Planning a renovation? Here's why knowing the difference matters.
When you're planning a bathroom renovation, one of the biggest stress points is the price — and how much it might change along the way. Some companies offer fixed-price quotes, while others charge by time and materials. But what’s the difference, and which one actually gives you better value?
At Essential Bathrooms, we work on a fixed-price model — and there’s a reason for that.
1. What is a Fixed Price Quote?
A fixed-price quote means you know exactly what you’re paying before the work begins. It covers:
- Labour and project management
- Fixtures and fittings
- Demolition, installation, painting, and flooring
- Rubbish removal and clean-up
No guesswork. No nasty surprises. Just a clear total you can plan around.
2. What is an Open-Ended or ‘Time and Materials’ Quote?
Open-ended pricing means you’re billed as the work progresses — usually by the hour for labour, plus the cost of any materials used. These quotes may appear flexible, but they often grow as unexpected issues arise or the project takes longer than expected.
In many cases, an open-ended quote reflects a lack of clear planning or inexperience with bathroom renovations. If a company can’t confidently price the job upfront, it may mean they haven’t fully understood the scope — leaving you to carry the risk.
3. Why We Choose Fixed Price
At Essential Bathrooms, we work exclusively with bathrooms — day in, day out. We understand the process inside and out, which means we can confidently quote a full renovation at a fixed price.
A fixed price gives you:
- A clear, all-inclusive cost
- Confidence that nothing has been overlooked
- Protection from unexpected add-ons or labour blowouts
We’re able to offer this because we’ve refined a proven, standardised process — no guesswork, no surprises, just great bathrooms done right.
Of course, some homes — especially older ones — can have hidden issues behind the walls, like water damage, rotten framing, or outdated wiring. These aren’t always visible until demolition begins, and when they come up, we treat them as variations. We’ll always explain the situation clearly and provide pricing upfront before any extra work is done.
(We’ll dive deeper into how we handle these scenarios in our next article.)
So Which Is Better?
If you value clarity, control, and peace of mind, fixed price is the smarter choice. It puts you in control and keeps your renovation on track — financially and otherwise.
Want to know what your bathroom might cost?Try our calculator or get in touch to get started.
