1. Buy the materials yourself
Contractors add a 15–25% margin on tiles, fittings and paint. Not out of malice — that is a normal markup. But if you have the time, buying yourself at places like Mango or Domus works out cheaper. The trade-off: shortages and defective batches become your problem.
2. Insist on a line-by-line estimate
Not "bathroom renovation — ₾4,500", but item by item: waterproofing ₾600, floor tiles ₾800, wall tiles ₾1,400, plumbing ₾1,200, sundries ₾500. When every line is visible it is far easier to negotiate and to spot what you are overpaying for.
3. Pay in stages: 30/40/30
Never pay 100% up front. 30% to start, 40% after the rough work, 30% on acceptance. It protects both sides: the pro is not afraid to begin, and you are not left exposed if they disappear halfway.
4. Commission the design separately
Contractors like to offer "design plus turnkey renovation". Convenient, but expensive. Order the design from an independent specialist (₾3,000–8,000 for a flat), then collect quotes from three contractors working to the same drawings. That is when real competition appears.
5. Wiring and plumbing before the finishing
The most expensive mistake is laying the tiles first and only then discovering you need another breaker or a socket moved. Redoing it costs twice as much. Draw up the full layout before any finishing work begins.
6. Compare three contractors
Not "the first acquaintance who answers", but three estimates minimum. On xFix that takes a day: post the job, collect responses, compare. The gap between the lowest and highest price for identical work often reaches 40%.
7. Never economise on what is hidden
Waterproofing, electrical distribution, levelling the screed — anything that is expensive to break open later. Do that work properly and you will not regret it. Save on the finishes instead: paint instead of wallpaper, laminate instead of parquet. Finishes are easy and cheap to change.