3 Things to Look for in Bathroom Remodeling Services

Interested in remodeling a bathroom in your home? You may benefit from looking for the top bathroom remodeling services in your area.

While the “Do It Yourself” approach is commendable, it’s not always the best course of action. Weekend projects and small improvements may not need professional handiwork. A major undertaking, however, can quickly turn into a renovation nightmare. You may inadvertently increase your bathroom remodel cost after it's too late.

Do You Need the Expertise of Bathroom Remodeling Services?

If you’re replacing an existing bathroom component, like a toilet seat or a towel bar, you can call in a handyman or fix it on your own. The same goes for adding and installing relatively simple pieces, such as shower doors or a new light fixture. 

Does your renovation idea go beyond your skills and willingness to pay an hourly rate? Do you think it could be a job for more than one person or more than one weekend? It’s at this point that you should consider bathroom remodeling contractors.

Here’s a pro tip: Finalize your vision before contacting bathroom remodeling services in your local area. Look at catalogs, magazines and online galleries. Compile images and create a list of product model names to show prospective contractors. 

Having a consistent bathroom remodel plan will make it easier to compare price quotations. You shouldn’t automatically pick bathroom remodeling contractors with the most attractive quote, but bathroom remodel cost is a major consideration.

Quick Tip: Use a pinterest or houzz account to compile a list of wants/needs for your future bathroom remodel so contractors can see exactly what your style is.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

What Should You Look for in a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor?

There’s no secret or special knowledge involved in choosing the best among all the bathroom remodeling services available to you. The tips below are basic starting points and can be used as a good base when you’re excited and planning a dream renovation. 

We’ve outlined a simple three-step process to make things crystal clear and help you avoid frustration, headaches and sleepless nights. Here’s what to look for when picking a good bathroom remodeling contractor.

1. Good Referrals, References, and Reputation

Ask trusted neighbors, friends, and family for recommendations and referrals. This is the best way to find your ideal bathroom remodeler because it takes advantage of an established personal network that knows you well. Plus, you can ask to see the finished remodel projects for yourself.

If no one offers a referral, search online for reputable contractors in your locale. A good indicator of a reputable bathroom remodeling company online is a strong online rating on search and social sites like Google & Facebook Pages. 

Remember that remodeling is a service industry, and that customer satisfaction depends on more than the finished product. You are looking for quality skilled work, not just quality materials and an impressive marketing strategy. Once you have a shortlist of contractors, do your research on each candidate and make sure you get several references for each.

2. Verified Credentials, Capabilities, and Communication Habits 

Eliminate lackluster contractor candidates by assessing their credibility. Check their official websites and overall online presence. You may even call them directly and make an informal inquiry. 

Above everything else, the bathroom remodeling services on your shortlist should have all required state and local licenses. Ask about earned certifications, as well as designations from organizations such as the National Association of Homebuilders, the National Kitchen & Bath Association, or the National Association of The Remodeling Industry. 

After confirming your contractors’ credentials, the next step is to look up or ask for their references or reviews. Prepare pertinent questions to ask the contractor: How do you handle communications when there are issues? Is the initial estimate more or less the same as the eventual bathroom remodel cost? How do workers conduct themselves while on the job? 

Don’t forget to ask about communication issues. How does the contractor handle delays or problems with materials? Do they prefer email or mobile messaging? You need to make sure to establish communication expectations with the contractor.

At this stage, you should be able to weed out contractors that aren’t a good fit. For example, some bathroom remodeling services may have a reputation for being efficient and fast, but don’t have design teams to help you fine-tune your renovation plan to make it more efficient and economical. If you want more help in a particular area, you should choose a contractor that includes it in their services.

3. Professionalism with a Personal Touch

By now, you should have your list narrowed down to about three choices. It’s time to make formal inquiries and set up face-to-face meetings. You may ask for a price quotation at this point.

The goal here is twofold: to find out how you feel about them, and to assess their professionalism when it comes to work-related appointments and communications. Both are important because bathroom remodeling happens indoors and in close quarters. 

If you’re not completely comfortable welcoming the contractor in question—as well as their crew—into your home, you won’t be able to relax until the renovation is done. Trust your gut but do keep an open mind.

Are they transparent about business matters? Does their estimate seem fair based on your independent research? How does their paperwork look like? Keep a keen eye on everything, even after you think you’ve made your final choice.

Any legal agreement for a bathroom remodel should include a payment schedule attached to a formal bid price. Don’t tolerate any vague language and insist on specific statements about the project plan, scope and task sequences. Look for change-order, warranty, and dispute resolution clauses, too.

Searching for a Remodeling Company to Build Your Dream Bathroom? 

Bathroom remodeling can be unpredictable, especially if you’re not sure of what’s hidden behind your drywall.

Don’t take your chances and be prepared for the worst-case scenario with a professional crew by your side. Established bathroom remodeling services will know what to do even when the unexpected pops-up during the project. They have years of experience to handle these types of situations and it will save you weekends of aggravation.