Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bathroom Remodeling Contractor
It's crucial to have a strong pre-hiring process before signing any contract. This way, you can confirm a bathroom company is trustworthy, reliable, and well-respected in the St. Cloud community. Start with the following criteria and modify them as necessary for your needs.
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 how many projects 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
Minnesota's licensing requirements for residential remodelers are a bit more complex than those in other states. The Department of Labor and Industry requires contractors practicing more than one "special skill" to get either a Residential Building Contractor or Residential Remodeler license. Special skills include disciplines like flooring, painting, and window and door installation, and a comprehensive list is on the department's website. If a company only practices one special skill or makes less than $15,000 per year, it doesn't need a license, but it must still apply for a Certificate of Exemption.
Photos
Most bathroom contractors keep running portfolios with photos of completed projects. Request a copy so you can verify different teams' expertise. Portfolios can also provide design ideas or prompt additional questions.
Consultation and Estimate
You should always seek a written and itemized estimate for your project costs. The estimate should be based on an in-person consultation with a company representative. This way, the crew can view your bathroom and get a sense of your goals, expectations, and vision. We recommend getting estimates from at least three different local businesses so you can compare costs.
Customer Reviews
Before signing any contracts, always research a bathroom remodeling company's reputation using Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, and Google. While reading about customers' positive and negative experiences, focus on how a company responds to complaints. It's a good sign if the team always strives for an amicable and satisfactory resolution.
How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost?
The average cost of a bathroom remodel in St. Cloud ranges from $16,747 to $31,820, depending on the project's scope and type. Some more complex projects, like installing tankless water heaters or rewiring electrical systems, require subcontracting in many jurisdictions and will increase your overall cost.
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 St. Cloud
How is a bathroom remodel different from a bathroom renovation?
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
What are the bathroom design trends?
What environmentally-friendly options can I consider for my bathroom remodel?
- LED lights to cut power consumption
- products made from recycled wood or plastic
- low or no-VOC paint
- dual-flush toilets and low-flow faucets to reduce water use
- greywater systems to filter and reclaim water
- and eco-friendly floors like cork or bamboo
What's my return on investment (ROI) for remodeling a bathroom in St. Cloud?
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