One of the most rewarding home renovation tasks is remodeling a bathroom. A bathroom remodel typically includes a gleaming new shower or bathtub, a new color scheme, a bathroom vanity with a gorgeous surface, more storage, and so on. 

A high-quality bathroom makeover can potentially pay for itself. But, ask yourself, is it something that you can DIY? Well, probably not. Remodeling a bathroom typically involves bringing down walls, removing water pipes, installing new tiling, and other labor-intensive tasks. This is why hiring a skilled bathroom contractor who can see your project through to completion is a no-brainer. 

It is especially true if you live in an area like Middletown, Connecticut, where inclement weather is a year-round occurrence, with the annual rainfall averaging 52.29 inches, according to US Climate Data. High amounts of rainfall can seep into your bathroom walls, ceiling, and tiles and cause mold, mildew, and other problems. So, DIYing such a remodeling job may not be wise. With that in mind, here are a few tips for hiring the right bathroom contractor for your Middletown home.

1. Review Your Shortlisted Bathroom Contractors' Previous Work

When you interview bathroom contractors, they will probably bring a portfolio of previous work in your local area. Reviewing previous work is important as it would be wise to work with someone who has successfully completed bathroom remodels in your local area, such as Middletown, Connecticut. 

After all, this area sees around 52.29 inches of rain (source: US Climate Data) and 35 inches of snow every year (source: Sperling's Best Places), which can cause mold and mildew in your bathroom walls and ceiling. So, whether you're looking for Middletown tub to shower conversions or a simple water pipe replacement, always work with someone local to your area and with a proven track record. 

1. Choose a Contractor Who Is Easy to Communicate With

How well you communicate with your contractor will play a significant role in the outcome of your bathroom remodel. You can have problems completing the task correctly and on time if you think your contractor cannot respond to your queries or is unreachable when needed.

A competent bathroom remodeler or contractor will be able to respond to your inquiries and provide you with detailed instructions so that you are aware of every stage of the remodeling process.

1. Ask for References 

 Request at least three references from previous customers who are prepared to share their experiences working with the contractor.

Calling these references and getting their feedback on working with your contractor shouldn't be a concern. However, it's not a good sign if they appear reluctant or unwilling to speak. Ultimately, this will give you a good idea of how your shortlisted contractor has performed in previous bathroom remodeling jobs.

1.  Check the Contractor's License and Insurance Status

Checking a bathroom renovation contractor's licensing and insurance status is one of the most crucial things you can do before hiring one. Before the contractor undertakes any work on your property, you must first confirm that they hold the necessary insurance and license. Reputable contractors and bathroom remodeling companies will typically provide you with copies of their licenses and insurance documents. 

Suppose you don't have any experience with licenses and insurance details. In that case, you can simply call the Better Business Bureau and ask them to provide you with a list of local contractors that are currently insured and licensed. 

If they don't have any contractors registered in their database, it could be worthwhile to find out why, as it can indicate that there aren't many insured and licensed contractors in your local area. However, if your shortlisted contractors are on the Better Business Bureau's list, you can safely assume they are licensed and reputable. 

1. Collect Estimates

The more estimates you obtain, the better. So, you should collect quotes from at least four to five bathroom contractors. When you have done this, you can compare the pricing of several bids to determine which offer fits your budget the best. 

Additionally, the more contractors you speak with, the more knowledge you will have about the costs and requirements of bathroom remodeling projects. Doing this will enable you to choose the one that is best for your bathroom. 

1. Enter the Contract

When hiring a bathroom contractor for your renovation project, it is important to thoroughly discuss every aspect of the project before signing the contract. Thus, have a detailed conversation about the components the contractor will work on and the outcomes you are expecting. By clearly outlining these details, you can ensure that both parties are on the same page and have a mutual understanding.

Besides discussing the project's scope, you must also talk about the supplies and materials needed for the bathroom remodel. Whether it's the type of tiles, fixtures, or paint colors, having a clear understanding of the supplies required will help in planning and budgeting for the project.

Once all the project details have been discussed and agreed upon, don't forget to include them in the contract. The contract should ultimately outline the specifics of your bathroom renovation project, including the cost, payment plan, work site address, and start and conclusion dates. These details provide a framework for the project and give both parties a clear understanding of their responsibilities and expectations.

Final Thoughts

The fact is that employing a contractor is a huge decision. When selecting a contractor for your bathroom renovation, you want to be as well-informed as possible. If you do your research, choosing the best option for you, your money, and your bathroom makeover shouldn't be difficult.

We hope this article has cleared up any confusion about selecting a bathroom renovation contractor. Finding a reliable, trustworthy contractor is crucial. They should have specialized experience with bathroom renovations and be able to assist you in selecting a style that will suit your requirements and price range.

partnered post • image by Rene Asmussen