How to Choose a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor
For many people, the bathroom is not merely a utility but also a sanctuary. As you ponder and weigh the pros and cons of renovation, think of the transformation into a living space where you can pamper yourself. Suppose you decide to proceed, the obvious question that comes next is how you can choose the best bathroom remodeling contractor.
Horror stories of projects not completed abound. As if that is not enough, there is also the matter of workmanship and warranty. For you to avoid being left in the air, you should spend time carefully choosing the right bathroom contractor. Many would agree that this is more important than shopping for bathroom fixtures and accessories.
Finding the Best Bathroom Remodeling Contractor
How do you know that the bathroom contractor you choose can deliver on their promise?
If you were to ask around, some people might be able to recommend contractors that have done a splendid job. Most, however, can tell you everything that went wrong. For sure, you do not want to ever have to go through a horrific experience.
Follow these tips to eliminate the “bad” contractors. Perhaps not 100% guaranteed, but what you learn here helps you find the ones who can remodel your bathroom and finish on time.
1. Check the Track Record
From their website, you can take a look at the photo gallery, portfolio, and projects completed. All bathroom remodeling contractors should also be able to provide more visual aids and other information during meetings. You could even ask to talk to previous customers.
Ultimately, you want to find the answer to this question:
How much experience does the bathroom contractor have, and what have they renovated, remodeled, or built?
2. Talk to Three or More Contractors
The more you know, the better you can make an educated decision. Not that you are going to master every detail. You only want to know enough, and one of the best ways is to talk to a few contractors.
Every single bathroom renovation contractor can suggest designs and explain how they will do the remodeling. In as much as you absorb the information, new questions may arise. Go ahead, keep asking until you are satisfied with what you have learned.
3. Supply or Reuse Bathroom Products
Bathroom contractors can save you the hassle of shopping for fixtures, accessories, and other items. You do have the option to buy them yourself, which is more economical. Furthermore, there is no sense in discarding perfectly reusable items. Discuss these options and the viability of reusing existing materials and installations.
4. Discuss the Schedule
When does the bathroom remodeling contractor start working?
How much time is needed to complete the project?
During the inquiry stage, you should at least have an idea of how the schedule looks like. The contractor should be able to give you a vague idea.
Later on, when you have chosen a contractor, be sure that the schedule and duration of work are included in the contract. The contract presented to you would also have the schedule of payments.
5. Solicit Bids in Writing
After you have decided on the design, schedule, and scope of work, ask the contractors to submit their bids.
During verbal discussions – calls or personally – do take notes. There is a lot to discuss, and some key details may be forgotten. After finalizing the design, schedule, and everything else, ask for an estimate in a written form. Make sure that it is detailed and leaves no room for misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
6. What the Contractor Is Doing
What happens when the bathroom renovation contractor starts? For a simple, small bathroom, this may not matter as much. But for larger projects, the work is broken down into several smaller sub-projects.
The best contractors in this business would have no qualms about discussing what they will do.
7. Peripheral Issues
Bathroom contractors understand that when they begin working, your way of living is disrupted. For one, you can no longer use the bathroom until the completion of the project. People would be coming and going. Discuss what time they should arrive and leave.
The best contractors are well-experienced. They understand what it entails and should be the ones offering tips on dealing with all sorts of peripheral issues.
8. Licenses and Credentials
Bathroom remodeling contractors cannot operate without the necessary licenses. You want to check if they are indeed licensed and registered with the agencies that have jurisdiction. There are also other documents you could check – criminal record, insurance, and more.
9. Putting It All Together
When you have gone through the above-stated processes, it becomes apparent that cost should not be the first concern. You can try to go cheap and possibly end up with a poorly renovated bathroom.
Choose a contractor that has a proven track record of completing projects, leaving customers happy. Scheduling and duration should not be a problem. Even better is if you can get to speak with past customers.
10. The Contract
It goes without saying that everything that had been discussed should be put into writing – legally. A signed contract is a protection for both you and the bathroom contractor. It should cover the details of the project, schedule, cost, payment, and others. You can also have stipulations on what happens if the contractor could not complete it on time.
Bathroom Remodeling Contractor in Ontario
Choosing a contractor is not easy. But this process is probably much more important than picking the bathroom products to use. You can have the best fixtures and accessories, but that could go to waste under the hands of unqualified professionals.
Do you need a bathroom remodeling contractor in one of these areas?
- Aurora
- Bradford
- Innisfil
- Maple
- Markham
- Milton
- Mississauga
- Newmarket
- Oakville
- Oshawa
- Richmond Hill
- Thornhill
- Vaughan
- Woodbridge
From conceptualizing and planning to design and remodeling your dream bathroom, BathroomBro in Ontario is your partner.