The $20,000 Bathroom Remodel in New York, New York

Welcome to Nosy Neighbor, where we ask all the questions you can’t about home projects and money. From incredible deals to domestic dramas, we’re bringing you real stories—and real numbers.

Want to (anonymously) share your own story? Let’s get honest, neighbor.

Age: 37

Location: New York, NY

How much did you pay for your home?

$500,000–$750,000

What was the project, and why did you do it?

My spouse's condition for buying our apartment was that we renovate the extremely tacky pink and black bathroom with crystal lights in which the fixtures barely worked. Fair.

How many quotes did you get? Did you price shop at all?

I did not price shop AT ALL—I had no idea what I was doing. I went with the first contractor I found (who was referred by an acquaintance of an acquaintance). I didn't ask for references, read reviews, ask for photos of past work, or even have him sign a contract. 

What could go wrong?

What did you think it was going to cost?

$10,000

What did it actually cost?

$20,000

Why the difference?

The contractor barely looked at the drawings I gave him, which were made by my architect brother. At each new step, he seemed shocked by the design, even though it had always been part of the plan, and said he needed to charge more. (Out of anyone's control, there was also water damage below the original tub.) 

We battled so much that by the end of the job, I was threatening to withhold his final payment, and he was threatening me with a contractor's lien (which I was threatening to wait out) until we finally agreed to terms. His final email to me said: "I JUST WANT THIS TO BE OVER."

How did you get the money to pay for the project?

Savings. I've always been a spendthrift.

What did you splurge on that was totally worth it?

Cement tiles. Oh, how I adore them—gorgeous and baroque, with black and white patterns.

What did you splurge on that totally wasn’t worth it?

Same answer: the cement tiles. They were $27.50 per square foot.

Did you cut any corners?

No. The bathroom is tiny. There were not many corners to cut.

What was the most surprising cost?

The water damage under the tub ($3,000).

What was the most stressful, emotional, or exciting part of the project?

Seeing everything completed was wonderful. We used one cement tile on the floor, another on the wall, a small subway tile in the shower, and a third cement tile in the window nook by the shower. The shower and sink fixtures are black, which is striking against the white. I still admire how it all comes together.

Any advice?

Do not do what I did! Don’t hire the first contractor you meet without getting multiple quotes, checking references, and going through the scope in detail to make sure they understand exactly what the job entails. I made all of the most basic, classic mistakes.