Even if you’re handy, you may not have enough time and energy to devote to an extensive bathroom remodel. If your bathroom remodel proves too much for you to take on yourself, you’d probably benefit from hiring a bathroom remodeling contractor. Read on to learn what you need to know to start working with contractors.

Bathroom Contractors & Referrals

There are many independent contractors available for a bathroom remodel. Recommendations are a powerful tool to help you narrow your search for independent contractors:

• Ask your family, friends and neighbors if they have had similar work done, and if they were pleased with their bathroom contractors.
• Contact professional associations such as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) or the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) to find bathroom contractors.

Once you begin to interview prospective contractors for your bathroom remodel, request references. Good bathroom contractors will be proud of their work, and happy to provide you with a list of previous clients. Contact each reference to make sure they were satisfied with the bathroom contractor’s work.

Research Bathroom Contractors

When you have chosen a few potential independent contractors, make sure they are legitimate, and have a good track record:

• Find out if each bathroom remodeling contractor has liability insurance and a workers’ compensation certificate.
• Request bathroom contractors’ license numbers, and find out how much bathroom remodel experience they have.
• Search for complaints for bathroom contractors with the Better Business Bureau.
• Visit job sites where each bathroom remodeling contractor is working.

Interview Each Bathroom Remodeling Contractor

Now you’re ready to start interviewing bathroom contractors. Experts recommend talking with at least two to three before deciding on a bathroom remodeling contractor. Here are a few basics to keep in mind when interviewing a contractor and getting estimates:

• Be wary of an estimate that is dramatically lower than others; this contractor may be cutting corners with cheap materials.
• Communication is extremely important when working with contractors. The bathroom remodel contractor you hire should explain things clearly and respond to your concerns.
• Inquire about availability and time to complete project. Some bathroom contractors may be booked solid for a year. Some independent contractors take on many projects at once, making each bathroom remodel longer to complete.

Working with Contractors

Once you’ve chosen a contractor, you’re ready to draw up a contract and get started with your bathroom remodel. Be sure your contract includes:

• Details of every stage of your project
• Materials
• Payment plan
• Provision that contractor gets lien release for your protection
• Start and end date.

When working with contractors, be sure your contract allows you to pay for each stage of work as it is completed. Your final payment should be due only after the entire project is done to your satisfaction. Once your work begins, communicate regularly with your contractor, and be sure he puts any changes to your project in writing.