Help! I am beginning the process of remodeling a bathroom and am overwhelmed already.

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1. Get recommendations from friends, co-workers, church friends etc...

who've had work done and are pleased with it. You can save money by buying the vanity, sink, toilet, shower head, light fixtures, tile etc. yourself (save all receipts in case you have to take something back). Make sure you get enough tile because if you have to get more you might not be able to match it. Haul home what you can and have the rest delivered.

Then call the contractor. You'll already be ahead because you'll have saved all the up-charges he/she would've added on to purchasing all the materials for you. Then haggle with him/her over the total cost. Once he/she gives you the estimate, ask if they can do better as you've already spent so much on materials. They'll come down, you come up a little. If they don't come down at all, call the next guy as you should get at least three estimates anyway.

Also make sure they have licenses and can get city/county approval if needed.