House repairs...

[BrianG]

OK, update on my projects. Everything on the original list has been done except to completely remodel the bathroom. But that project has taken on a bit more urgency as there is a small leak now when the toilet flushes (ewwww!). I assume this is caused by the uneven/warped floor affecting the seal.

So now I'm back to getting a hold of someone to do the work. I contacted a "handyman" service a while and they estimated about $4k for labor only to rip out and dispose of the old and install the new (inluding plumbing). I would buy the new fixtures. And when I say "rip out", I mean RIP OUT; the walls, the floor, tub, sink, toilet.

That price was from one company, but I definitely want to get other estimates. So, should I try contacting a general contractor, or simply stick with other handyman companies? Obviously, I want to spend as little as possible, yet have it done right. Time is also of the essence; I only have one bathroom, so I'd like to get as least the john working as soon as possible.

And before anyone says I can do it myself and save a lot of cash, I want to mention that if I did it, I would end up paying more (and taking a LOT longer) in the long run because I have no idea what I'm doing.

[_paralyzed_]

Bah! Be glad you're not in the 50's with only one outhouse. You can take enough time to get the best deal. It's hard out there for handymen and contractors. Bids can vary by thousands.

Absolutely have both bid. Play the game. Tell the next guy that bids that the first bid was $3000. Tell the next guy you got a bid for $2500. Handymen and contractors are a plenty, keep going till something seems reasonable.

I was a framing carpenter for 5 yrs. before i was paralyzed. If I were picking someone I would go with the guy with the nicest truck and the most organized tools. Not the newest truck, the best maintained. Tools just thrown in the back are a bad sign. Tool boxes/organizers show pride in their work. Walk the guy out after a bid and take a peek.

My 2 cents....

[JERRY2KONE]

There are going to be good points and bad ones no matter which way you end up going. Handyman services are great if you want to save a few bucks, but beware that with that kind of service you also have little or no garuntees. This is your place of rest and relaxation, eating and sleeping. You want to get it done right and not have to do it all again in a year or two, because you chose poorly for what type of service you decided to go with. Get all of your materials in house first, then get the most reputable handyman you can find to do your dirty work for you. Ask to look at another job that is in progress so you can see how his crew works. I would watch every step of the plumming and electrical install for sure. If they short cut you there you will not know it until it is too late. All of the surface work can be seen easily once the job is completed, but the stuff inside the walls and floors will be invisible. Harold is right about organization skills. Don't fall for any slick talking smooth contractor who won't even be on site while the job is being done. His interest is purly in setting up the job, and collecting the $$$$$. He could care less whether or not the crew does the job to code or not. You want a good quality handyman who will be right there while the job is being done so you know who to go to for changes or issues that may arrise. Depending on what state you live in pulling a permit can be a very important matter while the job is being done and especially if you are ever planning to sell the place.