Has this happened to you? You decide to finally renovate that outdated bathroom, hiring what seems like a reliable contractor. Months later, you’re living in a construction zone with a shoestring budget depleted and a shoddy, half-finished remodel. Sadly, horror stories about bathroom renovations are all too common. The right contractor can make your dreams come true, but the wrong one can leave you drowning in nightmares.
With some savvy strategies, you can steer clear of remodeling disasters and find a trustworthy pro to transform your bathroom into a luxurious oasis. Here are the tips you need to hire the right bathroom remodeling contractor and have a successful project:
Do Your Homework on Prospective Contractors
Research is essential. Start by asking friends, neighbors, co-workers, or local real estate agents if they have any recommendations. Ideally, you want contractors who have completed high-quality bathroom renovations for people you know and trust. If you’ve got your eye on specific brands for your new bathtub, shower, tiles, or fixtures, search for contractors who are authorized dealers for those brands. For instance, Home Smart Industries is an authorized Kohler dealer, perfect for those who are considering this brand.
This is important not just for quality assurance, but also to ensure any manufacturer warranties are valid. An unauthorized installer could leave you stuck with no protection if something goes wrong after installation.
Once you’ve gathered some prospects, vet them thoroughly. Check online reviews from verified customers and look for any alerts or disciplinary actions filed against them with your state’s contractor licensing board and local consumer affairs office. Longstanding membership in a professional association like the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) is also a good sign.
Get Everything in Writing — and Read the Fine Print
When requesting quotes and contracts, make sure they are comprehensive and fully detail the scope of work, materials being used (brand names, model numbers, etc.), a firm timeline for completion, and total cost. Everything verbal should also be captured in writing.
Carefully review the contract’s fine print for any troubling legal language or hidden fees. For example, steer clear of contractors who use lowball quotes just to get in the door, then jam you with lots of surprise additional charges as the project goes on.
Get the contractor to clarify in writing what product warranties will be passed along to you as the end customer — for example, the number of years covered for that new bathtub’s finish or that shower system’s operation. Note that the warranties should come directly from the product manufacturers, not just the contractor.
Insist on Licensed, Insured, and Bonded Contractors
In most areas, contractors are required to be licensed for any major home renovations. Don’t hire anyone without being able to verify they have an active license in good standing. Bonding and insurance are non-negotiable, too — you want the contractor to be bonded to protect you in case of property damage or theft, with liability insurance to cover worker injuries on your property.
Check References and Examples of Previous Work
Reputable contractors should have no issue providing you with references from past customers who had similar bathroom remodels done recently. When checking references, ask about the contractors’ professionalism, craftsmanship, ability to stay on schedule and on budget, and overall satisfaction with the results.
Beyond references, ask each contractor for a portfolio with examples of bathrooms they’ve renovated that are comparable to your vision. If possible, request to see a job site in person where they have an active remodel underway — this gives you a first-hand look at their quality of work.
Observe the Contractors’ Attitude and Communication
While vetting contractors, pay attention to their responsiveness. If they are hard to get a hold of or bad about returning calls/emails during the proposal stage, that’s a red flag for lack of professionalism and poor communication once they potentially have your deposit money.
Their attitude and thinking should also align with your goals. The best contractors will ask questions to understand your vision and priorities for the renovation and share insights from their previous remodeling projects regarding what may or may not work for you. They should be able to discuss ideas and options, not just go into order-taking mode. You want a true partner who will collaborate on creating your dream bathroom.
To sum up, with careful research and the right criteria, you can find a top-notch bathroom remodeler to transform your current eyesore into a beautiful new space you’re proud to show off. A luxury spa-like bathroom is waiting — you just need to hire the right contractor for the job.
