A bathroom remodel is a great way to add value to your home but there are some steps that you will want to take to make sure everything goes smoothly. The first question you need to ask when doing a bathroom remodel is if you are going to take this on yourself (DIY), or are you going to hire a professional? In this post we are going to concentrate on hiring a professional and three main categories involved in the renovation process.
The Contractor
It goes without saying but the most critical part about your bathroom remodel is hiring the right contractor to complete the work. The big questions are how do you know who to hire and who to trust. There are a few simple questions you can ask. Are they licensed to work in your state?
You want to ask for a copy and if possible, verify the license number. If you live on a state line, don’t just assume that the contractor is licensed in both states.
Do they have insurance?
This should be a very simple item for a reputable contractor to show proof of. If they do not have insurance, this can be a red flag. If something happens during the remodel, you might be liable for any damages or injuries.
How Did You Hear About Them?
Word of mouth is almost always going to be the best test. Do you know anyone who they have completed a project for? How did that project go? Any surprises? Reviews can be helpful but unfortunately, we live in a day and age where reviews are easy to manipulate, both good and bad.
The Project
Once you have decided on a contractor for the bathroom remodel, you will want to work with them on expectations for how the renovation will go. These include:
Completion Date
When do they expect the project to be done. This will vary depending on how big or small a renovation you are doing. Some projects can be completed in a day. Others may take a week. An experienced professional should be able to walk you through what is involved in the project and give you a timeframe for completion. There is always a possibility for unexpected challenges to arise during the project that might be out of their control, but for the most part they should be able to provide a fairly accurate completion date. This is also a good time to ask about the livability of the home during the renovation. Will you be able to stay in the home or do you need to be out? Are you okay with 4 people coming into your home at 7am each morning and making all kinds of noise? Are there any dangers to you being in the home during construction? In general, if you are only concentrating on one bathroom and you have another one, you can stay in your home but you might want to make other arrangements. Having a good timeline can really help.
Unexpected Delays During a Bathroom Remodel
While we all want projects to go perfectly, they sometimes don’t. It is just a part of life. Asking your contractor how they handle delays can help expectations. Do they have time built into the project? Will they leave your project for another one if there are delays? Delays can be caused by both seen and unforeseen issues. If you project is scheduled the same day a category 5 hurricane is going to hit your area, there isn’t much your contractor can do and would classify as an unforeseen delay. If you are using custom made materials (tiles, vanities and so forth) there is a higher possibility that there might be delays in those materials coming in. That would classify as a foreseen delay, one that you hope goes as planned but should not be surprised if there is a delay in getting them.
Unexpected Issues During a Bathroom Remodel
This is the hardest one to plan for and it can cause both financial strain as well as adding to the timeline. During a bathroom remodel, unexpected issues are a common – especially ones that involve areas where water is present. You can never be 100% certain what you are going to find behind old tiles, tubs, vanities and so forth. Have the floor boards been compromised? Is there black mold growing? Are there any plumbing, electrical or structural issues that need to be dealt with? Using a local contractor can help you navigate common issues in your area and help to predict what they might find. Asking your contractor if they have a contingency plan for what might arise can help lessen surprises during the project.
The Materials
You now have a contractor and have gone over what to expect with the project. Something that can be overlooked are the materials that will be used. Generally, you will sit down with the contractor and/or designer to walk through all aspects of the project. You will choose tiles, countertops, faucets, a tub, paint color and so forth. Here is where you can ask questions about availability. Asking if a material will need to be custom ordered or if it is a stocked item at their supply house can reduce the chances the project will be delayed. We are not saying you should always use stocked items, just know that you might need to build in a little extra time if you are ordering custom made items. An overlooked item in bathroom renovations can be the exhaust fan and it is one of the most critical items. Too often the exhaust fan is an afterthought and, in some areas, not even installed. You are probably paying thousands of dollars for your renovation so you will want to protect it from mold, mildew, smells and other usage related issues. Too often we see contractors installing low-cost fans just to meet the requirement. No always, but it is common. Being an advocate for yourself can go a long way. It is beneficial to have a respectful conversation with your contractor to ensure the exhaust fan is large enough to handle the bathroom usage, quite enough that it will not be distracting, is energy efficient and has the functions (light, humidity sensor, heat…) that you require. Having this conversation upfront can ensure the experience is a good one. In actuality the contractor will be happy to have them with you as the last thing they want to have to do is come back because the exhaust fan of all things is not up to your standards.
Summary
Hiring the right contractor who is willing to work with you through the entire renovation process from setting a timeline to choosing materials will reduce surprises during the project and make for an enjoyable experience and a beautiful bathroom. For more information on how to choose a bathroom exhaust fan, read through Air King’s blog post on the subject. For more information about Air King bathroom exhaust fans, visit airkinglimited.com.
