I am getting bids on a complete remodel where the house was gutted. Some of the plumbing is being moved and the concrete has already been busted and the connections exposed. Can I expect to pay less on a remodel compared to new construction? Thanks for your help.

Maybe I am reading this wrong but if the house was gutted all your fixtures will be new, right? Maybe you can give more details about specifically what you are doing.

Can I expect to pay less on a remodel compared to new construction?

Not necessarily so, remodeling can be more difficult and take more time than new construction at times.

With that out of the way, it sounds like you are remodeling and acting as you own general contractor. I suggest that you try to avoid situations that appear to exist in this post.

I know that this is more than you ask but I can't help myself.


https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/plumbing/newb-few-questions-189494.html

When ever possible use a written contract and be as specific as possible. While Newb apparently has a contract, even one with a specified completion date, there must not be any penality clause. A completion date without a penality clause is meaningless. You don't want you drywall contractor ready to go to work and your plunbing contractor working on another job across town while you sit and wait.

Get as many references as possible before contracting with a sub and be specific as to what work is to be done and what material is to be used. For instance is a water supply and drainage is to be run to a kitchen and two baths. Specify what kind of pipe and the number and type of fixtures. If the plumber is to set the fixtures after the close in of walls, that should be specified and the type and brand of faucets, sinks and toilets.

If it is a contract for electrical work, specify the number and size of circuits, the number of outlets, even the brand, quality and color. It wouldn't be very hard to draw a rectangular box and call it a bedroom and mark where outlets and switches are to be located. Sure there are codes, but codes are the minimum. Unless otherwise specified the contractor is entitled to do the minimum.
Also specify who is to obtain permits and inspections. Specify when and how much monies are to be paid. Never pay money up front for work. On occasion it may be necessary for you to concede to paying for material but only after after it is on the property. Once its on the property it is yours.

Repeat, never pay for work before it is done.

If inspections are required never pay the final payment until work is completed and passed all inspections.

Don't know what to put in contract. Discuss with the contractor what he will do, how he will do it and what materials will be used. Draft a contract, review and discuss it with the contractor. Have a third party review th contract. Even if that person is not particularly knowledgeable about the subject matter, they may be able to suggest things you have not thought about.
Most contractor are legitimate, honest and conscientious but there is always the ones that are not.
The contractor is reasonably protected. He knows where you live and he can always put a mechanics lien on you property to get paid. What are you going to do if the contractor takes you money and you can't find him. And if you do find him, he may not have any assets for you to go against.
Requiring a written contract is not an insinuation of distrust. It does, however prevent a lot of mis-communication and disagreements.

Remember, if it isn't written down, it does not exist.

I am getting bids on a complete remodel where the house was gutted. Some of the plumbing is being moved and the concrete has already been busted and the connections exposed. Can I expect to pay less on a remodel compared to new construction? Thanks for your help.


From a Plumbing standpoint, you can expect to pay a little more for a total remodel than you would for new construction, particularly if fixture locations are being moved.

During new construction, the Plumber will place the water service, gas service and waste lines below grade in locations relative to the known locations of bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms etc before the slab or foundation is poured.

In a remodel situation where fixtures are being moved, the Plumber is forced to use the existing below grade water, gas and waste locations, which are seldom in the right place for the new lay out.

Can I expect to pay less on a remodel compared to new construction?
Expect to pay more. In new construction everything's fresh. In remodels we have to tear out the old before we can install the new. There's more labor involved in remodels then new construction so a remodel would cost more. Regards, Tom