A first-time homeowner in Colorado turned to Reddit after receiving a five-figure quote for a tankless water heater, and basement bathroom rough-ins were to add thousands more, raising a question many homeowners face during renovations: Is this actually fair?
What happened?
The project involved two steps: adding bathroom plumbing to an unfinished basement of about 1,200 square feet and deciding whether to replace an 11-year-old 50-gallon water heater.
In the Reddit post, the homeowner said the company quoted them $7,894 to break up concrete and install rough-ins for a tub, toilet, and dual sink.
If the homeowner handled the demolition and concrete restoration, the plumbing portion alone would cost $4,165.
A separate proposal to convert the water heater to a tankless system sized for the four-bedroom, three-bath home was priced at $10,288.
Though the homeowner said the company came recommended and had been used by neighbors, they still wanted outside feedback before committing.
They added that the bathroom was planned for the location the crew viewed as best, offering "easiest access and minimal trenching."
Commenters offered their opinions, with several saying the tankless quote in particular seemed steep.
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"I install tankless water heaters in Northern Colorado, and I'm guessing I'd be about half that on the water heater portion," one person wrote.
Why does it matter?
Plumbing upgrades can become expensive fast, especially when concrete cutting, trenching, gas lines, venting, and permits are all part of the job. A quote that seems only somewhat high at first glance can ultimately add thousands of dollars to the total cost.
Some commenters argued that tankless equipment does not always deliver the best value despite the higher price.
"You only save at most 25% on [natural gas] switching to tankless over a power direct vent at 2-5x the price," one pointed out, saying the return can depend heavily on how much hot water a household actually uses.
When the installation premium is large and yearly savings are limited, the break-even point can be a long way off, especially if the existing water heater is still doing its job, as this one was.
What can I do?
Getting multiple detailed quotes remains the most practical step. Homeowners can ask contractors to break down demolition, concrete, plumbing rough-ins, venting, gas-line upgrades, permits, and appliance costs so it is easier to compare one bid with another.
It can also help to ask about alternatives. In this case, commenters suggested comparing the tankless proposal with a standard replacement tank or a power direct vent model since either could meet household demand at a lower upfront cost.
For homeowners exploring that route, Cala makes smart heat pump water heaters designed to give households more control over hot water use. Its customizable smart heat pump water heaters help homeowners decrease their energy bills by heating water exactly when it's needed.
By aligning heating with household demand instead of constantly maintaining hot water, they can cut waste without sacrificing comfort.
For shoppers trying to balance upfront costs with long-term savings, Cala is worth a look.
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