But what information do you need to help you choose the right bathroom remodeling contractor?
After 46 years of remodeling bathrooms in central Ohio, JSB Home Solutions has moved bathrooms, added bathrooms, remodeled bathrooms, and fixed bathrooms that other contractors have messed up. And we've learned what experienced, reputable contractors look like. In this article, you will find eight questions to ask any bathroom contractor to make sure you have the information you need to find the one that is right for your project. If a company you are interviewing can't or won't answer these questions, cross them off the list and move on to the next one.
Table of Contents:
The first question to ask a bathroom remodeler is "Can you do the job that I want you to do?" Different remodelers will have different approaches to bathroom remodeling. Some contractors only do quick fixes. Others will remove worn-out materials and replace them with upgraded products, leaving the overall layout essentially the same. And some will complete full remodels/additions, removing walls, moving extensive plumbing, or even adding an entire bathroom. For example, if you know you want to knock out a wall in your bathroom, you will want to make sure that the company you are interviewing will remove walls.
When interviewing contractors, be sure to request examples of their previous projects. This allows you to see the styles and designs they can produce and assess the quality of their work. It's also a good idea to ask them to clarify which aspects of the bathroom they handled and what was pre-existing. Check out our bathroom project galleries to see what you can learn from looking at completed work.
Contractors should also be able to tell you an expected project timeline for your bathroom project which is how long your bathroom will be under construction. This will become important as you consider how long your bathroom will be unusable.
Be sure to also communicate any specific time constraints you have for completing the project. For example, if you’re expecting a baby in five months and need the bathroom finished before then, or if you’re hosting the holidays and prefer construction to start after the new year, let the contractor know. This will help you know if your schedule will match with what the contractor can provide.
By setting realistic expectations for your bathroom renovation timeline, you can avoid unnecessary frustration once the work begins.
As an example of different payment options and the information that a contractor should be able to give you, here is what JSB offers:
Payment plans mean that you pay JSB directly with cash, check, or credit card in four increments with no interest.
JSB works with a financing company, Upgrade, if you choose to finance your bathroom remodel. JSB has two types of financing plans available through Upgrade. You can check out our blog about financing your remodel with JSB for more details.
Some contractors will communicate with you through an app or website such as Buildertrend that they use to keep everyone on task and on schedule. You would get your own personal login information so that you can see all the details about your project and communicate directly with your contractor. These are most common with design-build remodeling projects that can last months and have many tasks and people to manage.
Some bathroom remodel projects will require permits or inspections before the project begins. This is generally the case if you are adding a bathroom or making extensive changes to the overall layout of your bathroom that require plumbing and electrical work. Contractors should pull all the permits and schedule inspections as part of their remodel process. It will be included in the cost of your bathroom remodel as well.
When speaking with your bathroom contractor, ask whether they rely on their own employees or subcontractors for the work. If they do use subs, be sure to inquire about how they plan to manage and mitigate the common challenges associated with subcontractors.
Besides the fact that it is the law, you want your bathroom contractor to carry a current contractor's license, liability protection, and workman's compensation insurance for two reasons. First, a contractor's license is an indication that they have been trained and know how to properly complete a bathroom remodel, following all the housing codes and remodel best practices. Second, liability protection and workman's compensation insurance protect you and your home from any risk, should someone get injured on the job site.
Letting a stranger come into your home and remodel the area you live is no small ask. The hardest and most important step for your bathroom remodel is choosing the best bathroom remodeler who will treat your home as if it were their own, giving you the best quality for the best price the first time around.
As you interview contractors, it's important to keep their information organized so that you can compare them against each other as you make your decision. You can download our Remodeling Company Comparison Worksheet to help you do just that. The first page summarizes topics and the questions discussed in this article that you should cover with every contractor you interview. The second page lets you summarize all their answers in one location for you to review.
One last tip as you interview bathroom remodelers. Always trust your gut. If you feel uncomfortable, unheard, or pressured to make a hasty decision, find a different contractor. Choose a contractor that answers all your questions, gives you space to make decisions, and gives you peace of mind that your bathroom remodel is in good hands. You'll be on your way to creating your dream bathroom in no time!