A bathroom remodel is a great home improvement project. Do you dread using your bathroom to get ready for work in the morning? Or to unwind at the end of a busy day? Create a spa-like retreat by partnering with the best bathroom contractor. Improve functionality by adding square footage or changing the layout. Add storage and style with a new vanity and countertop. Save $140 per year in water costs by installing low-flow toilets. And address safety issues to maintain the independence of the elderly and disabled by switching to a walk-in shower. Minimize falls by installing grab bars or slip-resistant flooring.

Looking to sell your home? Homebuyers want a “move-in ready” house. A bathroom remodel can help close the deal. It can also boost your home’s resale value by as much as 67%. Realtors agree a bathroom renovation is one of the most cost-effective home remodeling projects. The average price of a simple bathroom remodel is between $10,000 – $16,000. An upscale bathroom update can cost around $30,000. Four factors determine the price of a bathroom remodel: 

• the size of your bathroom 
• the cost of the finishes and fixtures you choose
• how simple or complex the scope of work is
• any additional services, like architectural or engineering, you may need    

Develop Your Plan Before Hiring a General Contractor for a Bathroom Remodel

Planning is key to creating a bathroom. Browse the web for images of bathrooms you dream about. Write down your goals. Include specific design features and fixtures. Determine your budget and timeline. For such a small space, there’s a lot to consider. Once you’ve created a remodeling plan, you can develop a list of possible contractors. To locate a contractor for a bath remodel near you, start with referrals. Reach out to friends, family, or neighbors who’ve recently remodeled a bathroom. You can also check professional associations such as the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) to find a contractor for a bath remodel near you. 

What Makes a Good Bathroom Contractor

A good contractor must be a good communicator, planner, problem solver, and project manager. They need to understand your vision. They’re responsible for the quality of the work. They’ll assemble a team to complete your project on time and within budget. Reach out to 3 – 4 names from your list of potential contractors for a bath remodel near you. Briefly outline your project. Discuss your budget. Find out some basic information about their business. The best bathroom remodeling companies will further demonstrate their expertise during the walk-through. They’ll discuss aspects of the project such as: 

• If it’s your only bathroom, what will you use during this time? 
• When will sub-contractors arrive and leave during the day? Will they work on weekends? 
• Will the contractor be responsible for sourcing all materials?
• Do you want to re-use any fixtures?
• Are you comfortable with standard cabinetry or do you want custom?

Your initial interactions are key to evaluating a contractor. Do they treat you respectfully? Do they answer all your questions? Do you feel pressured to commit to a project? These are all good indicators of your future working relationship. 

Look for a Licensed Contractor for a Bath Remodel Near You

Remodeling a bathroom is a complex project. It involves demolition, structural repairs, plumbing, and electrical work. A general contractor bathroom remodeler obtains permits, acquires building materials, and hires subcontractors. You want to make sure they’re trustworthy and reliable. Do your research. Ask them if they have a valid license and current insurance coverage. After the phone interview, confirm the information with the state licensing board. Reach out to their insurance carrier to verify their policy is up to date. Check for any business complaints. If all checks out, you’ll want to invite them for a site visit.

Review Contractor’s Previous Work

Look beyond pictures of stunning remodels. Don’t rely on reviews posted on social media. The best bathroom remodeling companies will provide references. Be alert to any red flags. Negatives to look for include a lack of current projects, high-cost overruns, or any significant delays. Among the questions you’ll want to ask references include: 

• When was your project completed?
• Were you satisfied with their work?
• How much did your project run over budget?
• Were there any delays? What was the cause?
• How did the contractor keep you informed of the project status?
• Were the contractor and any subcontractors professional and courteous?
• What were their payment expectations?
• What condition was the construction site left in at the end of the day?
• Who worked on the project? Were they employees or subcontractors? Were they certified?
• Would you hire them again?

Get Estimates in Writing

A general contractor bathroom remodeler should provide a detailed written estimate and work plan. Note how long it takes them to get back to you. Is the project description and estimate complete? Do measurements and material quantities add up? If all seems to be in order, you can move on to the contract details. Before signing it, make sure it includes everything you discussed and agreed on. Double-check the following details:

• Your physical address
• Payment schedule
• Start and end dates
• The overall duration of the project
• Any coupons or discounts
• Total project price
• Scope of work
• Site plan
• Schedule of primary construction tasks
• Change order clauses
• Procedural list for closeout
• Express limited warranty
• Dispute resolution clause
• Waiver of lien

Choose a General Contractor Bathroom Remodeler Who Fits You and Your Project

When making your decision, don’t just go by price. Take your time. Many factors go into a successful project. Do they have the experience to handle your project? A successful bathroom remodel requires good communication. How did you and the contractor relate to each other? Which contractor answered your questions fully? Did they act professionally? How long did it take to get an estimate? How are they with timelines and budgets? What is their availability? Too many projects may mean they’re spread too thin. How do they check the work quality? Once you’re satisfied you’ve chosen the best bathroom remodeling company, both of you should sign the contract before work begins.

ETI Can Help

ETI Construction is one of the foremost contractors for bath remodels near you. Our team’s wide array of expertise makes us the perfect option for any project that requires a multi-faceted approach. We delight in personalizing our projects and getting to know you to help shape the results to your specific tastes. Our use of data when analyzing our work allows us to bring the full breadth of what we learn to each new project. When you work with us, you can trust that we bring our best. Reach out today if you have any questions about our process, or ask us for a quote if you have a project in mind.