Remodeling your bathroom

Are you contemplating a bathroom remodel? If so, you need to do some work on the front-end of the remodel to ensure its success. Hiring your contractor is one of the most important decisions you will make. In order to hire the proper person for the job, you need to interview several contractors. If you are not sure of what questions to ask, be sure you find out the following information: licensing, previous experience, status of insurance, estimate, time frame, and payment preferences.

The first question: Are you licensed?

You must ensure that your contractor is licensed. If you have a remodel underway and it's discovered that your contractor is unlicensed, it can compromise the entire project. Not only will everything come to a halt, it will likely cost you a lot more extra money. Each state has its own licensing process and restrictions. You need to be polite about asking this question. You do not want to cause offense to the contraction, but you do need to verify their license. Contractors who are licensed attend seminars and classes that help keep the job site safe. This protects you and the workers on site.

Next question: What is your previous experience?

A skilled contractor will have experience with other jobs similar to yours. They will have some experience under their belt with making decisions on their feet as well as hiring and firing workers. An experienced contractor will have the confidence gained from having experienced many different stressors and scenarios that have taught them new skills. They now carry these skills with them like their tools.

Next question: Are you insured?

You must verify the contractor's insurance. Liability insurance and worker's compensation insurance are both required by law. This protects the contractor, his employees and you. Accidents do happen. Employees get hurt on the job site all the time. Protect yourself now to avoid a lawsuit down the road.

Next question: What is your estimate to complete the remodel?

Remodeling can be costly. You need to know ahead of time what the contractor estimates in terms of labor and materials. You need to have an idea of the final bill before any work is begun. Do not let someone start working before they give you a written estimate.

Next question: What is your timeline for the remodel?

This is a critical question. You need to know before the hammers start swinging just how long you will be without your powder room. If this is your only bathroom, this is even more critical. Any remodel is inconvenient, but a bathroom remodel is more so. If this is your primary bathroom, then your showering, getting ready for work, etc. will all be impacted. There are many phases of a remodel. First there is demolition to remove the existing, unwanted aspects of the bathroom. Then there is framing, plumbing, insulating, and flooring. The typical remodel runs about a month's time.

Last question: What is your payment preference?

Contractors are individuals. So their preference in terms of payment arrangements are varied. Some prefer to collect as they go for materials. Some want you to pay half upfront and half upon completion. Others want a deposit just to take the contract. Typically, the contractor will need some money before they can begin because some materials have to be purchased before the work can start. Sometimes home owners will opt to go purchase the materials themselves and only pay the contractor for the labor. However, contractors typically get a discount that is not available to you as a layman.