How much would you pay to level a wood subfloor?

Question

I'm in the middle of a bathroom rehab. My contractor ripped up the floor tile and noticed that my subfloor wasn't level and in bad shape, I took a look and agreed. The rehab itself is in a bathroom that's about 60 square feet roughly and is costing me $3500 (our agreed upon price). However, for leveling the floor, he's quoting me $800. After some negotiation, he came down to $600. Bringing me at $4100 total in labor for this rehab. The rehab includes installing a new tub, vanity, floor and shower tile, mirror and light fixture. Am I being ripped off for the floor leveling cost? It seems pretty steep to me but I've never encountered this issue. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Luke Marsh · Answer

Hi @Byron W. we ran into a similar problem a while back, we paid around $38/sq ft to have the subfloor replaced, as leveling it wasn't much of an option. There is a difference between having it actually replaced, and having it leveled. This article does a good job laying out the costs of just leveling it.https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/flooring/repair-flooring/#:~:text=Leveling%20a%20floor%20costs%20%242,%240.50%20to%20%241.50%20per%20pound.

Byron W. · Answer

The second method you mentioned. A part of the subfloor is rotted and he's replacing it and putting in the 2x4's.

Mike McCarthy · Answer

@Byron W. Do you know how he’s leveling it? If the subfloor is in decent condition, he can use self-leveling cement. It’s a pretty easy process.

If the subfloor is rotted or broken up, then pulling up the subfloor, either sistering the joists level, or shimming them with cut down 2x4s. This is probably the best installation, but will take more time, materials and effort.