What Does Scope-Locked Pricing Mean?

What Does Scope-Locked Pricing Mean?

If you've ever had work done on your home, you probably know the sinking feeling of a contractor saying, "We found something unexpected. It's going to cost extra." Mid-project change orders and surprise charges are one of the most common complaints in the home remodeling industry.

At Showerly, we use a different approach called scope-locked pricing. Here's what it means and why it protects Raleigh-Durham homeowners.

The Problem with Traditional Pricing

How Most Contractors Price Jobs

Most bathroom remodeling contractors use one of two pricing approaches:

1. 1.Time and materials: You pay for the hours worked plus material costs. The final price is unknown until the project is finished.
2. 2.Estimated quotes: The contractor gives you a "ballpark" or "estimate" that can change once work begins. Common add-on charges include "unforeseen conditions," upgraded materials that weren't available, or additional labor for complications.

Both approaches put the financial risk on the homeowner. You start a project thinking it will cost a certain amount, and the final bill comes in higher.

Why Change Orders Happen

Change orders aren't always the contractor's fault. Sometimes there genuinely is unexpected damage behind walls. But many change orders happen because:

• •The initial scope wasn't clearly defined
• •Material selections weren't finalized before work began
• •The contractor underquoted to win the job, planning to make up the difference in change orders
• •Communication between the homeowner and contractor was vague

What Scope-Locked Pricing Actually Means

Defining Your Scope Before Day 1

Scope-locked pricing starts with a detailed project scope document. Before any work begins, you and Showerly agree on exactly what the project includes:

• •Demolition: What gets removed and how
• •Plumbing: Exactly what changes are being made
• •Waterproofing: Full Schluter KERDI system specification
• •Tile: Specific tiles selected, layout confirmed, quantities calculated
• •Fixtures: Exact models and finishes chosen
• •Accessories: Niches, shelves, grab bars, towel hooks, etc.
• •Glass: Type, size, and configuration of enclosure
• •Timeline: Expected start and completion dates

Locking the Price

Once the scope document is complete and all selections are made, the price is locked. The amount on the agreement is the amount you pay. Period.

There are no allowances (dollar amounts set aside for selections you haven't made yet). There are no estimated line items. Every element of the project has a specific cost that adds up to a specific total.

What Happens If Something Unexpected Is Found

Occasionally, demolition reveals a problem that wasn't visible during the estimate, such as water damage to wall studs or deteriorated subfloor. When this happens with scope-locked pricing:

1. 1.Work pauses at that phase
2. 2.We document the issue with photos
3. 3.We present you with the specific repair needed and its exact cost
4. 4.You approve or decline the additional work before we proceed
5. 5.The repair is added as a documented, transparent line item

The key difference: you are never surprised by a vague "additional charges" line on your final bill. Any additions are specific, documented, and approved by you in advance.

How Scope-Locked Pricing Differs from Estimates

| Feature | Scope-Locked (Showerly) | Traditional Estimate |

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

| Material selections | Finalized before start | Often decided during project |

| Price changes | Only for documented, unforeseen conditions | Can change for any reason |

| Change order transparency | Full documentation with photos | Often verbal with vague descriptions |

| Homeowner approval | Required for any addition | Sometimes added without discussion |

| Final price vs. quoted price | Same (unless approved additions) | Frequently 10-30% higher |

Why Scope-Locked Pricing Works

For Homeowners

• •Budget certainty: You know your financial commitment before work begins
• •No sales pressure: No one is trying to upsell you mid-project when you feel trapped
• •Informed decisions: All selections are made with time to research and compare, not rushed on-site
• •Accountability: The contractor is accountable to the agreed scope and price

For the Contractor

• •Clear expectations: No ambiguity about what the project includes
• •Material efficiency: All materials are ordered in advance, reducing waste and delays
• •Scheduling accuracy: Known scope means accurate timeline planning
• •Customer satisfaction: No billing disputes at the end of the project

Showerly's Published Pricing

Scope-locked pricing starts with transparency. Our published pricing gives you a clear starting point:

• •Essential ($6K): Complete shower remodel with quality tile, standard fixtures, and full waterproofing
• •Signature ($9K): Premium selections, design details, and upgraded fixtures
• •Masterpiece ($12K): Luxury materials, custom design, and all premium features

These aren't starting-at prices that balloon with add-ons. They're complete package prices that include everything listed in the scope document.

Experience Scope-Locked Pricing

Ready to know exactly what your bathroom remodel will cost before it begins? Schedule a consultation to build your scope-locked project plan, or call us at (984) 895-0101.

No surprises. No hidden fees. Just honest pricing for honest work.

Learn more about our process and see the Quality Gates that ensure every dollar delivers value.