You don't want just anyone coming into your home to redo your bathroom. Especially when you consider that 46% of remodeling is fixing mistakes by other contractors! That means your bathroom is under construction twice. That means you pay for a bathroom remodel twice. You need a contractor who will get it right the first time.
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:
- What Bathroom Services Do You Offer?
- Can I See Examples of Your Completed Bathroom Projects?
- What Are Your Lead Times, Project Timelines, and Scheduling Constraints?
- How Do I Pay for My Bathroom Remodel with You?
- How Will We Communicate Throughout My Bathroom Remodel?
- Do I Need Bathroom Remodel Permits or Inspections?
- Do You Work with Subcontractors for Bathroom Remodels?
- Can You Provide Proof that You Are Currently Licensed and Insured as a Bathroom Contractor?
1. What Bathroom Services Do You Offer?
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.
2. Can I See Examples of Your Completed Bathroom Projects?
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.
In addition to reviewing photos, check out online testimonials from clients. Google reviews are an excellent starting point. This ensures that the contractor’s claims match the experiences of their customers. It's important to get feedback directly from clients, rather than just relying on the contractor's own description of their work.
3. What Are Your Lead Times, Project Timelines, and Scheduling Constraints?
Companies should be able to provide a lead time, which is the waiting period between signing the contract and beginning construction. This timeframe accounts for tasks like finalizing selections, taking precise measurements, ordering materials, and ensuring everything arrives at the job site.
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.
4. How Do I Pay for My Bathroom Remodel with You?
There are multiple ways to pay for your bathroom renovation and each contractor should provide their options to you. Regardless of how you pay, make sure to have each payment plan and your quote in writing so you can refer to it later.
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
Payment plans mean that you pay JSB directly with cash, check, or credit card in four increments with no interest.
- 30% Upfront: This is the amount that is due at the time you sign a contract. It is your deposit and holds your spot on our job installation schedule. A deposit or down payment also lets us order materials so that they are ready to go when your project starts.
- 30% at Project Start: The next installment is due when construction starts on your bathroom.
- 30% at Substantial Finish of Your Project: The substantial finish of your project is when all major tasks are completed. There might be some small items left to finish like installing a towel bar or hooking up the faucets but the main components of your bathroom project are complete.
- 10% at Final Walkthrough: At the final walkthrough, our team will make sure that we have crossed our t's and dotted our i's. This means that our work is done and your bathroom is ready for you to enjoy.
Financing Options
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.
- 0% Interest with Monthly Payments: This type of financing has no interest but higher monthly payments over the course of 6 months to 5 years.
- Fixed Interest Rates with Low Monthly Payments: This type of financing has low interest rates and lower monthly payments from 5 - 15 years.
5. How Will We Communicate Throughout My Bathroom Remodel?
Phone calls, texts, and emails are the most common ways that you will communicate with your bathroom contractor during the project. It is important for you to know how to communicate with your contractor so that you can ask questions as necessary and so that you don't miss their messages about project updates. Here at JSB, we keep written records of all the plans, designs, and contracts. Then once construction starts, we will use your preferred method of communication. If you want a phone call, we will call you. If you would rather a text so that you can read it at your convenience and have a record of it, we will text you.
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.
6. Do I Need Bathroom Remodel Permits or Inspections?
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.
7. Do You Work with Subcontractors for Bathroom Remodels?
Subcontractors, often referred to as "subs," are sometimes hired by bathroom remodeling companies, known as general contractors, to handle specific tasks or even the entire remodel. However, if not properly managed, subcontractors can bring an element of uncertainty and potential quality control issues.
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.
8. Can You Provide Proof that You Are Currently Licensed and Insured as a Bathroom Contractor?
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.
Now That I Know What to Ask Bathroom Remodelers, What Do I Do Next?
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!
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