Remodeling your bathroom

Your bathroom's the most important room in the house, so it's important you find the right remodeling contractor for the job.

Here are some questions to ask.

Does the contractor have what it takes?

More importantly, is your contractor licensed and insured? Verify this information out with your local licensing board; check with your local city hall on how to discover this.

The schedule
A contractor can give you a written schedule of the remodeling tasks they plan to perform. This helps prevent disagreements over the length of time it takes to finish the job, and gives you an indication of how long it will be before the dust settles.

Do they roll with the punches?
Does the contractor bidding on your bathroom remodeling job have a change-order policy? If you change your mind about an element of your bathroom later on, what is the policy for making those changes, and how would the contractor handle them?

Do they stand by their work?
Make sure the work performed will be backed up by an expressed warranty. Any contractor worth their salt is going to want to make sure you are happy, and that any repairs that need to be done are taken care of promptly.

When do they want to be paid?
A contractor will require a certain percentage of the job estimate up front, and then you will make payments for the remainder as the job is completed. Make sure you know how much is expected, and when, and that he/she will put it in writing.

How will they handle disagreements?
Find out how your bathroom contractor handles disagreements, and make sure to put a dispute resolution clause into the contract. Disagreements during any home improvement project are the primary cause of expensive lawsuits, and inconvenient unfinished jobs. Agree on how you might "disagree."

Do they Take Out Liens?
If the contractor bidding your job has a policy of placing a lien on a home if invoices go unpaid, you want to know this up front. Losing your home over construction lawsuits is not the way you want your bathroom remodeling to go! Make sure they are willing to put a clause into a contract called a “waiver of lien” to protect yourself, and your home.

Can the contractor put you in touch with former clients?
A contractor who is not willing to give you at least three solid references is one to watch out for. Ask for references, and check them all out before agreeing to sign a contract.

Interview at least three different contractors when taking bids on bathroom remodeling projects. Always check their references and licensing, and find out how long they have been in business.

Take notes during each interview, and use the notes later to help you choose the right candidate.

Finally – and importantly – remember also to try to choose someone you get along well with, as any remodeling can be a stressful time.

Kathy Wilson is a home and garden writer, author and consultant and is the home decorating expert for LifetimeTV.com.