An outdated bathroom decreases the value of your home and your quality of life. Hiring the right bathroom remodeling contractor is important to ensure this room is improved in function and aesthetics.
There are many bathroom remodeling contractors in the Seattle area, but a good one will communicate, plan, be on top of project management, and solve any problems that may arise. It’s especially important for Seattle homeowners with a small bathroom. Finding the right person to handle your bathroom renovation is paramount for turning your existing bathroom into an inviting oasis.
These tips will help you weed through your list of every potential bathroom remodeler in the area.
Know What You Want
The first step for bathroom remodels, before you even start looking for a bathroom remodeling contractor, is to gather your ideas. Consider your budget and what you’d like to happen to your Seattle bathroom. A well-designed bathroom will be functional, have updated fixtures, and offer plenty of storage options to reduce clutter. Older homes have old fixtures, countertops, and cabinetry that will all need to be changed for your remodeling project.
You may need a custom bathroom where engineering aspects may come into the equation. Remodeling your bathroom requires you to fully consider your wants and needs before the project begins.
Seek the Best Bathroom Remodel Contractors
At the minimum, a general contractor must have a valid contractor license and current insurance coverage. You’ll also want them to have extensive experience with bathroom remodeling. A good way to start compiling a list of possible contractors is to look at the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) as well as the National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI), which can help you validate your choices.
Make Phone Calls
Once you’ve considered your design options and created a list of reputable contractors, make phone calls to see which one is the ideal fit for your project. You should be able to give them an overview of your project and ask them questions. Be sure to take notes so you know which questions to ask.
What Questions Should You Ask a Seattle, WA Contractor About a Bathroom Remodel?
These questions are important for helping you find the ideal person to manage your bathroom remodel:
- Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured? One thing you should never compromise on for your new bathroom is hiring a contractor who is licensed, bonded, and insured. Someone may offer you a great deal on pricing, but if they do not have these basic qualifications, keep looking. The state of Washington requires all contractors to register with the Department of Labor and Industries.
- How Long Have You Been a Bathroom Contractor? While there are a number of qualified home builders in Seattle, WA, not all of them are experienced with bathroom remodeling. Most homeowners don’t realize that bathroom renovation or bathroom remodeling should include experience with plumbing, bathroom flooring, waterproofing, and other specialized knowledge. If it’s not done right, you could wind up with mold or water damage in the future.
- What Do You Charge? Your budget is an important consideration, but you should also be thinking of the value of the project. The contractor should be able to give you basic information about the costs, either with time and materials or a fixed price.
- Do You Provide a Warranty? A warranty on the services and products used is a smart way to protect your investment in your bathroom remodel. Find out how long they guarantee the work on their installation.
- Can You Provide References? A home remodeling portfolio is something that your bathroom contractor should easily be able to provide. Go a step further and request to speak to previous clients. A reputable contractor will happily get you in touch.
- How Do You Deal with Unexpected Challenges? Even the best project planners will run into unforeseen circumstances. Ask every potential contractor how they handle any obstacles, disputes, or conflicts. Back-ordered materials are common, and you should know what plans they have should this situation arise with your bathroom renovation.
Choose from Your Top Prospects
After asking questions and verifying the licensing and insurance, you will need to begin going through your top prospects from there. References will usually be happy clients, but a huge red flag would be a lack of recent project references. Additionally, consistently running over budget, being known for communication difficulties, or lacking courtesy may make you want to rethink your choices.
It helps to visit the sites, if possible, both completed and current ones. You’ll get a bigger picture of how your bathroom remodel project will likely go. Also, you’ll want the contractors to come to your property to see it in person and provide their expert opinion.
Get Estimates in Writing
After discussing your Seattle bathroom remodel project with your list of potential remodeling contractors, it’s time to get estimates in writing. Read through each one carefully and make sure it is precisely detailed, as discussed when the contractor came to your home.
The details of your bathroom remodel contract should include the total price and payment schedule. It should also list the scope of work, list a schedule of primary construction tasks, feature warranty details, a site plan, a waiver of lien, and a dispute resolution clause. You’ll additionally want it noted with a change of order clause and procedural list for closeout to ensure all your bases are covered.
Price should never be the only deciding point to find the right contractor, though that’s what many homeowners unfortunately do. Think about their experience, the expected timeline, client testimonials, and their communication style. You can sign the contract once you feel comfortable that everything is in order.
Hiring a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor
Remodeling projects will always go more smoothly when you find a contractor you can trust. Home Care Contractors is the bathroom remodel contractor of choice for Seattle. Contact our Seattle area general contractors to ask questions and discuss the process with a member of our team today.