me a detailed bid with an allowance for materials such that I can pick out my own stuff and tell if I'm increasing or decreasing the total cost.