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.
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. Tree Trimming and Removal
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.
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. Realtor Lead Appointment Setting
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.
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.