Electrical and Plumbing in Your Bathroom Renovation

Toilet outdated or functions poorly; replace at high cost

Solution: Neither materials nor labor should drive up this cost. Toilets should not have to be expensive to do the job right. Toilet installation is a common do-it-yourself project, so the contractor should not be charging you high labor costs.

Outdated electrical system must be completely rewired

Solution: Why? Because your system does not meet the current electrical code? If it is functional, your local permitting office may be able to tell you if your system can be grandfathered in. If it needs to be brought up to code, it may just need tweaking. One common example is to replace non-grounded outlets with GFCI (ground-fault current interrupter) outlets. Have an electrician who is not associated with the contractor give you a second opinion.

Completely re-plumb bathroom because sink, tub, and shower are being moved

Solution: Reconsider plans you have for moving these items. You may find that you can live with your current layout.