If you've ever had work done on your home, you probably know the sinking feeling of a contractor saying, "We found something unexpected. It's going to cost extra." Mid-project change orders and surprise charges are one of the most common complaints in the home remodeling industry.
At Showerly, we use a different approach called scope-locked pricing. Here's what it means and why it protects Raleigh-Durham homeowners.
The Problem with Traditional Pricing
How Most Contractors Price Jobs
Most bathroom remodeling contractors use one of two pricing approaches:
- Time and materials: You pay for the hours worked plus material costs. The final price is unknown until the project is finished.
- Estimated quotes: The contractor gives you a "ballpark" or "estimate" that can change once work begins. Common add-on charges include "unforeseen conditions," upgraded materials that weren't available, or additional labor for complications.
Both approaches put the financial risk on the homeowner. You start a project thinking it will cost a certain amount, and the final bill comes in higher.
Why Change Orders Happen
Change orders aren't always the contractor's fault. Sometimes there genuinely is unexpected damage behind walls. But many change orders happen because:
- The initial scope wasn't clearly defined
- Material selections weren't finalized before work began
- The contractor underquoted to win the job, planning to make up the difference in change orders
- Communication between the homeowner and contractor was vague
What Scope-Locked Pricing Actually Means
Defining Your Scope Before Day 1
Scope-locked pricing starts with a detailed project scope document. Before any work begins, you and Showerly agree on exactly what the project includes:
- Demolition: What gets removed and how
- Plumbing: Exactly what changes are being made
- Waterproofing: Full bonded waterproof membrane system (ANSI A118.10) specification
- Tile: Specific tiles selected, layout confirmed, quantities calculated
- Fixtures: Exact models and finishes chosen
- Accessories: Niches, shelves, grab bars, towel hooks, etc.
- Glass: Type, size, and configuration of enclosure
- Timeline: Expected start and completion dates
Locking the Price
Once the scope document is complete and all selections are made, the price is locked. The amount on the agreement is the amount you pay, unless you approve a change order in writing.
Your quote comes out line by line: every element of the project has a specific cost that adds up to a specific total.
What Happens If Something Unexpected Is Found
Occasionally, demolition reveals a problem that wasn't visible during the estimate, such as water damage to wall studs or deteriorated subfloor. When this happens with scope-locked pricing:
- Work pauses at that phase
- We document the issue with photos
- We present you with the specific repair needed and its exact cost
- You approve or decline the additional work before we proceed
- The repair is added as a documented, transparent line item
The key difference: nothing is added to your bill without a specific, written change order you approved first. Any additions are specific, documented, and approved by you in advance.
How Scope-Locked Pricing Differs from Estimates
| Feature | Scope-Locked (Showerly) | Traditional Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Material selections | Finalized before start | Often decided during project |
| Price changes | Only through a change order you approve in writing | Depends on the contract |
| Change order transparency | Written change order, with photos of what was found | Depends on the contractor |
| Homeowner approval | Required for any addition | Depends on the contract |
| Final price vs. quoted price | Same, unless you approve a change order | Can change during the job |
Why Scope-Locked Pricing Works
For Homeowners
- Budget certainty: You know your financial commitment before work begins
- No sales pressure: No one is trying to upsell you mid-project when you feel trapped
- Informed decisions: All selections are made with time to research and compare, not rushed on-site
- Accountability: The contractor is accountable to the agreed scope and price
For the Contractor
- Clear expectations: No ambiguity about what the project includes
- Material efficiency: All materials are ordered in advance, reducing waste and delays
- Scheduling accuracy: Known scope means accurate timeline planning
- Fewer disputes: The final bill matches what was signed and approved
Showerly's Published Pricing
Scope-locked pricing starts with transparency. Our published pricing gives you a clear starting point:
- Published pricing: Tub to Walk-In from $7,499 · Crafted Tile from $7,800 (up to $12,000+)
Your written quote then lists exactly what your package includes for your bathroom, and that is the price you sign.
Experience Scope-Locked Pricing
Ready to know exactly what your bathroom remodel will cost before it begins? Schedule a consultation to build your scope-locked project plan, or ask Mat-Black, our AI agent.
Your price in writing, and every change approved by you first.
See what we check at each stage of a Showerly project.