I'm not able to help around the appropropriate cost to install, but it might be wise to have 2 or 3 more quotes so you can compare, but also to solicit additional ideas, discuss timelines, etc. Is the quote based on an estimate of the number of hours or is it for the job no matter what they may run into. Maybe also ask neighbours what they paid for labour if they had it done...as it can also depend on where in the country you live I would think.

Too cheap. What waterproofing methodology is being planned?

if it was a misplaced comma and 10x the price it would still be less than i was quoted.

She says material not included,,that is just the labor. A 5 by 8 is a small bathroom. I have one that size and the project can be finished pretty quick. My in-laws had a similar size bathroom redone (took out the tub and replaced it with a shower) and the labor was not more than that. It was well done, waterproofing and all.

Yeah, you could easily put in another couple thousand for finishes (vanity, sink, faucet, tub, tile, lights), so minus that, this is in the ballpark.

Too cheap? Oh dear! It puts his labor at over $100 an hour. That seemed rather high but wow! Cement board is under tile. It is just the tile and dry wall work. We are painting and what not. I am shocked at the price of work like this. My husband is an electrician and doesn't even make $100 an hour... Not even half that. Sigh... Guess this will be another DIY.

Yes we purchased the vanity, tub and fixtures and will be installing them or selves. I was hoping $3800 was on the high side, I guess not.

Cement board is not waterproof. Tile and grout are not waterproof. You need a waterproofing system behind the tile, which any good tile mechanic would do. You also need someone who understands how to properly build the shower floor, with the proper preslope.

When you consider the consequences of n improperly built shower can destroy your home wit rot and mold, paying for the knowledge and experience to do it correctly is cheap. Ask your husband about how he felts about DIYers trying to hook up their own hot tub equipment, without understanding that they don't know what they don't know.

You're in that some boat right now. You obviously don't understand how to create a waterproof shower either. Find someone who does know, and pay his price. Yes, it will be more than the uninsured handyman quote. And he'll pull the required permit and do a leak test for the pan. All above board and legal.

There's not enough information to ascertain the scope of work that you provided, hopefully the tile isn't being installed on the drywall! Presumably you asked the contractor for a certificate of insurance, license if applicable, a written contract with a warranty, resolution of disputes, and payment schedule.

Is demolition and removal needed/included?

Bathroom is already emptied. We will still get a few quotes. It's not a bathroom from scratch. There was a bathroom there prior and everything is going back where it was originally. Just new. Thank you all for your comments and input.

Price is only one component when hiring/interviewing contractors. Also check reviews/References. Also educate yourself on some of the technical aspects of your project like some have mentioned such as the construction/waterproofing system for the tile work. Do this so you can ask intelligent questions that may help you avoid hiring an inexperienced company that may not know how to do the job properly.

In Canada, I'm seeing tile install work going for $6 - $12/sf. That does NOT include hanging drywall. All of this requires "time". Hanging drywall/cement board = time. Patch/mud + dry time = time. Moisture remediation (material application) + dry time = time. Now we add tiles = time. Now we grout = time.

Time = money. Physical labour = money. Add the two together and you get twice the cost than what you would expect. Bathrooms are expensive because they require moisture remediation and knowledge to do it right.

Sorry but your quote is quite possibly bang on...or too low if the moisture remediation is NOT set into the quote.

plus dont forget about business insurance, bond , contractors license, L and I, etc. here in Wa state it is expensive to be a legitimate contractor. Plus making a small profit on each job. Just also wanted to agree with Cancork floors about proper work taking time.

Is he doing the plumbing in the shower area also? If so, then this is cheap. If not, then it is about right.

Labor costs vary tremendously by location. Professional level also determines price - are you looking at a handyman, independent tile setter, independent contractor with an employee or two or large company with many crews? Who is getting the permits? are you doing this without permits?

If your husband is an electrician, would he be interested in bartering some labor with a remodeling contractor?