Kohler-is it the best?

[Jeff S.]

Elderly woman in her 80's needs to remodel her 2 bathrooms. A representative from Kohler came out and gave a bid of 38k for new showers which does not include any other work like new flooring, vanity and toilet etc. The rep said only Kohler can install their products and they do nothing else which means she is on her own to find another contractor to finish the remodel. She likes the product and wants top of the line but not really good at negotiating with another contractor. Trying to stay at arms length (close to relative type deal) but want to watch over an elderly person. Any thought?

[Chris Seveney]

@Jeff S.

What the heck type of showers are these?

Anyone can install kohler - you can buy it at Home Depot or through other retailers

[Jeff S.]

@Chris Seveney apparently these are the best money can buy. I was not at the presentation so this is second hand information but both women say the sales rep said this. The enclosures are 3 piece that are cut on the property to ensure a proper fit and so on and so forth. They are taking out a tub in one bath.

[Chris Seveney]

Quote from @Jeff S.:

@Chris Seveney apparently these are the best money can buy. I was not at the presentation so this is second hand information but both women say the sales rep said this. The enclosures are 3 piece that are cut on the property to ensure a proper fit and so on and so forth. They are taking out a tub in one bath.

So would you expect the sales rep to say their product sucks? $38k for two enclosures is a flipping joke. whoever is paying this is getting screwed. I will gladly do it for $37,000. Hey I will do both bathrooms for $200,000 if you would like? Let me know when you want me to start.

Have you gotten other quotes?  I mean if you want to pay it go ahead, but just be advised you are getting taken to the cleaners. 

Please also share the model number on what this product made out of platinum looks like.

[John Clark]

Quote from @Jeff S.:

Elderly woman in her 80's needs to remodel her 2 bathrooms. A representative from Kohler came out and gave a bid of 38k for new showers which does not include any other work like new flooring, vanity and toilet etc. The rep said only Kohler can install their products and they do nothing else which means she is on her own to find another contractor to finish the remodel. She likes the product and wants top of the line but not really good at negotiating with another contractor. Trying to stay at arms length (close to relative type deal) but want to watch over an elderly person. Any thought?

Get the documentation and report the person to the state’s attorney for fraud against the elderly 

[Jeff S.]

She needs a custom cut so Home Depot does this but it is called Rebath. This has the elements that the Koehler lady was talking about. Koehler at HD is an insert.

[Wesley I.]

@Jeff S.

Recently got 2 bathrooms remodeled, One tub and one shower, with shower doors and moen hardware for under under 20k in San Diego.

Its not kohler but they probably have the same o rings that need to be serviced down the road. $38k is pretty steep for one bathroom imo.

[Jeff S.]

@Wesley I. and yours was a total remodel of both bathrooms? She is having 2 bathrooms done. There has been enough uproar in the family that she will not sign on the dotted line. Sales lady calling high pressure. 

[Bob Stevens]

Quote from @Jeff S.:

Elderly woman in her 80's needs to remodel her 2 bathrooms. A representative from Kohler came out and gave a bid of 38k for new showers which does not include any other work like new flooring, vanity and toilet etc. The rep said only Kohler can install their products and they do nothing else which means she is on her own to find another contractor to finish the remodel. She likes the product and wants top of the line but not really good at negotiating with another contractor. Trying to stay at arms length (close to relative type deal) but want to watch over an elderly person. Any thought?

 38k for shower fixtures, this HAS to be a misprint , thats insane, 

We did this for about 10k, 

[Chris Seveney]

@Jeff S.

Hmm High pressure sales to elderly women.

Of course.

[Bob Stevens]

Quote from @Chris Seveney:

@Jeff S.

Hmm High pressure sales to elderly women.

Of course.

100% TOTAL RIP OFF, 

[Wesley I.]

@Jeff S.

Yes, for 2 bathrooms. I just noticed the $38k is for 2 bathrooms, still steep imo.

And for a 80 yr old, it better have grab bars attached to blockings.

[Jeremiah Dunakin]

Quote from @Bob Stevens:

Quote from @Jeff S.:

Elderly woman in her 80's needs to remodel her 2 bathrooms. A representative from Kohler came out and gave a bid of 38k for new showers which does not include any other work like new flooring, vanity and toilet etc. The rep said only Kohler can install their products and they do nothing else which means she is on her own to find another contractor to finish the remodel. She likes the product and wants top of the line but not really good at negotiating with another contractor. Trying to stay at arms length (close to relative type deal) but want to watch over an elderly person. Any thought?

 38k for shower fixtures, this HAS to be a misprint , thats insane, 

We did this for about 10k, 

 I agree Bob, I’ve tore smaller bathrooms 5x8 down to studs and did rebuilt it for 6k in a week. A little elbow grease goes a long way. Bathrooms are mostly the same. Toilet tile sink and tub, with water lines. A faucet is a faucet just because one is over doesn’t mean you get charged more to install it. We use delta fixtures as they have warranty a couple times even when it wasn’t thier fault. People over pay for things and think cause they did they got better deal. Your bathroom looks great by the way

[Jeremiah Dunakin]

Quote from @Bob Stevens:

Quote from @Jeff S.:

Elderly woman in her 80's needs to remodel her 2 bathrooms. A representative from Kohler came out and gave a bid of 38k for new showers which does not include any other work like new flooring, vanity and toilet etc. The rep said only Kohler can install their products and they do nothing else which means she is on her own to find another contractor to finish the remodel. She likes the product and wants top of the line but not really good at negotiating with another contractor. Trying to stay at arms length (close to relative type deal) but want to watch over an elderly person. Any thought?

 38k for shower fixtures, this HAS to be a misprint , thats insane, 

We did this for about 10k, 

 I agree Bob, I’ve tore smaller bathrooms 5x8 down to studs and did rebuilt it for 6k in a week. A little elbow grease goes a long way. Bathrooms are mostly the same. Toilet tile sink and tub, with water lines. A faucet is a faucet just because one is over doesn’t mean you get charged more to install it. We use delta fixtures as they have warranty a couple times even when it wasn’t thier fault. People over pay for things and think cause they did they got better deal. Your bathroom looks great by the way

[Matthew Paul]

That is high pressure sales form a home improvement salesman . Unfortunatly its not illegal , unethical ? Yes , Illegal ? No . There are no price controls on home improvements . 

Here in Maryland , you have to follow the rules in sales and contract verbage and right of recision . As long as I follow the rules and do the work stated on the contract , I can charge what ever I can get . ( Not how I do things ) . But there are companies out there , they operate by quoting extreeeeeeemly high prices , their salesmens commission is based on the profit on the job . 

But contracting  is part of the real estate business , flippers are there to make as much profit as they can , agents want the highest commission they can get , landlords want the highest rent they can charge , and contractors want as much as they can get .  Its basic business 101 . 

[James McGovern]

Quote from @Jeff S.:

Elderly woman in her 80's needs to remodel her 2 bathrooms. A representative from Kohler came out and gave a bid of 38k for new showers which does not include any other work like new flooring, vanity and toilet etc. The rep said only Kohler can install their products and they do nothing else which means she is on her own to find another contractor to finish the remodel. She likes the product and wants top of the line but not really good at negotiating with another contractor. Trying to stay at arms length (close to relative type deal) but want to watch over an elderly person. Any thought?

 Kohler products can be purchased at Home Depot or any plumbing supply store. Best to find someone who specializes in bathroom remodeling to help her out.

As for me, I prefer Delta. Kohler products look nicer, but often do not hold up as well.