They put concrete board up because it won't deteriorate from moisture like dry wall. And yeah, even with what they did do I thought it was sky high...but I had no say. A friend of ours in Webster Groves got his bathroom redone with real marble, tiled and all new fixtures (we switched from bathtub to shower, and a new sink/vanity...same ol' stool, though) for $4500...but the guy was a friend of his, and he also kinda barters sometimes, so I don't know what all the deal included. Wish he'd done his before we did ours because I think we could have done it with him for a lot less than what we paid Thomas! No matter who does it, though...make sure you don't give them more than 30 per cent before they start and don't pay it off until it's finished, no matter what kind of story they give you.