Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor
To weed out companies that don't align with your values or which don't have a good local reputation, 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 operating 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
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 could also prompt ideas or questions about what design elements and improvements the crew could use in your renovation.
Consultation and Estimate
Detailed written estimates are essential in the company selection process. A growing number of contractors are offering fully-online consultations, but we highly recommend beginning with an in-home visit. This way, the crew can see your bathroom firsthand and get accurate measurements. Services and pricing will vary from company to company, so we recommend getting three different itemized quotes for the most effective comparison.
Customer Reviews
Next, research a company's online reputation by going to sites like Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, and Trustpilot. As you read about customers' positive and negative experiences, pay attention to how the contractor responds to complaints. It's a good sign if the team is committed to finding an amicable and satisfactory resolution.
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 Saginaw
What's the difference between a bathroom remodel and a bathroom renovation?
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
What's the first step in the remodeling process?
Do remodeling companies offer preset packages for smaller-scale jobs?
Are there any eco-friendly or sustainable bathroom remodeling options available?
- LED lights to cut power consumption
- low or no-VOC paint
- dual-flush toilets and low-flow faucets to reduce water use
- products made from recycled wood or plastic
- greywater systems to filter and reclaim water
- and eco-friendly floors like cork or bamboo
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