Bathroom Remodeling Contractor Hiring Tips

The value of your house can be increased by remodeling your bathroom. The job can brighten the room and improve functionality, while increasing the home’s value up to 67%. A moderate bathroom upgrade costs an average of $10,000. This is an investment you should carefully consider. Everything starts with selecting the right contractor.

A good contract will be a good communicator, planner and problem solver. They will work with you to determine your vision, and then they will coordinate a team to complete your bathroom remodeling idea in a time frame and budget that has been agreed upon. Some contracting firms offer their own design or architecture services if you don’t have a plan yet.

1. Make a clear plan before you begin

Spend some time collecting your thoughts before contacting a contractor. You should write down the goals you have for your project and any specific design or aesthetic features that you desire, like vintage or modern design. Decide on your budget and timeframe. Will a contractor be able to complete the project, or will additional professional help be required?

Bathroom remodeling contractors are able to handle the demolition, structural repair and installation processes. It is best to consult a licensed engineer if the project involves more complex engineering elements such as wall removal or reconfiguration. A professional designer is also able to provide expert advice on layouts, and solutions for specialized fixtures. These services are offered by many bathroom remodel specialists.

2. Find Excellent Bathroom Remodeling Contractors

A contractor should have at the minimum credentials, which include a valid license and insurance. It’s important to check that the contractor has experience in bathroom remodeling and has many satisfied customers. There are other ways to find the best candidates than using search engines.

Referrals from friends and family are some of the most reliable sources for finding a contractor. Ask someone you know who recently had their bathroom renovated about their experience. Contact the National Kitchen and Bath Association NKBA and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry NARI. These organizations promote excellence and skill development in remodeling.

3. Conduct phone interviews

Contact the contractors you have listed with your project plan. Even if you believe you have found the right company, you should still compare at least three companies. Ask them to give a short overview of your project and some basic questions regarding their business. Make notes to follow up. Prepare to schedule a visit.

What You Should Ask A Bathroom Remodeling Contractor

Before making your decision, there are some questions to ask your bathroom remodeling contractor.

• Can you provide me with a list of recent references for similar projects that you have completed?
• Who will be involved in the project? Are they subcontractors or employees?
• Do you or any of your employees have a certification in remodeling, or special training, education or certification, such as certified remodeler specialists, certified lead carpenters, or certified kitchen and bathroom remodelers?
• Are you insured and licensed? Please provide the contractor license number as well as your certificate of insurance.
• What is your expectation of payment?

4. Check out your top prospects

Confirm the information that they have provided. Verify the contractor’s license number with the state licensing board. Contact their insurance provider to verify that they are current. Contact their references if the license and insurance are in order.

Remember that they are only providing a sample of their most loyal clients. Expect positive responses from these clients, as they should be their biggest fans. Watch out for red flags such as the lack of references to recent projects (within one year), or high cost overruns.

Question You Should Ask About Contractor References

• When did you complete your project?
• Did you like their work?
• What percentage of your budget was exceeded?
• Was the contractor’s conduct and that of any subcontractors professional?
• Would you consider hiring them again?

5. Visit the Site Thoroughly

Give each contractor the same detailed, thorough project plan. Include as much detail as you can about the materials, brands, styles, colors, and other choices that you made. Include the following:

• Your budget
• Bathroom design
• Fixture Types
• Brands and materials of tiles, countertops, and flooring
• Electrical components should be placed in the correct order
• Working hours that are acceptable
• Project timeline

Contractors follow detailed schedules and task lists. Make sure you and the contractor are on the exact same page about each step. Let them know if they’re responsible for all the materials. You must include in the discussion or written plan any details you wish to provide, such as supplying some materials or reusing certain fixtures.

6. Get Estimates in Writing

Read the quotes carefully when they arrive from contractors. Each quote should include the details of the project as discussed at the site visit. The measurements and quantities of materials should be equal. Once the project description has been completed, you can move onto the details of the contract.

The following should be included in a comprehensive bathroom renovation contract:

• The total project cost
• Payment schedule
• Work scope
• Site plan
• Schedule of Primary Construction Tasks
• Change order clause
• Closeout procedure list
• Limited warranty
• Dispute resolution clause
• Waiver of Lien

The price alone will not determine who is the best bathroom remodeler. You should also consider their experience, the ability to complete the project within your time frame, previous client testimonials, and your own ability to work with them. Sign on the dotted line when you have made a decision.