WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD YOU ASK A POTENTIAL CONTRACTOR?

You’re ready to remodel your bathroom, but where do you start? First and foremost, you need a contractor. But how do you choose the right one? There are many things to consider when hiring a contractor; some are obvious, while others may not be so clear at first glance. Before signing any contracts or handing over any money, ask these questions:

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Can you provide references?

One way to get a feel for the contractor’s professionalism is by asking for references. This is an opportunity for you to ask about their work and determine whether or not they would hire them again.

Ask for a list of previous clients and contact each one personally to learn more about their experience with the contractor, including any complaints or issues that arose during the project. If you do find complaints, ask if there was anything that could have been done differently by the contractor.

What is your experience working with my type of project?

You should ask your contractor whether they have experience working on the types of projects you have in mind. If you’re building a new home, for example, and are planning to use energy-efficient features like solar panels or a geothermal heating system, it would be valuable to know if the contractor has installed similar systems before.

Another important question is how many projects the contractor has completed. You want to make sure that this company can handle your project without getting overwhelmed by its size or complexity (and potentially cutting corners).

How much time should I expect to be without my bathroom while it’s being remodeled?

Bathroom remodeling is a disruptive process that takes time. It’s important to plan ahead for this disruption, so that you can make the most of your bathroom remodel when it’s complete. You will be without your bathroom for several days during the project, and possibly other areas of your house.

When you first begin talking with contractors about their services and pricing, ask them how much time they think it will take for your bathroom remodeling project to be completed. Some contractors estimate that projects can take up to two weeks or more; others may provide an estimate as short as one day (but this would be an extremely fast turnaround).

What permits do you need, and how do you obtain them?

You should always ask a contractor to obtain the necessary permits before beginning work. The answers to this question will help you decide which contractors are serious about starting construction and which ones are probably just looking for a quick buck.

Getting permits is typically easy and inexpensive, but if your contractor doesn’t want to do it, that’s usually a red flag. Getting permits is not only required by law but also helps ensure that all of your construction projects follow local building codes and ordinances.

The type of permit depends on where you’re located: city, county or state (and sometimes even federal). Once you’ve decided what kind of permit process would be best suited for your project, start asking potential contractors how they plan on accomplishing it so that you can make an informed decision about who will be doing work on your home or business!

Are there any other services that I should know about, such as cleaning or plumbing work?

  • Are there any other services that I should know about, such as cleaning or plumbing work?

If the contractor is reputable and answers this question, they will likely recommend you to a sub-contractor who can do the job. However, if they don’t answer the question directly or try to avoid it, then it might be an indicator of something fishy.

  • What is the cost of these services?
  • Is quality guaranteed when hiring a sub-contractor? How much experience does your contractor have with these types of projects and sub-contractors?

How long has the company been in business, and how many projects have you completed for customers like me in the past year?

This is a good time to ask the contractor about how long they have been in business and how many projects they have completed. You should also ask them if they are members of any trade associations, or if they are certified by any professional organizations.

Will my bathroom be built or renovated by licensed contractors who are qualified for the work being done in my home, as well as all applicable building codes?

A contractor’s license is a valuable tool for you, the homeowner. It demonstrates that the contractor has met certain qualifications to perform the work he or she will be doing in your home. If a contractor does not have this license and cannot prove qualification, he or she may be performing work that is not up to code or using materials that are not safe for use in your home. You should ask about any licenses that contractors hold and if they are qualified for all aspects of the job at hand before hiring them.

The same goes for building codes: There may be times when it’s necessary to make changes to an existing bathroom by adding walls or making rooms bigger or smaller—but this type of remodeling can only happen under specific conditions (and you’ll want to make sure those conditions apply). For example, if someone wants to build out so much space from their bathroom wall that it extends into another person’s property line by more than five feet (1.524 meters), then there needs to be written consent from all affected parties involved with this kind of project before anything gets started—and without such documentation no construction should ever begin!

You can ask these questions to determine whether or not a contractor fits your needs.

You can ask these questions to determine whether or not a contractor fits your needs:

  • How long have you been in business?
  • Are you licensed and insured?
  • Have you ever worked on projects like mine before? If so, what were the results?
  • Do you have a portfolio of completed work that I can see before we talk more about this project?

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a contractor to remodel your bathroom, the first question to ask is whether or not they have experience working on similar projects. Then, ask them about their background and what kind of permits they need. After that, get the specifics on how much time you should expect without your bathroom while it’s being worked on (and what other services might be available from them). Finally, make sure that any licensed contractors doing work in your home are qualified for the job at hand!

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