If you've gotten a Bath Fitter, Re-Bath, or Jacuzzi Bath Remodel quote in Greenville and the number made you blink — this post is for you. We install the same category of professional-grade one-day shower systems they do, locally, for 20–40% less. Here's why, and the honest tradeoffs of each path.
What the Franchises Actually Install
All three of the big names (Bath Fitter, Re-Bath, and Jacuzzi Bath Remodel) install factory-built acrylic wall systems with a matching shower base, set in a single working day. Bath Fitter installs over your existing tub or surround in some cases (their 'over the existing bath' product). Re-Bath and Jacuzzi typically demo the existing unit and install a new acrylic system on the same footprint. Product warranties from the manufacturer are typically 10–25 years. The product itself is good — this is a legitimate category.
Where the Price Comes From
Each of these franchises is paying a national royalty, regional TV advertising, in-home sales rep commissions, and corporate overhead. None of that goes into your shower — it goes into the price. A typical franchise quote in Greenville runs $9,000–$15,000 for an installation a local crew can deliver for $5,500–$9,500 using the same category of acrylic or solid surface product.
Side-by-Side Comparison
- PRODUCT: National franchise = factory acrylic system · Local crew = same category, multiple brands to choose from
- INSTALL TIME: National franchise = 1 day · Local crew = 1 day (same)
- WARRANTY: National franchise = 10–25 year manufacturer + lifetime corporate guarantee · Local crew = 10–25 year manufacturer + 5-year workmanship warranty
- PRICE: National franchise = $9,000–$15,000 typical · Local crew = $5,500–$9,500 typical
- SALES PROCESS: National franchise = in-home sales rep, 2–4 hour pitch, 'today only' discount · Local crew = 45-minute walkthrough, written quote in 48 hours, no pressure
- CUSTOMIZATION: National franchise = limited to their product line · Local crew = can mix in custom touches (tile niche, granite curb, frameless glass)
Where the Franchises Actually Have an Edge
Being honest: the national franchises have one real advantage. If something goes wrong with your shower in year 8 and the original installer is out of business, the national company is more likely to still be there. That said, we've been operating in the Upstate for years, have hundreds of completed projects, and back our workmanship in writing — the durability gap is smaller than the marketing makes it sound.
Where Local Crews Have the Real Edge
- 20–40% lower price for the same product category
- Multiple brands to choose from, not locked into a single product line
- Honest line-item pricing — no high-pressure sales pitch
- Same crew does the demo, install, AND glass door — fewer handoffs, fewer errors
- Ability to mix in custom touches the franchises can't (custom tile niche, granite curb, frameless glass)
- Owner-operated quality control — the person who quoted is responsible for the job
What to Ask Any Bath Fitter Alternative Quote You Get
- Is this the same category of product as Bath Fitter / Re-Bath / Jacuzzi Bath Remodel? (For us: yes)
- Do I get the manufacturer warranty in writing, in my name? (For us: yes, every time)
- What's the line-item price for the base, walls, valve, head, and door? (For us: itemized on every quote)
- What happens if you find rot or mold behind the old surround? (For us: photographed, priced separately, your approval before we proceed)
- Do you do the glass door, or does a third-party glass company do it? (For us: we do it ourselves, the next morning)
Get a Real Local Quote First
Before you sign anything with a national franchise, get one local quote. Even if you decide to go with Bath Fitter or Re-Bath in the end, you'll know exactly what you're paying the franchise premium for. We're happy to provide that quote — free, in-home, written, no pressure.