r/Renovations

We would like to add some square footage to our master bedroom and adjacent bedroom . We would also like to redo the 2 adjoining bathrooms. We reached out to a contractor and they said they could do the project. We said our budget is less than 100k. They quoted us 95k to 100k with a 10k deposit. Is this how it’s supposed to go? I asked about drawings but they said they get the deposit first and then they get the dimensions and elevations. Is this the usual process? Plus, we want to get a home equity loan to cover the cost. Does the bank need to be involved in the beginning stages? Just want to make sure we’re doing this right.

Hi r/renovations, I have an old house, an outdated bathroom and very little idea what might be hiding behind the walls, so naturally I’m here asking the internet for help lol.

I’m basically gearing up for a full bathroom remodel. The bathroom hasn’t been updated by the previous owner (and I’m pretty sure the owner before it). Everything works technically but it’s very much time.

So ergo we’ve been talking with a local remodeling firm here in OC. I like the idea of going with a remodel company specifically because I’m pretty sure the project/pricing gets worked out upfront and they handle most of the coordination. I really don’t want to become the unpaid project manager of five different subcontractors lol.

My main concern is that this is an old house and the bathroom hasn’t been touched in a LONG time.

So yes, I’d love advice from people here who’ve remodeled older bathrooms. What should I be considering when choosing between contractors? 

This is my first major renovation on my own, so I’m mostly trying to figure out what can realistically be checked beforehand and what you just have to accept as an unknown until demo. What I need to ask vs what they’ll handle. Things like that.

Any old-house bathroom wisdom is appreciated! Thanks