A bathroom remodeling project is a big undertaking. Hiring a contractor you trust is key to the success of your renovation.
Contractors should be able to provide you with a detailed and clear quote that includes the scope of your project, start date and end date, materials, costs, payment schedule and contract details.
Ask for Referrals
If you’ve heard a good thing about a remodeling company from a friend, family member or someone on social media, ask them for a list of professional references. These are people who have had their own bath remodeling San Diego, and they should be willing to share details about their experience.
You can also ask for referrals from local businesses that supply building materials to contractors. Those businesses typically have a general sense of which companies are reputable and pay their bills on time, as well as which ones don’t.
You should also ask for and examine a contractor’s portfolio, which should include pictures of past projects. This allows you to physically inspect the work that a contractor has done and assess the caliber of workmanship.
Look at Their Portfolio
A reputable contractor should be able to provide you with a portfolio of previous bathroom home improvement projects. This will give you a sense of their design aesthetic and project completion timelines. If possible, request that they visit your home to get a better idea of the scope of your remodel.
This will help them determine whether their services are a good fit for your needs, and also make it easier to compare quotes from different contractors. Be sure to ask for a detailed quote that clearly outlines the cost of materials, labor, design fees, and any other costs associated with your project.
Also, discuss how they will protect your home during the remodeling process to minimize disruptions to your daily routine. This should include the use of drop cloths, plastic sheeting, and dust barriers.
Look at Their Website
While it may be easy to make a quick decision based on a contractor’s appearance and verbal skills during the phone interview, homeowners should take some time to examine their portfolio and project work. A good bathroom remodeler will provide this before and after pictures on their website or be eager to show them in person.
Visiting past projects gives homeowners insight into a contractor’s attention to detail. They can also see how well the work ages over time, which is important to consider when looking at an upcoming bathroom remodel.
For example, incorporating elements of universal design into the remodel can ensure that it will still be functional for the homeowner and their family in years to come.
Lastly, a good contractor should be licensed and insured for bathroom remodeling. This includes having proper workers’ compensation and liability insurance. This will protect the homeowner in case of any accidents or damage that could occur during construction.
Look at Their License
If you’re looking to remodel a bathroom, your local laws may require you to obtain a permit. Some types of projects that require permits include tiling, adding a window or skylight and any structural changes to the space.
Contractors with a license are typically reputable and reliable. Performing a simple online search for your state’s licensing board will help you verify that the contractor is legitimate and has valid insurance coverage.
It’s also a good idea to choose Optimal Remodel with years of experience in business. Many new companies are great, but it’s reassuring to know the team you hire has been around for many years. However, this shouldn’t be the sole determining factor.
Some highly unscrupulous contractors have been known to travel the country swindling homeowners, so you should always perform a background check.
Why Waterproof Panels are a Must-Have for Your Bathroom Walls(Opens in a new browser tab)
Look at Their Reviews
If you haven’t already, check out the contractors you’ve gathered references for and read their reviews. Look for red flags like a lack of recent project references, consistent price overruns or unprofessional behavior in their reviews.
Remember, it’s important to keep a cushion in your budget to cover the costs of anything that might come up during the renovation. For example, it’s always smart to build 10 to 15 percent into your bathroom remodel budget for plumbing issues that may arise during the construction phase.
To keep your bathroom remodel under budget, think about ways you can save money such as refinishing cabinets and adding new hardware rather than buying completely new ones or installing less expensive lighting fixtures. You can also find ways to splurge on some items such as a walk-in shower or decorative tiles.
Discussion about this post