Hiring a bathroom remodeling contractor is perhaps more difficult than finding a contractor for any other home improvement project, for a number of reasons. First, the fixtures contained within a bathroom must be installed properly. That also means that whatever fixtures are being removed must be uninstalled properly. These types of plumbing installations and removals involve a great deal of skill, knowledge, and experience as a bathroom remodeling contractor. Too many homeowners hire unqualified contractors, largely because they have not vetted them well. Or worse, some homeowners actually try installing these things themselves, and what they end up with is a bigger bill and headache than if they had hired the right person in the first place. DIY is great if you know what you’re doing. If you don’t, by all means, don’t start with bathroom installations. So how do you go about choosing a bathroom remodeling contractor then? You listen to the folks who know what they’re talking about—top contractors in Princeton have compiled the following valuable information that will help you find the right bathroom remodeling contractor for your project.
Personal Referrals
It was true years ago, and it’s still true today—nothing beats word of mouth when you’re shopping for anything, most particularly a remodeling contractor. The first step in choosing a reputable one is to check around with your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors, asking if they’ve used a bathroom remodeling contractor recently in the past couple years. Also ask if you can see the job that was performed. If you can’t look at it in person, try to get before and after photos. Then get contact information for at least three remodeling contractors for your bathroom home improvement project.
Online Referrals
Another excellent way to get referrals is to go to trusted home project referrals sites such as ‘Angie’s List.’ Here, you should be able to find a number of bathroom remodeling contractors in your area. You’ll be able to read reviews of their work; potentially see photos of the jobs performed; learn of their experience, skill level, and on-the-job performance. You’ll also be to retrieve contact information.
Set up a Meeting
Call no less than three, but recommended up to five, and set up in-person meetings with them. You can have them come out to the property, if you like, or you can wait to do this on the second meeting. After all, you’ll probably eliminate at least one of these contractors the first time you meet, for one reason or another. Be sure to ask the right questions at this meeting. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you get a bad feeling from a bathroom remodeling contractor, run! Never ignore red flags.
Questions to ask
The most important questions to ask include:
- Estimates—will you give me an estimate? Incidentally, don’t just ask for an estimate; insist upon it! And get as detailed an estimate as possible—with costs—including whether labor and materials are separate costs, or if they’re all included in one cost.
- Insurance—are they insured? If not, run! Bathroom remodeling contractors should carry workers’ compensation insurance, property damage insurance, and personal liability insurance, minimally.
- Photos—can I get before and after photos of jobs you’ve performed, as well as referrals?
- Subcontractors—do they hire subcontractors? If so, check out those folks too.
- Cleanup—how will you handle cleanup, both during the job and after it?
Once you’ve gotten answers to these questions from all of your potential hires, you can narrow down your choices to just one. Be sure not to skip any of these questions and, again, trust your instincts. If you get a bad feeling from someone, move on to the next contractor. These are people who will be spending a lot of time on your property, and you’ll be spending a lot of money on them. You need to feel good about them.
A well-known television judge says it often—the cheap comes out expensive. If you’re embarking on a bathroom remodeling project, you need to find a good bathroom remodeling contractor who will perform the job right the first time. Follow the steps mentioned above in order to leave little to chance when it comes to your bathroom remodeling project. For more information on how to choose a bathroom remodeling contractor, type ‘bathroom contractor near me’ into your internet browser.
