Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor
Before you hire a bathroom remodeler, you'll want to ensure they're reputable. We recommend following these steps as you collect estimates.
Industry Credentials
Begin vetting a company by asking two important questions about its local reputation. First, determine how long it's been in business and the quantity of jobs it's completed. Second, find out what industry groups it belongs to, such as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). These organizations provide private certifications and ongoing education, which keep crews current with the latest best practices.
Licensure and Insurance
In California, bathroom remodelers need a B-2 Residential Remodeling Contractor license from the California Department of Consumer Affairs. This license covers a variety of different remodeling needs, but it doesn't let contractors modify load-bearing structures. Depending on your needs, a company might need to subcontract some tasks to other crews with different licenses.
Photos
Ask for photos of previous bathroom remodels the crew has completed for other homeowners. Reviewing these images lets you confirm the company's experience and closely evaluate the quality of their work. It might also prompt ideas or questions about what design elements and improvements the crew could include in your project.
Consultation and Estimate
You should always seek a comprehensive written estimate for your project costs. The estimate should be based on an in-person consultation with a company representative. This way, the technicians can see your bathroom and get a sense of your goals, expectations, and vision. Services and pricing will differ from contractor to contractor, so we recommend getting three different itemized quotes for the most effective comparison.
Customer Reviews
Before you hire a bathroom remodel, check its online reputation using sites like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, and Google. Most contractors have both positive and negative reviews. While examining each one, note how the contractor reacts to dissatisfied customers. A company of character will always strive to make things right.
How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?
Some more complex projects, like installing tankless water heaters or rewiring electrical systems, require subcontracting in many jurisdictions and will increase your overall cost. See common remodel costs for different projects in the table below:
| Type of Bathroom Remodel | Average Cost | Average Time |
|---|---|---|
| Half-bath remodel | $2,000-$5,000 | 5–7 days |
| Full bath remodel | $6,000-$15,000 | 10–14 days |
| Primary bath remodel | $10,000-$30,000 | 15–25 days |
| Wet room installation | $11,000-$18,000 | 10–30 days |
| Luxury bath remodel | $50,000+ | 15–30 days |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bathroom Remodeling in Thousand Oaks
How is a bathroom remodel different from a bathroom renovation?
How long does it take to redo a bathroom?
What leading bathroom design trends should I know about?
What's the typical time to complete a bathroom remodel?
If I remodel my bathroom in Thousand Oaks, what will my return on investment (ROI) be?
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