According to Sarah Thompson, certified bathroom designer with the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA),

“60–80% of renovation problems happen because of hiring the wrong contractor.”

 We need to be very careful while choosing one, so you can choose the right contractor and get the best renovation done. We should choose a contractor carefully — someone who fits our job and meets our expectations.

Following these guidelines from the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) will help you avoid common problems:

  • Poor workmanship
  • Miscommunication or lack of clarity
  • Cutting corners to save time or money
  • Hiring unqualified subcontractors
  • Not following plans or building codes properly

To consult with Friends and Family

When your friend or neighbour recommends a contractor without bias, that is the best option because they speak from their direct experience. According to HomeAdvisor’s 2023 Renovation Satisfaction Survey, 68% of successful bathroom renovations started with a personal recommendation.

“Always ask about both positive and negative experiences.“The problems they encountered and how the contractor resolved them can tell you as much as the successes.

Research Online

Research on Google and sort out a list of contractors according to your requirements. Use dedicated platforms like Houzz, Angi, or HomeAdvisor to find specialized bathroom contractors in your area.
While making your list, ensure the contractor specializes in your renovation category. If you need a residential bathroom contractor, don’t choose one who primarily works on commercial projects. 

Check Online Reviews

Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website to check contractor ratings and review sites like Yelp and Google Business profiles. Look for contractors with at least 4-star ratings and detailed feedback about bathroom-specific projects.

According to Consumer Reports’ 2024 Contractor Satisfaction Study, contractors with 15+ detailed reviews tend to deliver more consistent results than those with fewer reviews.

Examine Their Portfolio

After checking reviews, examine their portfolio on platforms like Houzz or their company website to see examples of their bathroom renovations. Look for projects similar to your vision.

Jessica Chen, editor at Architectural Digest, recommends: “Pay special attention to before-and-after photos that show transformations similar to what you’re planning. This gives you a realistic expectation of their capabilities.

Verify License & Insurance

Contact your state’s contractor licensing board (like the California Contractors State License Board or the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board) to verify their credentials. If the contractor has shared a government-issued license number, include it in your list. If not, contact them and ask.

Important: Most states require specific licensing for plumbing and electrical work in bathrooms. Check with your local Department of Building Inspection about requirements specific to your municipality.

Experience or Expertise

According to data from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), bathrooms present unique challenges related to waterproofing, ventilation, and plumbing. Ask specifically about

  • Experience with Universal Design principles, if accessibility is important
  • Knowledge of green renovation practices and WaterSense fixtures
  • Expertise with specific materials like Schluter waterproofing systems or Kohler fixtures
  • Which tasks they handle themselves, vs which require specialized subcontractors

Before You Sign, Get Everything in Writing

Before hiring the contractor, ensure all terms and conditions are documented in a signed agreement. Use industry-standard contracts like those provided by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) or create custom agreements using templates from BuilderTrend or CoConstruct.

“Detailed contracts protect both homeowners and contractors,” explains Patricia Garcia, construction attorney at HomeOwner Legal Services. “Every material, fixture, timeline, and payment schedule should be clearly documented.”

Discuss Warranties and Guarantees

According to HomeAdvisor’s 2024 survey, bathroom renovations with clear warranty terms had 78% fewer post-completion disputes.

  • Discuss who will be responsible for any damage during demolition or renovation.
  • Clarify the extent of contractor coverage for materials and workmanship
  • Get specific product warranties for installed fixtures from brands like Delta, Kohler, or American Standard
  • Ask about structural guarantees for waterproofed areas (typically 5-10 years)

Review Detailed Quotes

Compare quotes from at least three contractors using a standardized format like the one provided by the National Association of the Remodelling Industry (NARI).

Essential Questions to Ask

What Bathroom Services Do You Offer?

Don’t assume every contractor handles full bathroom remodels. Some specialize in certain aspects, like:

  • Tile installation (certified by the National Tile Contractors Association)
  • Plumbing (look for Master Plumber certification)
  • General construction without specialized bathroom knowledge

Ask them clearly, “What bathroom services do you offer?” This helps determine whether they can manage the entire project or if you’ll need additional specialists.

Can I See Examples of Your Completed Bathroom Projects?

Request to see photos, portfolios, or even visit completed projects. According to Houzz’s 2024 Bathroom Trends Report, most reputable contractors maintain detailed project galleries on their websites or platforms like Instagram.

“Ask specifically about projects using materials or layouts similar to your plans,” suggests Jennifer Lopez, design consultant at Modern Bathroom Designs.

What Are Your Lead Times, Project Timelines, and Scheduling Constraints?

According to BuildFax, the average bathroom renovation takes 3-4 weeks, but premium contractors often book projects 2-3 months in advance.
Ask about:

  • Current lead times before they can start your project
  • Estimated duration for your specific renovation
  • How do they handle scheduling with subcontractors
  • Their process for communicating delays (apps like BuilderTrend or CoConstruct are common)

How Do I Pay for My Bathroom Remodel with You?

Avoid contractors who request full payment up front. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends a payment schedule tied to completion milestones:

  • 10-15% deposit upon signing
  • 25% after demolition and rough plumbing/electrical
  • 25% after tile installation
  • 25% after fixture installation
  • Final 10-15% upon completion and inspection

Many established contractors offer financing options through partners like GreenSky or Enhancify.

How Will We Communicate Throughout My Bathroom Remodel?

According to J.D. Power’s 2023 Home Improvement Satisfaction Study, communication issues account for 67% of renovation complaints.
Ask whether they use:

  • Project management software like BuilderTrend, CoConstruct, or Houzz Pro
  • Regular scheduled meetings (daily, weekly)
  • Dedicated communication channels (text, email, app)
  • Photo/video updates of progress

Do I Need Bathroom Remodel Permits or Inspections?

Most jurisdictions require permits for bathroom renovations that involve:

  • Changes to plumbing
  • Electrical modifications
  • Structural alterations
  • Ventilation system changes

“A reputable contractor will handle permitting through your local Department of Building Inspection,” explains Richard Brown, former building official for the City of Portland. “If they suggest skipping permits, that’s a major red flag.”

Do You Work with Subcontractors for Bathroom Remodels?

Most bathroom renovations require specialists:

  • Licensed plumbers (ideally members of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association)
  • Certified electricians (look for National Electrical Contractors Association membership)
  • Tile specialists (National Tile Contractors Association certification is ideal)
  • Glass/shower door installers

Ask how the contractor vets and supervises these professionals. According to the NAHB, contractors should provide documentation for all subcontractors’ insurance and licensing.

Can You Provide Proof that You Are Currently Licensed and Insured as a Bathroom Contractor?

Don’t just take their word for it—always ask, “Can you provide proof that you’re currently licensed and insured as a bathroom contractor?” This protects you from liability and ensures they meet local professional standards. A legit contractor will have no problem showing you the paperwork—if they hesitate, that’s a red flag.

Can You Provide Proof of Current License and Insurance?

Always verify:

  • State contractor’s license (check with your State Licensing Board)
  • General liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage)
  • Workers’ compensation insurance
  • Bond coverage (if required in your state)

Conclusion

Finding the right bathroom contractor requires thorough research, verification of credentials, and clear communication. By checking reviews, examining portfolios, verifying licenses, comparing detailed quotes, and establishing clear payment terms, homeowners can avoid the common problems that plague 60-80% of renovations. Always get everything in writing and never skip permits or hire unlicensed contractors, as proper documentation protects both parties and ensures quality work.