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Questions to Ask a Bathroom Remodeler

If you’re planning a bathroom remodel, you’re not alone. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), bathrooms have surpassed kitchens as the most popular room to remodel. There are dozens of bathroom remodelers out there, so it’s important to ask those you trust for recommendations, and read online reviews before making a decision.

Keep reading for a handy list of essential questions to ask a bathroom remodeling company.

How long has your bathroom remodeling company been established?

Nothing against industry newcomers, but the longer a bathroom remodeling company has been around, the more likely they know what they’re doing. This means having expert staff members, established procedures, and an online presence—a quick search will provide plenty of information about the company. Did you know that Re-Bath was founded in 1978? Learn more about our company history here.

May I see your bathroom remodeling portfolio?

In addition to doing some internet research about the company’s past, you should ask to see before and after photos of recently completed remodels. Ask them to walk you through their projects and provide information such as how long they took, the extent of the remodels, what made them unique, and how they feel about the results. View our Bathroom Design Gallery for inspiration for your next bathroom remodel.

Do you have any references?

Online reviews are helpful, and you should certainly read them, but beware of bathroom remodeling companies that have nothing but 5-stars; most companies that have been in business for years have had a few customer complaints. That’s okay, just note how the business handled those poor reviews and ask about them during your interview.

You can also ask to speak with previous customers—trustworthy companies will be happy to provide references. If you choose to reach out, ask them what their experience with the company was like, and what the most positive and negative aspects of the process were. Learn more about Re-Bath’s customer reviews and ratings here.

How much does bathroom remodeling cost?

According to Home Advisor, the typical range for a bathroom remodel is roughly $6k – $15k. That total includes the cost of products, materials, and installation services. Be cautious about hiring a remodeling company that won’t provide you with an estimate, or contractors who only offer a wide range.

Look for someone who will provide you with an exact quote so that you can be sure to stay within your budget. Just remember that the contractor can’t see behind your walls or underneath your flooring, so budget about 10% more than you think you’ll need should the crew discover anything that needs to be replaced, like a rotting subfloor, termite damage or plumbing issues.

To keep costs down, stick with your existing bathroom layout – moving plumbing can add a great deal to your bottom line. Being flexible about your design options can keep your budget intact, too. Maybe what you truly need is a tub and shower update, or a safer, more accessible bathroom space. Just be sure that every product you choose can hold up to large amounts of use and water.

Does this include a bathroom remodeling warranty?

Warranties help to ensure your satisfaction and long-term maintenance of your bathroom. Reputable remodeling companies offer warranties on both the products they install and the services they offer. Re-Bath offers one-year warranty coverage on workmanship and installation of your bathroom remodel, as well as warranties on specific products.

Are you a licensed bathroom remodeler?

Thirty-five out of 50 states have some sort of contractor licensing system, and each has its own set of rules. In states where they’re available, reputable contractors will carry a copy of their license along with a printed record of any consumer complaints, penalties, or fines. While a license isn’t a guarantee that a contractor will do perfect work, it’s a good sign that they’ve done their due diligence.

Are you insured?

The best advice we can give you is to only hire remodelers who are insured. That’s critical, because if an installer were to damage your house during the remodel without being insured, you would be on the hook to pay for it. Even if a bathroom remodel company appears to have a squeaky-clean record, mistakes can happen. Be sure to request proof of comprehensive business liability insurance.

How does your bathroom remodeling process work?

Since the process of any bathroom remodel will have an impact on your entire home, don’t be afraid to ask questions about a company’s remodeling process, such as:

  • What time will you start and end each day?
  • Will you clean up all the garbage and debris?
  • How will you protect other parts of my home from damage?

Be sure to request the answers to these questions in writing. Learn more about our bathroom remodel process and what to expect when you work with Re-Bath.

Do you use contractors or in-house employees?

Remodeling companies that rely on subcontracted workers have less control over project timing and cost, primarily because they must work around each contractor’s schedule, often leading to unnecessary down time. They also can’t guarantee that everyone working on your remodel is licensed and fully insured.

At Re-Bath, our proprietary remodel process allows us to complete a bathroom remodel in about one week. We don’t cut corners and we never use subcontractors. Every member of the Re-Bath crew – from the sales staff to the designers and installers – is a trained employee. It’s how we can guarantee that every project is completed by a fully licensed and insured professional, on time and within budget.

Tell me about a challenge that came up during a remodeling project and how you handled it.

Bonus round! Virtually every remodeling company has had its fair share of difficult projects. It’s not unusual for unexpected issues like water damage, bad plumbing, or faulty wiring to be discovered during demolition. The question is, how did they handle the problem? A reputable remodeling company will be transparent about issues they’ve encountered and explain how they work with customers to find appropriate solutions.

If you’re considering a bathroom remodel, we’d love to answer these questions and more. Schedule a free design consultation to talk through your project and find out how we can make your dream bathroom a reality!