Ha! I spoke to our contractor again and he, who kept saying “everyone wants/is doing freestanding tubs” previously, did come back to me this time with, “oh, if you want to be practical, that would be difficult to clean and the people who want those tubs often don’t use them.” Like it’s just all for show.
I have no one to impress, but myself. 
And, if I can choose a tub with the right size opening then, yes, the inner tub cut out should work for the countertop
There seems to be a similar free-standing trend for bathroom lavatory cabinets. So many photos show cabinets on short legs located a few inches from side walls, which requires extra flooring under the cabinets and additional (and tight) cleaning both under and between cabinet and sidewall.
This is the only “bathroom Reno” thread still unlocked so I’ll post here.
We are having our first company come out today to give us a look/bid on our main floor primary bathroom. It will basically be a Guy job.
We really haven’t ever gone through a major reno of a room. What kind of questions should I be asking? I have a “wish list” of sorts but what should I be asking about the process, materials, work team, etc??
I assume you got references or he had online reviews. Does he have pictures of previous work? Ask him for suggestions to see if they are similar to what you are thinking. Will you buy a vanity or have one custom built? I did one bathroom where I bought all the materials and he quoted the labor separately. I did another where I had an allowance for all of the items. Contractors often get discounts when they buy the items.
This is helpful. Yes to very positive online reviews and also seeing various completed jobs that are similar in style and quality to our liking.
Is the business licensed and insured? Check BBB and the state records for any complaints and violations. Will any permits be needed?
Definitely make sure you are clear on the bid what is included. Does he say the whole job will cost $xx,xxx and that includes $zzzz for tile and $ppp for fixtures? If so, make sure your choices would fit into those amounts or be prepared to pay more. Or perhaps the bid doesn’t include those things and you are supposed to source them on your own.
Also ask about time line. Will they be able to work start to finish or does he do demo and then he has to see where the plumbing sub is and can get in to do his work etc
More thoughts - does he have a company or vendor he prefers for vanity, tile, flooring, etc. Sometimes a GC can access better items, most will tell you to steer clear of Home Depot type level stuff for fixtures etc.
A good contractor will understand your vision and help you achieve it but also point out issues that you may not be aware of (i.e. you can have the ‘invisible’ drain in the shower but it will cost a lot more in labor since it was already leveled for a center drain etc so is that a deal breaker?)
First guy/company came today.
We talked a couple configurations. Estimates demo to completion time 3ish weeks. They do not contract out unless you want some really tricky or over the top shower perks or something. He made it clear they work start to finish. All painting, lighting , mirrors will be hung before they are finished.
Editing to say actually the one thing he said they hire out for is the glass shower door. He does not recommend big box doors and says the company he works with will cut a door exact to size - important of the room/ walls aren’t exactly plum - they can shave the glass to match evenly from top to bottom.
He gave me the bathroom and tile suppliers he uses in town. I’ll do a field trip to them to get more of a feel for choices, quality of products and also will review their reviews and photos more thoroughly now.
Good first visit
Two tips I have for saving money is to check out Floor and Decor for tile and look for a remnant for your vanity top. I’ve purchased Kohler fixtures from Home Depot and at an expensive plumbing store. The only problem I had was with one of the faucets from the expensive place. They wouldn’t even replace it, making me contact Kohler for a replacement.
+1 to this! We got a remnant for our vanity top very affordably. We also got some things at Floor and Decor but our tile guy was able to get the sill and other pieces more affordably from his sources.
+2 for Floor and Decor and finding a remnant for the counter.
We found the quality higher and selection better at our contractor’s bathroom vendor and the prices very reasonable. They were also easier to work with if there was a problem.
Did you go to the one in Ann Arbor? I don’t think there is one local…
They aren’t local, but worth the drive.
@abasket - you can buy single pieces of tile you like and check how they look at home. Then they can be returned to F&D within their 90 day return period. Just keep the receipt!