One of the most rewarding home renovation projects is remodeling your bathroom. A gleaming new shower or bathtub, a new color scheme, a bathroom vanity with a gorgeous counter, and more storage than ever are among the quick and personal benefits that come with it.

 A high-quality bathroom remodel can potentially pay for itself by increasing the resale value of your home. It will also save you money in the long run because efficient plumbing and water system will help you reduce your water and electricity usage, plus you won't need to spend money on unprecedented repairs in the future. 

One thing that guarantees a successful bathroom remodeling is to hire a reputable contractor with professionals who can see your project through to completion. Employing a licensed contractor will ultimately save you time and money. To help you out, we have gathered tips to help you choose the best contractor for the task. 

But, First Things First! 

Make sure you have a well-thought-out plan before starting this huge project. Gather your thoughts and make a list of any objectives you may have for your bathroom as well as any specific modifications you would like to see. You can also browse for inspiration and ideas on Google or Pinterest so you can visualize your desired results.

If you have done that, let's proceed to the next step—choosing the best contractor for your next project. We have prepared 10 tips below. 

1.  Do research on remodeling contractors in your area

Explore remodeling contractors in your area, especially if you haven't worked with them before. Learn more about the type of work they do, their fees, and the services they provide. Additionally, you can inquire about the experiences of close friends and family members with remodeling contractors. You could contact the same contractor, given that they had a positive experience with them.

2.  Conduct 3 or more interviews

You can compare the contractors and select the best one by interviewing a variety of remodeling contractors. We recommend you interview at least two or three or more contractors before selecting the one that best suits your requirements.

When conducting interviews, you can also inquire about basic matters like their standard of work, the size of the team, and whether they have the necessary licenses and insurance. Additionally, you can request a list of references to ensure their authenticity and determine whether they have contributed to any worthwhile projects. 

Below, we have listed a few important questions to ask to help you with your interviews. 

How many projects does your company usually handle?

You want a business that is accessible to you and maintains a steady working relationship with its subcontractors. As soon as the project begins, be sure you and your contractor have the same expectations for how frequently they will be on site. The contractor should be upfront with you regarding the duration of each step of the project and should demonstrate a solid awareness of the factors that can potentially cause that timeframe to be pushed out. 

A contractor who communicates is not afraid of responsibility, and they are always prepared to respond to inquiries or keep the client updated on the status of any project.

Do you accept bathroom remodeling projects of my scope?

Each bathroom remodeling contractor has its specialty. For instance, while one contractor specializes in minor bathroom remodels, another may be good at bathroom additions. Everyone will appreciate saving time and effort by requesting this information upfront. 

Additionally, be crucial to find out if your contractor has design experience, especially if you require bathroom design services. In any case that they don't, think about employing an architect or designer.

Is your company bonded, licensed, and insured?

According to state and local regulations, every contractor or subcontractor working on your home should be duly bonded, licensed, and insured. While selecting a bonded contractor can help protect you if the contractor fails to pay workers, fails to pay for permits, or doesn't finish the work, insurance can also protect you if your home is destroyed during construction or workers are hurt on the job.

What permits does my project require and will you be handling them?

A contractor's unwillingness to obtain the necessary permits can indicate that they are not licensed. To ensure that the project is compliant with regulations and that your homeowner's insurance will cover it once it is finished, you might require permits. Before the project begins, make sure to find out if permits are necessary and, if so, check if they are going to handle it themselves. 

Who will be working in my home?

Many general contractors manage a company and use foreman to oversee tasks. Make sure the project manager is someone you want visiting your home every day by asking to meet them. Your contractor may hire extra experts based on the specifics of your bathroom renovation job. 

This is often a good idea because tasks like drywall, painting, and tiling require an expert. However, be sure to enquire precisely what will be hired out and learn more about the subcontractors involved.

How does your company work?

When does the workday begin and end? At the end of each day, do they clean up? Are they going to remove the trash and debris? If pros are working inside, ask how they can protect your floors or walls from damage. 

The best course of action is to discuss everything up front and get it in writing. To find out what other homeowners have to say about their working style, carefully study their past reviews and don't just accept their word for it. 

