How We Saved $11,000–$17,000 on a Full Home Renovation
A contractor quoted $43K–$49K. BathFitter wanted $20K for a basic bathroom skin. We did MORE work, with BETTER materials, for ~$32K. Here's exactly how.
102 Wiltop Rd, Netcong, NJ — Interior finish renovation, 2026
Contractor Quotes
$43K–$49K
Actual Cost (Project Guardian)
~$32,000
Savings
$11K–$17K
25–35% less
The Bathroom: $7,000 Saved
BathFitter Quote: $18,000–$20,000
- - Skin existing bathtub
- - Skin shower walls
- - Replace toilet and sink
- - Same 6×10 footprint
- - That's it. Nothing else.
Our Approach: ~$13,000
- Skinned tile walls
- Expanded footprint by 15–20 sq ft
- Replaced toilet
- New vanity + sink kit
- Waites coating (premium wall finish)
- New vinyl flooring
- Towel rack
The Kitchen Cabinets: $7,500+ Saved
Retail Quote (Cabinets To Go)
$11,000+
- Standard retail pricing
- Same style, same function
- 3x the cost for equivalent cabinets
Project Guardian Approach
<$3,500
- Shaker Off-White — #1 buyer-preferred style
- Sourced through our vetted supplier network
- Full kitchen: base + wall cabinets + all fillers
- Same quality — 68% less than retail
Doors, Trim & Fixtures: $700+ Saved
GC Markup (Typical)
$2,500–$3,000
25–35% markup over retail
Project Guardian Approach
$1,809
10 doors, 184ft trim, hardware, 3 fans, bath fan, GFCIs, lights — strategically sourced
Electrical: Fair Market
$2,500
Licensed electrician — outlet upgrades, GFCIs, 3 ceiling fans + bath fan/light. Fair price, hired direct.
The Full Picture
| Category | GC Would Charge | We Actually Paid | Saved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | $18,000–$20,000 | $13,000 | $5,000–$7,000 |
| Kitchen Cabinets | $11,000+ | <$3,500 | $7,500+ |
| Doors/Trim/Fixtures | $2,500–$3,000 | $1,809 | $691–$1,191 |
| Painting | $9,000–$10,000 | $7,107 | $1,893–$2,893 |
| Electrical | $3,000–$3,500 | $2,500 | $500–$1,000 |
| Flooring | $1,500–$2,000 | $1,100 | $400–$900 |
| Cleanout/Ops | $3,500–$4,000 | $2,750 | $750–$1,250 |
| TOTAL | $43K–$49K | ~$32,031 | $11K–$17K |
What Made the Difference
Know the Real Costs
Before we talked to a single contractor, we benchmarked every material and labor cost. When BathFitter quoted $20K, we already knew the real cost was half that. Knowledge is leverage.
Strategic Sourcing
We source materials through vetted supplier networks that most homeowners don't have access to — cutting out the middleman markup without sacrificing quality. That's the Project Guardian advantage.
Hire Specialists, Not Generalists
A licensed electrician for electrical. A dedicated painting crew for paint. Each expert does what they're best at — and you avoid the 20-30% GC coordination margin.
Track Every Dollar
Project Guardian tracks confirmed paid, approved/pending, and at-risk costs in real time. No surprise overruns. No 'while we're here' add-ons without a conscious decision.
“The average homeowner overpays 20–35% on renovation costs — not because contractors are dishonest, but because nobody is watching the numbers strategically. BathFitter quoted $20K for a basic tub skin. We expanded the bathroom, upgraded the finishes, and came in at $13K. That's not about being cheap. It's about being smart.”
— Sean T. Shallis
How to Use Project Guardian on Your Renovation
DIY + Discounted Materials
Access our wholesale pricing and vetted supplier network. You manage the project — we make sure you're never overpaying for materials.
- Discounted materials at wholesale pricing
- Budget tracking dashboard
- Cost benchmarks for every category
Done With You
Everything in Tier 1, plus hands-on guidance. We help you plan, source, and manage — you make the final calls.
- Everything in Tier 1
- Vetted contractor introductions
- Quote review & negotiation support
- Scope of work review
Done For You Strategy Plan
We act as your project manager and strategic consultant. Full oversight from plan to punch list — you approve, we execute.
- Everything in Tiers 1 & 2
- Full project management & oversight
- Strategic renovation plan & timeline
- Trade coordination & scheduling
- Draw schedule & payment management
- Resale value optimization
Every tier includes access to our wholesale materials network. The same suppliers, the same pricing — whether you're managing the project yourself or we're doing it for you.
Get Quotes — Then Get Perspective
Before you sign anything, get 2-3 quotes. Then break them apart: what's materials? What's labor? What's margin? If you can't see the breakdown, that's your first red flag.
Let Us Source Strategically
We have access to vetted supplier networks, wholesale pricing, and trade relationships that most homeowners don't. Same quality materials, significantly less cost. That's the Project Guardian advantage.
Track Everything in One Place
Project Guardian gives you a real-time ledger: confirmed paid, pending, and at-risk costs. Every payment, every vendor, every invoice — in one dashboard. No surprises.
Know When to Hire Direct
Painting? Hire a painter. Electrical? Hire an electrician. We connect you with vetted specialists — no GC coordination markup. You save 20-30% on each trade.
Planning a renovation?
Don't overpay. Use Project Guardian to track costs, compare quotes, and keep your project on budget. Or talk to Sean about financing your renovation with a single-close loan.