Estimating by the Book by Patrick J. Galvin Pricing bathrooms and kitchens isn't a problem for builders of new homes. Construction procedures are well established, and whatever the cost factors, they are figured into the price in established ways. But it is a different story for bath and kitchen remodeling. Nobody knows what might be behind the walls in older houses. Remodelers imprudent enough to make quick estimates might tear out a wall only to find an old chimney, or ductwork that might have to be moved. The variables are limitless. So procedures have to be set up to protect profit against erosion by both predictable problems and the unforeseen variety. You can expect problems like oversight or carelessness, such as forgetting the faucets
