Choosing a bathroom remodeling contractor is all about due diligence. Check the companies’ credibility and ask for examples of past work. Don’t be shy to request references and contact past clients. Review each company’s license and insurance and be sure they provide a detailed contract.
Remember, communication is key, so pick someone responsive. It’s your dream bathroom, after all.
1. Finalize your vision
“It’s always best to have a complete design put together before you ask a builder for a quote,” according to Molly McGinness, an award-winning interior designer based on Cape Cod.
Contractors can’t give you an accurate price estimate without knowing what you want. If you ask them generically, they have to base the estimate on a placeholder that most likely doesn’t match your vision.
For example, ceramic materials are much cheaper than natural stone, and installing a simple pattern, like a brick or stacked pattern, has lower labor costs than more complicated designs, such as a herringbone or small mosaic pattern.
“It’s better to start with a design you love and have a bid on that specific design,” McGinness said. “If the bid comes in too high, you can then ask about ways to bring the cost down and how the design could be adjusted, either in materials, layout changes or what changes could affect the labor costs.”
It’s better to start with a design you love and have a bid on that specific design.”
2. Ask the right questions
Once you know what you want, it’s time to start a conversation. Elizabeth P. Lord-Levitt, who runs a residential design firm in Denver, always tells clients to ask these three questions when interviewing contractors:
- What type of projects do you normally do? The company’s past projects should be associated with the scope of work that needs to be done for your project. If the contractor is more of a handyperson who handles small fixes, they may not be a good fit for a bathroom remodel. If you hire a jack-of-all-trades —not a licensed plumber —the risk of failure can be catastrophic.
- Do you work with trade contractors? These are specialty professionals who are licensed, such as plumbers, carpenters, tile installers and electricians. Ask to see proof of insurance during the initial consultation (general liability, workers' compensation and professional liability insurance, if applicable). Reputable contractors have no problem sharing this information with you.
- What is your contract structure? A fixed-price structure is a great way to manage and run your project. If they work on a "time and material" structure for a large-scale project, it can be hard to manage the day-to-day expenses, and a budget can be completely blown before construction even starts.
Before signing any contract, read it thoroughly. It should include the scope of work, payment schedule, timeline and what happens in case of unforeseen issues or delays.
You should also check references and look at past work —reviewing previous projects will give you an idea of the contractor’s quality and style. If you aren’t sure where to start, consider looking on HomeAdvisor (Powered by Angi) or Houzz for local remodeling contractors in your area.
» MORE: How to choose a home remodeling contractor
3. Compare a few quotes
Discuss your budget upfront once you find a contractor you want to work with, making sure it covers potential contingencies. Always ask for a detailed quote to understand where your money is going.
Keep in mind that contractor pricing varies widely depending on the type and complexity of the bathroom remodeling project. Complications, changing orders and increases in project scope can also affect your budget, so make sure you understand the bathroom remodeling costs before any work begins.
Some bathroom remodelers pursue additional certifications in specialty fields (e.g., interior decorating or plumbing). They usually charge more, regardless of what material you choose, but it could be worth it if you need customized cabinetry or complicated plumbing layouts and a tricky electrical plan.
If you’re only doing a basic facelift with standard material selections, however, you probably don’t need to pay a premium on the labor.
DIY vs. hiring a contractor
Choosing between hiring a contractor versus DIYing your bathroom remodel will ultimately come down to your skill level and the scope of your project. If your project requires structural changes, plumbing or electrical work, it may be best to hire a contractor. Work done incorrectly can lead to bigger issues and expenses down the road.
If your bathroom remodel is cosmetic, taking the DIY approach will save you money and allow you to have total control over the timeline and design of the project. But for more complicated remodels involving plumbing or structural changes, hiring a professional can save you time and potential frustration.