3.  Review the previews work

You can tell if someone is effective and efficient with their work by looking at the prior work that they completed for their clients. You should ideally be able to view a few images of your renovation contractor's greatest work when they arrive. You might also be able to see them on their website or social media pages if they don't have any photographs with them.

While all bathroom remodeling companies deliver quality work, you should check to discover which one best meets your needs and has a comparable working style. Additionally, don't dismiss that concept if you don't think the photographs are good or if you think anything is wrong with their work. Simply walk away from that contractor and pursue your other options.

4. Check for reliable references

When everything appears to be in order based on your evaluation of their prior work, ask them for solid references so you can validate and double-check everything. To confirm and validate their license, get in touch with the relevant state authorities. 

5.  Ask for well-written estimates

Verbal quotes aren't very valuable, whether you're a homeowner or a bathroom contractor. Even when everyone is trying their best, numbers might be overlooked, misunderstood, or misheard. All people can understand well-written estimates, and they are useful if you need to file a lawsuit. It is acceptable to request a verbal rough estimate from a bathroom contractor. Just keep in mind that nobody is being held to that amount, and you should proceed with a formal cost estimate.

6.  Obtain a timeline or schedule

Make sure to discuss the start date of the bathroom remodeling and the anticipated completion date with the bathroom contractor before signing the contract. Both you and the contractor care about the schedule. You can move through with the contract once you both agree to it.

Dealing with a bathroom remodeling contractor may be a little challenging for you if you have a job or a hectic schedule. A contractor that works at your location can need a few days to do the project, depending on your requirements.

Delays happen because most homeowners don't understand how important being on time is. It will be simple to manage the contractors if you set a timeline for yourself. Discuss any timing concerns you may have with the contractor so they can decide if they can take on the project or not.

7.   Clarify the contractor's scope of work

The remodeling contractor will never just say that the bathroom will be renovated. Instead, several distinct, smaller sub-projects make up this bigger bathroom remodeling job. Speak with the bathroom contractor to learn more about the project's objectives before the contract is written. Contractors who specialize in bathroom renovations carry out a precise list of tasks and provide the necessary supplies.

8.  Discuss supplying new materials or reusing your own

You have the choice to recycle usable elements from your old bathroom in addition to using new building materials when redesigning it with a contractor. The materials that you want to repurpose should be discussed in advance with the contractor. Follow the contractor's advice regarding the viability of these materials as well.

 9.  Verify the licensing and insurance policy

Bathroom contractors must meet many standards to get licensed or registered, including insurance, bonding, background checks, testing, continuing education, and more. Online contractor-matching services frequently demand current licenses and registrations as a requirement to get in.

10.   Choose your best fit! 

Hiring a bathroom remodel contractor is like choosing a new car: you have to do your research and make sure you're getting the best value for your money. But that's not all!

Once you've found a contractor who meets your needs and matches up with your style, you'll need to factor in 5 other factors from our tips above:

1. Don't just choose the low estimate. Think about what you're getting for your money: does it have to last? Is it worth paying more for an expert who will make sure your new bathroom lasts longer than your old one?

2. Consider scheduling and working with a contractor who can give you the kind of help you need. Are they reliable and easy to work with? Do they show up on time and do the best job they can?

3. Look at previous projects that the contractor has done—are they in line with what you want out of your new bathroom? Are they high-quality materials or cheap, flimsy ones?

4. Ask other clients what they think about their experience with this contractor—do they like working with them, or were there issues? What did they like most/least about their project?

5. Don't forget to look at testimonials from past clients! These are often written by actual people who've had positive experiences working with this contractor in the past, so take advantage of that resource!

Bathroom Remodelers in Iowa City

We know that when you're looking for a bathroom remodeling contractor, you want the best. That's why we've built our business around the expertise of our designers and experts. Our team at Eicher Design Build can handle any project, big or small—whether your style is classic or contemporary, our designers are ready to help you bring your bath project to life.

Whether you're tackling a major renovation or just looking to make a few enhancements, no home improvement is too big or too small for our designers to handle. Make an appointment today!