Every bathroom estimate has the same four buckets: demolition and disposal, the rough work behind the walls, the finish materials you can see, and labor to put it all together. Knowing which bucket is driving your number is the first step to controlling it.
Finish materials swing the most. A porcelain tile at a few dollars a square foot and a natural marble at several times that both make a beautiful shower, but one of them doubles the material line. Frameless glass, a freestanding tub, and a custom vanity are the other big levers, and each is a choice, not a requirement.
The rough work is where surprises live. Older Broward homes often have cast-iron drains, original shut-off valves, and shower pans with no real waterproofing. A good estimate flags those possibilities up front and carries a contingency, so finding them doesn't blow up the budget.
Ask for an itemized written estimate rather than a lump sum. When you can see demolition, waterproofing, tile, fixtures, and labor as separate lines, you can make trade-offs with real numbers instead of guesses. And if it's your first project with Silva Remodeling Corp, that itemized number comes with 10% off.