A bathroom remodel may be the most satisfying home improvement project that there is. The bathroom is a place of calm and quiet, and because of that, the results of a bathroom remodel have an immediately positive effect on our personal lives. A brand new shower, new lighting, and finally getting all of the storage that we need are all beneficial to our personal lives at home. In addition, a new bathroom provides a great return on investment when it comes time to sell. A bathroom remodel increases the value of the home. But how do you make sure that your bathroom improves your quality of life, and increases the value of your home? By knowing who to hire for a bathroom remodel. There are many factors to consider in order to find the best contractor for the project.
Where Do I Start?
Just like with everything else in life, start with a plan.
First, set your budget. Don’t forget to leave some room for the unforeseen.
Second, figure out what you need out of the project.
Do you need to remodel for handicap accessibility?
Do you need to remodel for a senior who is aging in place?
Look at the costs of materials and fixtures that you are replacing, and estimate the cost of labor. The more detailed your plan is for your bathroom, the less room for error there is in communicating this to the contractor that you choose. In addition, if your plans for your bathroom exceed your budget, concessions must be made. Once again, there has to be room in your budget for unforeseen costs. There’s a surprise in every project that is covered by that extra space, or it goes over budget.
Third, gather information on multiple contractors. Ask friends and family for recommendations. Look online and read the reviews. Choose at least the top 3 contractors in your area. More is better to get a range of pricing.
Fourth, contact the contractors. If they don’t have their work available online, ask to see a portfolio. If you need more opinions on their work, ask for references. If there is any doubt whatsoever, ask to see proof of insurance, licensing, and certifications. Ask if they will be doing the work themselves, or hiring subcontractors. This is very important. You have to know who is coming into your home.
What Do I Need to Know to For Hire a Bathroom Remodel?
Present the detailed plans for your bathroom with each contractor that performs an estimate. Choosing materials and fixtures in advance of an estimate makes the entire process run much smoother, and prevents miscommunications and errors. The contractors will be able to provide you with an estimate much faster this way.
When you gather estimates from contractors, make certain that they’re in writing. Compare the estimates and the value that they provide at that price. Make certain that you know every detail of what the contractor is offering for the price they proposed. A quality contractor will walk you through each step of the process verbally, as well as what they need from you during the project, and a timeline on how long it will take for them to complete.
In addition, good contractors will communicate with you about every detail of the project, and how it affects you. Things such as how they control dust, the placement of a dumpster, and how long they expect the remodel to take. We go over these details with you in advance to show you that we are a professional, and considerate company.
Who Acquires the Materials for a Bathroom Remodel? The Homeowner, or the Contractor?
We allow customers to acquire their own materials and fixtures if they choose, and even pass on the discount that we receive from our suppliers. However, not all customers want this task on their plate. Determine how materials will be chosen and supplied with each contractor that provides an estimate. Also, many homeowners choose to refurbish or reuse some of their existing bathroom fixtures. Some contractors may not allow customers to acquire their own materials or fixtures. This may mean that they are profiting from the materials and fixtures, and it may mean that they want to make certain that all of the materials are ready to be installed before they start, or both.
What is Their Timeline?
If you’re under a time constraint for any reason, communicate that to the contractors before getting an estimate. If you’re looking to sell your house next month, and the contractor is booked 3 months in advance, an estimate is going to be a waste of time for both of you. If you need a specific timeline, communicate that immediately over the phone.
In addition, make sure that each contractor supplies you with a timeline in addition to the estimate. None of us will be able to give you a schedule set in stone, but we know how long it will take between signing the contract, and completing the project, barring any surprise problems.
Click here if you need more information on “How long does a bathroom remodel take?”
How do I Choose Who to Hire?
Lastly, a homeowner has to choose. At his point, you have probably eliminated at least one of your candidates. There are many tell-tale signs that you shouldn’t do business with someone. You may have picked up on someone withholding information, or some body language told you that the person giving your estimate wasn’t being completely up front with you about the project.
We all choose different contractors for different reasons. In interviews, our customers always say that our family atmosphere is why they chose us, and how it feels while we are in their homes. Weigh the differences, and choose the contractor that feels right to you. Trust your gut.
Need more help choosing who to hire for a bathroom remodel? Please Call or Email us here at Flooring Masters for a free consultation, and estimate!
