Bathroom remodeling can be complex. You may not be able to do all the work on your own, especially since specialized tasks like plumbing require licenses and permits. Hiring a contractor would always be your most convenient option. Now, if you want to know how to hire a contractor for bathroom remodel projects, here’s what you should know.
How to Hire Someone to Redo a Bathroom?
Finding the best contractor to renovate your bathroom is no walk in the park. It’s not easy to choose one in a sea of builders, all of which claim to be the best at what they do. Of course, you can’t just trust their opinion, so here’s a handy step-by-step guide to hiring a bathroom remodel contractor:
1. Plan your bathroom remodel.
Start by defining the requirements of your remodel. Set the scope of the renovation work as well as your expected results. Consider the changes that you want, the functionalities that you wish to add, and the issues that you need to resolve. You don’t need a comprehensive renovation plan at this stage, but having one helps.
You should then be able to come up with a budget plan. This does not have to be very detailed; you only need to establish a working budget for your contractor. The initial budget should guide your contractor in suggesting solutions that align with your financial constraints. Be realistic in setting your estimates, considering the cost of materials, labor, and a contingency fund for potential unforeseen issues and emergency expenses.
2. Do research on local contractors.
Use the Internet to quickly find bathroom remodeling contractors in your area. Look them up in search engines, online directories, and social networking sites. Alternatively, you can ask your friends, neighbors, or relatives for their recommendations. Checking the morning paper’s classified ads can be quite helpful, too.
Take note of your prospects’ names and contact information, including their phone numbers and email addresses. Look up their websites and social media pages to get a glimpse of their work. See if the style and finish of at least one of their previous projects align with your vision, narrowing down your list in the process.
3. Check the credentials and quality of work.
Take a look at the reviews and client testimonials in your candidate contractor’s website or social media page. This lets you gauge their professionalism, communication skills, and overall customer satisfaction. The feedback from their previous clients should reveal a pattern that tells you of the work ethic and reliability.
You should also check if the contractor has the proper licenses and permits to operate in your area and perform the necessary tasks. First, review your state’s licensing and registration requirements. Next, contact the contractor and ask for their licensing information. Cross-check the information they provide with government records. State government websites usually have online search portals that lets you check for registered contractors’ licenses.
See if the contractor’s license is still active, or if they’re licensed for the type of work required by your bathroom remodel. Note the address in their registration and compare it with the one they provided; a mismatch is usually a red flag for fraud and illegal operations. You should also look out for complaints and records of disciplinary actions against the contractor.
4. Discuss estimates, warranties, and project timelines.
Once you’ve singled out the legitimate and reliable contractors from your list, ask these lucky candidates for their estimates for your planned remodel. Remember to present your budget plan so the contractor has an idea how much you’re willing to spend, what compromises should be made, and if your expectations work with your financial limitations.
Don’t forget to talk about warranties as well. Reputable, experienced contractors take pride with the quality of their work and are happy to offer a refund for issues that may occur within a certain amount of time after the remodel’s completion. The lack of a warranty indicates low confidence and should be considered a dealbreaker.
Once you’ve taken note of the estimates and warranties, ask each contractor for a realistic timeline to complete your bathroom remodel. Discuss the factors that may affect the project’s duration, including material availability and local bureaucratic requirements. It’s also important to get insights on their approach to the project and how they communicate with their clientele.
From here, you can further thin your list. Note the contractors that can work within your financial constraints and are able to deliver at the best possible date. Don’t just go for the cheapest and fastest—the quality of the call and the contractor’s willingness to provide detailed explanations should be strong indicators of the caliber of service.
5. Select the contractor.
Take time to review the top contenders for your bathroom remodel project. Compare the quality of their work and how well they can bring your vision to life given your limited budget. Again, don’t just settle for the cheapest offer. Choose the contractor with the highest potential to deliver based on their portfolio, reputation, and price that aligns with the value they provide.
6. Sign the contract.
Before work starts on your bathroom remodel, you and your contractor should have a legal contract that clearly outlines all aspects of the project, including the scope of the work, payment schedules, and the professional services involved. Together with your contractor, review this thoroughly and make amendments, if necessary. Once you have come up with a contract that all parties can agree with, you may now sign the document and the renovation will begin.
How Much Should It Cost to Renovate a Bathroom?
Bathroom remodels cost around $12,000 on average across the United States. A low end makeover may be as cheap as $2,500, while top-of-the-line remodels can set you back by as much as $30,000. The actual cost depends on the size of the bathroom and the extent of the renovation.
How Long Should It Take a Contractor to Remodel a Bathroom?
A bathroom remodel in the hands of a good contractor can take anywhere from six weeks to around three months. This covers the entire process from planning to completion. The actual construction itself could last around 30 working days.
In Conclusion
Hiring a contractor for your bathroom remodel is actually straightforward. The tricky part, though, is finding the best contractor that can fulfill your vision at your set price. For this, you will have to prioritize research and clear communication, rather than hiring the lowest bidder with the fastest turnaround time.
