Hire a Bathroom Renovation Contractor
Finding the right contractor is the most important decision you'll make. Take time to properly vet candidates and protect yourself with a solid contract.
Quick Summary
Why This Matters
A good contractor can make your renovation smooth and stress-free, while a bad one can turn it into a nightmare. The time you invest in finding the right contractor will pay dividends throughout your project. Don't rush this step—a few extra weeks of vetting is worth it for a project that could take months.
Where to Find Contractors
Personal Referrals
Ask friends, family, and neighbors who've had recent bathroom work done. These are often your best leads.
Online Platforms
Houzz, HomeAdvisor, Angi, and Thumbtack connect homeowners with contractors. Check reviews carefully.
Trade Associations
NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) and NARI have directories of certified professionals.
Supply Showrooms
Tile shops and plumbing showrooms often know contractors who do quality work with their materials.
Vetting Process
Initial Phone Screen
Before scheduling an in-home visit, have a quick call:
- Confirm they do bathroom renovations specifically
- Ask about current availability and lead time
- Verify they're licensed and insured
- Describe your project scope to gauge their interest
Check Credentials
Before meeting in person, verify:
- License: Check your state contractor licensing board
- Insurance: Request certificate of liability insurance
- Workers' Comp: Required if they have employees
- BBB Rating: Check for complaints or disputes
In-Home Consultation
During the site visit, pay attention to:
- Do they arrive on time and act professionally?
- Do they take measurements and photos?
- Do they ask detailed questions about your goals?
- Do they spot potential issues you hadn't considered?
- How well do they communicate and listen?
Review Portfolio & References
Ask to see photos of completed bathroom projects similar to yours. Then contact 2-3 recent clients:
- Was the project completed on time and on budget?
- How did they handle problems or changes during the project?
- Was the worksite kept clean and organized?
- Would you hire them again?
Compare Written Estimates
Get detailed written estimates from at least 3 contractors. Each should include:
- Itemized breakdown of labor and materials
- Timeline with start and completion dates
- Payment schedule tied to milestones
- What's included and excluded from the scope
- Warranty information
Red Flags to Watch For
- ⚠️Demands more than 30% upfront or cash-only payment
- ⚠️Unwilling to provide references or proof of insurance
- ⚠️Quote is significantly lower than others (often means corners will be cut)
- ⚠️Pressures you to sign immediately or offers "today-only" pricing
- ⚠️No physical business address or only a P.O. box
- ⚠️Suggests skipping permits to save money
- ⚠️Vague about who will actually do the work
Contract Must-Haves
- ✓Detailed scope of work with specific materials and brands
- ✓Fixed price or clear pricing method for changes
- ✓Payment schedule tied to completion milestones
- ✓Start and completion dates with penalties for delays
- ✓Change order process requiring written approval
- ✓Warranty terms for both labor and materials
- ✓Permit responsibility (contractor should handle)
- ✓Cleanup and debris removal included
- ✓Lien waiver requirements upon final payment
Questions to Ask
About Their Business
- • How long have you been doing bathroom renovations?
- • Will you be doing the work or subcontractors?
- • How many projects do you have going simultaneously?
- • What's your typical timeline for a project like mine?
About the Process
- • Who will be my main point of contact?
- • How do you handle unexpected problems found during demo?
- • What are your working hours and daily schedule?
- • How do you protect the rest of my home during construction?
About Costs & Payment
- • What's included in your quote and what's extra?
- • How do you handle change orders?
- • What's your payment schedule?
- • What warranty do you offer on your work?