Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor
To weed out contractors that go against your principles or lack local credibility, it's important to keep a strong pre-hiring process. By using the steps in this section, you'll be on the right track to choosing the best company for you.
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
Michigan bathroom remodelers must have either a Residential Builder or Residential Maintenance & Alteration Contractor license from the state's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Both licenses require extensive preparatory coursework, a trade exam, and a background check.
Photos
Request for photos of previous bathroom remodels the contractor has completed for other homeowners. Reviewing these images allows you to verify the company's experience and closely evaluate the quality of their work. It might also generate 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 the contractor's team. This way, the technicians can inspect your bathroom and get a sense of your vision, expectations, and goals. Services and pricing will differ from remodeler to remodeler, so we recommend getting three different itemized quotes for the most effective comparison.
Customer Reviews
Before signing any contracts, always research a bathroom remodeling company's reputation using the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, Trustpilot, and Google. As you go through past customers' experiences, focus on how the company addresses negative feedback. Reputable remodelers will seek out a satisfactory resolution wherever possible.
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 typical 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 Pittsfield
What's the difference between a bathroom remodel and a bathroom renovation?
How long does it take to redo a bathroom?
What are the bathroom design trends?
Do remodeling companies offer preset packages for smaller-scale jobs?
What's the typical time to complete a bathroom remodel?
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