Why Published Pricing Matters: The Case Against Bathroom Remodel Estimates

The bathroom remodeling industry has a transparency problem. Most contractors provide "estimates" — educated guesses that can change once the project starts. At Showerly, we do something different: we publish our prices on our website, lock them into a written scope of work, and never issue surprise change orders. Here's why that matters and how it protects you as a homeowner.

The Traditional Estimate Process (And Why It Fails Homeowners)

Here's how pricing typically works in the bathroom remodeling industry:

1. 1.The free estimate: A contractor visits your home and provides a verbal or written estimate. The number sounds reasonable.
2. 2.The low-ball anchor: Some contractors deliberately quote low to win the job. They know the final price will be higher, but they're counting on the homeowner being too invested to walk away once work has begun.
3. 3.The change order cascade: Once demolition starts, the contractor "discovers" issues that require additional work. Some discoveries are legitimate (hidden water damage, mold). But many are scope items that should have been included in the original quote — waterproofing, cement board, proper drain work, or adequate fixture quality.
4. 4.The final bill surprise: The homeowner ends up paying 30-60% more than the original estimate, with no recourse because each change order was technically "approved" individually under pressure.

This isn't an exaggeration. Industry surveys consistently show that bathroom remodel costs exceed initial estimates by an average of 20-40%. Some homeowners report final costs double the original quote.

Real Stories From Raleigh Homeowners

We've heard variations of these stories from homeowners who came to us after bad experiences:

• •"The $4,000 shower that became $11,000": A contractor quoted $4,000 for a shower re-tile. After demolition, they charged separately for waterproofing, cement board, a new shower valve, and "unexpected" drain work. Each change order was $800-$2,000.
• •"The disappearing contractor": A homeowner paid 50% up front ($6,000 of a $12,000 estimate). The contractor completed demolition, then stopped showing up. The homeowner had to hire a second contractor to finish the job — paying nearly full price again.
• •"The bait-and-switch fixtures": An estimate specified "quality fixtures." The installed fixtures were the cheapest available, and upgrading to what the homeowner expected cost an additional $1,200.

What "Published Pricing" Actually Means

When we say published pricing, we mean:

• •Our package prices are on our website: $6,000 Essential, $9,000 Signature, $12,000 Masterpiece. You can see them right now without calling us, without a sales visit, and without providing your contact information.
• •Add-on prices are listed: Semi-frameless glass ($1,200), frameless glass ($2,000), curbless entry ($1,200) — all published.
• •The website price is the contract price: What you see online is what appears in your written scope of work. No "starting at" language, no asterisks, no fine print.

What "Scope-Locked" Means

Published pricing only matters if the scope is locked. Here's what scope-locked means at Showerly:

Included in Every Package (Non-Negotiable)

Every Showerly package includes these items — they're never billed as extras:

• •Complete demolition and haul-away of existing materials
• •Cement board substrate installation
• •Schluter KERDI waterproofing system (full membrane, corners, seals)
• •Tile material and installation (wall and floor)
• •Shower valve and trim
• •Built-in niche
• •Grout and caulking
• •Final cleanup and jobsite protection

The Only Legitimate Change Order

There is exactly one scenario where the price changes after work begins: discovery of concealed damage. If we open your walls and find rot, mold, or structural problems, we:

1. 1.Stop work immediately
2. 2.Document the issue with photographs
3. 3.Provide a written change order with exact pricing
4. 4.Wait for your written approval before proceeding
5. 5.Never pressure you to approve on the spot

This is the only change order you'll ever see from Showerly. We don't "discover" the need for waterproofing (it's always included). We don't upcharge for cement board (it's always included). We don't surprise you with demolition fees (always included).

Published Pricing vs. Traditional Estimates: A Comparison

| Aspect | Traditional Estimate | Showerly Published Pricing |

|--------|---------------------|---------------------------|

| Price visibility | After sales visit | On website right now |

| Waterproofing | Often an add-on | Always included |

| Demolition | Sometimes extra | Always included |

| Cement board | Sometimes extra | Always included |

| Tile material | "Allowance" that runs out | Included in package |

| Change orders | Common (avg. 3-5 per project) | Only for concealed damage |

| Final price vs. quote | 20-40% higher average | Same (or lower if no damage found) |

| Deposit structure | Often 50%+ up front | 40% deposit, milestone-based |

How Showerly's Payment and Milestone System Works

Our payment structure is designed to protect you at every stage:

40% Deposit Upon Acceptance

When you accept your proposal, you pay 40% of the total project cost. This covers material ordering and secures your place on our schedule. No work begins until materials arrive and your start date is confirmed.

30% at Tile Completion

The second milestone payment is due when all tile installation is complete and you've had a chance to inspect the work. This is after Quality Gate #3 — you've seen documented photos of waterproofing (Quality Gate #2) and now you can see the finished tilework with your own eyes.

30% at Final Walkthrough

The final payment is due only after your walkthrough approval. You and our project lead inspect every detail together — tile alignment, grout consistency, fixture operation, cleanup quality. If something isn't right, we fix it before you pay.

Why This Structure Protects You

• •You never pay 100% before seeing results: Unlike contractors who demand full payment before starting
• •Each payment is tied to verifiable progress: You can see and inspect the work before each milestone
• •Your final 30% is your leverage: If something needs correction at final walkthrough, you have financial leverage to ensure it's addressed

NC Contractor Licensing: What You Should Know

North Carolina law (N.C.G.S. § 87-1) establishes a $40,000 threshold for general contractor licensing. Projects under $40,000 do not require a general contractor's license. All Showerly packages — including add-ons — fall below this threshold.

This doesn't mean we operate without accountability. It means:

• •We carry full general liability insurance
• •We maintain workers' compensation coverage
• •We comply with all local building codes and permit requirements
• •We provide written warranties and scope-of-work contracts
• •We maintain a verifiable record of completed projects in our gallery

The licensing threshold is important context because some competitors use "We're licensed" as a sales tool to imply unlicensed contractors are illegitimate. In reality, for projects in our price range, licensing isn't required by law — but professional conduct, insurance, and quality absolutely are.

How to Protect Yourself When Comparing Bids

Whether you choose Showerly or another contractor, protect yourself with these steps:

1. 1.Get everything in writing: Verbal promises are worthless. Every material, fixture, and process should be specified in the written scope.
2. 2.Ask what's NOT included: The most revealing question. If waterproofing, cement board, demolition, or cleanup aren't explicitly listed, they're likely going to become change orders.
3. 3.Verify insurance: Ask for a certificate of insurance naming you as additionally insured. Any legitimate contractor will provide this without hesitation.
4. 4.Check the payment structure: Be cautious of any contractor asking for more than 50% up front. A milestone-based structure protects both parties.
5. 5.Look for published reviews: Google reviews, Facebook reviews, and a verifiable gallery of completed work are better indicators than promises.

Ready to see what transparent pricing looks like in practice? View our packages and add-ons right now — no contact information required. When you're ready to discuss your project, book a free design consult or call (984) 895-0101. You can also start with our Smart Start quiz to explore options on your own schedule.