Hiring the right remodeling professional starts with asking the right questions. Knowing the best questions for contractor interviews can help you choose someone who is experienced, trustworthy, and qualified to complete your project.
Many homeowners focus on price, but the lowest estimate is often not the best value. With this list of questions to ask before signing a contract, you can avoid misunderstandings, reduce unexpected costs, and feel more confident throughout the remodeling process.
This guide covers the most important questions to ask contractors for bathroom remodel projects, along with contractor reference questions that help verify a contractor’s reputation before work begins.
Why It Is Important to Ask Questions Before Hiring a Contractor
Preparing a list of questions to ask contractors allows you to compare multiple companies based on experience, communication, their portfolio, and reputation. When interviewing contractors, your goal is to understand how they work, what they include in their estimate, and how they handle unexpected problems.
Questions to Ask a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor
We want to help you make an informed decision before hiring. Keep in mind that many of these answers can be found online. Start there. If a company doesn’t have any kind of online presence, that’s not a good sign.
1. Are you licensed and insured?
One of the first questions to ask bathroom contractor candidates is whether they carry the required licenses and insurance. Liability insurance and workers compensation coverage help protect both the homeowner and the contractor.
2. Do you specialize in bathroom remodeling?
Some remodeling companies work on every type of construction project, while others focus primarily on kitchens and bathrooms. A contractor with extensive bathroom experience is better prepared to handle waterproofing, plumbing, and tile installation.
3. How long have you been remodeling bathrooms?
Experience matters.
4. Can you provide references?
Online reviews are great, but it’s not the same as speaking to a customer who just completed a project. Talking with previous customers gives you a much better understanding of what it is like to work with the contractor, and helps build trust.
5. Can I see photos of completed bathroom remodels?
A professional remodeling contractor should have a portfolio to demonstrate their ability.
6. Who will supervise my project?
It is crucial to know who your primary contact will be. Your point of contact for the FM Pro Remodeling team is the owner, Ralph Severson.
7. Will subcontractors be working in my home?
Many companies act as a project manager, and use subcontractors for electrical, plumbing, and specialty work. Ask who will be performing each portion of the remodel and how those subcontractors are managed.
When we’re tasked with kitchen remodeling, we act as the project manager and coordinate cabinet installers, countertop installers, and other subcontractors.
8. Will permits be required?
Ask who deals with permits and inspections. Typically, your contractor will already have a relationship with the local government and take care of this. But beware of those who say it’s taken care of, and don’t pull permits or build to code.
9. What is included in the estimate?
A written estimate should clearly identify all costs. If the estimate is not transparent, that is a red flag.
10. What could increase the cost?
During demolition, unforeseen problems may be uncovered.
Examples include:
- Water damage
- Mold
- Rotten subfloors
- Plumbing leaks
- Electrical issues
We recommend that homeowners put back 10% of their budget for unforeseen costs. A good bathroom remodeler will communicate any new problems/costs to customers immediately, and obtain their authorization before proceeding.
11. How long will my bathroom remodel take?
Every project is different, but your contractor should provide a timeline.
12. How do you protect the rest of my home during construction?
Dust and debris is inevitable, and must be managed with:
- Floor protection
- Dust barriers
- Daily cleanup
- Material storage
- Debris removal
Professionals work hard to minimize disruption in your home.
13. What waterproofing system do you use?
Proper waterproofing is one of the most important parts of every bathroom remodel. Ask how showers, floors, and walls are protected from moisture to prevent future leaks. Our team typically uses Schluter Systems waterproofing because it is the most trusted brand for protecting tile and bathrooms. Schluter also has great radiant floor heating systems to warm the tile in your bathroom.
14. Do you help with design and choosing materials?
FM Pro Remodeling is happy to help our customer choose the best design that shows their unique individual taste, and all of the materials they’ll need. You’re welcome to obtain materials yourself, we do not sell materials at a markup, but we’re happy to handle it for you.
15. Do you offer accessibility options?
We are Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS Certified), and install safety features such as:
- Curbless showers
- Grab bars
- Comfort height toilets
- Slip resistant flooring
- Wider doorways
16. What warranty do you provide?
Every homeowner should understand what warranty is offered, and what it covers before signing a contract. FM Pro Remodeling is happy to offer a 5 year warranty on our work, and new materials are protected under manufacturer warranties that are passed on to you. We also provide ongoing support to all customers.
If you have any issue, please Call Us at (812) 944-6383 and we’ll be happy to help you solve the problem.
17. How are payments scheduled?
Ask for a written payment schedule tied to project milestones. Avoid contractors who request full payment before work begins. Half payment in advance is customary in order to purchase materials, then half once the work is complete, but a different schedule may be required, depending on the details.
18. Which products do you recommend?
Our team is happy to guide you toward the best materials available for your budget. We do not install inferior materials.
19. How do you handle unexpected problems?
The measure of a good contractor for bathroom remodel projects is how unexpected problems (change orders) are handled. We notify customers of any changes immediately, explain the details of the situation, and work with them on how to proceed. A professional contractor should explain costs before performing additional work.
20. What should I do before construction begins?
Ask how to prepare your home before demolition starts.
Contractor Reference Questions
Asking the contractor for references is only the first step. You should also know the right contractor reference questions to ask their former customers.
Some of the best contractor reference questions include:
- Was the contractor easy to communicate with?
- Were there unforeseen costs, and how were they handled?
- Was the bathroom completed on schedule?
- Did workers arrive when expected?
- Was the jobsite kept clean?
- Did the finished bathroom meet your expectations?
- Would you hire the contractor again?
These questions reveal much more about the remodeling experience than online reviews.
Questions to Ask Contractors Before Signing a Contract
Before making your final decision, review these important questions to ask contractors one last time:
- Can you provide proof of insurance, and licensure?
- Are all costs transparent, and in writing?
- Are permits included?
- Is there a warranty?
- Who supervises the project?
- How are change orders handled?
- What is the timeline?
The Takeaway
Finding the right company for your bathroom remodel takes some effort, but by asking the right questions, you can establish a relationship with a credible company, an won’t ever have to call multiple companies and compare again.
If you have any questions, or would like to schedule a free estimate, please call the FM Pro Remodeling team at (812) 944-6383.
