Prepare ahead of timeĭust will get everywhere.

Many people choose to stay in a hotel while their bathroom is getting remodeled so they don’t have to worry about when they can shower or brush their teeth, according to Tom Nolan, founder of All Star Home, a home improvement company based in North Carolina. If you live in a one-bathroom home, it can be incredibly stressful on your home life (and possibly work life). You won’t be able to use the area during the remodeling process, so you need a backup bathroom plan.

Below are three tips to help your remodeling go smoothly. Once you choose the right contractor, having realistic expectations and open communication will make the process less stressful for everyone involved. 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. 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. Some bathroom remodelers pursue additional certifications in specialty fields (e.g., interior decorating or plumbing). 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. Keep in mind that contractor pricing varies widely depending on the type and complexity of the bathroom remodeling project. Always ask for a detailed quote to understand where your money is going. Compare a few quotesĭiscuss your budget upfront once you find a contractor you want to work with, making sure it covers potential contingencies. If you aren’t sure where to start, consider looking on HomeAdvisor (Powered by Angi) or Houzz for local remodeling contractors in your area.

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. It should include the scope of work, payment schedule, timeline and what happens in case of unforeseen issues or delays. 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.īefore signing any contract, read it thoroughly. What is your contract structure? A fixed-price structure is a great way to manage and run your project.Reputable contractors have no problem sharing this information with you. Ask to see proof of insurance during the initial consultation (general liability, workers' compensation and professional liability insurance, if applicable). Do you work with trade contractors? These are specialty professionals who are licensed, such as plumbers, carpenters, tile installers and electricians.If you hire a jack-of-all-trades - not a licensed plumber - the risk of failure can be catastrophic. If the contractor is more of a handyperson who handles small fixes, they may not be a good fit for a bathroom remodel. 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.Lord-Levitt, who runs a residential design firm in Denver, always tells clients to ask these three questions when interviewing contractors: Once you know what you want, it’s time to start a conversation. “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.” Molly McGinness, interior designer 2. “It’s better to start with a design you love and have a bid on that specific design,” McGinness said. If you ask them generically, they have to base the estimate on a placeholder that most likely doesn’t match your vision.įor 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 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.Ĭontractors can’t give you an accurate price estimate without knowing what you want.

Remember, communication is key, so pick someone responsive. Review each company’s license and insurance and be sure they provide a detailed contract. Don’t be shy to request references and contact past clients. Check the companies’ credibility and ask for examples of past work. Choosing a bathroom remodeling contractor is all about due diligence.

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