$54K quote on labor - Suggestion on Contractors

sq footage?

725 is the sq footage

Wouldn't it be just cheaper to hire a bunch of guys and pay them by the hour (~$12) for the gutting and them pay separately for others to install?

I did it this way for a small project. The secret is TO BE the boss and TO ACT like a boss as opposed to being treated like an employee. This is good for in charge/been in charge of people before/type A personalities but no so good for others. Your project seems to be bigger than what I did and it is probably closer to being your own contractor if you followed my advice though.

Seems a little high. I would say $15-20k for labour

Not at all high -- you will need an arch. ($10k) FOR BUILDING APPROVAL TOO. my friend redid her kitchen and bath and floors and paint for same size apartment 4 years ago and paid $55K. You pay for appliances, tiles, fixtures. Flooring should be included. negotiate quality, type and width upfront. aBOUT $80k ALL IN. Go high end in both appliances and finish to recoup later.

Keep shopping around; that quote sounds high. That project may have worked for Lisa but if you don't know what you're doing & take down a load-bearing wall, for instance, you could have a disaster on your hands. Many buildings require that you submit your plans & hire licensed contractors for just this reason.